TUESDAYNOVEMBER 5, 2013
www.pqbnews.com
Official newspaper of the Save-On-Foods Oceanside Generals
BCYCNA
Gold 2012 General Excellence
LAYLA LOOKS FOR VOTES
A FRIGHTFUL DAY FULL OF FUN
Local singer/songwriter nominated for big blues award
Children, adults and businesses really got into the Halloween spirit in our region
B2
A5
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Turbines fuel debate At least one Nanoose Bay resident doesn’t want to see a rash of waterfront generators AUREN RUVINSKY writer@pqbnews.com
A dispute between neighbours could play a role in the future of alternative energy sources in the Regional District of Nanaimo. Syd Lee installed a 350-watt turbine on a 5.8 metre (19’) mast in his yard in Beachcomber, Nanoose Bay this summer to maintain a steady supply of electricity to his ham radio — emergency communications equipment in the case of a power disruption. He said he had his property surveyed and installed the mast a meter above the high-tide mark, on his property where there is the most steady wind, which an expert at an RDN workshop said was the most important factor. He said all the neighbours he contacted supported the installation but once it was up, his immediate neighbour Andy Lankester complained to the RDN, who informed Lee that it was in fact 14 metres closer to the water than the zoning bylaw allowed. Lee applied to the board of variance, but as RDN manager of current planning Jeremy Holme explained, “they are only allowed to consider variances based on hardship or very minor variances. They could consider an inch, or maybe a foot, but definitely not 14 metres,” Lee told The NEWS. Despite 15 letters of support and only Lankester speaking against the generator, the board of variance rejected the application determining it should be taken down. Lee then applied for a development variance permit from the electoral area planning committee, which will review the issue on Nov. 12. Their recommendation will be sent on to the regular RDN board for consideration at their Nov. 29 regular meeting. See A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT?, page A6
BRENDA GOUGH PHOTO
LIZARD ART: Bree-Anna Lehto will be doing a make-up workshop for Echo PLayers members and other theatre groups this Saturday. Above she is hand painting in details on the “Horned Combat Lizard” prosthetic mask. See story page B1.
QUALICUM BEACH LEADERSHIP
Likely summer before new CAO JOHN HARDING
editor@pqbnews.com
Since he was elected to town council two years ago, Dave Willie has not shied away from being critical about the way the Town of Qualicum Beach conducts its business. On Thursday, the day after the town announced CAO Mark Brown is
retiring at the age of 53 after 33 years of employment with the municipality, Willie had nothing but praise for the departing top man at town hall. “Mark has been a part of town decisions for a long, long time,” said Willie. “One has to recognize that contribution. There may be things we didn’t agree on but we have one hell of a
town and he has had a place in that and we appreciate that.” Finding a hiring a successor for Brown won’t be a speedy process, said Willie. “I don’t think council has had a big discussion on that, to be honest,” he said. See IT’S UP TO THIS, page A6
Join us for hands on projects:
✶ Tool Demonstrations ✶ Create a Christmas Craft ✶ Build your own picture frame ✶ Flooring Demo ✶ Electrical Demo ✶ Plumbing Demo
1395 W. Island Highway, Parksville
250-752-5565
Monday-Friday 7- 6, Saturday 8 - 6, Sunday & Holidays 9 - 5 Locally Owned & Operated
Take home your projects.
✶ Scavenger Hunt
✶ Enter to Win a Maid for a Day. ✶ Goodies, Treats and Door Prizes ✶ Bring a friend!
Bring a non-perishable food item and receive a BONUS chance to win the Grand Door Prize!
Space is limited to 150 ladies • Call Karen at 250-752-5565 for a reservation or email: karen@centralbuilders.ca