North Island Gazette, August 26, 2015

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August 26, 2015

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• BEAR SMART...

District of Port Hardy councillor pursues Bear Smart designation.

Page 5

• ELECTION...

MP hopefuls answer North Island Gazette questions.

Page 8-9

Hannah Griffin Photo

Clean-up Crew Pat Corbett-Labatt, Ken Harvie and Donna Zimmerman were part of a small group of volunteers who gathered mid-day on Aug. 22 at Carrot Park in Port Hardy for a clean-up of the waterfront area and a loop around town. Volunteers were encouraged to come dressed as superheroes and organizer Harvie’s hope was to promote a responsibility to care for the community.

• STOCK CAR...

Port Hardy man wins big at American stock car race.

Page 17 OPINION Page 4 LETTERS Page A5 SPORTS Page 16-17 CLASSIFIEDS Page 18-19

McNeill Mounties destroy cougar

By Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor Editor Port McNeill RCMP shot and killed a cougar last Wednesday.

According to Sgt. Craig Blanchard, the RCMP received a number of calls about a cougar on Cardena Crescent.

One person told RCMP they heard the cougar on their deck going after their dog, Blanchard said.

Because the cougar was posing a threat not only to pets, but to small children on the ■ ■ ■ ■

street, “we decided to help out and we managed to find it.”

Blanchard said RCMP phoned Lee McAstocker who brought in his cougar hounds which found and treed the animal, which was then shot.

“Without him it would be impossible for us to deal with it,” Blanchard said, adding “it was a large, healthy male”.

“We decided to shoot the cougar because of the absence of a conservation officer,” he said.

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Blanchard said there has not been a marked increase in calls to RCMP because of the absence of a conservation officer since Bryce Casavant was suspended at the beginning of July for refusing to kill two healthy twin bear cubs - Jordan and Athena.

People aren’t phoning in complaints, but are voicing sightings and concerns on Facebook.

“People are kind of fed up that there is no conservation officer,” said Blanchard.

Casavant is still suspended with pay.

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THE EXTRA TAXES AN

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

www.northislandgazette.com 3 Village of Port Alice Notice of Tax Exemptions for the Year 2016 Per the Community Charter, the Council of the Village of Port Alice is proposing the following tax exemptions for the year 2016. All of which have been exempt from property taxes in the past.

1. Properties Owned By Not-for-profit organizations: ➢ Legion: property registered in the name of Canadian Legion Branch #180, Lot 1, Plan 22668, DL 2137, Roll No. 00779.000 (exclusive of the portion which contains a residential housing unit) – estimated total taxes per year ($4,285) with municipal portion being ($2,099). ➢ Wharf: property registered in the name of Port Alice Marine Rescue Society, Plan 594321, District Lot 188, Wharf Approach, Roll No. 00002.000 – estimated total taxes per year ($299) with municipal portion only ($146), and District Lot 1514, Rupert District, Wharf, Roll No. 01025.000 – estimated total taxes per year ($4,890) with municipal portion being ($2,395).

2. Occupiers of Municipal Property (recreational or not-for-profit organizations): ➢ Port Alice Lions Club: lease a portion of the Community Centre for the space known as the Lions Den, located at 951 Marine Drive, Plan 22443, Lot 3, D.L. 2137, Roll No. 00778.010 – estimated total taxes per year ($253) with municipal portion being ($124). ➢ Port Alice Curling Club: lease for half-year a portion of the Arena, for the space known as the Curling Club, located at 951 Marine Drive, Plan 22443, Lot 3, D.L. 2137, Roll No. 00778.010 – estimated total taxes per year ($1481) with municipal portion being ($726). ➢ Port Alice Thrift Shop: lease a portion of Sea View Secondary School, for the space known as the Thrift Shop, located at 901 Marine Drive, Plan 18072, Lot 1, Block 7, D.L. 2137, Roll No. 00645.000 – estimated total taxes per year ($1,047) with municipal portion being ($513). ➢ Port Alice Red Cross Society: lease a portion of Sea View Secondary School, for the space known as Port Alice Red Cross, located at 901 Marine Drive, Plan 18072, Lot 1, Block 7, D.L. 2137, Roll No. 00645.000 – estimated total taxes per year ($690) with municipal portion being ($338). ➢ Port Alice Recycling Society: lease a portion of the Public Works Yard and Transfer Station, for the space known as the Recycling Depot, located at 721 Marine Drive, Plan EPP6182, Lot A, D.L. 2137, Roll No. 1600055 – estimated total taxes per year ($23) with municipal portion being ($11).

Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor Photo

Celebrating 100 Years The Overwaitea Foods parking lot in Port Hardy was a beehive of activity Aug. 17. The Overwaitea chain is celebrating 100 years and a community celebration was held. The event includes a sale, prizes and an interactive exhibit.

Orca expansion could lead to 10 new jobs

By Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor Editor Regional District of Mount Waddington administration has met with Polaris Minerals Corporation representatives to discuss their proposal to apply for a licence of occupation on a parcel of land adjacent to their current leased property.

According to Manager of Economic Development Pat English, Polaris is looking at “a piece of Crown land to develop a small quarry. It will help increase the efficiency of their current operation.

“The board is generally supportive of it. It is a permitted use in the area and it increases the violability of the existing business,” English said.

Demand for their product is the reason behind the application, said Polaris President and CEO Herb Wilson.

“We’ve got an out of balance situation at the Orca Quarry.

We’ve got customers screaming at us for more of the coarse

material. We’ve got a real shortage,” said Wilson.

“We have the capacity to process a little more (coarse material). The area that we’re interested in is access to a mineral that is exactly the same mineral that our gravel has come from.”

Wilson said the expansion would create “10 well-paid jobs for the North Island” on the actual site and on transportation into the quarry.

“If we can get the tenure, then what we need to look at is the environmental components.

We’re not going to spoil what we think is our good reputation by not developing this properly.

“I think its really a fairly benign activity there,” Wilson said.

“It’s not an unusual activity, if you like. In that location there are existing quarries around there,” he said.

In the best case scenario “maybe we could be operating at the beginning of 2017,” said Wilson.

Polaris Materials Corporation owns 88 per cent of Orca Sand & Gravel Ltd. with the remaining 12 per cent interest held by the ‘Namgis First Nation. The Orca Quarry, which opened in 2007, is located west of Port McNeill. The processing plant produces three washed products: large (one inch) gravel, small (1/2 inch) gravel and concrete sand. The Orca Quarry is permitted to produce 6.6 million tons of sand and gravel per year and has a dedicated ship loading facility capable of rapidly loading ships and barges, including ‘Panamax’ vessels with a capacity of up to 80,000 tons. Polaris is well established as a supplier of high quality sand and gravel concrete aggregates in northern California.

The Orca products have also been used in many projects in Vancouver and Honolulu, Hawaii.

The company has won two major awards for environmental responsibility.

New subdivision for Quatsino

By Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor Editor The Ministry of Transportation has approved a preliminary layout for a new 15-lot subdivision on the south shore of Quatsino Sound.

According to Manager of Planning and Development Services Jeff Long, the subdivision is located in Area B. The land was under a provincial Tree Farm Licence which was removed in 2008.

The land has been sold and the new owners are subdividing it into lots which will be used “largely for recreational purposes”, said Long.

The developers intend to put in a communal

dock and access to the subdivision will be by boat.

Correction In the Aug. 19 article “Salmon Face Threat”, Larry Woodall was referred to as a bear biologist. He is a bear naturalist. He also was paraphrased as saying that bears on the BC mainland go north in the winter and need more fat - they actually head up the mountains, not necessarily north. The Gazette apologizes for the errors.

3. Statutory Exemption: ➢ Vancouver Island Regional Library: lease a portion of the Community Centre, for the space known as the Library, located at 951 Marine Drive, Plan 22443, Lot 3, D.L. 2137, Rupert District, Roll No. 00778.010 – estimated total taxes per year ($311) with municipal portion being ($152).

4. Public Worship Properties (Combination Statutory and Permissive Exemptions): ➢ Port Alice Ecumenical Society: public worship land and improvements, Lot 3, Block 7, Plan 18774, located at 1100 Neigi St., Plan 18774, Lot 3, Block 7, D.L. 2137, Roll No. 00648.000 – estimated taxes per year ($1,802) with municipal portion being ($915). ➢ Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada: public worship land and improvements, Plan 33023, Lot 13 and Lot 14, D.L. 2137, located at 850-860 Marine Dr., Roll No. 00788.030 & 00788.031 – estimated total taxes per year ($5,619) with municipal portion being ($2,814).

5. Port Alice Yacht Club: ➢ Port Alice Yacht Club: Used principally for public recreation purposes and provides port access to the Village of Port Alice from Neroutsos Inlet, District Lot 304, located at 1120 Marine Drive, License #109290, Roll No. 27506.940 – estimated taxes per year ($3,438) with municipal portion being ($1,695).

If your not-for-profit community organization is not included above, requests will be considered up to September 4, 2015 Village of Port Alice, P.O. Box 130, Port Alice, BC V0N 2N0 Phone: 250-284-3391 Bonnie Danyk, Finance Officer/Collector

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COMMENTARY

4

Comments? Box 458, Port Hardy, B.C. V0N 2P0 250-949-6225 Fax 250-949-7655 or email us at editor@northislandgazette.com www.northislandgazette.com Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Why, oh why is there no fish to buy?

I don’t go down island very often, but I once again had the opportunity this past weekend to travel south because my daughter was visiting from Alberta.

My son surprised me by having days off and joining us for the weekend.

My brother and sister in law live near Black Creek so we met there.

The first thing we did was by go to the dock at Campbell Kathy River for lunch. We sat and O’Reilly-Taylor ate fresh fish and chips on the water front.

We had to walk past Crabby Bob’s to get to it.

Crabby Bob’s had fresh salmon, prawns, scallops, etc. for sale.

The next day we went to walk around the dock in Comox where there was a tiny trailer fixed up to sell fish and chips and other cooked seafood.

We walked down onto the wharf where there was a boat selling salmon, tuna, etc.

I didn’t visit the dock in Courtenay this trip, but I’m sure they have similar businesses operating.

Once again I felt my frustration that we don’t have something like this available for residents of, and visitors to, the Tri-Port area. These places are busy.

I’ve heard people say, it’s because you can’t get a licence.

Obviously that is not the case. If other communities do it, why can’t we?

I can’t understand why no one in the North Island sees this as a tremendous small business opportunity - at least during the summer months, perhaps even May to September.

The cute little fish and chip stand in Comox, is something that can be easily stored for the winter so there is no need to pay rent for a store front location 12 months of the year.

It could be operated by college or university students returning home for the summer, thereby providing employment opportunities.

And it could help the Tri-Port become more of a ‘You’ve Gotta Eat Here’ destination, rather than a place people come to to board a ferry to go somewhere else.

A store that sells seafood would also be a welcome addition. In order to make it more viable, the seafood could be partnered with a stock of beachy home decor and gift items, etc.

