Alberni Valley News, March 19, 2015

Port posties promote sign campaign to save service.

residents pack council chambers for public hearing. /A10

Alberni Valley

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EDITORIAL

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LETTERS

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SPORTS

Vol. 9 No. 29

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ENTERTAINMENT

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BC CLASSIFIEDS

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THEY’RE

BACK!

The next wave of Port Alberni’s leaders went away to get an education, and returned on purpose.

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Ty Hanson, clockwise from left, Rebecca Palmer and Sharie Marie Minions all grew up in Port Alberni. Now they are purposefully making lives for themselves back in their home town.

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◆ COVER STORY

There and back again

Social connections, decent jobs both vital to keeping Valley’s youth engaged, say trio who came home.

KATYA SLEPIAN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

I

t’s often said that there’s little holding youth in Port Alberni and even less to pull them back after they’ve left.

Young people have been finishing high school and leaving Port Alberni for decades but now they’re finally starting to trickle back.

“It’s hard to find people from my generation, from my graduating classes, that have been willing to want to move back,” Ty Hanson, 27, said.

Hanson, who grew up in town, left straight out of high school in 2005 to go to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

He tried out a year of general sciences and a year of engineering before settling on pharmacy, which he went on to practice in Nanaimo, Kelowna and Tofino.

“I had no intention to come back initially,” Hanson admitted.

But despite finding jobs, he had a hard time finding a “good work fit.”

He found that perfect fit this summer working at the West Coast Urgent Care Clinic on Maple Way. “It was just a perfect opportunity to get some experience in running and maintaining a clinical pharmacy at the walk-in level,” Hanson said.

He likes the spirit of collaboration, something he’d always felt was missing at corporate pharmacies where patients come in from different doctors.

“The walk-in clinic is very tight-knit with a lot of good doctors,” Hanson said. He’s always preferred walk-in clinics “because it allows for better communication with physicians and you

KATYA SLEPIAN/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Rebecca Palmer grew up in Port Alberni, left in 2007 to study fashion merchandising and has now returned to work in her mother’s store, Gayle’s Fashions.

KATYA SLEPIAN/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Ty Hanson discusses a medication at the Medicine Shoppe adjacent to the West Coast Urgent Care Clinic on Maple Way in Port Alberni.

gain a heightened sense of responsibility working with a lot of their patients who come directly from the doctors to you.”

Unlike Hanson, Rebecca Palmer, 25, was always planning to come back.

“I left to go to school and gain experience out of Port Alberni,” Palmer, who works at Gayle’s Fashions, said. “I feel like it was really important for my personal growth and the growth of my business.”

Palmer, who left Port Alberni in 2007 to study fashion merchandising at Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver, always planned to move back to town.

“I just didn’t know how long I would need to be away for to feel like I had a good learning experience.”

That time span turned out to be three years.

“I moved back to help my mom [Gayle StephenPlayer, owner of Gayle’s Fashions] run the business with the idea of taking over.”

She plans to stay here for the long term, start a family and raise kids to populate the city’s recreational facilities.

“I definitely plan to have kids and raise them here.”

Palmer admits that she’s lucky to have had something to return to.

“I had [the store] as

NEW

an opportunity to move want younger people to back to Port Alberni,” take it over.” she said. “I know a lot of Palmer also sees people don’t know what opportunity in the city’s they’re going to do when many vacant storefronts. they move back to Port “I think where we are Alberni.” in the Succession economy planning is right now is rare in Port a good time Alberni, to get into with many the market business because owners if we start closing getting all up shop these big instead of projects passing that people their are talking business on – Rebecca Palmer about... it’s to someone going to be new. way more “It’s so important expensive to rent or buy a and there’s so much place.” opportunity right now Hanson also sees because there’s a lot of employment as the biggest business owners in town barrier to youth returning that are getting older and to the Valley. looking to get out and they “The job market is

‘I just didn’t know how long I would need to be away for to feel like I had a good learning experience.’

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one of people’s biggest complaints about Port Alberni and I think it’s a huge, huge struggle.

If people can’t work in town they feel no sense of needing to stay in town.”

Beyond jobs, there’s also a sense of involvement.

“The social thing is the biggest thing about staying anywhere, is that you need a social network. I do get worried that the social network will dwindle instead of grow and that would be a point of contention for me leaving.”

That’s something that Sharie Minions, 27, found as well.

“Even for myself, and I grew up here, I find it hard to get involved socially still because I have a young family and it’s a different dynamic.”

Continued / A6

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Art Rave Social

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The Art Rave Society of Alberni is holding their monthly Art Rave social on Wednesday, March 25 from 7-10 p.m. at Char’s Landing.

Come out, bring your friends and enjoy an evening of live music and lively discussion while perusing the silent auction items and enjoying a drink or two. Admission is free but donations are welcome. For more information please visit www.alberniartrave.org.

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Track Club Registration If you have a child that likes to run, jump and throw, the Alberni Valley Track Club is open for registrations on Tuesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 26 from 4:30-6 p.m. at Glenwood Centre.

Open to children ages nine to 18, the club is a non-profit run by volunteers. For more information visit www.avtrackclub.com.

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Come out to Dry Creek park on Sunday, March 22 from noon - 3 p.m. and take part in World Water Day. The event will be MC’ed by Wendy Kerr and speakers will include Mayor Mike Ruttan, Alberni-Pacific Rim MLA Scott Fraser and Brenda Sayers from the Hupacasath First Nation. Learn more about water conservation and both our local watershed and global water concerns.

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Thursday, 19, 2015 2015 -- Alberni Alberni Valley Thursday, Mar. Mar. 19, Valley News News

Youth clamouring for recognition for the creation of the Young Professionals of the Alberni Valley.

“I was involved in starting the Young Professionals because I was involved in the Young Professionals of Nanaimo.”

Seeing how helpful a cohesive group of young business people involved in their community could be motivated Minions and a couple of others to start a chapter here.

One of the main things that Minions and the other co-founders wanted for the group was to get involved in civic politics.

In Minion’s case, she got a little more than just involved when she ran for and won a seat on city council last November.

It was a huge jump for Minions, who hadn’t even voted in the 2011 municipal election.

“I had no interest whatsoever. Fast forward three years and I’m on council.”

It was a slow

KATYA SLEPIAN/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Sharie Minions returned home only to get so involved in her community she ran for city council.

progression for Minions.

