Issuu

TUESDAYDECEMBER 29, 2015

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M E D I A

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CCNA BCYCNA

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WILL YOU TAKE THE DIP?

KSS THINKING GOLF SEASON

26th annual Polar Bear Splash set for Jan. 1 at Parksville Beach

Kondors are talking about avenging a heart-breaking slip to second in B.C.

A25

PARKSVILLE MAYOR

Reflecting on 2015

Marc Lefebvre on his first year in the mayor’s office CANDACE WU

news@pqbnews.com

Looking back on his first full year in office, Parksville Mayor Marc Lefebvre said it was all about water. Which is exactly what he campaigned on. Shortly after he was elected in late 2014, Lefebvre told The NEWS his top priorities were the water treatment plant, downtown revitalization and making use of the city-owned land at Jensen Avenue and the Alberni Highway. “Water was my biggest preoccupation of the year,” he said. “Starting in the very early new year we got notice from the Build Canada Fund that the original amount of money, we weren’t going to get that. That wasn’t going to happen because of oversubscription. That was a big disappointment.” After a series of open houses, town-hall style meetings and public outreach, he was elated to see a “yes” vote in the city referendum to borrow $5.6 million for the construction of a new water treatment plant. “The next big issue that hit us like a ton of bricks was the drought,” he said. “I’ve lived in Parksville for more than 18 years and I’ve never seen a summer like that.” With record-breaking temperatures and forest fires, the city raised water restrictions to an unprecedented Level 4 last summer. Lefebvre said that was misinterpreted by some residents and he recalled getting a phone call from a woman saying she hadn’t showered in days due to the restrictions. Following his campaign promise to revitalize downtown Parksville, Lefebvre said he organized a meeting with city merchants but it was poorly attended, something he called “a little disappointing.” See COUNCIL, page A19

J.R. RARDON PHOTO

SURF’S UP!: A hardy group of windsurfers took advantage of Saturday’s blustery weather to catch some waves off Columbia Beach in French Creek.

ROAD BLOCKS

Police out in full force CANDACE WU

news@pqbnews.com

Police seized 222 grams of ‘magic’ mushrooms earlier this month during a road block in Nanoose Bay, according to Cpl. Mike Elston, Central Vancouver Island Traffic Services NCO. Elston said the Dec. 4 road block was part of a national impaired driving campaign and drivers can expect more during the holiday season. “Drinking and driving is a prior-

ity throughout the year but especially through this season,” said Elston. “People can expect to see roadblocks. We don’t always do them on main roads; sometimes we do them on side streets. Part of what we know is chronic impaired drivers don’t always take the usual routes, they take the back routes and don’t anticipate we’ll be there. But we are.” Elston said Mounties find as many drunk drivers tucked away on side

streets as they do on main roads. With New Year’s parties on the horizon, he’s reminding people to have a designated driver or call a safe ride home if they’re planning on indulging this season. “Our Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) has made a significant dent in the way people’s decisions are made. There’s a real fear out there that even a couple drinks could cause someone to lose their licence.”

SENIORS’ DAY IS MOVING TO WEDNESDAY

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Beginning January, Seniors Day will be changing to the first Wednesday of the month! 15% OFF almost everything in store* *SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY, SEE STORE FOR DETAILS

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

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The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

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Page Three

The PQB NeWS Team: John, Candace, Auren & J.R. e-mail: editor@pqbnews.com Phone: 250-905-0019

stArtInG Point Accident claims Fanny Bay resident A 45-year-old Fanny Bay resident was fatally injured Friday evening (Dec. 18) on the Inland Island Highway at Rosewall Creek when his vehicle lost control and rolled several times. North Island Traffic Services note the preliminary investigation revealed a northbound vehicle — a Toyota 4-Runner — lost control, crossed the grass median striking the bank and rolling over several times before coming to a stop in the southbound lane. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 27-yearold passenger, a Nanaimo resident, was airlifted to Victoria General Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Speed and weather/road conditions are believed to have been contributing factors in the collision. The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of the man as Joel Christopher Reeves. — With files from the Comox Valley Record

Fatal car accident days before Christmas

The Comox Valley RCMP responded to a single-vehicle collision during the late night hours of Dec. 22, where a young man died. At 11:59 p.m. the Comox Valley RCMP, along with the BC Provincial Ambulance attended to the Inland Island Highway, approximately 15 km north of Cook Creek near Deep Bay. Upon arrival, a vehicle was found in the centre median. The 24-year-old male was the only person in the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The road conditions at the time of the collision were reported to be slippery with slushy sections. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected at this time, however, speed and road conditions may have been contributing factors for this motor vehicle collision. The victim’s name has not yet been released. — With files from the Comox Valley Record

InsIdE Arts & Entertainment . . A21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A23 Year in Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 ONliNE www.pqbnews.com

Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A10 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A11 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A25 Add your COMMENTS at www.pqbnews.com

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ParksvilleNews and Facebook: www.facebook.com/PQBNews How to rEACH us: General: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phone 250-248-4341; Fax 250-248-4655 Publisher: Peter McCully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . publisher@pqbnews .com Editor: John Harding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-905-0019 - editor@pqbnews .com Advertising: Brenda Boyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-905-0013 - bboyd@pqbnews .com Production: Peggy Sidbeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-905-0016 - team@pqbnews .com Circulation: Laurie Fairbanks . . . . . . . .250-905-0017 - circulation@pqbnews .com Classified display: Pauline Stead . . . . . . . .250-905-0012 - office@pqbnews .com Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . events@pqbnews .com #4-154 Middleton Avenue, PO Box 1180, Parksville, BC V9P 2H2

J.R. RaRdon photo

HOLD ON!: Richard Goodnough of parksville pushes granddaughter avalon Locke during the Winter Wonderland on Ice at oceanside place on Saturday.

nanaImo ReGIonaL upGRadeS

Hospital adds CT scanners New state-of-the-art machines expected to be up by spring Two new state-of-the-art replacement Computed Tomography (CT) scanners will begin service in the new year at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. They are expected to be up and running for patients this spring. According to a news release issued by Island Health, the CT scanners represent a capital investment of approximately $3.6 million. The Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation has pledged to contribute up to $900,000 and the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District (NRHD) will fund up to $1.092 million of the project’s cost. The Province, through Island Health, is contributing $1.6 million. Health Minister Terry Lake said the new technology will help “offer peace of mind for patients and families.” Computed Tomography, also known as CAT scan, is a medical imaging test that uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed, cross-

sectional images of the inside of the body. Approximately 18,500 CT scans were completed at NRGH last year. “These CT scanners will have substantial long-term benefits for the region,” said Colin Haime, deputy chair of the NRHD board. “This investment will help to ensure health-care needs of the community are being met and we are proud to be cost-sharing 40 per cent of this important purchase.” One of the new machines — a dual x-ray source/dual energy CT scanner with a rotation time of 0.28 seconds, will be used for advanced diagnostic tests such as cardiac imaging and for fast scanning of unstable patients, for example, major trauma cases. The second new machine — a 128-slice CT scanner, also with a very fast rotation time and general capability, will be used primarily for oncology imaging, head and spine imaging and image-guided procedures. Renovations necessary to accommodate the new CT Scanners will begin imminently. — NEWS Staff/Island Health news release

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

John

Pauline

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Editorial

Happy New Year to our Readers... Auren

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Lissa

and Best Wishes for a Great 2016... Creative

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From all of us at the PQB News... Lori

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...your Community Newspaper since 1982!