Everyone who visits Vancouver Island, particularly from other provinces or countries, or even mainland British Columbia, wants a taste of what people here take for granted - fresh seafood, right out of the water.

They want to sit down and have it prepared for them by a chef, or have access to fresh seafood to take back to their campsite and throw it on the barbecue.

The fact that there is no place for fresh seafood to be purchased here is, frankly, just odd.

It is also a real gap in the North Island experience we are providing to visitors.

Shore Lines

Is BC really burning? Not exactly On a recent drive through the B.C. Interior, I passed through McLure and Barriere, communities north of Kamloops that were devastated by wildfire in 2003.

While these communities have recovered, blackened tree trunks are still visible where fires burned for 75 days and forced the evacuation of 3,800 people.

With the early start to this year’s fire season, the media attention and effects of an unusual spring drought, you might think that B.C. is on pace to match that terrible summer.

You would be wrong. As of last week, area burned and money spent by the B.C. Wildfire Service had only just exceeded the totals for mid-August during last summer’s fire season, which were high but not remarkable.

The number of individual fires is higher this year, but that’s mostly a result of lightning storm patterns. Spending has topped $200 million, as it did last year at this time before finishing just below $300 million.

The 2003 total was above $400 million, and the 2009 season was slightly below that.

Forests Minister Steve Thomson cautions that there are still many weeks to go and hot, dry conditions are expected for much of that. Once the damage is done for the year, the ministry reviews the impact on forests and begins assessment of which areas should be replanted and which should be left to regenerate naturally.

Pine forests need fire to regenerate, and the strategy in recent years has been to allow fires to burn out naturally and contain them to protect people and property. Decades of fire suppression, based on viewing Crown forests strictly as a timber resource, helped create conditions for the beetle epidemic that has left vast quantities of dead wood to fuel more fires.

The 2003 fire season set the tone for political debate on forest fire policy that has continued since then. The opposition points to recommendations from former Manitoba premier The North Island Gazette is published Thursdays at 7305 Market Street in Port Hardy, B.C. by Black Press Ltd. Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #391275. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Gary Filmon that removing fuel from around communities is the best protection.

This task has proven impossibly big, especially as rural community tax bases shrink, but the ideological dance continues in Victoria. The NDP campaigned in 2013 on a promise to double tree planting, and its general approach is to spend more money and hire more staff.

Speaking of political dances, Premier Christy Clark has made a couple of appearances at fire sites where homes and businesses have been threatened or destroyed.

(Today’s big-city media formula is to emphasize danger and promote attacks on premiers of all stripes. If they don’t visit disasters, they are callous and uncaring. If they do, they’re exploiting the situation for photo ops.)

In her first fire scene appearance this summer, Clark warned that drought and huge fires may be “the new normal” for B.C. as climate warms and shifts. This is great positioning for the government’s plan to attend the latest global climate doom festival in Paris this fall, but it’s not borne out by recent forest fire results.

In terms of dollars spent and area burned, the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were all well below average. Last year and 2009 were substantially above average, but 2008 and 2013 were among the quietest years on record.

Is drought the “new normal” too? The B.C. government’s own climate change forecast is for increasing overall precipitation, albeit with more rain and less snow.

Snowpacks for southern B.C. were indeed the lowest on record this past winter, but that record only goes back 31 years. And when were high snowfall records last broken?

That would be 2011.

(Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @tomfletcherbc Email: tfletcher@ blackpress.ca) A member of

This North Island Gazette is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province's newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2.

For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER . . . . . . . Hannah Griffin

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By Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor Editor A District of Port Hardy councillor is calling for the community to continue on a path started by the previous council to become designated “Bear Smart”.

At their regular meeting Aug. 11, Councillor Dennis Dugas raised the issue of the suspension of Conservation Officer Bryce Casavant and orphaned bear cubs Jordan and Athena who are currently being cared for at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington.

What led to the death of the sow and subsequent capture of the cubs is “really a people problem, not a bear problem,” said Dugas.

Dugas said there are only seven communities in British Columbia that have been designated “Bear Smart” and that if the district could work to obtain that status, that would be “something that we could really be proud of,” he said.

“Hopefully we as a council will support that in the future.”

“We have done some work in the past,” said Chief Administrative Officer Rick Davidge in an interview.

“There’s quite a number of Bear Smart garbage bins throughout the community.

There is about 25 or 30 of them,” Davidge said.

“We also did some work on survey information in terms of where the hot spots were, if you will, for wildlife,” he said.

“Port Hardy does have a number of green belts, and, of course, drainages and waterways that wildlife can take advantage of, so that information was gathered as well.”

Davidge said one area they will focus on is education.

“We’ll be looking at budgeting for information brochures and other education opportunities for the future.”

The City of Port Alberni was designated a ‘Bear Smart Community’ in 2013 by the Ministry of Environment Conservation Officer Service, the first on Vancouver Island to receive this designation.

According to the Ministry of Environment every year hundreds, and in some years thousands of bears are destroyed as a result of conflicts with people.

The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service spends more than $1 million every year responding to bear complaints and relocating or destroying bears. Property damage is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

Most of these problems begin when people allow bears to access non-natural food sources such as garbage.

The Bear Smart Community Program, designed by the Ministry in partnership with the British Columbia Conservation Foundation and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) is a voluntary, preventative conservation measure that encourages communities, businesses and individuals to work together.

The goal is to reduce the risks to human safety and private property and the number of bears that have to be destroyed each year.

In order to become Bear Smart, a community is required to prepare a bear hazard assessment of the community and the surrounding area; prepare a bear/human conflict management plan; implement a continuing education program directed at all sectors of the community; develop and maintain a bear-proof municipal solid waste management system, and implement Bear

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North Island Recovery Centre Photo District of Port Hardy Counciilor Dennis Dugas has asked that the community continue its efforts to become Bear Smart designated, to minimize human wildlife encounters, like the one that resulted in the death of a sow, two orphan cubs and the suspension of Conservation Officer Bryce Casavant after he refused to put the cubs down.

Smart bylaws prohibiting the provision of food to bears through intent, neglect, or irresponsible management of attractants.

A bear hazard assessment includes identifying high-use

bear habitat in the community and surrounding area such as travel corridors, natural food sources such as berry patches and salmon streams as well as breeding and denning areas. It also

includes mapping non-natural attractants within the community such as garbage cans, orchards, dumpsters, etc. and mapping where conflicts have occurred in the past.

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By Hannah Griffin Reporter Conservation officer efforts are continuing in the North Island after the controversy surrounding a July decision.

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By Hannah Griffin Reporter The temporary closure of a mill that employs a significant number of Port Alice’s workforce has brought concern over what the future will bring for the town of about 800 people. On March 1 of this year, Neucel Speciality Cellulose announced a curtailment in production at their Port Alice pulp mill. For many B.C. towns that rely largely on a single resource or employer, the cycle of closures and market curtailments is expected, if not desirable. Five months after the curtailment was announced, what does the future hold for mill workers, and how is Port Alice faring?

Tai Cheng, vice president of community and government affairs for Neucel, explained that although the curtailment was only six months initially, it has been extended until 2016 while they wait for the market to improve. Cheng says it has improved a lot over the past three months, and he hopes that they may be able to open again by early 2016. In the meantime, he says Neucel is examining some projects to improve viability and may hopefully cre-

Fisher suffers eye injury

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cers. Additionally, it is well-known that conservation officers, at the moment, are often in charge of huge masses of land.

David Karn, media relations for the Ministry of the Environment, wrote in an email that there are currently three conservation officers and one sergeant serving the North Island region. He writes that they go wherever they are needed, similar to how first responders serve small and remote areas.

He adds that there has been no lack of service in the North Island, calling it “business as usual.”

Update on Neucel curtailment

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By Hannah Griffin Reporter At 12:15 on Aug. 17 there was an accident near Telegraph Cove involving an individual on a vessel with an eye injury. A media representative from BC Ambulance Service said after receiving the call, they responded with one ground ambulance. The injured individual was brought to the hospital in Port McNeill and was reported to be in stable condition.

ate some jobs sooner. He says that there will be a better understanding of the mill’s timeline in the next 3-4 weeks.

Cheng explains that the pulp produced at the Port Alice mill is a commodity traded with a market price dictated by a commodity exchange in Shanghai. It is currently around $840 US a tonne, and holding steady. Cheng would not divulge at what price Neucel would be confident in re-opening the mill, but did say that in the last few years supply has exceeded demand. Neucel has asked for a 25 per cent municipal tax cut from Port Alice.

“I don’t believe permanent closure is something that is going to happen here,” Port Alice Mayor Jan Allen says. Allen says that when re-opening will occur is something that is still up in the air.

She says that some of the mill’s tradesmen have secured employment elsewhere.

Mill closure is something Allen has been through before, both in Port Alice and when she lived in Ocean Falls, and she is confident it will re-open in 2016.

Cheng says that under labour agreements with employees, Neucel is still paying benefits, but they run out in the fall. “At that point we may see some movement,” he says as “there is a little less incentive at that time to stick around this area.”

Cheng notes they understand the longer employees have to wait for the mill to re-open, the more they would expect that they are pursuing alternative work.

He does however, believe that people are familiar with the ups and downs of the industry.

“It is a very cyclical industry, so a lot of people understand that this situation is going to happen.”

8 www.northislandgazette.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

North Island MP candidates speak with The Gazette

By Hannah Griffin Reporter The federal election is just two months away on Oct. 19, and the decisions the voters in this riding make for who will represent them in Parliament is an important one. There are four Member of Parliament candidates in the running for the North Island-Powell River riding. As an area that is rich in natural resources with strong First Nations culture, and containing some areas that are experiencing economic strain due to industry curtailment, this is a complex region teeming with different issues and perspectives.

The North Island Gazette interviewed each MP to ask what makes them the best fit to represent this riding, and how their parties’ platforms aligned with

the needs of this riding. Those not registered yet to vote can do so on the Elections Canada website.

environment is. “It is possible to have a prosperous resource economy without ruining the environment.”

What about your background and skill set do you think makes you a good fit to represent this riding?

Laura Smith, political advisor to Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan since 2008, Conservative Party Smith came from a forestry family and worked in the industry for 14 years with a focus on resource management, which she says helps her to understand how to balance support for the local economy with protecting the environment. Smith also says that her six years working for John Duncan has given her valuable experience with a variety of issues related to fisheries, resource development and veterans. Smith attend NISS for a few years, lived

Peter Schwarzhoff, retired Environment Canada meteorologist and air quality researcher, Liberal Party Schwarzhoff says he has strong ties to Campbell River where he grew up in a pulp and paper mill family. He also thinks that his 30 years working as a scientist for Environment Canada gives him a solid understanding of how government works, the importance of science, and an understanding of how valuable the

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Brenda Sayers, financial administrator of Haahuupayak School, entrepreneur, activist, Green Party Sayers has a business and accounting background and a lot of experience with the process of acquiring funding. One thing she is very proud of is a 10-year project that saw her get full funding for the Haahuupayak School. She is very involved in her First Nation community, and raised awareness about the implications of Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) on Hupacasath rights and those of all Canadians.

