THURSDAYJUNE 19, 2014
Black Press C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
M E D I A
www.pqbnews.com
BCYCNA
Silver 2013 General Excellence
SPORTY SUMMER
YEAR OF THE PIG AT COOMBS FAIR
Read our popular Driveway section for info and local deals
Go hog wild at the 101st annual fair — entry catalogue in select copies
B10
INSIDE
PARKSVILLE POLITICS
Election talk begins City-owned vacant land expected to be an issue JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
Parksville council has rejected a plan from staff and its advisory council that would have created an urban space dubbed the city’s “heart and soul” on taxpayer-owned property at the corner of Jensen Avenue and Alberni Highway. The majority of council said they believed this could be the start of a conversation on what to do with the high-profile, city-owned parcel, a discussion that could be part of the civic elections in November. Coun. Bill Neufeld wanted to act on the recommendations put in front of him by staff on Monday night. “This could be a defining park in Parksville . . . a tremendous addition to the city . . . akin to Stanley Park in Vancouver,” said Neufeld, which prompted some giggles and murmurs from the gallery. The city spent about $2 million acquiring and clearing the land and some councillors suggested some of the plans Neufeld had for the space could cost another $2 million. Coun. Al Greir said he was concerned about the cost of maintaining another city park. “I think the last thing we need in Parksville is another park to maintain,” said Greir. “We certainly have more than we can handle now.” Coun. Marc Lefebvre suggested this will be a topic for discussion in November. “It’s not in the budget and we don’t know what it will cost,” said Lefebvre. “Let’s not kid ourselves — there’s an election coming up. We have to ask the good citizens of Parksville what they want.” Coun. Carrie Powell-Davidson agreed. See SENIORS’ HOUSING, page A9 Also See EDITORIAL, page A10
BRIAN ARGYLE PHOTO
NIMITZ IN NANOOSE: Brian Argyle captured this photo of the USS Nimitz — with a cruise ship close by — from Piper’s Lagoon on Tuesday afternoon. The aircraft carrier is in the test-range waters near Nanoose Bay this week. Our thanks to all of our readers who sent us photos of the carrier.
CONCESSION TO BE CLOSED, WASHROOMS EXPANDED
Food trucks for Community Park JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
Community Park will have a new look, complete with an expanded washroom facility and privatelyowned food trucks, after Parksville city council actions Monday night. The city will spend $290,000 previously allocated in the budget to renovate and convert the existing concession to washrooms and change stalls only, and build pads for lease to mobile food vendors. “I love this suggestion,” said Coun. Carrie Powell Davidson. “The idea of going to pads for mobile food ven-
dors — we have at least a dozen in our community — is a great one.” Coun. Peter Morrison agreed. “This is a fantastic idea that’s a long time coming,” he said. “I would assume we would have lots of (mobile food vendors) requesting space.” The contract between the current concession operators and the city expires in September. This same contractor has had the contract for four years. Details surrounding the amount of pads, their locations and how they will be serviced with power and water are still to be worked out by the city, but
director of operations Alan Metcalf told council “it will be largely driven by the proposals we receive.” CAO Fred Manson also told council things like winter coverage, issues surrounding smoke and other concerns can be worked out in both the request for proposals and from information garnered during that process. Council voted unanimously to pursue the idea, but Coun. Sue Powell said she had reservations. “I’m really struggling with this because Community Park, one of its attractions, is there aren’t many structures in there.”
Enjoy Breakfast – Beachside
15
%
BreakFast
OFF during july*
* mention this ad to receive the discount.
250-947-2109 reservations@beachclubresort.ca
181 beachside drive , parksville , bc
restaurant & lounge