The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

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2015 — YEAR IN REVIEW

April-June: Lunney quits, Phoenix raided Editor’s note: our staff has spent some time looking back at 2015 and we are pleased to present highlights from The NEWS in this 2015—Year in Review special. Today, we look at April through June. In our next edition, we will feature July through September, followed Jan. 5 by October through December. Thank you for all your support in 2015 and best wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2016. April 2 • Citing a stifling of religious freedom in senior-level politics, Nanaimo-Alberni MP James Lunney quit the Conservative caucus. “I am withdrawing from the CPC caucus voluntarily; the decision is entirely my own,” Lunney said through a news release. “Given the circling trolls, I do not intend to entangle the most multi-racial, multicultural and multi-faith caucus in parliamentary history in my decision to defend my beliefs.” Lunney’s riding includes the Parksville Qualicum Beach region. He said he has asked the Speaker of the House of Commons to assign him a seat as an independent MP. Lunney announced last year he would not be seeking re-election this year. • Criticizing the federal government for slashing public health care dollars, about 70 protesters took to the streets of Parksville. The midday protest marked the first anniversary of the end of Canada’s Health Accord, a 10-year-agreement between the federal government and provinces to provide stable, federal funding for health care and setting national standards for wait times, home care, prescription drugs and team-based primary care. April 7 • Phoenix Pain Management Society’s medical pot dispensary in downtown Parksville was raided by police. “They arrested Karl (Mitchell), Jackson the dog was taken, they took everything including the medications headed for Autism Calgary,” Phoenix managing director Akil Pessoa told The NEWS. The RCMP said in a news release: “The Oceanside RCMP will be forwarding a charge of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking against the (29-year-old) male. Considering the nature of the business, investigators located a quantity of marijuana products inside the store. Police seized dried marijuana, along with other marijuana derivatives, products and cash.”

NEWS FILE PHOTO

GRAD LEAP: The Ballenas Senior Secondary 2015 grad class were red carpet — and waterfront boardwalk-ready — as they paraded through the city and posed for photos at Parksville Beach.

• Parksville Mayor Marc Lefebvre says the city doesn’t need a smoking bylaw, though it’s one of the rare Vancouver Island communities lacking a local ban on tobacco. “My initial reaction is that I don’t think it’s a problem,” said Lefebvre. But Island Health’s Dr. Paul Hasselback called Parksville “an anomaly” for its lack of local regulation around cigarette smoke. April 9 • Prescription drugs far outnumber a diagnosis to match the medication in B.C. residential care homes. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie’s report, Placement, Drugs and Therapy… We Can Do Better found 33 per cent of residential care home clients are prescribed anti-psychotic medication while only four per cent are diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. • Local and high-profile supporters of a medical marijuana dispensary in Parksville call the police raid harassment and invite supporters to an event tomorrow. While Phoenix helps patients access mari-

SHORT STAY

RESPITE CARE...

juana for medical reasons, pot activist Marc Emery said the dispensary fight is the front line of the bigger battle to legalize marijuana, stating “It’ll be legal everywhere in the Western World within five years.” April 14 • A Qualicum teacher who was fired over allegations of rape and torture — eventually found to come from the TV show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit — has fired back in civil court. He’s now suing the independent investigator hired by School District 69 whose report allegedly resulted in his dismissal and tarnished reputation. • James Lunney came out swinging against his critics before hastily leaving his news conference with reporters still firing questions. The independent MP for Nanaimo-Alberni told reporters “militant atheists” are behind attacks on Christian politicians. Lunney’s retreat from the government benches was spurred by a Twitter posting in February and the ensuing fallout, a tweet in which Lunney said: “No

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problem with ‘scientific theory’. Just stop calling evolution fact.” April 16 • Parksville city council may be on its way to imposing what some believe is the smallest property tax increase in the country for 2015. Council instructed staff to craft a bylaw that calls for a 1.5 per cent increase in property taxes for this year. For a house assessed at $300,000, the property owners would pay $9 more this year than in 2014. April 21 • The kids are coming home. Despite the popular perception, youth retention might not be Parksville Qualicum Beach’s biggest problem. According to a 2014 Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) report the “region had a net loss of more than 7,000 people age 20 to 24 between 2006 and 2011… but the trend reverses once people reach their 30s, with about 3,400 extra residents in the 30-34 age range moving into the region.” CONTINUED ON page A7

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#101-191 Jensen Avenue East, Parksville BC

PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR NEWSPAPER PLASTIC BAGS. Must not be cut on the ends, have any holes, and intact. We will reuse them for our next paper delivery. THANK YOU! Return to: #4 - 154 Middleton Avenue, Parksville 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

Start the year off right!

Exercise just for the health of it

2016 At KickStart Fitness you are not just a number, but part of a community. You are accepted unconditionally, encouraged and motivated every step of the way to a new and healthier you. Don’t wait to start! Do it now and take the first step.

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The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

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2015 — YEAR IN REVIEW

April-June: Pan Am MLA continued fRom pAgE A5

April 21 • Conservative MP John Duncan says the Canadian Coast Guard was a “bucket of bolts” before his party won office in 2006. Duncan was responding to criticisms from the New Democratic Party and others after an oil spill in Vancouver last week. Duncan’s NDP opponent in this riding, Gord Johns, is urging the federal government to stop its planned closure of Marine Communications and Traffic Centres in Ucluelet and Comox as the NDP promises to reverse cuts to Canadian Coast Guard services across B.C. Duncan told The NEWS his government has pumped money into the coast guard since taking office. April 23 • Finance Minister Joe Oliver said “Canada’s fiscal house is in order” upon unveiling a balanced federal budget, while critics are calling it “political” given the looming election slated for this fall. Oliver tabled the budget promising job creation, growth and long-term prosperity. The budget comes a few months later than usual, but six months before the federal election scheduled for Oct. 19, 2015 and candidates for the new Courtenay-Alberni riding have mixed reviews. • Michelle Stilwell will be shifting her focus from the political arena to the track this summer as she aims for a spot on Canada’s Pan Am Games team. Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum and the Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, confirmed she intends to be racing in the 100M and 400M events of the Parapan Am Games in Toronto in August. April 28 • Food trucks replacing the concession in Parksville Community Park, an idea that looked like it was going to fail, may be rescued through a plan developed by the local chamber of commerce. The chamber says it has five food trucks ready to rotate through the two pads built by the city to replace the old concession. “We are ready to go the day after they (city council) approve,” said Parksville and District

Chamber of Commerce executive director Kim Burden. “We expect to be successful.” • A loaded handgun was found on the beach in Nanoose Bay, according to police. Oceanside RCMP Cpl. Jesse Foreman confirmed a nine millimeter black pistol was located by a woman beachcombing near Madrona Drive and Arbutus Drive. April 30 • It’s difficult to imagine a more excruciating 10 hours for any family. Tammy Roy woke up early Saturday morning at her Columbia Beach home and checked her social media feed. What she learned rocked her to the core. A massive earthquake had just hit Nepal. Roy’s son Tyler, a 22-year-old Kwalikum Secondary School graduate, was in the mountainous country. Finally, 10 hours after she woke to the news of the quake, the Roy family (Tammy, husband Greg and Tyler’s siblings, Brooke and Jordan) learned through social media that Tyler was OK. • The Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market wants to expand to Wednesday night, but town council is concerned it might hurt local business. Market manager Mimi Shewchuck sent a letter to council explaining the need for a “topup” market mid-week, giving farmers a chance to sell their freshest produce more than once a week. The main farmers market is held Saturday mornings, and while some farmers take part in the Downtown Business Association’s Thursday night street market, Shewchuk said there is a need for a separate, food-only evening market further from the weekend. May 5 • Enshrine the right to a healthy environment in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. That’s the end goal for environmental activists undertaking a national campaign starting at the grassroots level. “One hundred and ten countries in the world have environmental rights enshrined and Canada isn’t one of them,” Paul Manly, Nanaimo-Ladysmith Green Party candidate told Regional District of Nanaimo board members.

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CONTINUED ON page A14

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

Dine Out & Win

ENTER YOUR NAME FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FOUR $10.00 GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM FOUR DIFFERENT RESTAURANTS!

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RULES: Attach a recent receipt from one of the participating restaurants on this page to your entry form and deliver it to The News at #4-154 Middleton Avenue, Parksville, BC V9P 2H2 within 10 days of publication. We’ll draw one lucky winner of four $10 Gift Certificates every two weeks. Employees of The News are not eligible to win.