“I believe in justice for our communities.”

Rachel Blaney, executive director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre, executive director of the Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of North Vancouver Island, New Democratic Party Blaney has lived in Campbell River for 17 years and feels connected to the area, and thinks that she has an understanding of the diverse issues going on.

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The health and protection of freshwater and ocean resources is an important issue for those living in coastal areas. If elected, how would you address this in the North IslandPowell River riding?

Schwarzhoff says that the approach to protecting environmental interests need to change.

“We’ve lost trust in governments to protect our long-term interests,” he says. He feels his role as a government scien-

tist has prepared him for this, and he wants to see more Environment Canada and DFO scientists, as well as an increased effort to protect our waters. He says he is not opposed to mining, he is opposed to water pollution. He feels that the trust the DFO once had has been lost. “A big part of my goal is to restore this.”

Smith says that she would want to see more emphasis on the environmental review process, something her background in resource management has prepared her for. Smith says that it makes her uncomfortable when politicians start to pick and choose projects before that review is done. She says it is important for the environmental review process to take place and be taken seriously, and that projects need to be said no to if after the review the risks don’t seem mitigated. “It’s all about having that review.”

Peter Schwarzhoff - Liberal

Laura Smith - Conservative

Sayers says that two very important things for her would be to look at reinstating Bills C38 and C45 in order to enhance protection for water and fish. “I think those things are critical to reinstate and bring Canada back up to the standard we once were.” Sayers also says that she would like to remove the presence of tankers off the coast.

Blaney says that the Conservative government reducing the Coast Guard Service is not okay. “We need that service,” she says, in order to make sure people who live on the water are being protected. She says the rules about protecting waterways have decreased considerably under the Conservatives, and she wants to change that.

“We are from the coast, we understand what is going on and we want to be heard.”

Continued on next Page

Brenda Sayers - Green Party

Rachel Blaney - NDP

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

www.northislandgazette.com 9

from

Diversification of the economy is important in our riding, especially in more rural towns that historically relied on a few natural resourcebased economies.

What will you do to promote diversification?

Schwarzhoff says that the Liberal Party’s child care benefit will put more money into the middle class.

“If you give money to somebody in the middle class they will spend it locally or they will pay down some debt,” he explains. He also says his party will pay into infrastructure, invest in post-secondary and skills training, and support green energy. He also says that in the North Island wind and tidal energy development could be a great way to diversify. Schwarzhoff also thinks that if marijuana were legalized, there is huge potential to grow the crop, expand labour and explore other opportunities related to it on the North Island.

Blaney says that stimulating small businesses is crucial for diversification. She thinks that by lowering the federal tax from 11 per cent to nine per cent for small businesses, small businesses could be better supported. Blaney also thinks we need more innovation in our riding, and an increased focus on how we can do this.

Sayers has some very specific ideas about how the economy could be diversified with an environmentally friendly focus. She suggests retrofitting houses and businesses to make them more energy efficient, landbased fish farms (like Kuterra) as opposed to open-net, micro-hydro electricity and solar energy - all initiatives that could create jobs.

Smith says this is an issue she has thought a lot about. She says that the historic boom and bust cycles on Vancouver Island show the importance of having a diversified economy where there is not so much emphasis on a single employer. “Our

approach is to create an environment in which businesses can thrive.”

Smith also thinks that making it easier for international business to function in our country could be beneficial, and steps towards this include lowering taxes and red tape.

There are many First Nations in the North Island-Powell River riding. How will you incorporate more First Nations views into decisions made in the area, especially when it comes to development?

“A prosperous future requires that we collaborate with First Nations,” Schwarzhoff says. He thinks that the Indian Act needs to be left behind, as each nation is ready, and cites the spirit of reconciliation around the Kelowna Accord. He believes in consulting with each First Nation and finding out where they are, and moving at their pace.

Blaney says that the NDP is committed to reviewing the recommendations set out by the Truth

and Reconciliation Commission.

“We know that when we all do better, we all do better,” she says.

Blaney also feels she has a personal connection as she grew up around First Nations and her husband is a former Chief and current council member of the Homalco First Nation. “It’s time for a change, for there to be more respect and to move forward in a positive way.”

“I think it’s really important to have an ongoing dialogue,” says Smith. She says that incorporating First Nations views is all about relationships and really listening.

She says she is very encouraged by what some First Nations are doing in terms of building their own capacity, resource base and selfsufficiency.

Sayers says that her position as a First Nations woman and her experience in the court challenge against FIPA has shown her what happens when the government does not respect First Nations.

She says that the courts

have already ruled that First Nations need to be consulted, and she will make sure these decisions are respected and followed through.

With regards to development, Sayers says that she would ensure that it does not happen at an exponential rate, and resources need to be taken sustainably and in respect of First Nations rights and titles.

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Tide Guide: Aug 27 to Sept 2

7115488

MP hopefuls respond to Gazette questions

Chelsie Russell, from Port McNeill, gets a lift on the EuroBungy ride at Campbell River’s Salmon Festival.

The Pacific Salmon Foundation announced over $29,000 for two Pacific salmon projects in Port Hardy. The total value of the projects including volunteer time and community fund-raising is over $117,000. The Foundation’s Community Salmon Program supports habitat stewardship, Pacific salmon enhancement and watershed education, and is funded primarily from sales of the federal government’s Salmon Conservation Stamp.

Both of the projects are by the Northern Vancouver Island Salmon Enhancement Association. The first is a fish counter that will be designed and constructed to help evaluate returns and marine survival of hatchery and wild salmon on the Quatse River. The other project will involve purchasing equipment that controls water temperature at the same hatchery, thus improving salmon survival rates during the early rearing period.

“We are pleased to support the Northern Vancouver Island Salmon Enhancement Association and their projects because the work will be help increase our understanding of the status of salmon on the Quatse River,” said Dr. Brian Riddell, president and CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation. The Foundation’s Community Salmon Program supports community groups, volunteers and First Nations across the province. All give countless hours each year to monitor watersheds, develop and implement habitat rehabilitation projects, and educate communities

about the conservation and protection of salmon.

The program requires grantees to find matching funds for projects. On average, grantees raise an additional $6 for every dollar they receive through additional fund-raising for donations of in-kind and money at the community level. The majority of funds for the Community Salmon Program were generated through sales of the federal Salmon Conservation Stamp.

The Salmon Conservation Stamp is a decal that must be purchased annually by anglers if they wish to keep Pacific salmon caught in saltwater off of Canada’s West Coast. Currently all proceeds from the $6 dollar stamp are returned to British Columbia through the Foundation, generating about $1 million for community grants annually.

In addition to funds generated from the sales of the federal “Salmon Stamp”, the grants are made possible by Pacific Salmon Foundation fund-raising dinners, auctions and donations from individuals, foundations and businesses. Several businesses and foundations also contribute to the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s community salmon program.

“The Community Salmon Program captures the essence of what we are trying to do at the Foundation,” concluded Riddell. “Government, business, First Nations and volunteers all working together “that is the best way to ensure the future of wild Pacific salmon.”

7123130

Salmon projects receive funds

10 www.northislandgazette.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

A round-up of Harper’s Campbell River visit

By Hannah Griffin Reporter On Aug. 20 and 21, Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a campaign stop in Campbell River, where he made an announcement about his party’s commitment to protecting salmon. Some controversy followed his visit when several Scouts posed next to him during a speech.

In coastal parts of the country, important questions are being asked about what each party plans to do to protect and improve the health of Canada’s waters and aquatic life as the Oct. 19 federal election approaches.

Salmon are an extremely valuable resource on the North Island, not to mention the tremendous importance they hold for the many First Nations communities in the area.

According to reports from the CBC, Harper said at the campaign stop that if his Conservative government were reelected, they would make efforts to restore and promote the health of B.C.’s salmon and aquatic habitat. Harper promised an extended partnership with the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and $15 million towards B.C.’s estuaries. The Pacific Salmon Foundation is a non-profit charity that works on conserving and restoring Pacific wild salmon in B.C. and the Yukon.

Harper also promised he would work with the B.C. government and First Nations communities to finish the National Ongoing Every Thursday night starting at 6:30 p.m., the Port Hardy Lions club hosts bingo at the civic centre.

Refreshments and hot food sold by Marlene (civic centre concession).

Funds collected are donated to local residents. Treat yourself to an evening out with friends for a good cause!

August 28, 29, 30 Sointula Salmon Days kickoff Friday night at the Whale’s Rub Pub 8 p.m. Saturday parade starts at 11:30 a.m.

Activities in the park including live music, food, games, vendors and a performance by Valdy. Salmon dinner. Salmon Days dance. Sunday pancake breakfast, downtown street party. Museum tours 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

August 29 Salsa Survivor Dance try-it-before-you-buy-it” demo Sointula Salmon Days Festival. 6:45 p.m.

Marine Conservation Area Reserve. This conservation area is between Vancouver Island and the mainland coast.

In the days following this pledge, some critical of the promise have said that it seems like too little too late, a small commitment that comes after damaging conservation laws put into place under Harper’s government.

The Ottawa Citizen reported that the online announcement on the Conservative Party website and on Stephen Harper’s Twitter page stating his pledge showed a photo of an Atlantic salmon - shot by a photographer in Northumberland county in England. After the Ottawa Citizen pointed out the error, the image was changed online.

Whatever the election outcome, it is clear that concerns about the salmon stocks and aquatic life in this area are here to stay. How each party chooses to approach and engage with the issue, both in terms of campaign promises and real, concrete action, remains to be seen.

Another significant part of Harper’s Campbell River stop was the fallout that took place after several young Scouts Canada members stood in uniform beside Harper as he spoke at a podium. Global News reports that Scouts Canada has said they did not agree to have those Scouts present, and the organization has said they are not connected to any political body. Scouts Canada posted on Twitter on Aug. 21, “Just a

HOT SPOTS August 29 North Island Farmers Market 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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August 31 & September 1 Port McNeill Salsa Survivor Dance Workshops Monday, August 31 at 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Gate House Theatre.

August 17 - 21 Summer Day Camp St. Columbas United-Anglican Church Port Hardy. Age five to 12. Contact Joy 250949-6300 for more information.

J.R. Rardon Photo Protester Hal Hewitt of Headquarters plays the sousaphone as the Stephen Harper campaign bus leaves a campaign event in Black Creek Thursday night.

reminder that Scouts Canada members are not permitted to attend political events in uniform, we are non-partisan!”

The Scout troop leader, Bruce Hallsor, told CTV news he told them to dress in uniform for the event on Friday, but did not know about the non-partisan policy.

Hallsor went on to tell CTV news he is a Conservative Party member and has been a co-chair of campaigns in the past, but not this one.

September 5 Old Quatsino is having its 120th anniversary featuring Lorne Jones and the Tugs, a barbecue and beer gardens.