“I started following it, I started realizing I had opinions... I didn’t really know I had opinions till I started watching it and stuff started making me angry.”

When Minions started sharing her opinions on social media, more and more

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of her friends told her to run.

But there was one issue that really made Minions mad and pushed her to run.

“They were talking about putting out a request for proposals to develop the Harbour Quay Marine building and there was all this resistance,” Minions said. “I just

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kept thinking, what are we even saying no to? It’s a request for proposals, we haven’t even heard their ideas! That mentality was so frustrating to me.”

Minions started going to every council meeting, reading all the agendas and got more and more involved.

But while Minions got as involved as it gets, she understands that most young people won’t get to that level and so the city needs to make it easier for youth to get involved.

“We don’t have enough young people who are interested and involved.”

She remembers going to city budget meetings last year and not seeing anyone in her generation.

“There wasn’t anyone there under 50 and the lack of young people getting involved really motivated me to run.”

Minions thinks that online engagement is the way to go for young people who aren’t willing to attend a council meeting in person.

“I honestly think that young people are not comfortable attending council meetings. It doesn’t mean they’re not interested, it means they’re not comfortable.”

If council meetings were online, Minions thinks more youth would get involved, although she admits that even that’s not

enough.

“Most people are not going to sit through a four-hour council meeting and watch all of it, whether you’re on your couch or not.”

Instead, Minions believes that greater engagement both by candidates and the city itself on social media is key.

“I think we need to be bringing information to the

‘We need to show that there are young people here too and there are young people doing great things.’

– Sharie Minions people and bringing it in front of them where they really can’t ignore it.”

Hanson sees steps like these by the new council as positive.

“The newly elected council are quite progressive, I feel.”

He’d like to see them work to get more involved bringing jobs to Port Alberni, as well as making sure that residents have the training for those jobs.

“I think in terms of education and trades that’s starting to come forward but I would like to see more young people trained here and staying here.”

For those moving

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back, Palmer believes they need to look realistically at the opportunities available here and make sure they have the qualifications to match.

“Try and go to school for something that there’s a job availability for here if you want to live here and have the quality of life we have here.”

The quality of life was key for Palmer, Hanson and Minions.

“I think the lifestyle is affordable, it offers really easy access to the west coast, Tofino and Ucluelet for people who like to get away,” Hanson said.

“It’s still rural enough but not too rural. I like being close to the west coast, being able to go surf or spend the weekend but still close to ferries, seaplanes, all that.”

Minions agrees and thinks that if the word gets out, people will flock here. “I think Port Alberni’s biggest challenge is the image issue. People often say to me that Port Alberni is a town that looks like it’s given up.”

That’s an impression that needs to change, especially for the young people the city needs to attract to grow.

“We need to show that there are young people here too and there are young people doing great things.”

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“It’s a tough community to break into and I think that groups like the Young Professionals (which Minions co-founded) are really helping.”

Minions moved back in 2010 and while she got involved socially, she yearned for more acceptance in the business scene.

As a mortgage broker who started practicing in Victoria, she was shocked by how difficult it was for her to break in here.

“I was used to attending business events in Victoria surrounded by young people, encouraged by young people, networking was easy.”

It wasn’t quite the same in Port Alberni.

“I went to my first chamber of commerce meeting and not a single person talked to me because I wasn’t a member of the ‘club.’”

Along with the lack of social connections, the “maturedominated business market” was a catalyst

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From / A3

Alberni Valley Valley News News -- Thursday, Thursday, Mar. Mar. 19, 19, 2015 2015 Alberni

www.albernivalleynews.com A7 A7 www.albernivalleynews.com

Canada Post campaigns to save home delivery KATYA SLEPIAN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

With Canada Post’s door-to-door mail delivery under threat, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers has launched a national campaign to save it.

Using everything from “save door-todoor” lawn signs to posters to social media, the local CUPW branch has gotten involved.

“We are going

to lose eight to 10 positions within our community when we go to community mailboxes,” says Mieka Guerin, letter carrier and president of the Port Alberni branch of the CUPW. Those jobs represent approximately a quarter of those employed by Canada Post in the Valley.

According to Guerin, that’s just a fraction of the 8,000 jobs across Canada that could be

lost if Canada Post stops door-to-door delivery.

“That’s a pretty big hit.”

According to a 2014 Canada Post press release, “the operations of the Canada Post Group of Companies are funded by the revenue generated by the sale of its products and services, not taxpayer dollars.”

Due to this, Guerin said, switching to

community mailboxes won’t save taxpayer dollars; it will spend them.

“It is up to the municipal budget to pay for the lighting, to pay for the sidewalks and snow removal around community mailboxes. That has to come out of somewhere and unfortunately that’s taxes.”

According to Guerin, Canada Post will install the community

mailboxes and choose their location, although residents and property owners will have input.

In the meantime, more and more of the distinctive “save door to door” signs have cropped up on lawns across the Valley.

To order a lawn sign visit www. savecanadapost.ca, search “save door to door delivery in Port Alberni” on Facebook or ask their carrier.

ROYCE OAKES/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

Mieka Guerin, letter carrier and president of the local Canadian Union of Postal Workers branch, and letter carrier Karla Laws display one of the “save door to door” lawn signs that have been cropping up in the Alberni Valley.

Green Point reopens in June showers to campers with two newly-built shower buildings.

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Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015 - Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, March 19, 2015 Alberni Valley News

Alberni Valley

NEWS The Alberni Valley News is published every Thursday by Black Press Ltd., 4656 Margaret St., Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 6H2.

Phone: (250) 723-6399. Fax: (250) 723-6395.

Classifieds: 1-855-310-3535.

The Alberni Valley News is distributed free to 9,500 households in Port Alberni, Cherry Creek, Sproat Lake and Beaver Creek. The Alberni Valley News is Vancouver Island owned and operated.

2012 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2012

Publisher: Teresa Bird Editor: Susan Quinn

EDITORIAL

Give youth reason to stay Auditor leak has B.C. Liberals bailing Is Port Alberni a city that seems to have given up? More importantly, given up on its youth?

In today’s cover story, ‘There and back again’, three twenty-somethings who grew up here and have purposefully returned to start their own careers and/ or families, would argue that is the impression people have of our city.

Is this a fair ‘We need to assessment?

We say yes, it is. Far give them too much time is spent a reason to complaining about everything that is wrong return.’ about this city (and yes, we have also been guilty of that at times), and not enough time is spent on what great things this city has going for it.