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The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

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NEW SOS PROGRAM

Getting youngsters moving and grooving Students can go in bare feet or wear runners LISSA ALEXANDER Special to The NEWS

Melanie Peake believes that all children should have the opportunity to enjoy a dance class and that’s why she’s offering a free class through the Society of Organized Services. “I have been thinking about ways to give back to the community and what better way than to volunteer my time and pass my passion of dance along to young kids who may not have had the opportunity to take a dance class before.” The class, called Groove, Move &

Dance, is for local low-income families with children in grades 1-3 and will start January 14, 2016. Dance is a great way to get physically active, increase balance and co-ordination, and help with social skills, confidence and self esteem, Peake explained. Paulette Harcourt, manager of the SOS Child, Youth & Family Centres, said SOS is eager to host a program for this age group. “We have some wonderful programs for preschoolers and programs for children in Grade 4 right up to late teens, so we’re so thrilled to be able to fill the gap and offer an exciting program to our young, school-aged children.” Peake said she had a wonderful expe-

rience taking dance class from a young age. She has also enjoyed classes at our local dance studios, and she has volunteered for local theatre productions. In the class, students will learn dance techniques in jazz, ballet and hip hop and will do some imaginative movement dance exercises. The class will run every Thursday (seven sessions) from 3:30-4:15 p.m., with the first one taking place Jan. 14. Pre-registration is required. Formal attire is not necessary; students can wear comfortable clothes, bare feet or runners. Parents can drop their children off for the class, or parents can wait at SOS. Space is limited. Please call 250-2482093 ext. 242 to register.

iSTOCK PHOTO

A new dance class starting at SOS in January is open to low-income families with children in grades 1-3. The children will get to try jazz, ballet and hip hop.

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www.pqbnews.com

Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

commentary

Black Press C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

M E D I A

THE NEWS is published every Tuesday and Thursday by Black Press Ltd. #4 - 154 Middleton Ave. Parksville, B.C. V9P 2H2 250-248-4341

End the charade

s we flip another page on the calendar and a new year is upon us, some things don’t change. There is still no rail service on Vancouver Island and no realistic chance it will happen any time soon. In July of 2014 — that’s right, 2014 — the Regional District of Nanaimo’s board of directors voted to give the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) $1 million in taxpayer funds for the restoration of a service that was shut down for safety concerns in 2011. That vote was contentious and won by the weight of the Nanaimo councillors who sit on that board. The ICF’s Graham Bruce has consistently said money ($20 million in total) from the regional districts of the Island, with matching funds from the provincial and federal governments (your money again, just from different sources) would be enough to fix the rail line and have it in shape to re-start passenger service from Courtenay to Victoria. Despite hollow, worth-little comments from B.C.’s transportation minister, the ICF still has not received the funds from the province or the feds and as far as we can tell, hasn’t replaced one rotted rail tie. Oh, never mind the bridges like the one over French Creek, they will be fine, we are told. The ICF held a news conference in April of 2014 at Nanaimo’s railway station announcing an agreement with Southern Rail. Apparently, when it comes to actual rail service, that agreement and $2 will get you a cup of coffee. Back on that sunny photo-opp day at the train station in April of 2014, then-RDN chairman and French Creek representative Joe Stanhope was asked if he thought $20 million was enough to re-start passenger rail service on the Island. “I think the infrastructure deficit is a little more than that . . . I think $100 million,” said Stanhope. What has the ICF done since it secured a million bucks from the taxpayers of the RDN? Well, it certainly hasn’t cut the ribbon on the first train ride. In fact, the only thing of substance the ICF has seemingly done since 2014 is sue the Errington/Coombs director on the RDN board, Julian Fell. New RDN chair Bill Veenhof (Bowser/Deep Bay/Qualicum Bay) voted against giving the ICF the $1 million in RDN taxpayer money. He has a real chance in the new year to put an end to this charade by demanding some real answers from the ICF and senior governments. The RDN can then take that $1 million and do something real with it, like housing initiatives for seniors and the homeless from Cedar to Deep Bay. — Editorial by John Harding

THE PARKSVILLE QUALICUM BEACH NEWS (THE NEWS) is published every Tuesday and Thursday by Black Press. THE NEWS is distributed to more than 16,500 households in District 69. THE NEWS is 100 per cent B.C. owned and operated. THE PARKSVILLE QUALICUM BEACH NEWS #4 - 154 Middleton Avenue, P.O. Box 1180 Parksville, British Columbia, Canada, V9P 2H2 Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone 250-248-4341; Fax 250-248-4655

www.pqbnews.com

Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #0087106

QUESTION OF THE WEEK Are you enthusiastic about this region’s economy for 2016?

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION Are you having a happy holiday season? YES 50 %

Vote at: www.pqbnews.com before MONDAYS at noon

NO 50 %

PUBLISHER EDITOR OFFICE PRODUCTION CIRCULATION Peter McCully John Harding Pauline Stead Peggy Sidbeck Laurie Fairbanks publisher@pqbnews.com editor@pqbnews.com office@pqbnews.com team@pqbnews.com circulation@pqbnews.com SALES: Brenda Boyd, Steve Weldon, Lori Hague, Lorie Nielsen, Charles Burden EDITORIAL: Auren Ruvinsky, Candace Wu, J.R. Rardon, Tyson Taylor PRODUCTION: Brad Everest, Jeff Westnedge, Terri Reid, Tracy Paterson CLASSIFIEDS: Pauline Stead

The Parksville Qualicum Beach News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact editor@pqbnews.com or 250-905-0019. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Letters

www.pqbnews.com

QuOTAble:

“The next big issue that hit us like a ton of bricks was the drought.” ParksVille Mayor Marc leFebVre, see story Page a1

AlMANAC Government Contacts PrOViNCiAl:

NO FAN OF CANADA POST

COuNCillOrS briNg PerSONAl AgeNDAS

I start by saying that I am not a fan of Canada Post and that this is far from the first letter I’ve written stating my concerns. Having been inconvenienced by collecting our mail from a community box since 1994, my husband and I are resigned to this being an unfortunate fact of life. What we cannot accept is that the older style boxes which we have been assigned are far from being secure. The aluminum faces are readily pried open with a simple screw driver: a fact that many of us can attest to. A Canada Post spokesperson who was interviewed (Global TV Edmonton) said that Canada Post suggests that gift cards and cash not be sent through the mail. Clearly this says that Canada Post is aware of how easily these boxes are broken into. Now that Canada Post will not be installing the newer version of Community Mailboxes to the fortunate households that continue to enjoy the safety, security, and convenience of home delivery, it seems just and fair that these boxes are dispatched to replace the substandard receptacles that so many of us are forced to cope with. This is far from being an unreasonable request and might help level the playing field between those who are permitted to retain the safety and security that home delivery affords and those of us who struggle with a distant Community Box, a 32-km roundtrip to pick up parcels and the chronic threat of mail box breach. I have made this suggestion to Canada Post in writing, but experience has taught me not to hold out much hope that common sense will prevail.

Editor John Harding’s recent editorial regarding local government CAO vacancies in the Central Island region was spot on. To be specific and concise about the primary issues at play, my comments are as follows: The more recent impact of social media viciousness can be, and often is, personally devastating. In addition, municipal council members are bringing their activism and personal agendas to the council table. As well, council members may feel it necessary to insert themselves, personally, into the day to day municipal operations, even though they are unqualified. Now that they have been elected to council, a few may feel that a mantle of wisdom has descended upon them. This delusion is not the case for the majority of municipal council members and is not obviously present in our current town council. All of the above, and more, contribute to the stress and difficulty in managing the affairs of municipalities for all municipal officers – they have my sympathy, and encouragement, to forge on regardless of the obstacles. I served in the military reserves, as well as a city police officer, later as a city treasurer (CFO), in the last 14 years of my career, as a city administrator (CAO).

J. Maureen Fowles Qualicum Beach

Vic Petersen Qualicum Beach

rOOT OF CONFliCT In his Dec. 22 letter, Gerald Hall disagrees with the Pope about Christmas being a “charade” because of the proliferation of war. There is no denying that the current

wars are as much religious as they are political and religious bigotry is spreading rapidly throughout the world with both fundamentalist Christians and Muslims alike. At the end of his letter, Hall writes that Christ’s message has never been more relevant, but he failed to detail which messages he meant. I assume he was referring to those applicable to the issues of war and peace such as: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” or “Thou shalt not kill” and the Golden Rule, a form of which most religions claim. If these messages were both practised and widely spread they could begin to de-escalate the horrors of war and conflict by smothering the bigotry, ignorance and hatred that fuel them. Regarding Christmas itself, its root is the Mass of Christ, now shortened to Christmas. Many scholars agree that Dec. 25 was not the birthdate of Jesus, but simply the adoption of existing traditions including the ancient pagan Roman festival of Saturnalia and the start of the Jewish Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah, as Jesus was a Jew. There are also a number of stories from ancient mythology that have been incorporated into modern religious beliefs such as The Epic of Gilgamesh, Mithra, Osiris and Horus, one of the many Egyptian Gods. Some translations of Egyptian myths say that Horus had 12 disciples and was born of a virgin around Dec. 25. His birth was announced by a star and was attended by three wise men. Fighting about who’s stories and beliefs are right have been, and are still, the root of much of the world’s conflict and bloodshed. Hall is right about the message being what’s relevant, not the details of the story. John seeland Nanoose Bay

scott Fraser, Mla, alberni-Pacific rim

250-248-2625 e-mail michelle. stilwell.mla@leg. bc.ca

FeDerAl:

