Lake Cowichan Gazette, January 06, 2016

| VOL. 20, NO. 1 | $1 + GST | www.lakecowichangazette.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

Motor Sport Resort: Bringing dollars to the whole area PAGE 3

Dig in: January a great month to plan garden for 2016 PAGE 10

Year in Review: Ross Forrest talks great people of Lake Cowichan PAGE 11

Happy New Year!

SEE A YEAR IN PHOTOS, PAGE 13

Sabina Kuzniar and Chad Olmstead share a New Years kiss at the Cowichan Lake Recreation Centre’s Family New Years Celebration. For more New Years celebration photos see page 12. [MALCOLM CHALMERS PHOTO]

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2 Wednesday, January 06, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

FIREFIGHTERS GIVE BACK AT CHRISTMAS The Lake Cowichan Volunteer Fire Department was hard at work at their annual Christmas Toy Drive and Pancake Breakfast. This year Country Grocer hosted the fire department on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12.

[MALCOLM CHALMERS PHOTO]

Some emergency planning work to do: council LEXI BAINAS GAZETTE

When an earthquake hits the region, like it did on Dec. 29, everyone always starts thinking about an emergency preparedness plan.

Lake Cowichan town council was ahead of the game last month, talking about the subject of an easily accessible town plan on Dec. 15.

Mayor Ross Forrest said, “I think it’s something we should have in place for the community

so that people won’t think when an emergency happens that we are just winging it, that we actually do have a plan.

“I know the works superintendent and the administrator have a plan in place. But maybe it’s not accessible for everyone to see and maybe it should be. So that when there’s an emergency, we’re not going to just say: ‘Run!’ That there is actually a plan in place,” he said.

Coun. Bob Day noted something else for concern.

“I went on the CVRD website and saw that the emergency mustering place here is the [Cowichan Lake Sports] Arena.

That’s the only one. I don’t know what would happen if the bridge broke. But, we have discussed this before,” he said.

Coun. Tim McGonigle agreed that talk at Lake Cowichan often turns to what might happen if the car bridge became unusable.

“We have discussed it before.

We’ve even talked about using the local fire hall as another

option for [a gathering place]. I don’t think we came to a solution about it, but I know we do need to have something on both sides of the bridge. You hear all the time: what if? what if? Well, the bridge did fail one time. It could happen again,” he said.

Forrest doubted the fire hall would be a good place.

“I’m not sure the fire hall would be the best location for the other side of the bridge because, in an emergency, the fire hall is going to be busy with what the firemen

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are doing. But we should have the [Palsson Elementary] school or somewhere there,” he said.

McGonigle pointed out, “They have generators at the school, too.”

Day suggested that council ask town staff to look at the subject again.

“Maybe we could find a small grant to help us put something together,” he said, adding, “I know we have one but sometimes the public wants something to grab.”

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 06, 2016 3

s ’ d o R

AUTO GLASS & UPHOLSTERY

250-748-4466 #2 - 2986 Boys Road, Duncan

2016 201 6

BASEBALL REGISTRATION Lake Cowichan and District Minor Baseball

REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING 2016 BASEBALL SEASON! Now that the track has been laid down, construction is underway in earnest for the new club house on the Highway 18 site. Lake Cowichan councillors are hoping to lure some of the visitors westward to enjoy their town’s amenities. [LEXI BAINAS/CITIZEN]

Motor Sport Resort bringing dollars to area LEXI BAINAS GAZETTE

It may be located outside the town’s boundaries but the community of Cowichan Lake could still benefit from the Vancouver Island Island Motor Sport Resort, Lake Cowichan town councillors said Dec. 15.

They first heard a brief report from Town CAO Joe Fernandez, who said that the development, [on Highway 18, just past the Tansor intersection], has gone ahead quite smoothly because the land had the right zoning in place when the owners bought it.

He explained he had recently attended a meeting of municipal administrators where the subject of the resort came up and told councillors he had learned a few more details about the private club being constructed.

“A German auto dealer consortium was looking for a home and more by accident than anything else found themselves approaching North Cowichan. They bought that property that sits off Highway 18.

“It [the resort] is set to open for business on May 20, 2016. They apparently have spent $20 million for Phase One. That’s how much they have pumped into the local economy and there’s more to come,” he said.

“They have also bought the Aerie Resort on the Malahat and there’s talk of a golf course to go up there, too. They are also going to build a helicopter pad at the site so people can just come in to the Island from Vancouver and elsewhere.

“It is occurring outside the Town of Lake Cowichan but we stand to benefit. I think we should support what’s happening outside of the

town, too. If it happens inside the town, it’s better, but if it’s outside, it’s not so bad. Even if it happens in the regional district, it’s great. We’ll all benefit from it.”