We need to change the culture from one of defeat to one of progressive thinking.

From ‘this is too big for a place like Port Alberni’ to “Wow! What a concept! Now how do we make it happen?’

We see encouraging signs of this paradigm shift, much of it coming from the younger generation such as the three people we’ve featured today.

It’s a great start, but we’ve a lot of hard work ahead of us.

The days of Port Alberni having the highest salaries per capita are in the past. We’ll never recapture what we once had; but there is no reason we cannot create a different future for ourselves.

We need to prove to the present generation, and those that follow, that Port Alberni is NOT a city that has given up.

We need to prove to them that we value the contribution they are already making, and the potential they have.

We need to give them a reason to return.

— Alberni Valley News

TOM FLETCHER B.C. Views

V

ICTORIA – March has been a good month for the B.C. NDP, and it’s been a while since I’ve been able to say that.

Opposition critics fired a shot amidships at the B.C. Liberal government when they began questioning the lack of progress by the new Auditor General for Local Government.

This experimental vessel was launched in Premier Christy Clark’s leadership campaign, and two years after it set sail, it is listing, taking on water and in danger of sinking.

The original idea was to expand British Columbia’s Auditor General’s office so it could check the financial performance of local governments too.

Business groups were concerned about municipal taxes going up too quickly, with staff growing even as the province grappled with a

hiring freeze.

Mayors and councillors began to talk of mutiny over that plan, protesting that their budgets are already required to balance and are subject to annual audits.

But this will be “performance auditing,” Clark insisted, not just making sure the figures add up.

It will determine the public is receiving “value for money” on projects like arenas and services like police, by comparing different communities’ results. A new AGLG office opened in Surrey.

The “value for money” promise is on the rocks.

The government appointed a quasiindependent board (hello, BC Ferries and TransLink) that hired chartered accountant Basia Ruta, a veteran of the federal Auditor General office who had also served as chief financial officer at Environment Canada

and had done local government audits in private practice.

NDP local government critic Selina Robinson started asking why this office has spent $5.2 million and produced only one audit out of a promised 18.

Community Minister Coralee Oakes, a former Quesnel councillor in her first cabinet post, allowed that there had been some rough water but there is smooth sailing ahead.

Then came a big leak, in the form of a “work environment review” of the good ship AGLG that was given to the NDP by a seasick crew member.

It described chaos below decks, with “shifting priorities and unclear direction,” as well as “wasted time and work” and “inefficient use of consultant and staff resources.”

Worse, the review noted a human resources

‘The ‘value for money’ promise is on the rocks.’

TO COMMENT …

We welcome your original comments on editorials, columns, on topics in the Alberni Valley News or any subjects important to you. Only letters that include name, address, and day and evening phone numbers and that are verified by the Alberni Valley News can be considered for publication. Letters to the editor and articles submitted to the Alberni Valley News may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.

The Alberni Valley News is a member of the B.C. Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, P.O. Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C., V9G 1A9. For information phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

monitor had been stationed at the office for most of January to maintain a “respectful workplace for all employees.”

“A peacekeeper,” as NDP leader John Horgan described the grim scene.

“This is like we’re in Cyprus.”

Then it was confirmed that when the AGLG board tried to conduct a performance review, Ruta’s response was to hire a lawyer.

Ruta seems to be decisive when protecting her job, if not when hiring, running the office or meeting her own work targets.

Whatever goodwill had been restored with local governments over this experiment is likely gone. Municipal staffers have been dealing with new auditor demands as their councils grind away at their own budgets, and now they see signs that what they have contributed may well have been swept overboard.

Oakes remains on deck, eyes fixed on the horizon.

Continued / A9

Commitment to accuracy To report corrections and clarifications, contact editor Susan Quinn at 250-723-6399 or e-mail: editor@ albernivalleynews.com or drop by our office at 4656 Margaret St.

Alberni Valley March 19,19, 2015 Alberni ValleyNews NewsThursday, - Thursday, Mar. 2015

Mailbag: Feedback on news items

◆ OPINION

?

QUESTION of the week

!

Label not appreciated To the Editor,

Do you agree with a smoking ban in public parks in Port Alberni?

Yes – 80.6% No – 19.4% This week’s question: Do you support Canada Post’s ‘Save Door to Door’ campaign?

Vote at: www.albernivalleynews.com See us also on Facebook.com

Audits still on the table From / A8

An audit of capital procurement in Rossland is finally scheduled to be done by the end of March, she said.

Similar reports on Delta and Sechelt are due in April.

The latest revision of that schedule is underway, no doubt in another series of long, acrimonious meetings.

Clark addressed the situation in her

www.albernivalleynews.com A9 www.albernivalleynews.com A9

last question period before the legislature’s spring break this week. She didn’t have a lot to say about the AGLG’s voyage of the damned, mostly familiar rhetoric about “lower taxes, less red tape” and so on.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press.

Twitter: @tomfletcherbc E-mail: tfletcher@blackpress.ca

I take strong exception to Hugh Grist’s use of the term, “coffee house accountants,” of whom I’m presumably one.

My museum experience includes doing most of the research and all of the writing for the Alberni Valley Museum’s first display. My texts continued to be used by the museum for years afterwards.

I also worked for Parks Canada at the St. Roch National Historic Site in Vancouver for more than five years where we were attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually.

Parks Canada left that site in 1995.

In short, I know how museums large and small operate, unlike the amateurs of the Industrial Heritage Society. For McLean Mill to come anywhere close to breaking even will require visitation of at least 25,000 annually, a figure never approached since its opening. Simply put, the operating steampowered mill isn’t a significant tourist attraction.

Moreover, Parks

Canada doesn’t require the mill to be operating, merely that it remain open to the public to walk through (with simply a caretaker in residence). If the regional district won’t cover 50 percent of the mill’s losses, then it should just be open for walkthroughs.

That would reduce the mill’s deficit to an acceptable level and leave the train operating for the time being.

Also, I worked for the Pacific Rim Tourism Association (an offshoot of the regional district) and wrote and produced a regional tourism video which was shown on the Knowledge Network in the 1980s.

Then as now we were concerned with the millions of tourists passing through our area, hoping to get more of them to stay in the Valley. We failed then and it’s still an impossible task now.