QuAliCuM:

gord Johns, MP, courtenay -alberni

teunis westbroek Mayor,

1-613-992-0903 e-mail: gord. Johns@parl.gc.ca

250-752-6921 e-mail: mayor@ qualicumbeach.com

town of Qualicum beach

PArKSVille: rDN:

Marc leFebVre, Mayor,

bill VeenhoF, chairman,

city of Parksville

regional district of nanaimo

e-mail: mayor@ parksville.ca

ViewS in the News

Michelle stilwell, Mla, Parksville Qualicum

1-866-870-4190 e-mail: scott.fraser.mla@ leg.bc.ca

250-954-4661

250-797-6313 e-mail: bill.veenhof@ shaw.ca

Rules to write by

all letters to the editor must be signed and include your full name, home town and contact phone number. those without these requirements will not be published. letters must be 300 words or less and are subject to editing. The News retains the right not to publish submissions.

We asked: What role will you take during the Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day?

A11

I’ll be taking pictures. And going in the hot tub afterward. LesLey BrIghton Silverton, Ore.

My role? probably non-existent. LInDA pAtterson Nanoose Bay

We’ll go down and watch. We’ve gone to watch before. DArren shArpe Parksville

I’m trying to get my daughter to go. I want to do it, but I don’t want to go alone. Anne KeLLy Coombs

Send them in

Mail: box 1180, Parksville, b.c. V9P 2h2 Fax: 250-248-4655 e-mail: editor@pqbnews.com online: www.pqbnews.com

A12

www.pqbnews.com

Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

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www.pqbnews.com

A13

COLUMN

Is this man barking mad? Arthur calls himself a ‘Mooch (or Pooch) Enabler’

be bothered to respond at all, to ‘Woolly’. She does not respond to bills from the vet, the pet food department of the local grocery store. She Here is a story plucked from my newspaper has menials (read, me) to handle pesky details guaranteed to flutter the cockles of a reader’s like that. heart. And it’s not cheap. Thank goodness Woolly It concerns two rescue dogs — Chancey, a can’t read. If she could she’d be barking for a golden lab, and his pal Kira, a German shep- bowlful of Hapuna Luau every night. It’s a can herd. They live in a home belonging to Chris- that contains sweet potatoes, crab, garlic and tian and Monique Etienne, of Airdrie, Alberta. kale plus I’m not making this up wild-caught Mister and Mrs. Etienne love Chancey and ahi tuna – and yes, it is labelled as dog food. Kira very much. That’s why they didn’t go postSpeaking of bowls, Woolly gets her chow in al when Chancey and Kira ripped a slightly cracked deep saucer that’s open a package of scone mix and seen better days, but if I was slightly scattered it all over the house. No, cracked (and stupidly rich) I could Mister Etienne just sighed a ‘dogs serve her dinner in a Barocco porwill be dogs’ sigh and went to a By Arthur Black celain pet bowl decorated in 22 nearby gas station to rent a carKarat gold filigree by Versace ($795 pet cleaner. While he was signing US plus tax). it out, Mister Etienne muttered Pets are expensive, even without ‘What the hell’ to himself and the Versace bowls and the ahi tuna bought a Lotto 6-49 ticket. The dinners. The Ontario Veterinary Etiennes cashed that ticket in last Medical Association calculates that week. a 40-pound dog that lives for 13 For $14.5 million. years will cost its owner upwards Isn’t that a heart-warming story? When I of $28,000 for food, vet services, grooming and came across it I liked it so much I read it out such. Experts reckon Americans spend more loud in my living room to the resident mooch. that $30 billion a year on pet food alone, never I am a Mooch Enabler. I feed, house and en- mind the extras like pet sitters, obedience traintertain an unabashed freeloader who has never ing and rhinestone collars that flash in the dark. contributed a bent nickel or a bead of sweat to One night I heard a comedian talking about her upkeep. I work to earn the money to keep a Canadian pet pyschologist who’s selling a her in bliss and comfort twenty-four hours a video that will test your dog’s IQ. “Here’s how day. it works.” the comedian said. “If you spend In return she eats, sleeps, eats again, sleeps $12.95 on the video, your dog is smarter than some more, rising only to check the food situa- you are.” tion, contributing nothing other than occasionSheesh. Twelve-ninety-five. For a dog video. al noxious emissions for which I, as often as not, Do I have SUCKER stamped on my forehead? get blamed. Did I say I was a Mooch Enabler? Do you think that includes shipping? Make that Pooch Enabler. My freeloader is a — Arthur Black lives on Saltspring Island. fourteen and a half-year old Golden Retriever/ His column appears weekly in The NEWS. Border Collie cross. She answers, when she can E-mail: arblack43@shaw.ca

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www.pqbnews.com

Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

2015 — YEAR IN REVIEW

April-June: strike looms

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continued fRom pAgE A7

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May 7 • Maggy Gisle will celebrate one year of sobriety this month, but like most things in her illustrious — at times unbelievable — life, the accomplishment is overshadowed by a stroke of bad luck. As of May 1, Gisle has been homeless with two teenagers in tow, a moving container brimming with furnishings and no place to put anything, let alone a place to sleep. She doesn’t seem infuriated or resentful, but hopeless; perhaps exhausted. • Another popular service on Parksville’s famous beach is in danger of disappearing. Kevin Forsythe of Windsurfing Parksville told city council he has been asked to leave the location he’s had for years, providing paddle boards, kayaks and windsurfing lessons. Forsythe was asking council for a spot somewhere in the park to continue his rental business after he said the owners of the boarded-up Parksville Beach Resort told him he must vacate their property just off the boardwalk. May 12 • A former Qualicum Beach sailor and star soccer player is now standing guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at the National War Memorial. The ceremonial guard posting means more than ever after the tragic death of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo late last year — an event that stunned the country, shedding light on the importance of sentry duty. Kwalikum Secondary graduate Liam Chambers started sentry duty last week and stood in the exact same spot as Cirillo. “It was a pretty intense moment for me,” Chambers, 23, told The NEWS from Ottawa. “I tried to think about everything and make that connection for myself.” • Their contract has been expired since 2013 and Qualicum Beach town workers recently voted 94 per cent in favour of strike action, CUPE Local 401 vice president Laurence Amy confirmed. “That’s with 100 per cent turn-out from our membership,” Amy told The NEWS from Nanaimo, noting 67 ballots were cast. May 14 • Food trucks will roll into Community Park this holiday long weekend after Parksville city council consummated a deal with the chamber of commerce at a special meeting. The Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce will

manage the rotation of five trucks through the two serviced pads currently under construction next to the old concession building, which is being renovated into a larger washroom/changeroom facility. May 19 • A private members bill to deal with derelict vessels in Canada drowned at second reading in the House of Commons. Bill C-638 was put forward by Nanaimo-Cowichan MP Jean Crowder earlier this year. It would have made the Canadian Coast Guard the sole receiver of wrecks, taking on full responsibility for aging, abandoned boats in the country. May 21 • As the “unofficial start to summer,” May long weekend is notoriously busy for police officers and Cpl. Mike Elston said this year was no exception. “We had in the central/north Island amongst my guys alone, four impaired drivers and there were I’m estimating probably 200 other offenses that were located… everything from speeding to no drivers licence to basically anything under the sun,” Elston told The NEWS after the Victoria Day long weekend. May 26 • Green Party leader Elizabeth May said we need a government that’s “excellent” not just “better than awful” to save Vancouver Island from environmental threats like ocean acidification. May spoke to a room of 115 at the VIU Deep Bay Marine Field Station during a recent campaign tour event with Green Party candidate Glenn Sollitt. • It is a bylaw infraction not to pick up after your dogs, and that includes once you bag the evidence. “This is a great example of what not to do with your doo,” said Bentley Dzogan who stumbled on 71 individually bagged surprises in a few square meters of bush along Moilliet Street in Parksville. May 28 • Regional district directors want more answers from the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF). The board passed a motion unanimously at the regular meeting to apply pressure on the ICF to provide the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) with a copy of its consultant’s report on the effectiveness of the proposed E&N railway repairs. CONTINUED ON page A15