Coun. Carolyne Austin said she had heard a bit about the club.

“This is a really elite place with memberships sold, possibly time shares. I don’t know if we’d be able to just walk in the gate and go there,” she said.

However, she also asked about tours of the facility.

“It might be good to say: ‘Hey, we’re from the Town of Lake Cowichan.’ I don’t know how many of them would come down the road to see what we have here but that’s what we used to do before: make our presence known,” she said.

C o u n . T i m M c G o n i g l e wa s optimistic.

He said, “I anticipate a spin-off not only for North Cowichan and Duncan, Chemainus and the wine country, but also for our area with what we have to offer. I think that as an economic driver, this is a start for, again, looking at what the benefits might be, even if it is from outside our community.

“A $20 million investment so far is huge. I can only imagine what Phase Two will bring. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to drive on it but I’m sure there are virtual tours I could do. As for a tour, I’d definitely like one, but I’m also happy that this concept has found a place.”

Various aspects of it have been talked about for many years, dating back to the earliest calls for a “noise park,” McGonigle added.

Coun. Bob Day said, “If you haven’t been on their website yet, you should check it out. It’s amazing. There are games, music videos

January 12th & 13th (Tuesday & Wednesday) 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm At The Arena

and virtual laps, too. It’s amazing that people are investing $20 million on this. I know a handful of people that are working there and it’s non-stop.”

Mayor Ross Forrest said, “the noise studies have shown that the noise level there will be less than the traffic going by on the highway. And think of how much Duncan Paving is probably making out of this, or anybody. And if you drive by, it’s a pretty big building they’re constructing. That’s costing money.

“Someone’s building it; the people doing that are either from the Valley or are staying in the Valley, so there is a huge economic impact from that.”

BOTTLE DRIVE

FOR THE YOUBOU COMMUNITY CHURCH SOCIETY

JANUARY 9TH 2016 PICK UPS FROM 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM OR DROP OFF AT THE YOUBOU FIREHALL FROM 10 AM - 2:30 PM

The Youbou Community Church Society repairs and maintains the church for the future and public use.The Youbou Community Church was built in 1938 and is a historical site. A group of dedicated individuals have volunteered over 1400 hours this year to remodel the kitchen, replace outside siding, replace the outside cement stairs and signage. This year it is imperative that the chimney be replaced (at an estimated cost of $7,500.00) and that is what this fundraiser is for.

The Youbou Community Church Society is a charitable organization and operates on a limited budget to upgrade and comply with regulations (fire, safety and food safe) and meet day to day expenses (oil, electrical, insurances and taxes.)

FAITH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN St. Christopher and St. Aidan

70 Cowichan Ave. W Lake Cowichan 250-749-3466

BAPTIST Cowichan Lake Baptist Church 8259 Beaver Road Lake Cowichan 250-749-3211

JANUARY SERVICES: Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Jan. 3 & 10 at 1 pm Pastor Dale Winters Jan. 17, 24 & 31 at 10:30 am

PENTECOSTAL ROMAN CATHOLIC Lake Cowichan St. Louis Christian Fellowship de Montfort 10 King George St. South Lake Cowichan 250-749-6492

60 Fern Road Lake Cowichan 250-749-4103

Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

Mass Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Pastor Terry Hale

Fr. John Vines

4 Wednesday, January 06, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

TO COMMENT

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OPINION

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Small quake should shake us into planning

Are you prepared if there’s an emergency like an earthquake?

When the earth moved on Tuesday night, the brief shaking made books jump on shelves, ornaments rattle on Christmas trees and animals startle, but fortunately, it wasn’t enough to cause injury of any kind or, in some cases, even wake people from sleep.

But that won’t be true when the big one hits. No, that’s not crazy talk from someone who’s watched too many disaster movies, it’s what scientists have been telling us for decades: the big one could hit us at any time here on the B.C. coast.

Think more like what happened in Japan in 2011, where the country was not only devastated by the quake itself but also by the subsequent tsunami that swamped coastal communities and towns for kilometres, than our little rumble.

There, the shaking lasted many minutes, rather than the mere seconds we experienced last week, and numerous aftershocks continued to wreak havoc for many days afterwards.

This kind of quake is a question of when for Vancouver Island, not if.

Last week’s small quake should serve to shake us up enough to check our emergency stores, if we have them, and to nd out what we need to get if we don’t.

It’s really a small thing to do that could pay big dividends in the future.