Proceeds to the Quatsino Museum and Volunteer Fire Department.

Join us for an afternoon of music, beers, burgers and a history lesson or two. 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. Quatsino Elementary School, Bergh Cove.

September 12-13 The annual Mount Waddington Fall Fair will be held in Port McNeill.

September 12 Port Hardy Tour de Rock Gala, September 12th at the Port Hardy Civic Centre, Semi-formal/Formal Gala, Cocktails 6 p.m. to 7 p.m, Dinner at 7 p.m.

Live band Crash Palace Cowboys, Live/ Silent Auction, 50/50, door prizes!

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September 12 Registration for the Guides and Scouts at the Hall in Port McNeill from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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RDMW campground numbers up

Positive RCMP program gets great feedback

By Hannah Griffin Reporter Sgt. Craig Blanchard made an oral report at the Port McNeill council meeting Aug. 17 about what is going on with local RCMP. Blanchard said that a positive enforcement program is receiving great feedback.

The program sees officers handing out tickets to young people in town doing positive things, like wearing bike helmets.

They can then be entered into a draw to win a bike.

Councillor Graham MacDonald commended the efforts and said that police really lack resources when it comes to dealing with youth.

Sgt. Blanchard also said that the new Harbour Manager is doing a great job of communicating with police and helping to get small things dealt with right away.

“For us we solved a lot of small crimes and prevented a lot of bigger things from happening due to his cooperation,” he said.

Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor Photo

Pretty in Pink

Dynah, a cancer support dog from Bowden, Alberta took time out to enjoy OrcaFest in Port McNeill with her two-legged parents on Aug. 15. Dogs that visit patients with cancer have been convincingly shown to reduce stress, loneliness, and mood disturbance that may complicate cancer care.

By Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor Editor Two local campsites are on target to have record seasons.

At the Regional District of Mount Waddington board meeting Aug. 18 Administrator Greg Fletcher said the Link River Regional Park campsite near Alice Lake and the Bere Point Park Campground, located six kilometres from Sointula, are both having a banner year. “They’re on pace for a record year,” said Fletcher in an interview.

“It’s been a good season,” he said, adding that the fabulous weather has helped.

August is traditionally the biggest month at Bere Point, which added four new campsites this year, because that is normally when people come to watch whales.

“They come from all over the place,” he said.

The RDMW keeps fairly tight statistics on the campgrounds because they reflect the trends in tourism in the area. “It’s indicative of what type of tourism is happening in general.”

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Eating on an income assistance budget

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By Hannah Griffin Reporter Trying to eat well on a small budget is hard, and the specific complexities of food security and accessibility in the North Island make nutrition for those in this region with limited income a challenge.

A single person living on income assistance in B.C. receives about a base rate of $610 per month, and combined with other benefits they could receive about $638.92 per month. For a person living in Port Hardy, as in most other towns and cities in Canada, it would be incredibly difficult to consume a nutritious, balanced and satisfying diet on this income.

According to the B.C. Cost of Living Calculator, which is based on data collected by the Economic Research Institute, if someone on income assistance lived in Port Hardy in accordance with average living expenses, in a small apartment and with no car, they would end up

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Statistics Canada reports that in 2013 there were 310 people in Port Hardy using some form of social assistance (not necessarily income assistance.) This is about 7.8 per cent per cent of the total population based on the most recent available census data.

Living in a small Port Hardy apartment at current prices could cost $450. A local bus pack of 10 tickets is $10.50. If $55 were allocated for other essentials like buying shampoo, toothpaste, or a cell phone plan to aid looking for employment, then $123.42 would be left over each month for groceries, or just under $31 per week.

Bronwyn Coyne, a dietitian with the Vancouver Island Health Authority who works in the North Island, says that people trying to eat healthily on such a small budget face major obstacles.

Coyne says that a challenge is that despite the clear nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables, on a budget of this size buying a lot of produce is not always economical. Fruits and vegetables won’t fill someone up as much as things like oatmeal, rice and beans, ideally purchased in bulk. She recommends buying frozen vegetable, as well as proteins like eggs and beans instead of spending a lot of money on meat. She also says that even if someone is focusing on buying very healthy, nutritious food, the biggest problem is having enough of that food to last throughout the week or month.

There are resources in the area for those facing food insecurity, like the Harvest Food Bank, Salvation Army and Gwa’salaNakwaxda’xw food programs, but for the purposes of this article budgeting is based solely on income assistance.

The author of this article created a meal plan for the week

Submitted Photo

Produce is healthy, but not always easy to fit into a tight grocery budget. Flickr stock photo.

using July 2 prices at Overwaitea in Port Hardy. With the inclusion of some sale prices, a week of eating on $31 could include: Breakfast Oatmeal with 1 apple sliced in and peanut butter Lunch 1 peanut butter sandwich 1 apple Dinner For three dinners out of the week: linguine with sautéed broccoli and garlic in tomato sauce For four dinners out of the week: baked beans with a 3-egg omelette with broccoli This diet is low in variety and portion size and it is important to note that the budget does not allow for the odd coffee or treat, often a significant morale booster.

This week of eating also assumes that someone would have access to a kitchen, cooking staples like oil, butter, basic spices and plastic containers and sealable plastic bags for having lunch or snacks throughout the day - all extra costs that would exceed the $31 budget.

Another issue is that Port Hardy only has one grocery store, negating the ability for people to comparison shop.

Even though there are two grocery

stores in nearby Port McNeill, the half-hour drive can be an impediment for many people facing personal food shortages, especially if they do not own a vehicle.

Health Canada’s National Nutritious Food Basket is a tool used to monitor the cost of healthy eating based on about 60 foods that represent a healthy general diet.

The cost of a nutritious food basket is based on feeding a family of four, but can be used as a general tool to see how expensive healthy food is in different parts of the province. There are five geographical health authority regions in B.C. - Northern Health, Interior Health, Fraser Health, Vancouver Island Health and Vancouver Coastal Health. In 2013 the average cost of the nutritious food basket in B.C. as a whole was $914, and of the five geographic regions, Vancouver Island Health had the most expensive nutritious food basket at $948. While food prices obviously vary from community to community on Vancouver Island, the fact that the North Island is remote and without extensive agriculture means that communities here are likely paying more than neighbours to the south of the island.

There is also the added effect that poor nutrition has on men-

tal health and energy.

Raise the Rates, a coalition of community groups concerned about poverty and homelessness in B.C., organizes the Welfare Food Challenge, an annual challenge that asks people to spend no more than $21 on food for one week.

The $21 is based on the cost of living in a single-room occupancy dwelling in the downtown eastside of Vancouver.

Many participants in the challenge - often working professionals and parents - consistently record in their journals feeling lethargic, depressed and unsatisfied. Someone who is dealing with the stress of being low on money would likely not be aided in their day-to-day challenges by feeling terrible from insufficient nutrition.

The above information just scratches the surface of the difficulties those trying to subsist on income assistance or limited incomes face, a significant issue in our community.

This is the second article in a series about food insecurity issues on the North Island. If you have any ideas of other areas to explore or would just like to discuss the issue, please contact Hannah Griffin at reporter@northislandgazette.com or 250949-6225.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

www.northislandgazette.com 13

NORTH ISLAND HEALING ROOMS Have you got pain in your body?

Are you hurting emotionally?

Trouble in relationships or finances?

Are you battling fear?

Come to Room 353 @ Providence Place the 4th Thursday of each month.

Next one is August 27th

WALK-IN CLINIC: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Katrina Johnny is the new Comprehensive Community Planning coordinator for Gwa’sala’Nakwaxda’wx.

Healing ministry to the whole person.

Body, Mind & Emotions Enter through the Courtyard by Bargain store 250-230-0106

7120386

Hannah Griffin Photo

New CCP coordinator for Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’wx

By Hannah Griffin Reporter Katrina Johnny is the new Comprehensive C o m m u n i t y Planning coordinator for Gwa’sala’Nakwaxda’wx.

A Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) was made up in 2010, and Johnny will be working to make sure it is up to date with the needs of the community.

The CCP covers all issues on the reserve, relating to everything from health to culture to economics, and all

the ways they overlap. She put together an advisory committee in July to help her prepare activities for meetings and to give input on the planning process.

CCP is a tool used by many First Nations to help build healthy and sustainable communities, with an improvement in quality of life a goal.

One challenge Johnny has faced so far is learning to work on her own.

She receives lots of support from for-

mer CCP coordinator Jessie Hemphill, but much of her job is very independent.

The CCP covers a wide range of issues and areas, and one that Johnny is most interested in is the rich culture in her community, and she hopes to emphasize the need for people to continue to teach culture.

Since she began the position earlier this summer, Johnny has been focusing on learning as much as she can about her new

position, and especially about the delicate art of facilitation.

She hopes to get input and involvement from everyone in the community, of all ages.

In September, Johnny will be holding a CCP launch for the whole community, with a dinner, a meeting and door prizes, and regular CCP meetings will follow.

One of her main goals is to see everyone in the community come closer together and understand each other.

Vancouver Island Regional Library releases annual report Submitted by VIRL Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) announced the release of its 2014 annual report.

The report, themed “Connecting Communities”, summarizes the regional library’s finances, highlights a variety of accomplishments throughout the previous year, acknowledges donors and recognizes the continued dedication and support from the VIRL Board of Trustees.

For the first year, the 2014 Annual Report is an entirely digital edition that works to promote VIRL’s eLibrary by including interactive links (Wiki-style), taking readers directly to VIRL’s services for more information.

This digital version is also environmen-

tally conscious and a simultaneous vehicle for advertising VIRL’s wealth of digital services.

Vancouver Island Regional Library prepares an annual report as required by the Library Act. Visit virl.bc.ca for more information, or http://virl.bc.ca/about-us/reports-and-plans to view the 2014 Annual Report. Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is the fifth largest library system in British Columbia.

It serves over 430,000 people on Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and Bella Coola on the Central Coast through 39 branch libraries, a virtual branch, and a books-by-mail service. VIRL’s holdings number one-million and include books, magazines, CD’s and DVD’s. Administrative offices are located in Nanaimo.