It would be much appreciated if critics ignorant of my work and expertise would take comments such as “coffee house accountants” and put them in private places where they would do the speakers most good.

Richard Berg, Port Alberni

Musings from a city member To the Editor,

Gas prices malign the shop local theme; it looks more like Scrooge is alive and well in Port Alberni.

Look at the economy, the layoffs the price per barrel etc. It all means no way should our gas price be up—last to drop, first to rise.

We are now 36 cents per litre higher than – Alberta; we used to average 10-20 cents more and even that was unfair.

And why they charge what they do for diesel makes one feel for the truckers.

Speaking of which: have you noticed how many trucks now go up and down the Hump?

Will we see user fees soon, as there are so many parts of the road that look like they will cave in, yet we’ve been told we can handle even more truck traffic.

The truck brake check site sure is crowded. I still don’t see a chain up area though.

With all the wood I

see leaving the Valley, I keep looking for the protests that we are losing resources and jobs. I haven’t seen any protests by the Grove either, just surveyors.

We have more signs everywhere: just look at the visitor centre.

So many signs but not the good old one.

Have you ever seen a sign being changed?

Old stuff is ripped off and dumped on the ground.

Guess Ruth John it’s a good thing weeds grow so well here in town: signs, weeds and garbage. Yup, all great for our image.

You know, some places actually have spring and fall garbage roundups.

That sure would help with all the garbage dumped in yards, on back roads, etc.

Re: Catalyst Paper taxes and their expansion into the United States after we bailed them out—and still have increased property taxes. Nice move.

Last but not least: Victoria Quay is not a dog walk—we eat there.

‘Will we see user fees soon...’

Ruth John, Port Alberni

Trudeau’s in training To the Editor,

Justin Trudeau turned 44 years old on Dec. 25, 2014.

In the 2015 federal election, Trudeau and the federal Liberals will replace Thomas Mulcair and the federal NDP as the official Opposition party of Canada.

Mulcair will once again take the federal NDP down to the traditional 35 or so seats as is the common case when it comes to the NDP. The result of the 2015 federal election will see Stephen Harper remain as the Prime Minister of Canada, with a majority Conservative government.

In the 2019 federal election, both Harper and Mulcair will retire and only Trudeau will remain as one of the official leaders.

Trudeau is presently in his apprenticeship training and in the 2019 federal election, he will be 48 years old with a great amount of experience in federal politics.

Watch out taxpayers, this will be the return of the federal Liberals as the Government of Canada.

Joe Sawchuk, Duncan

Letters Mail: Letters, Alberni Valley News, 4656 Margaret St., Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 6H2 Fax: 250-723-6395 E-mail: editor@albernivalleynews.com Letters should be no longer than 300 words and will be edited. Include your address and phone number (although those won’t be published) and a first name or two initials. We won’t publish anonymous letters, or letters to third parties.

We regret that, due to the volume of letters we receive, not all will be printed.

Trinity Church Anglican & Lutheran

4766 Angus Street, Port Alberni

Pastor: George Pell

SUNDAY SERVICE 10:15 AM TUESDAY PRAYER SERVICE 6:30 PM WEDNESDAY COMMUNION 10 AM

Phone: 250.724-4921 Trinity Church Port Alberni

Over the past few weeks, several churches have been gathering for prayer and praise on Sundays Evenings for our annual Lenten Services. We have journeyed from church to church, with pastor’s taking turns in preaching at one another’s churches. Lent is a time to prepare to ‘celebrate’ Easter…not the bunny and candy version of Easter, but the resurrection of Jesus, and the gift of a new relationship with God and one another.

The last week leading to Easter is called ‘Holy week’, and it begins this year in March 29th. I would like to offer readings for the week, so that we may walk with Jesus • Palm Sunday (March 29th)

John 12:12-16

• Maundy Thursday (April 2nd) Mark 14:10-26

• Good Friday (April 3rd)

Matthew 26:57-27:61

• Easter Day (April 5th)

Luke 24:1-35

Have a blessed, and joyous and renewing Easter!

Seventh Day Adventist Church

Pastor’s Pen

4109 Kendall, Port Alberni SATURDAY (SABBATH) SERVICES 10:00 am ~ Bible Study 11:00 am ~ Family Worship Service Listen to Christian Family Radio VOAR 104.5 FM in the Alberni Valley Leave Message: 250.723-6452

Alberni Valley United Church

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CEDAR GROVE CHURCH A Christian Community of the Reformed Church in Canada Sunday Worship Service -10:30 am Wed. 9:30am - 11am Bible Study Everyone welcome to worship with us at the 7th Day Adventist Church at

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A10 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015 - Alberni Valley News

Westporte residents pan park sale KATYA SLEPIAN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

KATYA SLEPIAN/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Eighty or so people packed council chambers on Monday, most of them unhappy with a proposal to sell Westporte Park land for expansion of Rainbow Gardens’ seniors facility.

“Don’t take Westporte Park” was the overwhelming response at the public hearing for a proposed expansion of Rainbow Gardens onto the park land.

Held in city hall council chambers on March 16, the public hearing was attended by more than 80 individuals, mostly Westporte

residents opposed to the expansion and a few Rainbow Gardens representatives.

Close to two dozen mostly negative letters were received by the city regarding the proposed zoning amendment that would see the park at 5350 Russel St.,currently zoned as parks and recreation, zoned as institutional, while a 10-hectare forested city lot at the northwest corner

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‘...there’s no areas where crime can happen out of sight.’

– Steve Dupuis of the Westporte subdivision would be changed from future development to parks and recreation.

Multiple letters and residents at the public hearing expressed dismay over the $163,000 selling price of the existing park, stating that it should be worth much more than that.

According to city planner Scott Smith, the selling price was based “on professional appraisal,” taking into account the plans to zone the parkland as institutional.

Smith added that while no design work for the proposed active park had been completed, he would estimate that its construction costs would exceed $163,000.

The proposed new park would have Georgia Street as its northern border and Golden Street as its eastern border.

A portion of the western half of the proposed parkland would be converted to an active park, with a likely road access from Oxford Street, Smith said following the public hearing.

Westcoast Native Healthcare Society vice president and building chair Derek Appleton said that any construction plans were still years away but that owning the land was a prerequisite for Island Health (VIHA) approval.

Until such time, the city and Rainbow Gardens have a memorandum of understanding that if the sale goes through, Rainbow Gardens will lease the land comprising Westporte Park back to the city for $1 per year, said city manager Ken Watson. The city would continue to insure and maintain the park until such time as the lease ended, he added.

