TUESDAY AUGUST 27, 2013
Black Press C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
M E D I A
www.pqbnews.com
BCYCNA
Gold 2012 General Excellence
YOUR FIRST FISHING SPOT
MAJOR WORK ON QUALICUM BEACH
Just what is that heavy equipment doing near the Brant viewing area?
Business profile on a store that has everything you need
A5
A24
TOURISM
‘The best July ever’
Weather, improved economy play role in what looks like a good season for local operators JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
The season is weeks from ending and there are no solid numbers to reference, but those in the know say this has been a good year for tourism operators in Parksville Qualicum Beach. In fact, according to Blain Sepos, some are saying last month was “the best July ever.” Sepos, the executive director of the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association (PQBTA), said the hot, dry weather in July (zero precipitation for only the second time in the region’s history) likely played a role in how busy it was here for hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses. “The first couple weeks of July are normally somewhat soft as families get their summer vacations in gear,” Sepos wrote in an e-mail to The NEWS. “This period was much stronger than anticipated, likely due to the fantastic weather we enjoyed then.” “I’ve heard varying reports about July overall — people saying everything from being up a few per cent to the best July ever.” The president of the PQBTA board, Robynne Shaw, lives the numbers every day in her job as general manager of Sunrise Ridge Resort. “We’ve had a good summer here,” said Shaw. “I think people are feeling better about the economy and more likely to have a holiday this year than they were the last couple of years.” Shaw also said she has seen the return of more visitors from south of the border. See BOOKINGS, page A9
LISSA ALEXANDER PHOTO
DOG BREW: The dogs didn’t seem to mind a little rain during the Dog Dayz of Summer Event on Saturday. Many owners and their pets showed up to do paw print paintings, musical mats and bob for sardines in non alcoholic “dog beer,” among other games and activities. Above, organizer Scarlett Luke shows off the popular dog beer, made with chicken broth and other healthy things, with her dog Lucy.
PROPOSED COAL MINE
Raven proponent cites support JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
Compliance Coal continues to work through the application process for a proposed mine near Buckley Bay and the company’s CEO says the project has support from local residents. CoalWatch’s John Snyder told The NEWS recently the Raven project “doesn’t have any social licence, never has, never will.” Compliance CEO Stephen Ellis
doesn’t see it that way. “Most people here would like it,” Ellis said this week. “Most people I talk to ask me when we are going to start this mine. I get a letter a day from people who are interested and want to put in an application for a job.” Ellis also said he hears from six potential suppliers a week who are also wondering when the project will get started.
On its website (www.theravenproject.ca), the company says it expects to hire up to 200 workers during construction and create up to 350 full-time jobs. The underground operation would be centred about five kilometres west of the Buckley Bay ferry terminal. That’s less than 50 km from downtown Qualicum Beach. See PARTNER, page A7
Feel Great Day and Night Zenbev is formulated by a Canadian Doctor to help with: • Anxiety • Insomnia • Fibromyalgia • Shift Work • Overuse of Sleeping Pills
Zenbev drink mix is a natural way to correct disturbed sleep patterns. • Tranquility • Balance • Vitality
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
WEEKDAYS UNTIL 9PM • WEEKENDS UNTIL 6PM Locally Owned, Proudly Canadian!
Like us on Facebook to find out about our upcoming events and features.
281 E. ISLAND HWY. PARKSVILLE, BC
250-951-0243