Gazette NORTH ISLAND
Publications Mail Agreement No. 391275
50th Year No. 7
February 12, 2015
• EDUCATION
Aboriginal perspectives and world views focus of gathering. Page 3
• 6 GUITARS
North Island Concert Society presents 6 Guitars. Page 5
• NUMBER 1...
Peewees clinch first in playoffs with tie game against. Page 13 OPINION Page 4 VALENTINE’S DAY Page 7-9
www.northislandgazette.com
Better Internet service this month?
By Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor Editor Port McNeill – Like groundhog Wiarton Willie, the topic of Internet service on the North Island reared its head at the Town of Port McNeill council meeting Feb. 2. Mayor Shirley Ackland told her fellow councillors that she had spoken to Ray Lawson from Telus earlier in the day and was told they have completed all the fibre optic installation to Port McNeill and within the next two weeks will be sending live signals. “He is in charge of the project that is up here,” Ackland said. As customers are migrated onto the system, the mayor was told “we will notice improved service.” Skepticism remains though. “Telus keeps telling us the same thing,” said Councillor Aaron Frost. Frost said people are paying for high speed internet, and internet speeds they are receiving is akin to dial-up. He encouraged as many people as possible to call customer service and voice their concerns. “It shows genuine communitymindedness,” agreed Councillor Jay Dixon. Ackland said Lawson is scheduled to be present at the Regional District of Mount Waddington meeting set for Feb. 17. Local councils are not the only government voices calling for improved service. Improvements in communications are vital for the economic and social health of our communities as well as for safety, says North Island MLA Claire Trevena.
Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor photo
Family Day Fun
SPORTS Page 11-13
Tenleigh Bondue, 3, and Mariah McGraw, 10, mix up some paint to make a Valentine’s Day card at the Port Alice Civic Centre Saturday. The Town of Port Alice hosted a series of events, including a dance, to help citizens celebrate Family Day.
See page 2 ‘Internet service’
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