Following the meeting, Watson said that a tentative agreement of purchase and sale stated that Rainbow Gardens “have to provide a lease with us until such time as they take out a building permit to build a seniors centre on that land.”

Watson said it was fair to say that if the sale went through, it would be a priority for the city to ensure that Rainbow Gardens could not get out of the lease and sell the land off.

The Ministry of Transportation also weighed in on the application.

Continued / A20

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Welcome to the driver’s seat

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by Keith Morgan Cadillac Elmiraj Concept

‘63 Lincoln convertible by 360 Fabrication

Visit the Auto Show gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca

Scrap your old gas-guzzler; it’s auto showtime British Columbia’s SCRAP-IT year, new executive show director Jason Heard wittily Program has announced a new promises“an electrifying show incentive program aimed at experience with lots of greenery removing high polluting vehicles on show!” from our roads, on the eve of this “You won’t need to go too far year’s Vancouver International to see green… the Green Auto Show.

by Keith Morgan Ride and Drive is at The new incentive allows the only entrance purchasers of a qualifying new at Thurlow. You can try out one of electric vehicle, who scrap their 2000 or 14 green vehicles from hybrids to older vehicle, to receive a $3,000 rebate. This pure electrics and see what makes program is separate from the BC Government’s them tick.” eco-car incentive scheme, the details of which Inside a wide array of green vehicles will be announced at next week’s show. are parked on Electric Avenue. But “This is a fantastic program whose ultimate there’s lots more to feast your eyes upon this goal is to remove older high polluting vehicles year. from our roads,” said SCRAP-IT Program CEO “Anyone can add space to a show but we feel Dennis Rogoza. “Vehicles model 2000 or older we have filled it with new content to deliver emit up to 60 times more emissions than later a much more rounded experience. The show models and electric vehicles have even much is about new cars but it has to entertain, be lower emissions.” exciting and make you wanting more year Qualifying electric vehicles are listed on the after year.”

SCRAP-IT.ca website. As part of this program’s The Super Cars and Exotics are back. On launch, SCRAP-IT has supplied a contest prize opening night, there will be super cars valued car in the shape of a new all-electric Nissan at $15 million on the plaza. Every kid will LEAF (see Plug-in to Win contest details right). want to eyeball the 100 per cent electric Big The LEAF will be on display at the SCRAP-IT Foot Monster Truck. There are also some sharp auto show booth in the Vancouver Convention looking concepts, such as the Cadillac Elmiraj Centre West (March 24-29). (pictured above).

While eco-cars aren’t the central theme this

This year’s showstopper could well be a 1963 Lincoln Convertible, supplied by Abbotsford’s 360 Fabrication, which is now applying the final touches to the $1 million dollar restoration (pictured above).

Heard is excited about a new display called Car Culture, which focuses on the vehicles and the lifestyles that drive them. Feature vehicles are displayed in themed settings, featuring accessories and backdrops.

Classic Alley offers a stroll back through time while Hollywood North pays tribute to the cars we see on movie sets around town. Just a sample of what’s up at the show. The rest of our Driveway crew (drivewaybc.ca) looks new cars on display at keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca

S C RAP-IT

Show Dates: March 24-29, 2015 Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West Show Hours & Pricing: Tuesday, March 24, 5 pm - 10 pm, admission $20*; Wednesday through Friday, Noon - 10 pm, admission $15*; Saturday, 10 am - 10 pm, admission $17*; Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm, admission $17* *Discounts for seniors (65+), students with valid ID, children ages seven -12 (except Tuesday), multi-day passes, and family packs.

For more information and to purchase tickets: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

Driveway’s Alexandra Straub will pilot an all-electric Nissan LEAF in the annual AJAC Eco-Run next week.

The all-electric sedan, which is also the prize car provided by the Scrap-It program for our Plug-In to Win contest, will glide silently from the Vancouver International Auto Show in downtown Vancouver next Wednesday.

The route, devised by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, will then take the participating 19 eco-friendly vehicles to Victoria via the Nanaimo ferry. On Thursday, the vehicles will be put through their paces on a handling course in Langford to see how versatile they are.

The EcoRun concludes that evening in Vancouver.

In addition to pure electric vehicles, the Eco-Run

includes plug-in and conventional hybrids, as well as vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, diesel-fuelled powertrains and highly efficient gasoline options.

There’s no limit to the size of vehicle showcased, as they range from subcompacts to pickup trucks.

The participants include the 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel, 2015 Kia Soul EV, 2015 Ford Focus 1.0-litre, 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid and the 2015 Chevy Volt.

The purpose of the event is to inform consumers of these alternative options. These new vehicles are driven in real-world road conditions in order to fully test for fuel efficiency and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

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A14 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015 - Alberni Valley News

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Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015 - Alberni Valley News

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Doug Greenard with his two sisters, Ev Bradbury, left and Lil McIntosh as they pose in front of the photo journey through his life. Doug retired from the Somass Mill as a Mill Wright.

Doug Greenard, seated second from right was really surprised when his family threw him Surprise Retirement party this past Saturday at the Kin Hut. He is seen here with his immediate family, Clockwise from Doug are Geoff Greenard, Nancy Greenard, Corbin Krazanowski, Melissa Cook, James Greenard and daughter Makayla, 3, and Carolynne Greenard. Not all the family were able to attend but sent their best wishes.

The Mount Klitsa Garden Club had a special celebration for their 60th Anniversary at Echo Centre on Mar. 5th and had Vivian Thomson, a charter member of the club do the honours of cutting the cake.

Karen and Mike Sparrow of the Cherry Creek Fire Department were the first to respond to the 2015 1st Responders St. Patricks Day Dance this past Saturday evening at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 293.

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I HOpe tHey Had MaCderMOtt’s.

4907 Argyle St., Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V6 Fax: 250.724.7117 • Toll Free: 1.800.830.1066

Gill School

Exp. May 1, 2015

6881468

6878045

merchandise with a minimum $10 purchase.

OUCH.

• Top Dollar Paid For All Vehicles • Complete Car Not Required

6733783

Multi-Max held another draw by donation, the donation courtesy of Heather Graydon of Heather’s Balloon Magic and Teresa Cutting owner/operator of Multi -Max. The winner was Alison Kwasnycia. Pictured here from left to right are Heather Graydon (holding the next draw prize), recipient of the $125.25 is Joanne Silver the executive director of ACAWS, and Multi-Max employee Renee Frazer.

