THURSDAY April 9, 2015 Vol. 30 • No. 14 ••• $1.25 inc. G.S.T.
ARTS
SPORTS
Cowboy Junkies to headline this year's Filberg Festival
Nordics impress at nationals page 23
page 19
COMOX VALLEY
RECORD
Free
SUNGLASSES Purchase your first pair, get your 2nd Pair Free AND get a pair of non-prescription One Sun Sunglasses absolutely FREE! While supplies last. See store for details.
349 B 5th St, Courtenay • (250) 334-2043
All systems go for Puntledge Paddle Festival Terry Farrell Record Staff
Cancer Society fundraiser downtown Saturday ... 3
New member to the J pod orca family ... 5 The provincial government stepped up in a huge way for the L'Arche Comox Valley I Belong! Campaign. Far too many helmetless parents are cycling next to their helmeted children. Lead by example.
BRIAN
Despite the low snowpack and the prospect of another dry summer, there are no plans to cancel or shorten the 2015 Puntledge River Paddle Festival, planned for the final weekend of May. “The event is taking place this year,” confirmed BC Hydro communications officer Stephen Watson. “Last year, BC Hydro worked with the Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society to reduce the water volume releases over the weekend, yet still provide a good event. We’ll be doing the same this year given the potential for a dry summer. We are being conscientious.” Watson said that while the snowpack is not what it has been in years past, that does not mean it’s been a dry winter. “BC Hydro’s water supply year runs from September to October, and … to date, this water supply year is the second wettest in about 50 years of record,” he said. “Conversely, we are very near setting a record for low snowpack for this time of year. The snowpack could be fully depleted by the end of May, and the summer may or may not be very dry. BC Hydro plans for all the various weather scenarios and maps out the best way to operate based on that forecasted water abundance.” He said that the company has
direction to provide the increased flows for events such as the Puntledge River Paddle Festival only if there is enough water to do so. There is now, and it’s anticipated
that there will be an abundance of water at the time of the festival. “Water is not really an issue for BC Hydro until June onward and
we can reduce power generation, even shutting it down, to conserve,” said Watson.
... see WATER ■ 20
Province contributes $250K to L’Arche I Belong! Campaign Record Staff This week, almost one year to the date of the public launch of the I Belong! Campaign, MLA Don McRae announced that the BC Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development is coming alongside with a contribution of $250,000 to the project.
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Kayakers line up for a race during the 2014 Puntledge River Paddle Festival. Despite the low snowpack this winter, and the prospect of another dry summer, the festival will go ahead as planned. PHOTO COURTESY BC HYDRO
McRae was present to support the public launch in 2014 and was very pleased to make this tangible expression of government support one year later. “I just want to really acknowledge the hard work by the community, stepping up and committing to fund this cause, and I am just really proud that the
provincial government can be a part of such a great legacy for the Comox Valley,” said McRae Wednesday morning. The success of the campaign so far is a tribute to the many individuals, organizations and businesses that have committed to the vision of this project. On Wednesday, the campaign
chairs, donors and many I Belong! supporters were at the Prime Chophouse when McRae made the announcement, and campaign chairs Murray Presley, Paul Helpard and Robert Mulrooney were among those who applauded the announcement.
Management & staff would like to welcome back Mark Moen to the dealership. Toyota
Mark will continue in his roll as the Sales Manager and brings a wealth cmyk of knowledge and experience with him. He invites all his customers to drop in for a coffee.
2145 Cliffe Avenue • Courtenay • 250-334-2425 • www.brianmclean.ca
... see L'ARCHE ■ 20