RCMP service calls rise 20 per cent in May Alberni Region, Page 3
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Wednesday, June 24, 2015
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Water restrictions expected Further limits on community supply likely
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ERIC PLUMMER ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
to human rights. During this time, Colin Simister was in the midst of organizing his first Pride event, slated for this summer. Rev. Minnie Hornidge contacted him with an offer of a financial donation and a showing of their support. “When I first started planning it in January, it was just a spark,” Simister said. “It has ballooned from there and that spark has caught on fire.” The Pride event is being held on July 26 from noon to 4 p.m. at Williamson Park. There will be something for all ages, including free food, drinks, face painting, crafts, a treasure hunt, obstacle course, vendors, music and a party-like environment. Char’s Landing will have a post-event special for those who want to continue celebrating into the night.
Amid the growing likelihood of drought on Vancouver Island this summer, the city is expecting the need will arise for more stringent restrictions on the community’s water usage. This spring Port Albenri experienced its driest May in the last century with just 1.4 millimetres of rainfall, a fraction of the month’s 89.5-millimetre average. So far just 13.8 millimetres have fallen in June, the fourth lowest level of precipitation since recording began in 1917. The dry spring prompted the city to impose Stage 1 water restrictions on June 8, limiting outdoor usage to the watering of lawns and gardens between the cooler hours of 6-9 a.m. and 7-10 p.m. every other day. Even-numbered addressed are permitted to water on even calendar days, with odd addresses using hoses on odd-numbered dates. Enforcement is driven by public complaints, and those not following the usage guidelines could face fines. Stage 2 restrictions that limit outdoor usage to just two days a week could be necessary in the near future, according to city engineer Guy Cicon. “We’re looking for that trigger for the next level of water restrictions,” he said to city council during a public meeting on Monday. “We’re not there yet, but we’ll keep you posted.” Results from the last two weeks indicate the restrictions are working, as the city’s daily water usage has dropped from 17,000 cubic metres to 14,5000 – consumption equal to 800 litres a day per Port Alberni resident. City staff travelled to the community’s sources of drinking water at Bainbridge and Lizard lakes last week for an inspection. Levels are holding despite the lack of rainfall. “They reported that some of the tributaries are still coming in the backside,” Cicon said. Levels could change after a forecasted heatwave hits Alberni this weekend. Saturday is expected to reach 34 C. “Clear sunny days and high to extreme temperatures increase the potential for evaporation of any surface water,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Matt MacDonald.
Kristi.Dobson@avtimes.net
Eric.Plummer@avtimes.net
Michael Villette, chair of the Alberni Valley United Church Affirm United team, shows his support of Pride event coordinator Colin Simister, by flying the rainbow flag at the local church. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
AV United Church votes 99% in favour of LGBTQ affirmation; Pride event in July KRISTI DOBSON ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
The Alberni Valley United Church is showing its true colours – in the form of a rainbow. Last weekend members voted 99 per cent in favour of becoming an “affirming ministry.” The label is meant to signify the church as a safe place for everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or anything else. According to Michael Villettte, chair of the Affirm United team, the process was a long one, but also a learning experience for church members. “It means that we believe everyone belongs here,” Villette said. “There are no tests, no criteria. We accept everyone no matter what. In fact, we don’t even have the right to accept or not. Everyone is welcome.” He said the issue goes back in the history of the United Church, but a turning point
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in social justice occurred in 1988. That was when the governing body decided everyone has a right to be a full member of the church. “It created some disruption in the church,” Villette said. “But shortly before that, Affirm United formed and advocated for the rights of all marginalized groups, primarily the LGBTQ [Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning] community.” He said 18 months ago, several members of the Alberni Valley United Church came together to start the process of becoming officially affirmed. “We put all the issues on the table, learned the history and asked all the questions,” he said. “It was good that we went through that educational process to confirm we are a welcoming place.” With a nearly unanimous vote, it is clear to Villette that the majority of local members are on the same page when it comes
Friendship Center to build new daycare
Funtastic hosts 27th Okee Dokee tourney
The city of Port Alberni is donating two vacant lots to the local Friendship Center for a new daycare and afterschool facility. » Alberni Region, 3
The biggest ever slo-pitch tournament in Port Alberni pitches off this weekend, June 27–29, at Echo fields with 70 teams expected. » Sports, 5
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Alberni Region 3 Opinion 4
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ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES VOLUME 66, NUMBER 120
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