CASH FOR SCRAP CARS

Tel 250-724-6591 | Fax 250-724-5799

A18 www.albernivalleynews.com www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, 2015, AlberniValley ValleyNews News Thursday, Mar.Mar 19,19, 2015 - Alberni

Your community. Your classifieds.

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SELL YOUR STUFF!

CALL FOR ENTRIES 13TH ANNUAL Kitty Coleman Woodland Art & Bloom Festival.

Fine Art and Quality Crafts Juried Show.

Presented in a spectacular outdoor setting May 16, 17 and 18 Applications for Artisans are available at woodlandgardens.ca 250-338-6901

INFORMATION APPLY NOW: A $2,500 Penny Wise scholarship is available for a woman entering the Journalism Certificate Program at Langara College in Vancouver. Application deadline April 30, 2015. Send applications to fbula@langara.bc.ca.

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Ok Tire and Automotive, Terrace BC is seeking a licensed auto mechanic partner for an OK tire franchise. E-mail: momack@citywest.ca HIP OR knee Replacement?

Problems Walking or Getting Dressed? The Disability Tax Credit $1,500 Yearly Tax Credit. $15,000 Lump Sum Refund (on avg). For assistance Call: 1-844-453-5372.

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JOEL- HE’S joyful, playful 3 year old Doberman, great in the car. Likes to give you lots of love, ok w/female/male dogs+ kids, not destructive & doesn’t dig. 250-752-1157.

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2 Tickets to Lynyrd Skynyrd,

Sat., Mar. 21, 8pm.

Save-On Centre in Victoria (floor section).

Paid $180 open to offers.

Call (250)723-3609, (250)731-6772.

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw mills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT.

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RENTALS

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Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

2 STOREY 3 bdrm, lrg deck, shed and fenced yard, close to shopping and schools. $169,000. (250)723-2800.

FUEL/FIREWOOD

GARAGE SALES

STEEL BUILDINGS. “Spring sales with hot savings!� All steel building models and sizes are now on sale. Get your building deal while it’s hot. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED LOOKING FOR Whale bones, glass fishing floats & old anchors Please call (250)7236191.

LOST & FOUND Ads are always

in the Alberni Valley News

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Seasoned wood. Volume discount. Call 1-877-380-9663.

PERSONAL SERVICES

LOST AND FOUND

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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CLIMBER/BUCKET Operator needed for residential tree service. Min. 2 years exp., must have valid BC DL, Certified Arborist an asset. $30$35 based on exp. 604-819-9447/ the.treeguy@hotmail.com

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LIVING ESTATE Sale- 5663 Mersey, Sat & Sun, Mar 21-22, 8am-5 pm. Rain or shine - indoors! Jewelry, collectibles, hardware, tools, hiking, farm, gardening, household. Many new items. Floor jack, chain block, radial saw, turkeys, rabbits.

TRADES, TECHNICAL

UsedAlberni.com

In the Alberni Valley News!

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

DO YOU have a Disability?

Physical or mental. We can help you get up to $40,000 back from the Canadian Government. For details online: disabilitygroupcanada.com or call us today Toll-Free 1-888875-4787.

FOUND SET of keys on Arrowsmith Road.

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING EVENTS

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PIONEER TOWERS. Senior 55+. N/S. Studio $350. 1-bdrm $420. Call (250)724-2013.

DUPLEXES/4PLEXES LAKE FRONT year round rentals avail. 1 bdrm furnished, 1 furnished 2-bdrm and 1 un-furnished 2-bdrm. Docks, laundry, nice setting! Call Kenner (250)724-4055, leave message or kennerreite@yahoo.ca

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Take A Vacation penny counts! ďŹ l Every here please

• A exible schedule to work around your classes • A great way to lose weight and get into shape • Allows you to save up for that trip

1-BDRM SUITE + den, recently renovated. Immaculate, includes hydro, heat, cable TV, high speed wi-fi and one covered parking space. N/S. 1 female cat permitted. Avail end of March. $750./mo. References req’d. (250)720-4966.

SUITES, UPPER PORT ALBERNI- 3 bdrm upper suite, W/D, no pets or parties. Refs a must. $950+ $200 utils.

Available April 1.

Call (250)723-7519.

TRANSPORTATION CARS 1996 OLDSMOBILE sedan, 4 doors, fully loaded with all the extras including GPS and backup camera, 225,000 km.

Good condition runs well. $1200 obo.

Call Gerry (250)723-8793.

Call

250-723-6399

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TRUCKS & VANS

NEW TO YOU TIRES & rims, (4), for Dodge Neon, 195-50-R 16, $120. Oil pan & gasket, new in box for 2.0L Dodge, $50. Leave msg 250-723-4377.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE BY OWNER 15 ACRES- 5 bdrms, 3 bathroom house- barns. Call (250)723-7131.

VICTORIA: CONDO; 2 bdrm, insuite laundry, small pet allowed. Adult building 45+.

Ideal location to amenities.

Well maintained. $164,500.

Call to view (250)679-2129 or (250)668-5902.

2007 FORD Ranger FX4, ext cab, 4.0 L, Auto, 4x4, tow pkg, mounted metal tool box, box liner. 102,000 km. Orig cost $33,000 asking $14,300. Immaculate! Call 250-735-2707.

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Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015 Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015

www.albernivalleynews.com A19 www.albernivalleynews.com A19

SPORTS

Highway comment irks: Paulson SUSAN QUINN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

KATYA SLEPIAN/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Port Alberni Black Sheep Anthony Selva blows through a Cowichan Piggies’ tackle in a Div. 1 men’s BC Rugby Union game in Port Alberni on Saturday afternoon.

A comment about Port Alberni’s “poor” highway access, attributed to a Hockey Canada official, has riled city councillor and former U17 world hockey bid chairman Ron Paulson.

However a phone Dean McIntosh, interview senior director from Hockey of events and Canada’s properties for Calgary office.

Hockey Canada, Paulson said the issue sits on a is about travel committee of RON logistics—not six Vancouver PAULSON highway safety.