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The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

www.pqbnews.com

A15

2015 — YEAR IN REVIEW

April-June: record heat continued fRom pAgE A14

June 2 • After a near record hot and dry May, water and fire restrictions are coming into effect. The rain gauge at the Parksville city works yard registered an average of 47 mm of rain in May over the last 10 years. From April 29 to May 29 this year it measured rain on just three days, totalling 5.6 mm. • Members from the French Creek Coast Guard Station rescued a killer whale caught in a crab trap off Columbia Beach. “Around 4:20 (p.m.) we were advised by various concerned citizens, a pod of whales off Columbia beach was acting erratically circling a yellow crab trap float,” officer in charge, Gord Gibb said. Within minutes they were in a zodiac headed to the scene where they slowly approached the pod of six whales, including two small ones. June 4 • A wolf in the Pheasant Glen Golf Resort area in Qualicum Beach has attacked dogs. Conservation officers are warning people to be aware of the wolf hanging out in the area, but point out it hasn’t threatened humans. • It may have been a record busy weekend for Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, with three searches on top of their practice and parade plans. June 9 • Released to the sidewalk at 3:30 a.m., a local senior’s recent trip to the hospital has her wondering about who is responsible for the well-being of patients. “I had a COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) attack and couldn’t breathe, so I called the ambulance and

was taken to the hospital in Nanaimo (NRGH) in my PJs with nothing, not even my purse,” said a 67-year-old Parksville resident who didn’t want her name used. She said they got everything under control pretty quickly and released her at 3:30 a.m. “wrapped in a hospital blanket with no help, no idea how to get home.” With limited options at that time of the night and not wanting to disturb anyone, she ended up taking a taxi home for $85. June 11 • The Oceanside Health Centre’s only family physician is resigning, leaving 1,700 local people without a doctor. Island Health has confirmed that Dr. Marlene van der Weyde has decided to retire from general practice. June 16 • In a speech reminiscent of her campaign focus more than two years ago, Premier Christy Clark highlighted the differences she believed voters should note between her B.C. Liberal Party and the NDP when she spoke to chamber of commerce members in Parksville. • Organizers of what’s likely the most successful one-day event in the 15-year history of the Parksville Community and Conference Centre have been told they are no longer welcome. The What Women Want event in March sold 835 tickets and raised $4,000 for Haven House, a facility for women seeking safety and help. Event co-ordinator Donna Andres said she was surprised by the reaction she received when she tried to book the event for March of next year.

Don’t Waste the Holidays Recycle Them Full Deposit on Beverage Containers We Recycle: ✦ Cardboard, paper, wrapping paper, gift tags & cards ✦ Appliances, large & small ✦ Electronics, lights & strings of Christmas lights ✦ Household batteries ✦ Plastic Bags, all those shopping bags ✦ Plastic milk jugs

PARKSVILLE BOTTLE & RECYCLING DEPOT Open Daily: 8:00am - 6:00pm • Closed Statutory Holidays

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CONTINUED ON page A16

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A16

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

THANK YOU to everyone who came and supported Milner Gardens during Milner Christmas Magic this year.

2015 — YEAR IN REVIEW

April-June: grant money continued fRom pAgE A15

ABOVE EXPECTATIONS. BEYOND SHOES.

June 18 • Parksville city council has asked staff to bring back changes to the permissive tax policy that would effectively give the curling club taxfree status. An issue that has dogged council for years may get some form of closure at an upcoming meeting if council endorses the The event could not have been offered to the community without policy changes staff suggested. the hard work and dedication by our volunteers and staff, • The carcass of a sea lion found on Parksville as well as the generous support of our sponsors. Beach will not be removed from the shoreline, Thank you to all of you who hung lights, decorated, said a DFO official. “If it’s fairly decomposed created, built, conducted, welcomed, performed, served, it’s doing its trick with the food web,” said Paul sold, poured, washed, shuttled, parked, greeted, read, Cottrell, a marine mammals coordinator for cleaned, and kept us going with your Christmas spirit. the Pacific Region of the federal Department You are an amazing group of people! of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). “We try to let animals go back to nature.” A big thank you to our presenting sponsor Windsor Plywood June 23 for your incredible help in making the event possible. • Build it and they will . . . tear it down? To all our other sponsors thank you for your fantastic support The high-profile downtown land beside which enabled us to put the event on for the community: city hall and the conference centre on Jensen Avenue in Parksville has been sold and the new owner has applied for a demolition permit to rip down the structure built by the previous owners just months ago. One-on-one attention from the experts. • Local NDP candidate Gord Johns says A wide range of hard-to-find widths and sizes. MP John Duncan owes an explanation to Shoes designed with the technology developed to meet your needs. constituents for acting on behalf of the prime All adding up to a more comfortable fit. minister instead of the people of Vancouver ©2015 New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. Island during the parliamentary session that

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just ended. “John Duncan voted against restoring coast guard services, he voted in favour of the C-51 surveillance bill, and he spoke out against better federal support for ferry service on Vancouver Island,” Johns said through a news release. June 25 • The proposed location of a cell tower in French Creek is still causing concern for some local residents. Two of them voiced their opinions with Regional District of Nanaimo directors. They say they are not happy with plans to put the tower at 1421 Sunrise Dr. Kelly Olson asked the RDN’s Electoral Area Planning Committee to revoke the board’s approval of the location and asked for a hold of all tower sitings until a policy is prepared and other sites are considered. June 30 • The federal and provincial governments announced they will contribute $3 million each in taxpayer money to the $24 million plan to upgrade the Englishman River Water Service. Residents of Parksville will be asked in a referendum to support approximately $5.5 million in borrowing for the city’s part of the bill. Construction is not likely not to start until May or June of next year. COMING THURSDAY: July through September

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The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

www.pqbnews.com

A17

A18

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

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The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

www.pqbnews.com

A19

French Creek Seafood

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See our FACEBOOK PAGE for further Specials and News! J.r. rardon photo

HOLIDAY WAGON RIDE: Brook Small of Errington arrives in a covered wagon with her mother and other guests during Morningstar Farm’s Christmas on the Farm event earlier this month in Parksville.

‘Council has come a long way’ continued from page a1

However, he said if the merchants won’t come to him, he’s going to go to them by setting up one-on-one meetings with individual merchants next year. But Lefebvre said the hardest blow came recently. “The biggest thing for me was losing (Parksville CAO) Fred Manson,” said Lefebvre, noting they’ve worked alongside each other for nearly his entire political career dating back to 2002 when he was first elected as a city councillor. “We worked together for a long time. Fred was a great CAO. For me personally it’s a loss.” During the past 12 months, Lefebvre said he wouldn’t do anything differently. He said more than ten years on city council prepared him for the mayor’s office and noted he was proud of the many new faces on council this year. “Council has come a long way,” he said. “People ask good questions and everyone around the table cares about Parksville.” Looking into 2016, Lefebvre said he wants to see “some resolution” with regard to the city

owned property near Jensen Street and the Alberni Highway though he remained tightlipped on details. Meanwhile, he said he’s hoping to figure out the future of the empty Vancouver Island German Jujutsu Systems building along McVickers Street in Parksville. Earlier this month, council considered donating the building to the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness, ultimately voting for a staff report on the state of the building. “One of the things I want to do is have a good look at the existing bylaws, especially nuisance bylaws,” Lefebvre said. “I want to make them more enforceable. If something is declared a nuisance there will be action.” Moreover, he’s said the city will be working with Island Health to develop smoking bylaws minimizing smoking in public areas like Parksville Beach, working on hiring new city staff and moving forward with Parksville’s water treatment plant.

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A20

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

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ARTS &LIFE The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

www.pqbnews.com

A21

Do you have local aRTS newS? contact: J.R. Rardon email: reporter@pqbnews.com Phone: 250-905-0028

Jan. 1 at tHE bEacH

Parksville plans big splash into New Year Hundreds expected to brave waters off coast New Year’s J.R. RaRdon reporter@pqbnews.com

auREn RuvinsKy PHoto

sisters Rowan and Miranda sepos were among approximately 200 participants — many in costume — who took part in the 2015 Polar bear splash at Parksville beach.