The kinds of things that you need include water, water purication tablets, canned food and other nonperishables or specially prepared rations, a rst aid kit, sanitary wipes, pet food if you have furry family members, matches, a wind up or battery radio, and something to keep you warm. If you’re unsure about what to get, there are plenty of good links with lots of suggestions, including on the Cowichan Valley Regional District website. Look under the “How do I” tab for the “Prepare For a Disaster” link.

As well as having material preparations in place, it’s also a good idea to talk with your family about how you are going to communicate. Designating an out-of-area person that everyone can contact is a good idea, along with having a designated meeting spot that everyone will gravitate towards.

Preparing now can make the difference between life and death later.

Caycuse • Honeymoon Bay • Lake Cowichan • Mesachie Lake • Youbou

Box 10, Lake Cowichan, British Columbia V0R 2G0 Street Address: 170E-Cowichan Lake Road Phone: 250-749-4383 FAX: 250-749-4385 Classifieds: 1-855-310-3535 (toll free) EDITORIAL: editor@lakecowichangazette.com ADVERTISING: production@lakecowichangazette.com PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY BY BLACK PRESS LTD. Canadian Publication Mail Sales Product Agreement #1090194 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Letters to the editor: YOUR SAY WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Letters to the editor are welcome, but writers are requested to keep their submissions to 350 words or less. Keep it local — letters raised in response to issues raised in our pages get top priority. Letters will be edited for clarity, grammar, length — attack the issue, not the individual. All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be reached during business hours. Thank you letters will not normally be considered for publication. editor@lakecowichangazette.com

Sunfest an unwanted disturbance for area Re: the Sunfest proposal The population of the Cowichan Lake community doubles in the summer, and the number increases every year, because of the rural, unique, natural environment, a paradise centered around the pristine lake and heritage river.

The effects of the Sunfest proposal can be summed up in a word, disturbance! Disturbance to infrastructure, the environment, wildlife, water systems and quality, lifestyle, safety, emergency services, peace and

quiet, highway traffic. Fifteen days (weekends) of summer disturbed!

A most disturbing result of the “consultation process”, is the way it has turned neighbours against one another. The proponent has said that there are no neighbours near the site so many times that it has become alright to dismiss, as he does, the concerns of the many residents who will be negatively impacted (Director Kuhn said, “It won’t be that bad.”, and Mayor Forrest said, “Get your head out of the sand!”). Neighbours who live a few miles away from the site have become openly dis-

missive of the concerns of their neighbours who live closer. This is a disturbing trend!

It is also very disturbing that support statements may be considered from people who do not live in the area, but who would be happy to come to the party, and who could care less if neighbours are disturbed, or, from business owners elsewhere, that would see profit without being disturbed, while the neighbours near the site will have their lives disturbed, big time! The proponent bragged he will have the “biggest sound-stage in B.C.”!

See NO INDEPENDENT, Page 5

DENNIS SKALICKY Publisher The Lake Cowichan Gazette 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@lakecowichangazette.com or 250-748-2666.

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.

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www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 06, 2016 5

Street Beat

With Malcolm Chalmers

The Gazette asked: Is making decisions through AAP as bad as critics of the process say?

Dan Brooks

Colin Yelland

Andy Gauthier

“I think you should be asked but it should be a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ I haven’t even heard about this (AAP process) I suppose it is better than nothing.”

“Yes. Having to go into Duncan and vote only if you are against something is wrong. The proper way to do that is to have a referendum and have everyone involved.”

“Yes, it’s bull****. Who ever puts it out, they count the votes, no supervision.

And you couldn’t get them [the forms] here in town. I got one from someone and copied it.”

Stewart Nash

Ray Fenton

“They (CVRD/government) shouldn’t be able to ram things through.

People should have a vote on it and it should be easy.”

“If you don’t do anything it’s assumed you are for it.

Your vote should be ‘yes’ or ‘no’. It is like negative billing, that didn’t go down very well did it?”

Letters to the editor

Passages of 2015: Stephen Harper

Approval for Laketown Ranch opening Pandora’s box

I

“Today, Pandora’s box means a source of troubles. When we talk about opening Pandora’s box, we use it as a metaphor to mean that we may not know what we are getting ourselves into”. I believe such is the case with the Sunfest proposal.

At the recent Youbou public meeting, complete with “renta-crowd” invitees, some of whom received biased notifications from the Lake Cowichan Chamber of Commerce website, thoughtful questioners revealed major shortcomings in the present CVRD rezoning bylaw.

For instance, there is no decibel limit, no crowd limit, no exit clause for when these festivals turn sour, no bond to protect taxpayers from litigation or cleanup expenses of roads or parks, much less deal with vandalism, no protection for the environment or its wildlife and no protection for close by residents’ aquifer.