Island “In the history of the communities that [U18 women’s national submitted a joint championship] bid to host the U18 we have never women’s national hosted it in multiple championship in 2016. communities,” “In one of the recent McIntosh said in phone conversations

Sheep fall Golf kicks off to Cowichan GERRY FAGAN

SUSAN QUINN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

The old adage “there’s no I in team” was an unfortunate by-product of the Port Alberni Black Sheep’s 15–8 loss to Cowichan Piggies on Saturday.

“As individuals I thought our guys played well,” head coach Jas Purewal said. “As a team, we didn’t have the continuity we needed.

We just couldn’t string together the right things when we needed them.”

Cody McClary opened scoring for the Sheep with a try early on, and Neil Thurley put them up 8–0 with a penalty kick. Cowichan scored

QUICKfacts ◆ BLACK SHEEP end their regular season on the road in Nanaimo March 21, 1 p.m. vs. the Hornets.

on the last play of the first half to bring the score to 8–5.

Cowichan scored a second try, unconverted, at the 14-minute mark of the second half, and another one on the final play of the game to win 15–8.

The Black Sheep had several scoring opportunities, but Cowichan’s tackling “made it very difficult for us to get any flow,” Purewal said.

Start to finish at

Alberni Golf

Greg Eyford is the lucky winner of the Alberni Golf Club’s major prize from their 2014 golf season promotional event. He won a free year of golf, starting April 1.

The Alberni Golf Club’s season runs from April 1 of one year to April 1 of the next year. Anyone interested in joining the club, now is a good time to do so.

There are different rates for singles, couples, juniors (under 19), students, intermediate (19 to 35 years old) and corporate plans.

The club is pleased to announce that their promotional

packages will be in place for the 2015 season. These include the ever popular Nine and Dine on Monday Wednesday and Friday with special packages on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Each time you play in one of these events you can enter your name for monthly prizes. Your name will also be entered in the end of the year draw, which is free golf for one year.

To arrange events and tee times contact Bruce MacDonald, head professional or contact the golf course either by phoning the clubhouse at 250-7235422 or by visiting the web site (bookmark www.albernigolf.com on your computer’s browser!).

with Hockey Canada, they said they really wanted to look closely on the bids from Vancouver Island... they expressed concern about the highway access into Port Alberni,” Paulson said.

“I am quite upset that the comment was made. This is a national sports organization making this comment,” he said.

Getting scouts from Cowichan up to Campbell River and again to Parksville or Nanaimo to watch games on the same day could be a challenge, McIntosh said. But concerns have never been “specifically highway safety,” he said. Only one bid has been received to host the U18 championships in November 2016, he added.

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A20 www.albernivalleynews.com A20 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015 - Alberni Valley News Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015 - Alberni Valley News

Rainbow Gardens expansion no hit at hearing From / A10

Parking cannot interfere with Georgia Street traffic, the MoT explained in a brief.

If the city chooses to have a road access off of Georgia Street, it must apply to the MoT for a permit and

possibly construct a 15-metre paved apron to protect the road from any park related debris.

According to Appleton, the society is expanding so that it can achieve “a full campus of care

model for Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens.”

A campus of care is a model where complex, assisted and independent living for seniors is grouped in one location.

Apart from the comfort provided

by remaining at one facility, Appleton said that staying in one location allowed Rainbow Gardens to save on costs by sharing dietary, administrative and other services.

However, Sharlene

Check, who works at West Coast General Hospital stated that WCGH had achieved savings by doing the exact opposite and outsourcing laundry to Cumberland and some dietary services to Victoria.

Steve Dupuis, who has lived beside to the park for five years, said that as both a parent and a police officer, he felt like moving the existing park to the proposed new location would greatly compromise

a hosting event catering to the younger generation

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safety.

The existing park has “great lines of sight, there’s nowhere to hide in the park except climbing a tree so there’s no areas where crime can happen out of sight,” Dupuis said, adding that it’s also well lit and constantly passed by anyone going in or out of the subdivision.

The proposed park has none of those assets, he said.

David Ralla, a real estate agent who lives in the Westporte subdivision, chastised the city and Rainbow Gardens for their lack of transparency and planning.

Citing a letter written by Smith in January, Ralla stated he didn’t understand how the city would not be considering practical features like road linkages and the cost of a new park at this time.

“I’m curious, who practices business in a way where you would sell a piece of property while planning on replacing that piece of property somewhere else without knowing what the cost of building the same thing, with the same features, will be? The answer is no one, especially not a new council or mayor who have preached accountability to transparency.”

Following the public hearing, mayor and council are not permitted to receive any further oral or written presentations on this matter.

According to an amended draft contract of purchase and sale, the latest completion date of the sale is to be May 29.

ROLL ENDS AVAILABLE For sale at our front counter at 4656 Margaret St.

Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015

www.albernivalleynews.com A21

THE ARTS

FOOD / A Taste of Alberni. A23

The Lion The Bear The Fox prowl over to Char’s With a batch of new songs and a renewed excitement for hitting the road together, The Lion The Bear The Fox can’t wait to keep building the momentum in 2015.

Christopher Arruda (The Lion), Cory

The Lion, The Bear, The Fox play Char’s Landing on Tuesday, March 24 at 8 p.m.

MARK MARYANOVICH SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

Wanted: book donations at Rollin Arts Around

The Rollin Art Centre is accepting only your very gently used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles for their annual book sale, which takes place May 8-9. Please no Library books, Magazines, National Geographic, Encyclopedia’s, Reader’s Digest and textbooks. Our donation box is located at the Rollin Art Centre, inside, under the staircase in the wooden box.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Merging Visions at Rollin “Merging Visions” is the title of the current art exhibit at the Rollin Art Centre featuring two artists, Kelly Carter

and Karen Gamble, which combines photography and pyrography.

This exhibit runs until April 4.

Call to all artists

The Rollin Art Centre is currently accepting applications from all artists and artist groups to submit an application to exhibit their work in our Fine Arts Gallery during the 2016 calendar year. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your own Art exhibit or group exhibit.

Application forms are available at the Rollin Art Centre. Deadline is April 30, 2015.

Centennial Belles Show

The Centennial Belles present a two historical fashion shows, “Fashion Fabulous,” Saturday April 11 at 2:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m. at Echo

LEARN ONLINE

Centre. Fabulous gowns form the Romantic era, the Victorian era, the Edwardian era and the Roaring 20’s.

Advanced tickets available at Rollin Art Centre, Capelli Hair Design and Boutique Belles Amies. Tickets are $20 and include refreshments. Partial proceeds to the ADSS breakfast Club and the Read and Feed Programme.