The New Year will come in with a splash for hundreds of area residents when the Regional District of Nanaimo hosts its 26th annual Polar Bear Splash into the waters at Parksville Beach at noon on Jan. 1. While many friends and supporters watch and cheer from the shore, bundled in coats, scarves and toques, participants will race — often accompanied by shrieks and squeals — into the frigid waters in swimsuits or colourful costumes to celebrate the turning of the calendar.

“The crowds keep growing, which is nice,” said Mike Chestnut, RDN aquatics director. “Last year, I think we had over 200 supporters that came out.” The event is supported by volunteers from Arrowsmith Search and Rescue’s water rescue team, who will be stationed in the water, and by Parksville Fire Department firefighters and first responders, who will be present to provide shoreside medical aid as needed. Hot chocolate, coffee and snacks will be available by donation. The Polar Bear Splash is open to participants of all ages. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with the actual plunge scheduled for noon. The splash began in 1990,

and has experienced cyclical fluctuation in turnout throughout the years. But participation has been on the upswing this decade. “I thought last year we hit about 200 participants,” said Chestnut. “It’s had sort of a resurgence in the last couple of years.” RDN staff remind splashers and their supporters to bring along a few extra items like water shoes, an extra towel or two and a warm change of clothes. For reasons of safety, the RDN also asks participants to be aware of and moderate their consumption of alcohol the night before the splash. For more information, visit the Polar Bear Splash group on Facebook or call 250-7525014.

bEgins Jan. 5

Choir extends rehearsal invitation

J.R. RaRdon PHoto

SPARKS: Metal artist dave Kasprick demonstrates his technique at his Red cod Forge during the recent nanoose bay studio tour.

The Parksville and District Community Choir has announced the start of rehearsals for its spring concert, beginning Jan. 5. Singers from throughout the Parksville Qualicum region are invited to join in preparations for Vivaldi’s Gloria and more beginning at 7 p.m. at Knox United Church. This is a non-audition call; all are welcome to attend. For more information, call 250752-8131. — Submitted by P&D Community Choir

FEb. 6 at Pccc

Hockey player turned country star to play Parksville A former Vancouver Canucks draft pick Chad Brownlee was forced by injuries into a second career. This one seems to have worked out OK. Brownlee, a Junonominated country recording artist, will appear in Parksville Feb. 6 for a

concert at the Parksville Community Centre, and tickets are already on the move. Jayden Holman, a 19-year-old prodigy from Nanaimo, will open the all-ages show. With approximately 400 tickets available for the concert, front-row seats

have already sold out. Brownlee, who was drafted in the sixth round of the NHL draft in 2003, played collegiate hockey and made his pro hockey debut with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL in 2007. Two years later he was

out of hockey and releasing his debut single, The Best That I Can (Superhero). In 2010, he cut his self-titled debut album, which earned him the Rising Star award from the Canadian Country Music Association. His second album,

2012’s Love Me or Leave Me, earned a Juno nomination for Country Album of the Year. He followed up with his third release, The Fighters, last summer. Brownlee has had a pair of top-10 Canadian Country hits and five in the top-20. Light refreshments and

pizza will be served at the concession. Tickets are $35 (plus service fee) for regular seats or $40 for secondand third-row seats. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketzone. com/ChadBrownlee. — NEWS Staff

www.pqbnews.com

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

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â€œLITTLE AZTECâ€? PaintingProfessional. Good rates. Free quote. Joseâ€™ (250)594-6611.

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HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES COMPUTER SERVICES Jacobâ€™s Landscape Care. Lawns, pruning, yard clean-ups, hedges, maintenance, waste removal, odd jobs, pressure washing. Free est. (250)927-4748. www.JLCARE.ca

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DEATHS

MASON, E Doreen July 14, 1929 âˆ’ October 3, 2015 A true angel left our Earth on Saturday, October 3rd with the passing of Ethel (Doreen) Mason (nee Fair), age 86 in Parksville, B.C. after a brief illness. She leaves behind two daughters,Maureen (Ed) Walsh, Gail (Jim) Hunter,grandsons Shawn, Chris, Miles and greatâˆ’grandson Mason. Predeceased by her husband of sixtyâˆ’one years, Gene, her brother Dr. John Fair, grandson Steven and greatâˆ’grandson Jordan. Mom was born and raised in Calgary, daughter of Edith and John Fair along with her brother Jack. Upon graduation from high school, mom briefly worked in an office as a stenographer but then went on to her true calling âˆ’ a loving, kind, selfless wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Momâ€™s legacy is not one of â€œwhat she didâ€? but â€œwho she wasâ€? as a person. In the words of her biggest fans, her grandsons, she carried a peaceful aura, approached life with a curious, open mind and positive attitude. She was gentle but possessed an inner strength that was unshakable. She will be remembered always by her bright and beautiful smile, smooth elegance with a heart of gold. Never asking anyone for anything, she continued to display her unconditional kindness to others, always willing to help others right up until her last days even though her health was failing. Memories of mom baking treats in the kitchen, doing amazing needlework, tending to her garden, watching sports on TV and her resourcefulness using her arthritic hands (how could she do all of that with just two fingers!) will continue to bring a smile to our face. Her quiet and gentle spirit leaves a powerful blueprint for all of us who knew her in how to approach life with compassion, a positive outlook and unconditional love. A family celebration of mom and dadâ€™s life will be held in the spring as they return to Calgary as their final resting place.

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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.

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WHATâ€™S ON THIS WEEK To submit your activities into our weekly (Thursday) Calendar of Events: events@pqbnews.com â€˘ fax: 250-248-4655 #4-154 Middleton Ave, Parksville

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A24 www.pqbnews.com www.pqbnews.com MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

2015 The Tuesday, December 29, 2015, TheParksville ParksvilleQualicum QualicumBeach BeachNews News REAL ESTATE

RENTALS

FRIENDLY FRANK

FOR SALE BY OWNER

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SUITES, UPPER

LARGE DOG Crate, 42â€?L x 31â€?H x27.5â€?W. Excellent cond. $75. Call (250)594-1802.

240 James St. 1200 sq.ft. 2 bdrm/ 1.5 bath. Large fenced yard, & large deck. Newer roof. 1 car garage. RV or boat parking. 250-248-5246

PARKSVILLEâ€™S EMERALD Estates offers a unique style of Supportive Living for 50+ age. 1-bdrm patio suite. Weekly house cleaning included $1,200/mo. Call Lynn (250)303-0098.

FRENCH CREEK- Lovely 1bdrm suite, upper flr, very priv, quiet home. N/S, N/P. 1/2 blk to beach. $950. Hydro, cable, wifi incld. 250-925-4608.

HOBBIES & CRAFTS GRINSHEEP FIBRE Productions. Felting, spinning, knitting & weaving supplies. Tues Sat., 1 - 5 or by appt. 250-2486306. grinsheep@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE FIREARMS & Collectibles Show. Jan 3, 8:30am - 1pm. Eagles Hall; 2965 Boys Rd, Duncan. Firearms, Sporting goods, Militaria. 250-746-7812

THE ART of CAROL EVANS Available at the Englishman River Gallery. (250)248-7372. MISCELLANEOUS WANTED WANTED old coins of all types. Vintage gold & silver jewelry,rings, chains etc #250-954-9080

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RENTALS APARTMENT/CONDO EMERALD ESTATES 2 bedroom 2 bath(1 walk in shower/1 bathtub) Bright Highly Coveted ASSISTED living for 50 Emerald Estates on Mills St., Parksville Weekly Housecleaning included and Optional Meals 5 days a week. Kitchen with Pantry. Walk to grocery, restaurant, stores, coffee shops Private Parking and Scooter Parking! Call Val 250752-6915 FRENCH CREEK- 1 bdrm, 1 bath suite, furnished, utils & parking incld, priv entrance Suitable for quiet tenant only. Refs reqâ€™d. Avail Jan 1. $700. Call (250)228-4201.

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HOMES FOR RENT WHISKEY CREEK area: Older â€˜Aâ€™ frame house, 3 bdrm, shared acreage. Woodstove, new paint, laminate floors. Long term. $875. Avail. now. Refâ€™s. Call (250)954-1355.

STORAGE MORE SPACE FOR LESS Storage Containers Currently available: 8â€™ x 20â€™ $105. + taxes. Open storage for RVs, cars, boats, trailers: $40. + taxes for first 20â€™ $2 each additional foot.

