NANAIMO REGION
Sea stars off Nanaimo raise hope for species Island marine biologists watching to see whether the malady killing the sea stars has run its course. A3
NANAIMO REGION
Left turn for Alberta ta
Bar owner won’t sign legal Bar Watch paper Paul Manhas says he can’t bind future owners of the club to making the program permanent. A3
Rachel Notley’s NDP win majority Nation & World A6
The newspaper of record for Nanaimo and region since 1874 || Wednesday, May 6, 2015
» Business
CITY
Clippers sale represents ‘opportunity’ for the city
City taxes to rise 1% as budget approved SPENCER ANDERSON DAILY NEWS
Nanaimo Clippers owner Bill Gallacher, left, and Ken Wagner, along with former Clipper and NHL goalie David LeNeveu during the netminder’s special Wall of Honour Ceremony in 2006. The ownership group has put the B.C. Hockey League team up for sale. [DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO]
BCHL commissioner rules out any relocation SPENCER ANDERSON DAILY NEWS
T
he announcement that the Nanaimo Clippers are up for sale may spell a good opportunity for the franchise and the city, according to people with close associations past and present with the junior hockey team. Current co-owner Ken Wagner confirmed on Tuesday that he and his fellow shareholders were looking to sell their stake, after approximately 10 years with the club. Wagner stressed he and the other owners were in no rush to sell the team and want to find “the right buyer,” preferably a local one, to take over the Clippers. John Grisdale, commissioner of the B.C. Hockey League, said the announcement “did not come as a surprise” and lauded the cur-
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“I think certainly the league will do its due diligence on anyone who comes in on the ownership side.” John Grisdale, BCHL commissioner
rent owners and management for their handling of the team, which he called “a solid franchise” in the league. Grisdale, who called Wagner “a phenomenal” operating partner for the team as well as the league, said the sale offers a chance for the team to re-engage and broaden its fan base and renew relationships in the community. “Teams in our league do sell, and hopefully it’ll be the right mix,” Grisdale said, referencing future ownership of the team.
He ruled out relocation of the franchise as a possibility. “It’s not going anywhere,” he said. “I think certainly the league will do its due diligence on anyone who comes in on the ownership side.” Bill Bestwick, a former part owner, head coach and GM for the Clippers, said Wagner and the his partners have “contributed immensely” to the franchise over the years. Last year, Bestwick returned to the organization briefly as a temporary senior advisor, after a split from the organization three years prior. Bestwick, also a city councillor, said he’ll “never say never” to getting involved with the team again in the future, although he said he has not been asked to rejoin the organization. “You never know,” he said. John Wynia, an owner of the
team from 1984 to 1998, said the public announcement of the sale “is an opportunity” for prospective local buyer to have a shot at purchasing the team. “They (the current owners) may find somebody they never even thought of,” he said. Clippers head coach Mike Vandekamp said he is in the “initial steps” as he concentrates on preparing the team for the next season, rather than the sale. “For me, I just signed a fouryear contract to work here, so I’m not concerned,” he said. Spencer.Anderson @nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4255 » We want to hear from you. Send comments on this story to letters@nanaimodailynews.com. Letters must include daytime phone number and hometown.
Bayview Elementary rejects rating report
Quesnel Lake recovery still being scrutinized
Fraser Institute annual rankings scores the school very low, but most parents disagree with the way the right-wing think tank is using FSA test scores. » Nanaimo Region, A3
Study found elevated levels of copper in sediment samples and a sediment plume at depths below 30 metres in the west arm after 2014 tailings pond breach. » British Columbia, A7
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Nanaimo property owners will be getting their tax notices after the Victoria Day weekend, following a unanimous vote at city council Monday to approve the 2015 budget and tax rates bylaws. Each resident’s tax bill will vary, but taxes overall are set to increase one per cent overall in the city. The revenue will be used to increase reserves to maintain and renew infrastructure. The relatively quick passage of the budget through council Monday stood in contrast to a sharp divide amongst councillors over the financial document in February, when elected officials were unable to agree on whether further spending cuts were necessary. Council had already directed city staff to remove approximately $744,000 in spending from the budget to reduce the proposed tax increase, which included cutting three new RCMP positions. On Monday, all seven present council members supported the bylaws. Councillors Diane Brennan and Bill Bestwick were absent. Two councillors, Bill Yoachim and Jerry Hong, pledged they would seek larger budget reductions for next year. “I will reluctantly approve this just so we can move on, because I know we’re dragging on,” Hong said. The provincial deadline to pass a budget and tax rates in May 15. “But I’m determined to work harder next year, just to let everyone know.” Coun. Jim Kipp gave a good-humoured a nod to longtime finance director Brian Clemens, who retires from his post this spring. “I think of the 20 years I’ve been here, I’ve hardly voted for any one of his budgets, so I’m voting for his budget this time,” Kipp said to laughter. Of course, the budget is actually council’s domain and elected officials will soon begin work on next year’s budget, which is already well underway. Spencer.Anderson @nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4255
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