Closer inspection of the rezoning bylaw reveals there is no legally binding financial responsibility (or liability) for the proponent. Nor is there any tax sharing between the CVRD and the town of Lake Cowichan to offset the costs that vast

numbers of festival goers will create on this town’s inadequate infrastructure and small workforce. And if the owners of this property (present or future) default on land taxes or policing costs, (as has happened in other towns) where is the protection for taxpayers? There appears to be none.

This rezoning bylaw, once passed, would be in perpetuity. This is what makes it a Pandora’s box for the local residents who will ultimately pay the price for these appalling rezoning shortfalls. Our elected representatives can and should do better! Residents and taxpayers should be protected with up-to-date, well-researched and well-thought-out zoning bylaws.

At this point the new bylaw offers no visible, legally binding protection for taxpayers or the environment.

So if Pandora’s box has already been opened, my best advice to those who abhor this impending 15-or-more day invasion on our tranquil rural lifestyle is to “stock-up, lock-up, hole-up and put-up”. Bottom line is our beautiful and pristine lake, our overtaxed heritage river and our idyllic summers are to be undermined by unchecked commercial exploitation.

R. Danaher Lake Cowichan

No independent reports on noise for neighbours SUNFEST, From Page 4 Now this would be very disturbing, and the stage would likely be used on most summer weekends!

There is no independent report regarding noise impact/disturbance to residents (the proponent study that uses decibel averaging over a 24-hour period, is certainly not reliable), which

is also disturbing!

The proposal and consultation process is already having a disturbing effect on this community. If the proposal is approved, the disturbance on this rural summer paradise will be much greater, permanent and destructive!

Diana Gunderson Lake Cowichan

first met Stephen Harper when he was running for the Canadian Alliance leadership in 2002.

Speaking to a group of Fraser Valley members concerned that the party had split over the leadership of Stockwell Day, Harper didn’t mince words because a local reporter had showed up on a Saturday morning. He explained his prediction that no matter who leads the conservative movement started by Preston Manning, the national media would work against it.

“The press is owned by big-L liberals and staffed by small-L liberals,” Harper said. “Preston was too cerebral; Stock was not cerebral enough. I’m not sure where I will be, but the media will always be on the other side.”

Harper’s cold war with national media is a theme that runs through his decade as prime minister, peaking in 2015 with the most slanted election coverage I’ve ever witnessed.

The celebration continues over Justin Trudeau’s victory, with the supposedly non-partisan federal bureaucracy cheering along with much of the national media.

Harper’s assessment of major newspaper ownership is no longer accurate, except for the Toronto Star. But the dying tradition of owners looking up from their accounting ledgers to endorse a political party continued, with the Postmedia chain and the Globe and Mail pointing out that Trudeau’s rash promises didn’t add up.

Endorsements were a brief interruption in the media assault on Harper’s record. His government’s plan to welcome 10,000 refugees, unveiled way back in January 2015, was portrayed as heartless and feeble, while Trudeau’s 25,000

by Christmas represented the generous character of the true

By Tom Fletcher

BC Views

Canada.

As it turns out, the Liberals have been hard pressed to reach even the 10,000 mark.

But they’ve put out a rash new promise to make it 50,000 at some point in the future, so the media’s new-found message of sunshine, hope and change continues.

Those modest $10 billion annual deficits that Trudeau promised, and Harper warned against? Borrowing and spending will far exceed that, but we’re assured that’s because they were based on inflated Conservative financial forecasts.

In fact, independent private sector forecasts are now the key reference for government budgets at the federal and provincial level. None of them predicted the further slump in energy prices that continued through 2015.

And cooking the books before an election isn’t really possible any more, thanks to the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office. That was a Harper innovation, along with scheduled elections.

And that Trudeau pledge to raise taxes on the wealthiest Canadians and use the proceeds to finance a tax cut for the middle class? That one didn’t add up either. For one thing, wealthy people have a variety of legal ways to reduce their taxable income.

Here’s an actual front-page headline from the Globe and Mail, reporting this unfortunate fact, well after the election: “The way Liberals gauged response to new tax rate explains gap.” So it was just an

“The press is owned by big-L liberals and staffed by small-L liberals.

Preston was too cerebral; Stock was not cerebral enough. I’m not sure where I will be, but the media will always be on the other side.”

STEPHEN HARPER

Harper’s cold war with national media is a theme that runs through his decade as prime minister, peaking in 2015 with the most slanted election coverage I’ve ever witnessed. understandable oversight, you see.