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Incorporated 1942

NOTICE OF PROPERTY DISPOSITION BY WAY OF LEASE

In accordance with Section 26 of the Community Charter, the Council of the Town of Qualicum Beach (the â€œTownâ€?) gives notice that it intends to lease the premises located at 124 Harlech Road, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia and legally described as Parcel Identifiers: 002-457-792, 002-457-903, 002-457920 LOT A, DISTRICT LOT 58, AND LOTS B, & C, DISTRICT LOT 59, NEWCASTLE DISTRICT, PLAN 26889, and substantially as detailed in the sketch plan below (the â€œPropertyâ€?) to Cloudhead Games Ltd. (Inc. No. BC0970706) (â€œCloudheadâ€?). The Town will lease the Property to Cloudhead for a term of eighteen (18) months commencing on or about February 1, 2016. Cloudhead will pay base rent of $2,000.00 per month and will be responsible for all costs associated with its occupation of the Property during the term of the lease. For enquiries, please contact Luke Sales, Director of Planning, Town of Qualicum Beach, PO Box 130, 201 - 660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, V9K 1S7. (Phone: 250-752-6921; Email: lsales@qualicumbeach)

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE In accordance with Section 24 of the Community Charter, the Council of the Town also gives notice that it intends to provide assistance to Cloudhead consisting of the difference between the current market rent that would be payable for the Property and the rent payable under the lease detailed above. In return for any assistance, Cloudhead shall permit the Town and its elected officials, officers, employees and agents to hold meetings and public gatherings from time to time as the Landlord may consider necessary in its absolute discretion in those parts of the Property described in the lease. Your favourite newspaper at the click of a mouse...

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The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

www.pqbnews.com

Sports &Rec

A25

Do you have local sports news? contact: Tyson Taylor, Sports Reporter email: sports@pqbnews.com phone: 250-951-3809

www.pqbnews.com

HigH scHool golf

KSS golfers take aim at third title Team has won two of last three provincial championships T yson Taylor sports@pqbnews.com

With the high school golf season right around the corner, the Kwalikum Kondors golf team has a chance to win its third provincial title in the last four years. After finishing runner-up last season, the Kondors know it’s going to be tough to find their way back to the top of the mountain after nearly doing it three straight seasons. “It was heartbreaking,” senior Tony Trozzo said of last season’s second-place finish. “That was one of the hardest things of my life so far to get through but we have a strong feeling that this year is going to be different for us.” The Kondors’ run of two provincial titles and a secondplace finish, came with Trozzo, Blair Stewart and Masato Wilson all being a part of the team. Since entering high

school, those three have found their way onto the KSS golf team and have contributed to the success of the program every year. Now in their final year together, the trio hopes to go out with a bang and another provincial title to their record. “That’s the goal,” Trozzo said. “We’ve got the chance to do something special. Having the chance to win our third provincial championship in four years is crazy to think about. The fact that we almost went three for three last year would have been amazing but we know this is our last chance, being seniors this year, to win it one more time. It’s nerveracking knowing this is our last year, but I believe we have a legitimate chance at winning another one.” Kondors golf coach Butch Gayton knows that his team has what it takes to make it back to the big dance and compete for another provincial title, but it’s his seniors who will take the team as far as they can go. “It all starts with the core group,” Gayton said. “Having

Masato, Blair and Tony on this team since they came to KSS, they’ve all been there and won a championship already, so they know what it takes to get there and win one. We had the success last season but couldn’t quite close it out to win a third title, so these kids are going to be hungry to get back out there and show what they can do one more time.” Expectations will be running high for the Kondors once again heading into the 2016 golf season, but Trozzo knows it’s mostly due to the expectations the team and players put on themselves. “We want to be better,” Trozzo said. “We want to improve on last season, be stronger and put up lower scores on a consistent basis. In the end, we want to win another provincial title, plain and simple. I look at it like we’re driving a car, what we’ve achieved is in our rear-view mirror but what really matters is what’s in front of us, and that’s another chance at a provincial title. We have to make the most of it in our senior year and that’s what we’re going to do.”

tyson taylor pHoto

tony trozzo lets fly with a tee shot during action last year for the kss golf team. trozzo is one of three returning players who have won a provincial title as the kondors look for their third title in four years in 2016.

collegiate Hockey

alumni football

LaCouvee ends 2015 on high note Whalers fly flag Goalie helps Boston U to tourney trophy T yson Taylor sports@pqbnews.com

Connor LaCouvee and his Boston University Terriers headed into the Christmas break on a high note, dispatching of the No. 2-ranked Quinnipiac Bobcats in their final game before the four-week break. Though LaCouvee was on the bench for the final game of 2015 for the Terriers, his team handed the Bobcats their first loss of their season, beating them 4-1 in front of the

steven freeman pHoto

connor lacouvee, middle, poses with assistant captains Danny o’regan and matt lane after helping boston university win the kelleyHarkness cup.

Bobcats’ home-crowd. At the end of November, LaCou-

vee and his Terriers were in action at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City, playing for the Kelly-Harkness Cup. “It was unreal, an electric atmosphere for sure,” LaCouvee said. “I wouldn’t say it was intimidating, just exciting. You can feel the crowd going. It was just awesome; I loved it.” In the final game, LaCouvee came up huge for Boston U in front of 17,000plus fans inside MSG, stopping Cornell’s Matt Buckles in the shootout to seal the win. “I was really happy. I didn’t feel I played that well throughout the game. I felt all three goals were stoppable shots.”

T yson Taylor

sports@pqbnews.com

With the holidays in full swing, the Ballenas Whalers football program once again saw action on the field. This time, it was of the flag football variety. The exhibition drew 24 players in total, both current and former, for some spirited action on the Whalers’ stomping grounds. A tradition for the Whalers football program, it gives former and current players a chance to meet, catch up and share their love for the game of football. “It was great to see everyone out,” Whalers coach Jeremy Conn said. “Some teams do alumni games once a year but we do it several times throughout the year. We get current players coming out to our events, so it’s a great way for our alumni and present players to get to meet and really develop that bond.”

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

PQB HISTORY New Year’s Eve Dinner Party 5 Course Dinner & Live Music by Eastbound Train Champagne Toast 8:30pm - 12am • $99 • Dinner Only 6pm - $69 *Room Specials at Pacific Shores Resort

Reservations Required. 250-468-7192 • SmokeNWater.com at Pacific Shores Resort, 1-1600 Stroulger Road Ocean View ~ Fresh Food ~ Great Ambiance

McMillan Arts Centre

HAPPENINGS

133 McMillan Street, Parksville www.mcmillanartscentre.com

The MAC will be closed from December 24, 2015 to January 4, 2016. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year starting January 5th.

JANUARY EXHIBITIONS The MAC is holding a January White Sale starting January 5th. Come by and pick up some great deals on original artwork. A closing reception will be held January 30th from 1 to 3 pm.

START THE NEW YEAR WITH MUSIC Friday, January 8 – FOLK – The Reid Jamieson Band Starts at 7:00 (doors open at 6:30). TICKETS: $15 and $12 (for OCAC Members) and available for purchase at the McMillan Arts Centre Dec 22 & 23 and Jan 5-8. Tickets also available at the door. Come at 6:30 to avoid disappointment.

OTHER ACTIVITIES Zentangle Drop-in – January 16 from 2-4 pm Must have taken a Zentangle beginners class to participate, but everyone is welcome to stop by and take a look. Artist Trading Card Swap – January 23 from 2-4 pm Drop-in for those who want to swap Artist Trading Cards (ATCs). The public is welcome to come by and learn more about the hobby of Artist Trading Cards. McMillan Arts Centre: Tues. – Sat. 10am - 4pm For more information please call 250-248-8185 or email: info@mcmillanartscentre.com

Your donations serve to ensure hospice services are available to caregivers, those facing end of life or grieving a loss.. Thank you all for Supporting the 2015 Memory Tree and our numerous fundraisers throughout the year.

We wish you a peaceful 2016. For more information on our services, please call 250-752-4131 www.oceansidehospice.com to learn more about your community hospice.