North Island Eagles September Try-Out Schedule Saturday

9:00-10:30am 10:45-12:15pm 12:30-2:00pm 2:15-3:45pm

Atom Development Peewee Bantam Midget

Sunday

9:00-10:30am 10:45-12:15pm 12:30-2:00pm 2:15-3:45pm

Atom Development Peewee Bantam Midget

Monday

6:00-7:30pm

Atom Development

Sept 7, 2015

7:45-9:15pm

Bantam

Tuesday

6:00-7:30pm

Peewee

Sept 8, 2015

7:45-9:15pm

Midget

Wednesday

6:00-7:30pm 7:45-9:15pm

Atom Development Bantam

Thursday

6:00-7:30pm 7:45-9:15pm

Peewee Midget

Saturday

3:00-4:30pm 4:45-6:15pm 6:30-8:00pm 8:15-9:45pm

Atom Development Peewee Bantam Midget

Sunday

3:00-4:30pm 4:45-6:15pm 6:30-8:00pm 8:15-9:45pm

Atom Development Peewee Bantam Midget

Sept 5, 2015

Sept 6, 2015

Sept 9, 2015

Sept 10, 2015

Sept 12, 2015

Sept 13, 2015

THE NORTH ISLAND EAGL Optional Conditioning Camp Optional Conditioning ASSOCIATIO Camp REP HOCKEY Optional Conditioning Camp

IsOptional now accepting coaching Conditioning Camp applicat for the 2015/2016 Optional Conditioning Camp

Optionalcoaches Conditioning Camp Without the divisions will no OptionalPlease Conditioning Camp express interest to Optional Conditioning Camp Andrew Laming at 250-956-2942 treetech8@hotmail.com Evaluations starting. Mandatory attendance for all players

Application deadline: June 20th, Evaluations starting. Mandatory attendance for all players

Evaluations starting. Mandatory attendance for all players Evaluations starting. Mandatory attendance for all players

Teams will be selected by the end of Sept. 13

Monday

6:00-7:30pm 7:45-9:15pm

Atom Development Bantam

Tuesday

6:00-7:30pm 7:45-9:15pm

Peewee Midget

Wednesday

6:00-7:30pm 7:45-9:15pm

Atom Development Bantam

Thursday

6:00-7:30pm 7:45-9:15pm

Peewee Midget

Sept 14, 2015

Sept 15, 2015

Sept 16, 2015

Sept 17, 2015 7120407

14 www.northislandgazette.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Waste Discharge Pre-Authorization No. 108013

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE Application for an Open Burning Permit under the Provisions of the Environmental Management Act TimberWest Forest Corp. is applying to the Director, Environmental Management Act to authorize the discharge of air emissions from open burning of dryland log sort debris in a designated location.

The land upon which the burn site will be situated is within TFL47, Block 2, Range 1, Coast Land District, located at Potts Lagoon within Clio Channel.

Jocelin Teron, RPF TimberWest Forest Corp.

PO Box 2800 Campbell River, BC V9W 5C5 Phone: 250-286-7310 teronj@timberwest.com

Ministry of Environment: Director, Environmental Protection 2080-A Labieux Road Nanaimo BC V9T 5B9 Date: August 14, 2015

7124238

A total of 2000m3 of dryland log sort debris, consisting of bark, limbs and un-merchantable log chunks, will be open burned per year. Open burning will be carried out in accordance with an operational burn plan, once in the spring and once in the fall and only under ideal conditions. As per the burn plan, wood debris will be piled on a designated burn site in a haystack shape in order to promote good ventilation and rapid combustion. During each burning period, adequate fire protection equipment and personnel will be on-site to monitor active burning. The discharge of air emissions will last no longer than five days in duration during each open burning period, and will be done on Monday – Friday’s only. Burning will not occur on weekends or holidays, nor during the summer months (July 1 – Sept 30).

Any person who may be adversely affected by the proposed open burning of wood waste and wishes to provide relevant information may send written comments to the applicant with a copy to the Director, Environmental Protection, at the address noted below within 30 days after the last date of posting, publishing, service or display. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record.

Further Information can be retrieved by contacting:

www.northislandgazette.com

Ferry trip ‘fabulous’ but BC Ferries not Once the pride of the province’s transportation system, BC Ferries is an object of harsh criticism from a pair of Australian eco-tourists who recently visited the Bella Coola Valley.

Susan Rhind, PhD, and Murray Ellis, both wildlife biologists and seasoned travellers who roam the world’s remote places observing wildlife and wilderness habitat, sometimes volunteering for various organizations, came in on the Nimpkish “Discovery Coast Connector” for the last week of their two-month 2015 adventure.

While praising the Bella Coola Valley as the highlight of their trip and describing their cruise on the MV Nimpkish as “fabulous” the couple recounted their adventure for the Coast Mountain NEWS. Their experience with BC Ferries might have discouraged less determined travellers, but they were undaunted

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50th Year No. 5

January 29, 2015

• CERTIFIED

Marsh Bay salmon farm attains certification.

Page 2

• CONTRIBUTION

conCampbell River tributes to Mayor Gerry Furney Tribute.

Page 3

• PEEWEE VICTORY...

Eagles down Alberni Bulldogs in play-off action.

Page 7 HOT SPOTS Page 4 COMMENTARY Page 6 SPORTS Page 7-8 CLASSIFIEDS Page 9-11

Harry Sarah Kowalenko, Island Health’s George Hunt Sr., Waddington, Kwakiutl Kwakiutl Chief rural health, Mount Councillor director Jeff Beselt, Mitchell, senior manager for Quatsino Band Health medical Alison Don Hubbard, and From left: Island Centre last Thursday, xda’xw bands, Health board chair Gwa’sala-’Nakwa new Primary Health J.R. Rardon Hank Bood, Island Webber of the on Port Hardy’s Port Hardy Mayor front, cut the ribbon For more photos, see page 12.

Chief Thomas Wilson, Cynthia Dickey, the audience. with help from James Nelson, at left, welcomes Chief George Hunt, Jan. 22. Below,

ils health centre

Island Health unve

together concerned The group brought Mount Waddington the community members, Nations, the Regional First Island Health Network, J.R. Rardon Waddington and a District of Mount which submitted Gazette staff a flurry of eagle Health Representatives, that included the PORT HARDY—With the snip of scissors and Port report and recommendations care facilities in down, a blessing song Hardy Primary Health Port creation of integrated public on ribbon, the new its doors to the Hardy and Port McNeill. late last year, the Port Care Centre opened Following a renovation recently re-opened services in a Thursday morning.

Clinic in a cool, biting some community McNeill Medical and the opening Under a large canopyIsland Health, local health care and integrated care centre, Hardy facility from Port patient- as an the single location. breeze, dignitaries services in a spring of the new First Nations extolled to “By providing completion of that reduce this government and area access mark the successful setting, we’re helping will offers in increased primary centre the centered emergency promise of for health care. on Port Hardy Hospital’s care,” recommendation. the creation and work and expanded options of where we’re demands offering easily accessible attend Bev A driving force in not “This is really indicative with the health department and group was then-Mayor Terry Lake, who did the local working going, as far as partnerships of the Gwa’sala- Health Minister release. died last May. written who a in she Wilson said Parnham, health a the ceremony, authority,” said Dean leader of Port Hardy construction of the Clinic. “We’re in “She knew as a The concept and with all communities more than ’Nakwaxda’xw Healthwere 10, 15 years ago.” from the formation we needed to collaborate I want to pay her some the centre resulted different place than the completion of of the Mount Waddington on the North Island, so working The ceremony marked metre facility, which three years ago Stabilization local See page 2 staffing $2.6 million, 482-squareConstruction of Port Health Services to address chronic group, which hoped was built by Norkanof local subcontractors. room closures ‘Parnham recognized’ rolling emergency McNeill with the help operational, but will be shortages and The clinic is not yet primary in Port Hardy. this spring to offer officially opened

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on what they estimated to be a $16,000 venture ($2,000 of it spent in the Valley).

They had returned to the northeast Pacific after a previous voyage down the Inside Passage on Alaska’s ‘marine highway’ while volunteering on a twomonth trip to Alaska and Costa Rica. Two years ago, they created a similar two-month eco-tour starting in Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, then Nova Scotia, a short time in BC, and on to Churchill, Manitoba to observe the polar bears of Hudson Bay. Their work-travel has also included Viet Nam, and for Rhind, a two-year stint in Africa.

This summer, acting on a recommendation by a fellow researcher living in Kamloops, they settled on a week in the Bella Coola Valley to end this two-month trip. They knew prime grizzly season was later on, but they came, hoping to see bears anyway.

“We looked up Bella Coola (on the Internet) and went WOW!”, said Rhind.

Then the difficulties began.

They decided to take the ferry so they could experience the voyage.

The couple found the BC Ferries website “impossible”. “Once we disentangled it all, we were uncomfortable about whether we were booking what we thought we were booking,” said Rhind. The website was so “awkward” that they contacted the travel agency in Bella Coola, who restored their confidence, but they were still left with questions.

Being seasoned international travellers used to making their own arrangements, the couple turned to ‘Trip Advisor’ and other social media reviews to get a picture

of what to expect. This included looking up the MV Nimpkish.

“The reviews were absolutely damning,” Rhind said. They saw newspaper articles that reported on the dismal 2014 season (the first year of the new “connector” service involving the Nimpkish.)

They read about “a politician saying what a glorious trip he’d had.”

Ellis claimed, “It seemed he (the politician) was manufacturing his own version of reality.”

“People don’t just go to BC Ferries and see what BC Ferries says about themselves,” Rhind said.

“They also go on the Internet, where I saw everything was bad. Everything I could find out about this vessel told me how terrible it was.”

Nevertheless, because they weren’t encumbered by a vehicle, they were able to get reservations as foot passengers on the ‘connector’ (sold out for vehicles), and booked their twomonth trip: Starting in Hawaii, then Alaska, and down the Inside Passage to Vancouver.

There, still curious about the amenities on board the Nimpkish, the pair went to the BC Ferries Vacations downtown head office to ask what they should expect in order to prepare. They got no answers.

“We were confused,” Rhind said, adding that they weren’t asking in order to be critical. “Our questions were genuine questions. We wanted to know if we were taking the right stuff. But they couldn’t give the information to me.”

The trip continued: Up the Sunshine Coast, over to Vancouver Island and Tofino, then to northern Vancouver Island where they spoke to other BC Ferries staff and got no information about the

Nimpkish amenities.

The couple told sad that everywhere they went in their BC travels, people complained about the ferry service - about reservations, about getting information, about fares, about schedules. They said this hadn’t been their experience when they were here just two years ago. (That was before the government’s cost-cutting measures were implemented.)

At Port Hardy, because of what they had read on-line, Rhind and Ellis packed cushions, water, food, and raingear. “We knew this (the Nimpkish) was a bucket, a tub, but that wasn’t going stop us.

We were ready for anything,” Rhind said. “We had already lowered our expectations. We just needed information.”

North they sailed on the MV Northern Expedition, heading into the Great Bear Rainforest to Bella Bella, where they transferred to the Nimpkish.

Once aboard the little vessel, the couple learned of the complimentary food and beverages only when other passengers appeared with refreshments in the lounge where they had gone. No information had been provided to those going to the second lounge.

“You had to be resourceful and able bodied,” Rhind said.

They had to find the washrooms for themselves and be able to squeeze between the RV’s occupying the centre overheight lane to get to the lounge serving water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and a boxed lunch. Rhind expressed special concern about safety. “You need to be physically really strong to open the doors,” she noted, and this, coupled with the sills underfoot, could cause an accident

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in which case, “BC Ferries would surely be dragged through the courts, and would not win because it is absolutely obvious that it’s very dangerous. If you are frail, overly tall, or have a pot belly, you probably can’t go on that ferry, and it’s certainly not safe.” She sees this as an “equity issue” adding a more suitable vessel should be employed for this service.

