Race the River: Dragon boaters compete on the Campbell Sports A27
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2013
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Logging to proceed in spite of opposition Paul Rudan Campbell RiveR miRRoR
Tourism operators are expressing dismay over a BC Timber Sales decision to green-light logging on Maurelle Island. “We’re very disappointed,” said Ralph Keller, spokesman for the Discovery Islands Marine Tourism Group. “All we ever asked for was a temporary halt to logging in three critical corridors until all the local stakeholders could get together and work out a land use plan.” However, in spite of meetings with government forestry bureaucrats, BC Timber Sales went ahead and recently awarded two auction contracts to JWM Forestry to harvest cutblocks of 105,241 cubic metres and 47,833 cubic metres on Mau-
relle. The tourism group fears logging in the lower Okisollo Channel will result in unsightly clearcuts that will disappoint tourists and will spread a negative message about coastal B.C. The group represents 15 touristrelated businesses in the Discovery Islands which contribute millions of dollars annually to the local economy. “It’s only fair we get more than lip service when it comes to forestry management,” said Keller. However, he said most of their concerns were ignored and the meetings were fruitless. “We’re pretty unhappy,” said Keller who is unsure of what more they can do. “Most of us are in operational mode right now and we can’t get too distracted.”
Gardens fee hike floated KRisten douglas
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AlistAir tAylor/the Mirror
Keeping cool on Canada Day
Kids seek relief from soaring temperatures on Canada Day by playing in the spray provided by the Campbell River Fire Department. For Canada Day pictures see pages A2-A3.
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Admission fees at Strathcona Gardens may be going up Sept. 1. The Strathcona Gardens Commission has been looking at ways to close the gap between how much money the facility is making and the cost of operations. Tom Yates, acting chief administrative officer of the Strathcona Regional District, said the facility is
due for a rate increase. “Strathcona Gardens rates are generally below average for most categories in comparison to the other facilities evaluated,” Yates said in a report to the Strathcona Gardens Commission. “This is likely due to the fact that incremental changes in the fee structure have not taken place on a regular systematic basis.” Fees increased four per cent over Continued on A4
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