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Thursday, July 23, 2015
MUNICIPALITY
Government adapts to water limit Stage 2 restrictions by the City of Port Alberni has forced chamber of commerce and Island Health to make changes ERIC PLUMMER ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
While residents now face tighter limitations on water usage, public facilities and businesses are facing different Stage 2 restrictions. The new limits were imposed on residences July 13, permitting lawn sprinklers to run just two days a week, either in the early morning or evening when evaporation is less of a concern. But these limits do not apply to businesses and government property. “Sprinkling regulations are meant to reduce water use in ways that do not cause serious economic hardship,� stated a City of Port Alberni document on the Stage 2 restrictions. “Those users requiring water as
“[W]e are facing significant water resource concerns throughout the area.� Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce
part of a commercial operation are expected to conserve as much water as possible without resulting in a loss of business.� Although the Visitor Centre lies at the entrance to the Alberni Valley, the chamber of commerce has given up on keeping the tourist facility’s lawn green this summer in favour of water conservation. In late June the chamber’s board of directors
West Coast General Hospital has adapted to the Stage 2 water restrictions enacted by the city.
decided to turn off the automatic sprinklers due to drought conditions. “While the attractiveness of a healthy green lawn is enjoyable and appreciated by many, the reality is such that we are facing significant water resource
concerns throughout the area,� stated a release from the chamber. “Our board understands that the Visitor Center may appear to be neglected through the balance of the hot summer months and therefore signage will be installed advising the public of the reasoning behind the golden lawns.� The chamber of commerce has encouraged businesses and public bodies to follow this conservation initiative, and on Monday Island Health announced that measures will be taken to cut down on water usage at the West Coast General Hospital and other facilities. This includes running a centralized laundry facility that uses more efficient tunnel washers and upgrading to dish-
COMMUNITY
washers that reduce usage by 60 per cent. But outdoor watering will continue at health facilities, said Island Health’s president and CEO Dr. Brendan Carr. “In some cases, this is in order to reduce the risk of fire,� he stated on Monday. Playing fields managed by the City of Port Alberni are exempt from the Stage 2 restrictions, but the plan currently in place entails a 25-per-cent reduction in the volume of water used on sand-based turf. The Bob Daily Stadium, Black Sheep Rugby Club, Echo Park and other recreational fields are now watered on alternate days. See WATER, Page 3
CRIME
Accused Steam-up and Antique Machinery Show returns with miniature train rides 18-year-old in murder appears in P.A. court
KRISTI DOBSON ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
This weekend McLean Mill will be filled with the sounds of engines and mufflers as a number of antique vehicles roll into town. The Steam-Up and Antique Machinery Show starts Friday and this year the emphasis is on steam. Held for only the second time, this year the event features more steam-powered machines than the inaugural show in 2013. That in itself shows the growing interest among history buffs who want to preserve a part of history. “It is difficult to get [steam-related machines] because everything built is [older] and there are fewer people who know how to operate them,� said David Hooper, volunteer with the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society. Something new this year will be a mini steam train that will be arriving from Victoria with the Vancouver Island Model Engineers. “It can pull coaches and will be giving rides on site,� Hooper said. The track will be set up near the log pond, where there will also be displays of radio-controlled boats. Another new arrival is a steam tractor from Surrey and there will be two Mann steam trucks and a restored 1912 Ruston steam roller. The steam trucks will be brought from the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan by George Williamson, who worked on Port Alberni’s No. 7 locomotive and Roger Blayborne of Victoria, who spent many hours on the mill’s steam donkey and Farquhar traction
ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
Tin Pants Troupe member, Sheena Sneddon, is working for the summer at McLean Mill and is gearing up for the annual Steam-Up and Antique Machinery Show this weekend. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
engine. The Farquhar will be a feature piece. Built at the end of the steam era, it was transported to Port Alberni and used by the Cowley family to power their Cherry Creek sawmill. Visitors will also see a Stanley Steamer chuffing around the site, said Hooper. Along with the steam machines, there will be a num-
ber of vintage tractors and other antique vehicles. It is a weekend for the whole family on a piece of historic property, complete with a steam-powered sawmill and logging operation and accessible by a steam train. It runs from Friday at 10 a.m. until Sunday at 5 p.m.
“It is difficult to get [steam machines] because . . . there are fewer people who know how to operate them.� David Hooper, Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society
Kristi.Dobson@avtimes.net
An 18-year-old woman charged with second-degree murder appeared in Port Alberni court on Wednesday. Autumn Dawn Desjarlais is charged with murdering 19-yearold Carlene Jack in an incident on July 15 in Port Alberni. RCMP found Jack wounded on the street at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Bute Street; she later died at West Coast General Hospital. A memorial has been set up at the site where she was attacked. Police arrested Desjarlais along with two other suspects who were subsequently released. No further charges were laid. Desjarlais is being held in custody and appeared via closed-circuit television from the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women in Maple Ridge. She sat silently in front of the camera. Desjarlais’s defence lawyer told the court via telephone that he is waiting for statements from witnesses to be sent to his office. He also requested photographs of injuries his client sustained before she was given medical treatment. Crown counsel requested a publication ban for several witnesses of the crime. “This is a homicide . . . this is a very serious matter,� said prosecutor Neal Bennet, adding that the publication ban is necessary “for the proper administration of justice.�
Inside today Alberni Region 3A Opinion 4A
Community 5A On the Island 6A
Sports 7A West Coast 10A
What’s On 11A Driving 1B
Entertainment 2B Classifieds 8B
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ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES VOLUME 66, NUMBER 140
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