Organ recital at Trinity Church

Everyone is invited to welcome the new season with “Sounds of Spring”, a recorder and organ recital with Gill Pearce and David Cox at 7 pm March 20th, at Trinity Church; located at 4766 Angus Street at Fifth Avenue.

Refreshments following and admission is by donation, with proceeds to The Bread of Life. For

more information, call 250-723-8362

can hear The Lion The Bear The Fox on Tuesday, March 24 at Char’s Landing at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 at Char’s Landing, Gayle’s Fashions and Rollin Art Centre and ickets at the door are $18.

Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Steelhead LNG Invite you to attend a

TOWN HALL MEETING To learn about the proposed LNG Project at Sarita Bay

What’s on at Char’s Landing:

• Fri, March 20, 8-10 p.m. Concert – Kelli Trottier - Celtic, Country, Western Swing, and Bluegrass • Sat, March 21, 8-10 p.m. Casual Concert – San Felix band – Fire Island West Coast EP Release Tour - Rock/ indie/folk • Sun, March 22, 8-10 p.m. Concert – Patsy Cline-Award Winning Celebrity Impersonation Musical Comedy Act • Tue, Mar 24, 8-10 p.m., Concert – The Lion, The Bear, The Fox - roots/rock/ Canadiana • Wed, Mar 25, 7-10 p.m., Art Rave Alberni Monthly Social – Clay Play 2 Glazing with Cheryl

Date: Tuesday, March 31st Time: 5 pm- 8 pm Presentation: 6 pm-7 pm (open house before and after presentation) Location: Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel ballroom (4277 Stamp Ave.) Steelhead LNG, in partnership with Huu-ay-aht First Nations, is proposing to develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at Sarita Bay, 75 km southwest of Port Alberni.

Please join us at this Town Hall meeting for residents of the Alberni Valley to learn about the proposed LNG Project. Steelhead LNG representatives and Huu-ay-aht councillors will share a short presentation to be followed by an open house.

Session is free and open to the public.

Light refreshments will be served.

Melissa Martin is the Arts Administrator for the Community Arts

Guided online learning, instructor-led, in a highly supported environment combined with local clinical placements & practicum

PSYCHIATRIC NURSING Diploma Program In response to an overwhelming demand for Psychiatric Nurses throughout British Columbia, particularly outside the large urban centres, Stenberg College has offered its online-based Psychiatric Nursing diploma program since 2006. The only program of its kind in Canada, this innovative program allows students to do the majority of their coursework as well as their clinical placements and practicum in their local communities.

• Wages range from $30.70 - $40.42 / hour • Recognized by the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of BC (CRPNBC) Articulation Agreement with Kwantlen Polytechnic University: Graduates of Stenberg College’s Psychiatric Nursing Diploma program (graduates from 2014 onwards) will be granted advanced entry into Kwantlen’s Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) Degree completion program at year 3, enabling Stenberg grads to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychiatric Nursing.

You may be eligible for government-funded training programs and/or government student loans, grants & bursaries.

Toll Free: 1-877-836-2374 · stenbergcollege.com

For more information contact Annie Merritt at 250-723-0100 ext. 240 or annie.m@huuayaht.org

6885833

MELISSA MARTIN

Woodward (The Bear) and Ryan McMahon (The Fox) have just signed a publishing deal with CSS Rights Management in Toronto and are close to releasing a new album.

Port Alberni fans

A22 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015 - Alberni Valley News

‘No showstoppers’ for LNG facility

‘No’ to Bill C-51

Local residents and members of Citizens for a Local Economy (CLE) gathered in front of MP James Lunney’s office on Saturday, March 14 to protest against Bill C-51.

CLE representative Dan Cebuliak the organization was against the bill because it would allow the government to arrest and detain Canadians with little cause and a lack of oversight.

KATYA SLEPIAN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

KATYA SLEPIAN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

THE RED HOT HOME

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No “major showstoppers” were found during Steelhead LNG preliminary assessments and studies for the proposed LNG plant at Sarita Bay, said Tiffany Murray, manager of community for Steelhead LNG. “That allows us to move into the next phase, the feasibility phase,” Murray told council during a special LNG meeting where she and Huuay-aht First Nations representatives presented their progress to council.

The feasibility phase will include environmental and technical studies on the impacts of the proposed $30 billion US facility.

“We have not submitted a project description into the [provincial] environmental assessment process,” Murray said, adding that Steelhead hopes to do that in 2015.

HFN executive director James Edwards emphasized the LNG industry’s tight regulations and clean 50-year safety record.

While Edwards said

there were a “number of technically viable different routes” for a pipeline from northern B.C. where the natural gas would be extracted down to Sarita Bay, Murray added that the route was yet to be chosen.

“Nothing is finalized there,” she said but added that it was a key priority for 2015.

Speaking after the meeting, Murray said she didn’t anticipate issues with the pipeline going through various communities and First Nations lands due to Steelhead’s partnership with the Huu-ay-aht.

“One of the very first things” that Steelhead will do after a potential pipeline route and proponent is determined is consult with the nations whose land it will go through.

“The most important thing is making sure we have that positive engagement happening along the pipeline route.”

HFN and Steelhead will be holding a town hall meeting about the LNG project on Tuesday, March 31 from 5-7 p.m. at the Best Western Barclay. The session is free and open to the public.

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Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015

www.albernivalleynews.com A23 - Made by Juanita and Kelly

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A24 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Mar. 19, 2015 - Alberni Valley News

Toll Free

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24 hrs.

1-250-723-1800

4213 Princess Rd. Corner of Ian & Johnston

Alease Arcus 731-7733

Chris Arcus 731-6637

Gerry Hickey 723-3853

Dave Christensen 726-8113

Pat Hickey 723-3853

Eleanor Coffey 723-1800

Dell McConnell 250-731-4138

W. Earl Engstrom 724-3486

Lukh Saran 723-1800

Craig Filipchuk 723-1800

Jim Robertson 723-2394

Mieke Dusseldorp 726-3888

Sandy Rantz 726-7474

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Join us in growing for the future!

Coast Realty is expanding and has room for people looking to take on a new challenge.

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So come work at the best real estate office in the Valley, in the best location in the Valley.

For more information on how we can help you grow your business, Contact Chris at 250-723-1800 and Coast Realty, Alberni Valley