Alberni aims to marshal tourism forces behind heritage Alberni and Region, Page 3
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Tuesday, August 4, 2015
CITY BUDGET
Council concedes on huge tax cut Mallory Drive property’s tax bill falls from $103,000 to $216 thanks to shift to ‘educational’ status $103,000 in municipal levies paid to the city in 2003. Revenue from the lot declined to approximately $80,000 in 2004 when the property was subdivided, then dropped below $240 when Teleglobe Canada ULC sold it to the University of Victoria the following year. “It’s something that’s been a burr in my bonnet for quite a
ERIC PLUMMER ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
Port Alberni will have to accept getting next to nothing in taxes for a south-end property owned by the University of Victoria due to provincial legislation. Last year municipal taxes for 2180 Mallory Drive totalled $216 — a fraction of the property’s
while, that $200 in taxes,” said Coun. Jack McLeman at a public meeting on July 27. “That’s still prime property in Port Alberni.” When Teleglobe Canada owned the lot it was valued at $1.1 million in 2004, but the land is now assessed at $877,000. “We sold it to the University of Victoria and it suddenly wasn’t
worth as much,” McLeman said. “The concern I’ve got is just because someone sells property for a different use, is that property suddenly not worth as much?” UVic benefits from provincial legislation that excludes universities from paying municipal taxes. The arrangement exists “to ensure that public education
is provided at a reasonable cost,” said Murray Griffith, UVic’s executive director of financial services in an interview with the Times early this year. In January council directed staff to look into if and how property benefits to the community. See SEISMIC, Page 3A
SUSTAINABILITY
Growth through growing Local community garden providing food and skills KRISTI DOBSON ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
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lanting vegetables and pulling weeds has turned into a growing passion for some local residents. Since tenants of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Rogers Street Apartments started a new garden bed project two months ago, they have benefitted not only from an abundance of fresh food, but from valuable skills necessary for independent living. The project marked the completion of Christine Milligan’s four-year Bachelor of Social Work studies at the University of Victoria. “I am passionate about growing food for holistic reasons,” Milligan said. “I have experienced myself that it reaches biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual realms of being.” She thought the nourishment, exercise and sense of accomplishment could be applied to her final practicum at the Rogers Street complex. Residents were exposed earlier this year to basic cooking lessons from North Island College student, Alice Sam. The garden pro-
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Pat Newfield is one of the many residents of the Roger Street apartments who tends her garden plot each day after helping with its construction this summer. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
ject follows the same principles. Small plots had previously been started, but when Milligan arrived, they were overgrown and full of weeds. With the help of more than a dozen residents, the green space was extended about three times its size with garden beds for individual planting. Fencing was constructed and the area was made wheelchair accessible. Residents were made part of the decision-making process and provided with a sense of ownership. “I noticed conversations arose that might not have otherwise,”
Milligan said. “Skills and abilities just came out when things needed to be done. When we needed latches made for the fence, someone made them.” Residential co-ordinator Mark Vandervelde said he has seen a noticeable difference since the completion of the garden. “Any other time there would only be two to three people working in it,” Vandervelde said. “Now with Christine, there are always about 10 to 12. “The benefit of food security is number one, but on par is the camaraderie, interaction and communication.
“A lot of people here tend to isolate themselves so this is a way to come out and do something healthy and productive.” He said the neighbours seem to appreciate the improvements and enjoy seeing the progress of the gardens. “There are still challenges with different personalities, but it has been a co-operative effort to work and live together,” Vandervelde said. Resident Diane Avery, 65, says gardening keeps her young. “My dad had a green thumb and I think I got it from him,” Avery said.
Community biting into a new kind of food project
Lake Cowichan Island’s thirstiest drinkers
Food gathering project aims to feed the hungry while keeping the bears out of local backyards.
Port Alberni second according to figures based on sales recorded at liquor stores across the Island.
» Alberni Region, 3
» Vancouver Island, 9
“It is a lot of hard work but I am proud of it.” Pat Newfield, too, is reaping the fruits of her labour. Initially unsure of taking part, she now enjoys tending her beds daily. “It feels awesome to see everything grow,” Newfield said. “I like to come out here alone to weed and water.” Tenants plan on using their harvest for canning, processing and drying. “This gives us an opportunity to evolve over time,” Vandervelde said. Kristi.Dobson@avtimes.net
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