THURSDAY November 13, 2014 Vol. 29• No. 91 ••• $1.25 inc. G.S.T.
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Maple Pool supporters marched Monday afternoon from Simms Park to Courtenay City Hall to protest council’s “treatment of the residents” at the campsite, as stated on the Friends of Maple Pool website. Placard-bearing participants demanded help for the homeless and a halt to the lawsuit between the City and campground owners Dali and Jin Lin. An estimated 60 supporters took part in the rally. The Friends are a group of citizens who have proposed a way to bring the campsite into compliance with zoning and other regulations that precipitated the legal battle. Maple Pool — which provides low-rent housing for 57 at-risk individuals — flooded
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Maple Pool rally brings dozens to steps of City Hall Scott Stanfield
We’re ce lebr with sele ating 35 YEARS ct frame s for jus t
REMEMBRANCE
in 2009 and 2010. The following year, the City initiated legal action against the Lins. Zoning prohibits the couple from housing people on the property. Advocates fear that most tenants would become homeless if evicted. “Unfortunately, this issue has been politicized,” Coun. Doug Hillian said at Monday’s council meeting. Coun. Starr Winchester concurs that “vulnerable” members of the community have been used as a “political football.” Hillian notes an Aug. 6 letter from the city is a “genuine attempt to resolve the issue.” The letter says council is prepared to suspend the legal action until the new year to allow the group to attempt to bring the site into compliance.
... see RALLY ■ 6
Courtenay council bids Leonard farewell being an inspiration to women. “You were a force for good,” he Record Staff said. Coun. Manno Theos said LeonCourtenay council paid tribard paved the way for him at ute Monday to outgoing counthe Vancouver Island Regional cillor Ronna-Rae Leonard at its Library Board. final meeting before the munic“It isn’t always easy,” Leonard ipal election Saturday. said about her time on coun“Although she and I did not cil, noting the changing political always agree on issues, I want environment and a sometimes to say how much I admire “disgruntled” public. She encourher strength and her dignity,” ages all women to involve themCoun. Starr Winchester said of Leonard, who has served on RONNA-RAE LEONARD selves in politics. Leonard was seeking the NDP council the past nine years. nomination in the new federal She described Leonard as a “woman with a vision” who will tackle any riding of Courtenay-Alberni, won by Gord project or issue for the betterment of the Johns. She ran in the 2011 federal election as community. “Your dedication and commitment to our the NDP candidate in Vancouver Island city has always been evident,” Winchester North, garnering the most NDP votes ever. Conservative MP John Duncan won in a said. Coun. Jon Ambler commended Leonard close vote. reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com for her persistence and consistency, and for Scott Stanfield
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PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK
As The Last Post was played during the Comox Remembrance Day ceremony Tuesday morning, hundreds of people gathered - including veterans, serving members, RCMP, firefighters and the public - on Comox Avenue to pause and reflect on the service of military members past and present.