From their Nimpkish experience, Rhind and Ellis said they have invented a new English verb: When they are uninformed about what to expect, they say they have been “Nimpkished”.

As for the journey itself, Rhind and Ellis raved about the trip and the effort the crew put in to point out landmarks and entice the dolphins cavorting alongside.

“They turned around, and were joined by hundreds of dolphins.

Every single person on the boat was delighted.

It was the highlight of their trip.”

The pair remarked on the “intimacy” with the other passengers afforded by the small vessel.

“Everyone got talking to each other. We were going remoter, so everyone took their time.

Delightful. In calm conditions where the weather was pretty good.”

Would she recommend the trip?

“Absolutely. It was a fabulous trip, even on the Nimpkish: if you know what to expect and you don’t have physical disabilities that would make this a worry for you.”

The couple said the Bella Coola Valley was the highlight of their 2015 eco-tour. It rivals the wonderful Canadian Rockies, but it doesn’t have the human pressure. “It’s not designer wilderness,” said Ellis.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

www.northislandgazette.com 15

Ticks - What everyone should know

By Hannah Griffin Reporter In May my partner Alex and I went for an overnight hike near the Elk Lakes in eastern B.C.’s Kootenay Mountains. Although the snowfall this winter had been significantly less than the feet upon feet that usually dowses the area in powder, the path we walked was still covered in snow.

We stuck to the sides, often walking past and under small trees and bushes. About two hours into the hike, we stopped for a break.

I placed my hand on Alex’s neck and instantly recoiled as I felt something out of place on his skin. A tick.

I quickly flicked it onto the ground, and we kept on. Over the course of the two days, Alex found nine ticks on his clothes as we hiked. Waking up in our tent, we even found one nestled into my sleeping bag, a freeloader sneakily invaded my down cocoon. As we hiked back to the car the next day and continued to find ticks climbing up Alex’s bright purple hiking pants, we marvelled that they were all over him and none were crawling on me.

Back at home in Fernie that

evening, a stressful situation presented itself, and I habitually run my hands through my hair. I stopped when I felt an unusual bump at the base of my skull, where a tick had burrowed into my head. Alex took a quick look and confirmed that the tick’s head was lodged in mine, and his little back legs were squirming. After a quick trip to the ER where an excited young nurse exclaimed that I was her “first tick,” the little guy was extracted from my head with tweezers and placed into a plastic container for the remainder of his days. I named him Stu. The idea of a small, multilegged creature nestling into your skin, bringing along with it the threat of paralysis and disease is unpleasant at the least. With many conflicting messages about the dangers of ticks and differing opinions on the validity of Lyme Disease, what should we know about ticks in this region?

The reason ticks bite animals and humans is because they need to use the blood as protein for their egg development.

The Western Black-legged Tick is found on Vancouver Island, and the red and black females

and smaller black males attach themselves to humans, deer, cats and dogs. This kind of tick won’t cause paralysis, but it does carry the micro-organism that causes Lyme Disease. Surprisingly, less than one per cent of ticks tested in B.C. carry this bacteria. While the chance of ticks transmitting Lyme Disease to humans is very small, the disease can be very serious.

While tick folklore says that ticks jump onto their prey, they actually attach to humans and animals as they pass by, they burrow part way into the skin, bite, draw blood and then fall off.

When removing a tick, the most important thing is that you get all of it out, especially the mouth.

The best way to remove them is to use tweezers or fingers, and pull slowly and gently without twisting. If you are unsure of your ability to do so, going to a doctor as soon as possible is a good idea.

About 70-80 per cent of people will develop a skin rash where they were bitten by a tick. The rash will grow in area over a few days, and can be as large as 30 cm, and sometimes forms a bull’s-eye. Other symptoms

after being bitten by a tick that can be cause for concern are a fever, headache, muscle pain, paralysis and fatigue. Lyme Disease can become very serious if it is not diagnosed or treated, and complications can range from arthritis to neurological problems. Lyme Disease is in some ways a controversial diagnosis, and some doctors do not recognize it.

The Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation says on their website that Lyme victims are often misdiagnosed with other illnesses, and when they are eventually diagnosed correctly, it can be hard to verify because accurate testing is not available in Canada.

They go on to explain that some doctors will diagnose a patient with Lyme Disease if they have the bully’s-eye rash, while others want a confirmed blood test before they will begin to treat.

However, there are no commercially available blood tests in Canada. There are two antibody tests that can be done as well.

Those with Lyme Disease are often misdiagnosed with diseases

like chronic fatigue, MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Colitis.

While the risks of contracting Lyme Disease are low, it is important to be informed about the symptoms and know how to proactively protect yourself.

Try to walk on cleared trails (i.e. avoid what Alex and I did!), tuck in shirts, pants, and thoroughly check body including scalp both during an outing and after you return. And remember, hiking is fun, but returning with a new friend feeding on your head is not.

THANK YOU! Over

$100,000 raised so far for the Kokish River Salmon Enhancement Project

OUR DERBY WINNERS WERE: Largest Salmon - WENDY BARRY - 20 lb. Spring Salmon Largest Bottom Fish - KATHY OWEN - 18 lb. Halibut Youth Prize - RIVER BAKER - 21 lb. Spring Salmon

Total Amount Raised in 2015 Fishing Derby: $7,000

7127443

Our Thanks go to the following businesses and individuals for their donation of prizes and support of this endeavor.

Bangles Black Bear Resort Broughton Archipelago Charters C.A.B Glen and Anita Chapman Brian and Carol Clarkson Dirty Jacks Computer Repair Dockside 29 Owners Inc.

Furney Distributing limited Hardy Buoys Smoked fish inc Heather Brown Henschel Fine Arts Gary Hobbs & Lynne Van Der Mey Island Foods Nicole Lewis

Ron and Eve Little Robert Morrison Peoples Drug Mart Robin`s Pet Supplies Bill and Linda Shipp Shop Rite Marine Stubbs Island Charter Telegraph Cove Resorts Ltd.

The Clothes Inn Tide Rip Tours Timberland Sports West Coast Helicopter Windsor Plywood Howard and Carol Zayac Dave and Molly Hollingsworth

Super Value I.G.A Ferlin & Lana Koma D. Cooper Thanks to everyone Gordie & Marilyn Graham & a host of volunteers

16 www.northislandgazette.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

SPORTS & RECREATION Submit results to 250-949-6225 Fax 250-949-7655 or email us at sports@northislandgazette.com • Deadline 10 am Monday

on deck Tell us about items of interest to the sports community.

Ongoing Aquafit at the Port Hardy pool Mondays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 250-949-6686 for more information.

Ongoing Tuesdays and Thursdays adapted landfit at the Port Hardy Recreation Centre. Call 250949-6686 for more information.

August 27 Learn to Fish Beaver Lake for kids five to 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All equipment provided. Call 250-8861488 to register.

August 29 Salsa Survivor Dance try-itbefore-you-buyit” demo Sointula Salmon Days Festival. 6:45 p.m.

August 31 & September 1 Port McNeill Salsa Survivor Dance Workshops Monday, August 31 at 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Gate House Theatre.

September 12 T r i - P o r t Speedway race begins at 6 p.m.

September 15 Tumble and Play, ages zero to five, indoor gross motor development, play songs and games, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Starting September 15. Call 250-9496686 to register or ask the front desk at the Port Hardy Recreation centre for more information.

Dust Bowl lives up to its name

By Hannah Griffin Reporter The Tri-Port Speedway’s Dust Bowl Weekend on Aug. 22 and 23 certainly lived up to its name.

Dust flew and engines roared all weekend at the Tri-Port Speedway.

Morale was high as the weekend saw racers and fans back after a water-restriction imposed hiatus.

An Aug. 8 race was cancelled due to water restrictions.

On Sunday afternoon, racers took one of several breaks as the track was hosed down, the water drying on the clay track in what seemed like minutes. The announcer cautioned that “water could actually make it worse,” turning the track from dusty to slippery.

A concession served up burgers with fitting names like “The Pit Crew,” and fans watched from stands and under umbrellas overlooking the track.

The association hopes to be holding more upcoming races in order to make up for missed races. More information can be found on the Tri-Port Speedway Association’s Facebook page or by contacting Teresa Lee at 250-949-7273.

Results: Aug. 22 Fast Time: #44, Jared Breitkreitz Trophy Dash: #77, Glen Day 1st Heat 1st: #99, Mitchell Blackmore 2nd: #7, Daniel Hovey 3rd: #77, Glen Day 2nd Heat 1st: #7. Daniel Hovey 2nd: #77, Glen Day 3rd: #44, Jared Breitkreitz Main 1st: #77, Glen Day 2nd: #44, Jared

Breitkreitz 3rd: #99, Mitchell Blackmore 4th: #7, Daniel Hovey 5th: #99, Mitchell Blackmore 6th: #48, Teresa Lee 7th: #4, Paul Weeks Day Points 1st: #7, Daniel Hovey, 111 points 2nd: #77, Glen Day, 99 points 3rd: #99, Mitchell Blackmore, 81 points 4th: #44, Jared Breitkreitz, 71 points 5th: #48, Teresa Lee, 50 points 6th: #4, Paul Weeks, 46 points 7th: #13, Brock Shore, 26 points Aug. 23 Fast Time: #7, Daniel Hovey Trophy Dash: #77, Glen Day 1st Heat 1st: #7, Daniel Hovey 2nd: #77, Glen Day 3rd: #41, T.J. Lipkosvits 2nd Heat 1st: #99, Mitchell Blackmore 2nd: #7, Daniel Hovey 3rd: #77, Glen Day Main 1st: #77, Glen Day 2nd: #41, T.J. Lipkosvits 3rd: #99, Mitchell Blackmore 4th: #48, Teresa Lee 5th: #13, Brock Shore 6th: #44, Jared Breitkreitz Day Points 1st: #77, Glen Day, 105 points 2nd: #7, Daniel Hovey, 98 points 3rd: #41, T.J. Lipkosvits, 91 points 4th: #99, Mitchell Blackmore, 73 points 5th: #44, Jared Breitkreitz, 53 points 6th: #48, Teresa Lee, 53 points 7th: #13, Brock Shore, 50 points Dust Bowl Weekend results 1st: #7, Daniel Hovey, 209 points 2nd: #77, Glen Day, 204 points

Hannah Griffin Photo Cars race around an appropriately dusty track at the Tri-Port Speedway Association’s Dust Bowl Weekend on Aug. 23.

3rd: #99, Mitchell Blackmore, 154 points 4th: #44, Jared

Breitkreitz, 124 points 5th: #48, Teresa Lee, 103 points

6th: #13, Brock Shore, 96 points 7th: #41, T.J.

Lipkosvits, 91 points 8th: #4, Paul Weeks, #46 points

Mike Scott/West Coast Helicopters Photo

A View from the Sky An aerial view of the Port McNeill Airport runway during the end of season appreciation dinner for the North Island Timing Association, taken on Saturday Aug. 22. The dinner was held during the last double-header weekend race of the season. This weekend saw a record number of racers in attendance - 96 in all with 200 people attending the dinner.

