THURSDAYJUNE 26, 2014
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TRIBAL JOURNEY
COOMBS ATHLETE OFF TO B.C. GAMES
A fleet of cedar canoes will pass our region this weekend
Serena Woolnough continues to train in her specialty, the hammer throw
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RDN MAKES A RULING
QB council is denied Growth boundary changes not considered ‘minor’ CANDACE WU news@pqbnews.com
A motion to change Qualicum Beach’s growth containment boundary using the minor amendment process was defeated by one vote at Tuesday night’s regular Regional District of Nanaimo meeting. The vote needed two-thirds of support from board members to pass. Of the 16 directors present (Nanaimo Coun. George Anderson was absent), Nanaimo mayor John Ruttan, Nanaimo Coun. Bill Bestwick, Nanaimo Coun. Jim Kipp, director Alec McPherson (Cedar), director Jack De Jong (Lantzville) and director Maureen Young (Pleasant Valley) voted against the motion. Bruce Fleming-Smith called the motion’s defeat “a victory.” “I think it was the right decision for the RDN board to make,” said Fleming-Smith, one of nine Qualicum Beach residents who spoke out against looming changes to the town’s growth boundary. “The ball is back in the court of Qualicum Beach.” The changes in question require a review of the OCP to make an amendment to the RGS and would eliminate the need to consult with the RDN over many land-use issues. Many of those who spoke out against the changes allege the growth boundary change does not constitute a minor amendment. Qualicum Beach Coun. Dave Willie said the outcome of Tuesday’s meeting was “disappointing. The RDN (board) is overriding landuse decisions (in Qualicum Beach),” said Willie, adding the majority of RDN directors are appointed — not elected — to the board. “The principle of that is just wrong.” See QB NOW FACES, page A23
BRENDA GOUGH PHOTO
DELIGHTED AT MILNER: Dozens of fairy houses delighted four-year-old Kira Kervan of Parksville on June 22 at Milner Gardens and Woodland in Qualicum Beach. Hidden throughout the garden, the magical creations were part of a special event called Fairy House Surprise in honour of International Fairy Day and Veronica Milner’s belief in fairies.
LOCALS REACT TO LIQUOR LAW CHANGES
It’s not exactly Happy Hour here CANDACE WU news@pqbnews.com
It’s not happy hour for everybody in B.C. Despite new liquor laws announced Friday that allow pubs and restaurants to offer “happy hour” — meaning they can legally alter the price of alcohol throughout the day — some local restaurant mangers are concerned the new legislation will hinder business instead of help.
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Effective this week, the minimum price for draft beer or cider in B.C. is 25 cents per fluid ounce, which puts a 12-ounce sleeve at $3, a 20-ounce pint at $5 and a 60-ounce jug at $15. According to a government news release the regulations are intended to be “pocket-book friendly changes” helping the industry attract more business at slow points during the day. However, Dan Brodeur, general manager of The Rod and Gun, called
the new legislation “contradicting.” “I think it (the new liquor laws) are useless,” he said. “They have no fluidity and no consistency — I just don’t get them.” Brodeur said by offering happy hour restaurants and pubs will need to increase their labour cost while decreasing their profit margin. He said the idea might make sense in more urban areas such as Vancouver. See CHAMBER, page A22
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