For a look back at life in Parksville Qualicum Beach, tour the Qualicum Beach Museum, 587 Beach Road, Qualicum Beach

qbmuseum.net

QUALICUM BEACH

Six generations of the Parkers from Yorkshire WENDY MAURER NEWS Contributor

Imagine my delight when local resident Kerry Parker Finholm brought copies of her family history to the Qualicum Beach museum for inclusion in our archives! The two binders containing a wealth of local information, including photographs are a valued addition to our local knowledge. They also clearly demonstrate the contribution that one immigrant family, can make to a community – it has been significant over the subsequent generations. John William “Will” Parker and his wife Sarah Ann Estill arrived in Coombs in July 1910 with their 7 children. Ella: 1894-1936, Francis Henry “Frank”: 1899-1955, John Edward “Ted”: 1901-1975, George Estill: 1906-1939, Julia Rebecca “Dolly”: 1908-1979, Fred: 1909-1975. Many members of this family still live on Vancouver Island, some in Qualicum Beach. Kerry is the daughter of Jack Watson Parker, middle son of Fred and Ann Parker. Fred has lived and worked in Qualicum Beach his whole life. John & Sarah were married on Christmas Eve, 1891 in Scalby, Yorkshire. John earned a living as a farmer and gameskeeper. During the summer of 1909, General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army embarked on a motor campaign throughout England, touting his dream of helping families improve their lot in life by moving to Canada to be part of the “Farm Colony” to be established in Canada. The next year the Parkers travelled via ship, train, ferry to Vancouver Island, train to McBride station in Parksville (end of the rail line at that time), then via horse and carriage to their new home in Coombs – Lot #2. Lot #1 went to the Foster family. These two families became the first settlers in the Salvation Army’s “Coombs Colony”. The lots are believed to have been in the area now occupied by Demxx on highway 4A.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERRY PARKER FINHOLM

The Parker family arrived in Coombs in July of 1910.

Each settler received 22 acres. The settlers paid $100 down for their property and $10 whenever they could. Once the total $2100 was paid off the CPR gave the settler the deed to the land. After a few years in Coombs, John Parker could not see decent continued employment for himself and his family. With clearing underway for a golf course and large hotel in Qualicum Beach, he bought 40 acres (for $40 per acre) on what is today Parker Road. The Parkers soon became friends with Frank & Cora Jones who had arrived in QB in 1907 and had a large farm known as the Jones’ Farm (now called Bergen Blueberry Farm). Frank and Cora had 11 children. A school was on the Jones farm from 1908 to 1914, with teachers boarding on the farm. In 1923 Henrietta May

Jones married Francis Henry Parker. The Parkers first log house burned to the ground on August 4, 1914, the first day of World War I. Frank Jones loaned them a large tent with a wood floor and boarded sides. Volunteers helped them build a new log home. It is suggested that Bert Gallagher, a carpenter working with the Qualicum Beach Inn recruited the volunteers from men working on the hotel. Bert was courting the Parker’s daughter Ella. The family moved into the new log house in the spring of 1915 and the house still stands today. The Parker story is too long for one column. Next time watch for the tale of how Parker Road got its name and what the Parker family went on to contribute to the community. Thank you Kerry Parker Finholm for sharing your family story with us!

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The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Tuesday, December 29, 2015

www.pqbnews.com

A27

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News

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Daryl McLane McLane • • Tony Tony MacAulay MacAulay Daryl Notary Corporation Corporation Notary

gold22k@shaw.ca

162 Harrison Harrison Ave, Ave, Parksville Parksville 162 250-586-1021 250-586-1021 www.breadandhoneyfoodco.com www.breadandhoneyfoodco.com Check us us out out on on Facebook Facebook Check

250-586-4653

Barnes Business of the Week

John Derek Designer Jewellers

General Contractor: Commercial & Residential Renos, Quality Carpentry, Custom Woodworking, New Construction & Renovations, Decks, Fences, Arbours, Outbuildings, Exterior/Interior Painting & Finishing Work. Yard Maintenance: Mini Excavating, Bobcatting, Ditching, Driveways, Perimeter Drains, Site Prep, Lawn Prep, Debris Removal & General Yard Clean Up. EXPERIENCED, FRIENDLY & RELIABLE SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON

For your FREE Estimate, Please contact

Pascal Trudel: 250.927.4316

Barnes Enterprises Inc.

Complete Tree & Hedge Care

Award winning Master Goldsmith

Custom Wedding Collection Designs Enterprises Inc.

Couples Wedding Jewellery Classes Complete Treefor&a Custom Hedge Care Call or Visit our Gallery Consultation

Sustainable Solutions...

Sustainable Solutions... for a Sustainable Future

GREAT Watch Batteries $1000 CHRISTMAS Ring Sizing $3000 for a Sustainable Future

250-752-2849

BARK MULCH

GIFT IDEAS!

Next Day Pickup

3-155 Morison Ave., Parksville 250-586-4653 • gold22k@shaw.ca

250-752-7524

There’s a a story story behind behind every every smile, smile, There’s Let us us be be part part of of yours... yours... Let Now Accepting Accepting New New Patients! Patients! Now

HELPING YOU GET THINGS DONE!

Shirley Patriquin Ms. Handy Handy Pants Pants Ms.

Suite 101-183 101-183 Fern Fern Rd Rd W, W, Qualicum Qualicum Beach Beach Suite

CONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATING & BOBCAT WORK

Award winning winning Master Master Goldsmith Goldsmith Award

Traveling this Winter? New to BC?

DE EN NT TA AL L C CL L II N N II C C D

Dr. Francis LaCouvée arbutusdental@shaw.ca Dr. Mike Rogers arbutusdentalclinic.com

PRT Home Works

• Trustworthy • Reliable Need temporary help? Your dog needs • Accommodating Tasks in in the the Tasks to be let out while you’re gone for the • Resourceful house and and yard. yard. day? Something else? Call me! house Run errands. errands. Run 250-228-2016 250-228-2016 Pet care care too! too! Pet www.mshandypants.com

Red or Dark • Fine or Coarse Top Soil • Landscape Supplies

Thank you for Your Business 2016!

Open Tues — Sat Best Wishes for & TuesTues and — Thurs Open SatEvenings & Tues and Thurs Evenings By Appointment By Appointment

250.586.4184 250.586.4184

Located Located at at French French Creek Creek Marina Marina 1025 Lee Rd., Parksville

Bow to Stern Oceanside Be seen by your Fiberglass Repair Kitchen Bath Customers Gelcoat Colour matching, Epoxy Hull Repairs, Bottom Paint, Fuel Tank Repairs and Complete Overhauls!

Unit D 1824 Alberni Hwy., Coombs BC mckjb@telus.net 250-248-7605

250-228-4243 • 250-248-7134 3-160 Corfield Street, Parksville

HOME OF THE BLUE DRIVEWAY CHIPS

To advertise here call:

250-586-8173 pqbnews.com

RTTH AR HB BU O EEA USSIIN N TTO NEESSS’ WN OW DO S’ AD ‘‘A

250-248-2525

www.earthmancontracting.com

FENCELINE

SPIDER LAKE ROCK FPRODUCTS LTD. AND GRAVEL LTD. Your Complete One Stop

Blue Driveway Driveway Gravel Gravel Chips Chips •• Blue Construction Aggregates Aggregates •• Construction Fractured Rock Rock for for Walls Walls && Fireplaces Fireplaces •• Fractured 3” Minus Minus Road Road Base Base Material Material •• 3” Decorative Landscape Landscape Rocks Rocks •• Decorative GREAT Large && Small Small Boulders Boulders •• Large PRICES! •• Rip-Rap Rip-Rap Sized Sized Rocks Rocks Washed Drain Drain Rock Rock •• Washed

We also repair Motorhomes & Campers! Quality Quality Craftsmanship Craftsmanship Built to to your your Built Specifications Specifications

~We Deliver~ or you can pick up

U-PICK-UP OR DELIVERY AVAILABLE! Call Tom Gray 250-927-ROCK (7625) tomgray@spiderlakerock.ca Located 0ff Lakeview Rd., Adjacent to Spider Lake Provincial Park HOURS: HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-4pm 7:30am-4pm Sat. Sat. by by request request Mon.-Fri.

Fencing Store!

• Garden & Deer Fencing • Gates & Kennels • Fence Hardware • Cage Wire • Chain Link • Farm • Wood Posts • Wire sold by roll or foot

FREE ESTIMATES

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • REPAIRS

250-248-3122

929 Church Road, Parksville