See next week’s Gazette for full story and results.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

www.northislandgazette.com 17

Port Hardy man wins big on stock racing circuit

of the

Week

NICK RUSSELL

from Port McNeill won the Open Stock Saw, the Open Single Buck and teamed with Joe Whalen to win the Open Double Buck at the Salmon Festival Logger Sports Competition in Campbell River Aug. 9.

6856809

By Hannah Griffin Reporter A Port Hardy resident had a successful weekend of stock car racing in the US. Lawrence O’Connor, a former motorcycle racer, currently races dirt modifieds - a class of car racing and one of the most popular types of racing in the US. At an Aug. 15 race at the Skagit Speedway in Burlington, Wa s h i n g t o n , O’Connor snagged his third win of the year, and he currently leads the track points in the modified division.

In the 25-lap main event, O’Connor began in fourth starting position and ended up leading by the second lap before winning.

O’Connor is looking forward to a big race on Labour Day weekend, the World of Outlaws race.

The World of Outlaws is a travelling league, and O’Connor’s class will be racing as a supporting class. “I was lucky enough to win it last year,” O’Connor shares, and he is keen on doing it again.

O’Connor placed first at a race on April 18, and again at a May 2 race.

On May 16 he came 3rd, and placed second on June 6 and July 11 before his most recent victory O’Connor generally races at Skagit Speedway in Burlington, Washington, the big trip and extensive travel fuelled by his love for racing. He has a long history racing, as well as a history of doing very well in races.

He also sometimes races at Grays Harbour in Elma, Washington.

The racing season is from April until November, and he stores his cars in the US.

ATHLETE

Proud Local Sponsor 1705 Campbell Way, Port McNeill 250-956-4404 www.marketplace.com Open Mon-Sun 8am-9pm

If you know someone who should be the Athlete of the Week, phone the Gazette at 250-949-6225

Lisa Dynes Photo Port Hardy resident Lawrence O’Connor poses with his trophy after racing at the Skagit Speedway in Burlington, Washington on Aug. 15.

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SELL IT IN 3 OR IT RUNS FOR FREE!* Place your private party automotive ad with us in your community paper for the next 3 weeks for only $30. If your vehicle does not sell, call us and we'll run it again at NO CHARGE! *Private party only, cannot be combined with other discounts.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRAVEL

INFORMATION

PERSONALS

TIMESHARE

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Advertise in the 2016 - 2018 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis âœąLargest Sportsman’s publication in BC.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Port Hardy meets every Wednesday & Saturday at the Upper Island Public Health Unit on Gray Street at 8pm.

Sundays at the Salvation Army Lighthouse, 8635 Granville St., at 7pm. Contact Ed at 250-230-9655

CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

No risk program stop mortgage & maintenance payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

MEDICAL Transcriptionists are in huge demand! Train with Canada’s top Medical Transcription school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today! 1-800-4661535 www.canscribe.com or info@canscribe.com.

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 or email: ďŹ sh@blackpress.ca CALL FOR ENTRIES 13TH ANNUAL Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens Artisan Festival.

Fine Art and Quality Crafts Juried Show.

Presented in a spectacular outdoor setting Sept. 5,6 and 7 Applications for Artisans are available at woodlandgardens.ca 250-338-6901 CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment.

PERSONAL SERVICES

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS Have a problem with alcohol?

We can help!

Alcoholics Anonymous Port McNeill Rick 250-230-4555 Cody 250-230-4218 Mondays and Fridays at 8:00 pm Room 3 at the Old School

#,!33)&)%$3Ă–7/2+

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES GET FREE vending machines can earn $100,000 + per year.

All cash-locations provided.

Protected Territories. Interest free financing. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629 Website www.tcvend.com.

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PLACES OF WORSHIP

HIP OR knee replacement?

Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dressing? Disability tax credit $2,000 tax credit $20,000 refund. Apply today for assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.

Weekly start dates. Job board!

Funding options.

SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853 START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765

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PLACES OF WORSHIP

PLACES OF WORSHIP

PLACES OF WORSHIP

North Island Church Services PORT HARDY BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of Trustee & Highland Morning Service 11:00am Plus regular family activities Office: 250-949-6844 www.porthardybaptistchurch.ca Pastor: Kevin Martineau 11/14

NORTH ISLAND CATHOLIC CHURCHES Sunday Masses St. Mary’s 430 Chapel St., Port McNeill: 9:00am St. Bonaventure 4750 Byng Rd., Port Hardy: 11:00am St. Theresa’s corner of Nigei St. and Marine Dr., Port Alice: Saturdays 5:00pm Alert Bay: 65 Hemlock St., 2nd & 4th: Saturdays 10:00am 11/14

ST. COLUMBA ANGLICAN UNITED Reverend Wade Allen 9190 Granville St. Port Hardy Phone 250-949-6247 10:30am Sunday School and Service Tuesday 1:00pm Bible Study Healing service, last Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm Everyone welcome Meeting rooms available columbac@uniserve.com 11/14

FULL GOSPEL CHURCH 2540 Catala Place Port McNeill (across from Firehall) Sunday 10:30am - Morning Worship Church Office 250-956-4741 Pastor Stan Rukin Cell: 250-527-0144 Visitors always welcome www.ptmcfullgospel.org 11/14

CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN Alert Bay Sunday Services - 10:00am Reverend Lincoln Mckoen 1-250-974-5844 Warden Flora Cook 250-974-5945 Warden Joan Stone 250-974-2234 11/14

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 4680 Byng Rd. Port Hardy Pastor Okumu Lomudak 250-949-8925 or 250-949-8826 “Everyone Welcome�

Saturday Services 9:30am - Bible Study groups 10:45am - Worship/Praise service Wednesday @ 7:00pm - Prayer meeting Avalon Adventist Jr. Academy Offering Christian Education 250-949-8243

PORT HARDY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP at Providence Place, 7050 Rupert St. Sunday Worship 10:30am & 7:00pm Tuesday Prayer 7:30pm Midweek Biblestudies Call the church for time and place 250-949-6466 Pastor George & Karen Ewald (home) 250-949-9674 E-Mail: pastorgeorge@providenceplace.ca 11/14

PORT ALICE ANGLICAN- UNITED FELLOWSHIP Sunday Services - 4:00pm 1-250-949-6247 Box 159, Port Alice You are extended a special invitation to share in our Services 11/14

11/14

PORT MCNEILL BAPTIST CHURCH 2501 Mine Road Sunday 9:45am (Sept-June) - Sunday School 11:00am - Worship Service 7:00pm - Evening Fellowship Youth Group Wed - 7:00pm Children’s Programs & Adult Bible Studies are scheduled throughout the year.

For information contact Pastor Dave Purdy • 250-956-4737 11/14

LIGHTHOUSE RESOURCE CENTRE • Chaplain Services • Bible Studies • Spiritual Counselling • Weekly AA Groups (8635 Granville St. Port Hardy) 250-949-8125 11/14

ST. JOHN GUALBERT UNITED ANGLICAN CHURCH 250-956-3533 Email: gualbert@uniserve.com Please call for worship times All Welcome 175 Cedar Street Port McNeill 11/14

GWA’SALA-’NAKWAXDA’XW SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH at entrance to Tsulquate Village (8898 Park Dr) Saturday/Sabbath 10:00am-Sabbath School 11:15am-Worship Service Pastor Randy Elliott 250-230-1885 cell 11/14

HELP WANTED COMMUNITY LITERACY OUTREACH WORKER South zone of Mt. Waddington Region, Approx 10 hrs/wk, $25./hr.

Job Description: Leadership for Community development of Literacy Plans, grant writing.

Credentials: Relevant post secondary degree, diploma or experience. Proven ability to manage projects & develop partnerships, strong organizational skills.

For more info and to apply: Kathy Martin (250)956-3456 martinkt@telus.net closing date August 26 DISHWASHER/DELIVERY DRIVER NI SPORTSMAN Steak & Pizza House in Port McNeill is looking for dishwasher/delivery driver. Must be willing to work some weekends. Please apply in person 1547 Beach Dr. or call 250-956-4113

Shelter & Thrift Store Workers Needed

Casual / On Call The Salvation Army Campbell River Must have Current First Aid/FoodSafe/WHMIS/NVCI Send Letter & Resume to: BC_CR_OC_HR@ can.salvationarmy.org 291 McLean St, Campbell River, BC V9W 2M4. Close date Sept 8, 2015.

TICKETED CARPENTERS needed for Port Hardy school project. Contact Dave at 250-207-1175 or Office at 250-897-1789

LEGAL NORTH ISLAND TIMING ASSN. Annual General Meeting, 2135 Mine Rd. Port McNeill.

Mon Aug 31, 2015 at 7 p.m.

MEDICAL/DENTAL MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

PERSONAL SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed?

Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com TAX FREE MONEY is available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENTS

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928.

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES

COASTAL Home Watch -specializing in the care and security of homes for absentee property owners. See our website for a list of services. coastalhomewatch.ca or phone 250-230-3428

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE AUCTIONS

AERO AUCTIONS Upcoming Auctions. Thurs., Aug. 27 & Oct. 22, Edmonton. Live & On-Line Bidding. Mining excavation & transportation equipment, rock trucks, excavators, dozers, graders, trucks, trailers, misc attachments & more!

Consignments welcome! Visit: aeroauctions.ca.

1-888-6009005.

FIREARMS

FIREARMS. All types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation.

Licensed Dealer. 1-866-9600045. www.dollars4guns.com.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Are you moving?

Do you have an art project?

We have roll ends!!!

Various prices for various sizes at the North Island Gazette.

Come see us!

STEEL BUILDINGS. “Summer madness sale!� All buildings, all models. You’ll think we’ve gone mad deals. Call Now and get your deal. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED TYPEWRITER wanted, manual, portable.

Contact 604-790-9143

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 North Island Gazette Wed, Aug 26, 2015

OFFICE SUPPORT CLERK

www.northislandgazette.com A19 19 www.northislandgazette.com

OFFICE SUPPORT CLERK

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

RENTALS

RENTALS

RENTALS

FOR SALE BY OWNER

MORTGAGES

APARTMENT/CONDO

DUPLEXES/4PLEXES

MOBILE HOMES & PADS

PRIVATE MORTGAGE Lender. Funding smaller - 2nd, 3rd, & interim mortgages. No fees!

Pls email: grpacific@telus.net Courtesy to agents.

Port Hardy, BC West Park Manor & Lindsay Manor

Receptionist/ Accounts Payable Clerk

'VMM 5JNF t -FNBSF (SPVQ t 1PSU .D/FJMM #SJUJTI $PMVNCJB 5IF -FNBSF (SPVQ JT TFFLJOH B 'VMM UJNF 3FDFQUJPOJTU "DDPVOUT 1BZBCMF $MFSL GPS UIFJS 1PSU .D/FJMM 0GGJDF 5IF JOEJWJEVBM XJMM CF BO FOFSHFUJD QPTJUJWF BOE XFMM SPVOEFE QFSTPO XJUI UIF BCJMJUZ UP UIJOL RVJDLMZ PO UIFJS GFFU 5IF QPTJUJPO JT GVMM UJNF BOE PQFSBUFT .POEBZ UP 'SJEBZ BN UP QN GPS IPVST QFS XFFL QMVT B 'VMM #FOFGJU QBDLBHF BWBJMBCMF Requirements: t &YQFSJFODF JO 3FDFQUJPOJTU 3PMF BO BTTFU t 1SFWJPVT FYQFSJFODF XJUIJO UIF MPHHJOH JOEVTUSZ BO BTTFU t 4USPOH XPSLJOH LOPXMFEHF PG .4 0GGJDF 4VJUF t "DDPVOUJOH ,OPXMFEHF BO BTTFU t .VTU XPSL XFMM JO B UFBN BUNPTQIFSF t .VTU IBWF FYDFMMFOU DPNNVOJDBUJPO TLJMMT CPUI XSJUUFO BOE WFSCBM t 'SJFOEMZ QSPGFTTJPOBM BOE XFMDPNJOH QFSTPOBMJUZ XJUI UIF BCJMJUZ UP XPSL XJUI TFWFSBM MFWFMT PG NBOBHFNFOU t 4USPOH PSHBOJ[BUJPOBM TLJMMT BOE UIF BCJMJUZ UP XPSL VOEFS QSFTTVSF t 4VQFSJPS XPSL FUIJD XJUI BUUFOUJPO UP EFUBJM t 4FMG NPUJWBUFE GPSXBSE UIJOLJOH XJUI UIF BCJMJUZ UP TIPX JOJUJBUJWF t 7BMJE DMBTT ESJWFS T MJDFOTF Compensation: Lemare offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package.

Please forward your cover letter and resume; Attention: Ray McDonald; Email: ray@lemare.ca or fax 250-956-4888 Lemare thanks all interested, however only those short-listed will be contacted.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

RENTALS APARTMENT/CONDO

.95 ACRE UNIQUE 4 bd 2300 sq ft split level home. Peaceful and private. 35 fruit trees and grapevines. Walking distance to town, school, golf and trails. Ocean, mountain and city view.

(250)286-0634. www.991petersen.com

HADDINGTON COURT APARTMENTS PORT MCNEILL Newly renovated apartments for rent.

Clean & quiet building.

Free satellite.

Furnished suites available.

Call Ron & Linda 250-956-3365 KINGCOME MANOR

PORT MCNEILL

WHOLE DUPLEX for sale1280sq ft per side, 3.5 bdrms, 1.5 bath. 9498 McDougall Rd, Port Hardy, BC. $199,000.

Call (250)334-8474. h t t p : / / c o m o x v a l l e y. c r a i g slist.ca/reo/5142212729.html

HOUSES FOR SALE

comehome@pineridgevillage.ca

PORT MCNEILL3 Bdrm townhouse. Avail. Sept. 1 on Mountview Cres. Call 250956-3440. www.portmcneill townhouses.yolasite.com

NEWLY RENOVATED Bach, 1 or 2 bedrooms.

Newly furnished available.

Free sat tv, over 300 channels.

Phone Ron and Linda 250-956-3365

PORT MCNEILL APARTMENTS Well managed 1 & 2 Bdrm suites Gym & sauna on site Call for availability

TWO OCEANS IN COAL HARBOUR

Phone Rick 250-956-4555

3%,,Ă–9/52Ă–#!2Ă–&!34 $BMM

Large fully furnished 2 bdrm Apartment includes stove, fridge, washer, dryer & micro.

Clean, comfy, quiet & upgraded. Rural setting overlooking harbour. Satellite TV channels included ($90 value). Available Now. $650+ hydro with a 1 year lease. Pets considered.

Call 1-250-949-8855. www.twoceans.com

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

DON’T OVERPAY! rtmihomes.com “Your smart housing solution� Canada’s largest provider of manufactured housing. Text or call (844-3342960). In stock 16’/20’/22’ Homes on sale now!

Large one & two bedroom suites, some with a great view, all clean and in excellent condition.

Also elegantly furnished executive suites available.

Well maintained secure & quiet buildings.

Close to shopping.

Friendly onsite resident managers.

Call Renee toll free 1-877-227-7888 or email:

# ! ! $ ) ! " " 2 ! % %( # /.&1.. % ! # !

00 " ! ( " " # - ! " # "! *& # ! ! ! " ! % & " ! ! (

PORT MCNEILL MCCLURE APT’S.

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom apartments. Competitive prices.

Call 250-956-3526.

TELEGRAPH COVE Studio Furnished. Waterfront! Over marina. Comes w/King bed. $995/mth inclds hydro, water, sewage, satellite TV, parking.

Available Oct 1. Lease. Call 808-283-8660.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

PORT MCNEILL- 3 bdrm in 1/2 duplex, 2 bath, all app. included. Great view. Showing by appt only. Leave msg at 250-230-2111. NS/NP. Ref required. Available now.

PORT MCNEILL: Large 3 bdrm,2 bathroom tri-plex suite. No loud music/parties, good view, close to town and schools. $750/mo. Avail. immediately. Call Oley at 250956-2682 or John at 604581-0574.

- BUYING - RENTING - SELLING -

PORT MCNEILL Mobile Home Park Pads for rent.

Short walk to shopping, school & ocean. $300/ month Call 250-758-4454

HOMES FOR RENT

PORT HARDY - 5-bdrm house on Founders Blvd.$1250./mo.

Responsible tenants. Call Linda 250-949-7079, 604-6141853

WANTED TO RENT

bcclassiďŹ ed.com

PORT HARDY-Wanted clean, quiet, dog-friendly, single accommodation with small work studio. Contact 604-790-9143

MARINE

MARINE

BOATS

BOATS

HOURSTON 23' SEDAN FOR SALE Professionally f i ll rebuilt b il and d ffully ll equipped i d boat in excellent condition. t .1* .FSDSVJTFS BOE #SBWP MFH XJUI IPVST t :BNBIB IJHIUISVTU LJDLFS t SBEBS HQT TPVOEFS SBEJPT TUFSFP HBMMFZ t &; MPBEFS USBJMFS

asking $26,000 Contact Jim at

250-949-1283 spiketop.burgess@gmail.com

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

+

JOIN

Red Seal Millwright with experience in manufacturing maintenance environment (preferably in the food industry). Must have experience with PLCs, knowledge of mechanical and piping schematics as well as current electrical standards and regulations

THE BLUE REVOLUTION

The successful applicant will enjoy working to deadlines, be focused, be passionate about their work and have the ability to work under pressure when needed.

$

#!"%

! '

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Multi-media Journalist The Campbell River Mirror, an award-winning newspaper on central Vancouver Island, is looking for a journalist to help us produce dynamic and creative content for our print, web and social media platforms.

We are looking for a combination of education and experience in writing, reporting, photography and video skills. Experience with InDesign is also an asset.

The journalist must be a self-starter comfortable reporting news, features and some sports. We require a team player who can work in a cooperative environment and adheres to the highest journalistic standards.

We offer a competitive salary and benefit package based on experience. You must also have a valid driver's licence and a dependable vehicle.

Campbell River is a picturesque seaside city of 33,000 people located on Vancouver Island. It has access to a full range of cultural and recreational facilities and is home to the classic West Coast lifestyle of Vancouver Island and the northern Gulf Islands.

Black Press community news media is an independent and international media group with more than 190 community, daily and urban publications, 14 press facilities and over 160 websites in B.C., Alberta, Washington, Yukon, Hawaii and Ohio.

Send your resume and references by August 21, 2015 to: Alistair Taylor Editor, Campbell River Mirror, 104 - 250 Dogwood St. Campbell River, B.C. V9W 2X9 Or e-mail: editor@campbellrivermirror.com

blackpress.ca X bclocalnews.com

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Reporter/Photographer North Island Gazette Location: Port Hardy, B.C. Description Looking for the experience of a lifetime? The North Island Gazette is looking for an experienced and detailed-oriented reporter to cover community news and events on beautiful Northern Vancouver Island.

The position requires a team player who is well-organized, motivated and able to multi-task.

The North Island Gazette is a weekly Black Press publication serving Northern Vancouver Island and the Central Coast out of our Port Hardy office.

Qualifications

Grocery Clerks & Cashiers

IGA, located in the beautiful community of Port McNeill, is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated people to join our team. We are hiring in all of our departments including our Front End (cashiers). We are looking for people who are passionate about working with and serving others, have a strong work ethic, enjoy learning new skills, are interested in all things food related and contributing positively to a team environment. If this description fits, let's talk.

As this is a 7-day a week operation, we do require our team members to be flexible in their ability to work evenings, weekends and weekday daytime.

Our primary focus is meeting the needs of and providing outstanding service to our clients.

Job requirements: % % % % % % %

Passion for customer service Positively influence the work environment and our existing energetic team Attention to detail Ability to multi-task Good interpersonal skills and work well with others Ability to work flexible hours, daytime, evenings and weekends Like to work hard while having fun

The selected individual will have relevant education and strong writing ability. Working knowledge of InDesign and PhotoShop are assets, as is familiarity with facebook, instagram, twitter & uploading to webpage. A reliable vehicle and digital camera are required.

you. Indicating the position you are applying for, submit your cover letter and resume via:

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted, position to start immediately.

V0N 2R0

Kathy O’Reilly-Taylor, Publisher North Island Gazette Box 458, Port Hardy , B.C. V0N 2P0 , Canada Tel: (250) 949-6225 Fax: (250) 949-7655

blackpress.ca X bclocalnews.com

Email: careers@marketplaceiga.com, or Fax:

(250) 956-3822, or

We thank you in advance for your interest however will only be contacting those individuals being considered for an interview.

CONNECTING JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS www.localworkbc.ca

20 www.northislandgazette.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

FREE

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PRIZE S!

GIVEAWAY

WE’RE CELEBRATING OUR

1 Anniversary

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391

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BEST FURNITURE B One-of-a-kind, Discounted Door Crashers STORE Starting as Low as $99!!!!

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Reg price: $4599

$

Reg price: $6699

1 ONLY!

Reg price: $1649

Anniversary Price

$

Plus, No Down Payment, No Payments & No Interest for 1 Year oac.

591

WE’RE GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY BY DONATING A PORTION OF OUR SALES TO OUR LOCAL SPCA.

Sukhi

Dean

Sheldon

Patti

Mindy

Carman

1499 Island Hwy., Campbell River

2966 Kilpatrick Ave., Courtenay

islandhomefurniture.ca

islandhomefurniturecourtenay.com

250-914-5060

Jason

Locally Owned & Operated

Jazz

250-334-0007 Locally Owned & Operated

Jim

Aileen