Trudeau’s star turn in Paris, where he pronounced that “Canada is back” in the battle to control the world’s weather? The official submission from his bloated delegation to the UN climate meetings was actually the existing Conservative plan, which includes phasing out coal-fired electricity generation.

Harper generally represented a preference for the individual over the state, a concept that at one time was known as “liberalism.” This was illustrated by his preference for parents rather than a nanny state to administer child care.

He advocated free trade, small government and low taxes.

We’ll see how that legacy survives the new government and its media cheering section.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca Twitter: @ tomfletcherbc

6 Wednesday, January 06, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

COWICHAN LAKE

With Malcolm Chalmers

Smile FILE

Lisa Sercombe

WHAT DID HE BUY

Name: Lisa Sercombe Occupation: retired nurse Favourite food: vegetables What are you currently reading: Margaret Atwood Proudest moment: beating my friend at tennis the other day Best thing about living here: the lake in the summer Favourite activity: waterskiing or tennis How do you define down time: siting and reading a book Favourite moment of day is: morning because it is peaceful In my car I listen to: classical music

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO?

Wishing all a happy, healthy, prosperous and well traveled 2016!!

We Can Get You There!

Start the New Year off RIGHT! 60 STATION ST. • 250 -748 -8128 1- 800 - 434-0566 B.C. REG 1506

Sherri Brubaker

www.thebibliodiva.com people are talking...and what they are saying isn’t very nice.

“Imagine ‘Cards Against Humanity’ but as a Blog” - Marcela Mendez, SFC “Her writing is at times profound and other times proufoundly funny.”

- Trish Spencer, EW “ME WANT COOKIES!” - Cookie Monster, Sesame Street

“Deliciously Inappropriate” - Morgan Lee Moran, The Ranger “Jesus loves you! Can I have the rest of that milkshake?”

- That one hobo dude I met on the corner of 2nd and Holgate near the Railroad tracks “She captures the spirit of the lazy, alcoholic, delingquent in us all.

Everyone has one of those, right?”

- Christina Sures, EDH

“Bust a Move!”

- Young MC although, he really should drop that moniker, let’s be honest.

He’s definitely more of an ‘Old MC’ nowadays. Even “This blog has become my a brief but dignified MC best friend and my lifewould do quite nicely. line. The Biblio Diva is an “Humor for us hopeless incredibly easy person to miscreants out there!” be around and I don’t say - John Jessop, that about....any people” The Wrong Blog - Peter Bohann, Unemployed Misanthrope “I love the Biblio Diva but in the interest of full “We could not ask for a disclosure she is making crazier person to advocate me say that because she for us.” has pulled a knife on me” - Moda Gregoriana, Insane - Anonymous If I used your name or a pathetic attempt to pretend I did not use your name and a completely made up publication for which you may or may not work but probably not, I apologize. I am not very creative. That’s why I write a blog.

Sincerely, The Biblio Diva

Debbie Carlow of Youbou’s picture of Thor, the bull elk, taken during his recent visit to her craft stall, drew so much social media interest last weekend that even the CBC heard of the story. While some folks asked questions like: ‘What did he buy?’ others were worried that hunters might decide to try to kill the big fellow, who is much beloved in the area. [DEBBIE CARLOW PHOTO]

LETTER to the editor No open season on elk in Youbou Please note that there is no “open season” at Youbou.

Residents should not be concerned about our local elk Thor being hunted.

In your Dec. 25 issue Ms.

Carlow had provided a photograph of one of our bull elks — unwittingly raising more attention than we had hoped for. According to local experts of Wilderness Watch, i.e. BC Wildlife Federation, hunters receive hefty fines if caught poaching. No licences have

been issued.

For more information on protecting local wildlife please contact wildernesswatch@ shaw.ca and/or hotline: 1-877-952-7277.

Maria Moran Youbou

NEWS Brief

Earthquake rattles Vancouver Island ANDREA RONDEAU GAZETTE

Many were shaken out of bed Tuesday night just before midnight when an earthquake struck Vancouver Island.

The quake has been measured

at between 4.3 and 4.8 on the Richter scale.

It struck at 11:40 p.m., and was centred in Sidney.

Natural Resources Canada lists the magnitude at 4.3 while the U.S. Geological Survey lists

the strength of the quake at 4.8 on the Richter scale.

People from across the Island and on the Mainland took to social media to report rattling windows and Christmas ornaments.

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 06, 2016 7

250.749.6660

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Keith Nelson

TOLL FREE PAGE 1-800-729-3246

keith@lkc.ca

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D REDUCE

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GREAT OPPORTUNITY Conveniently located in the heart of Lake Cowichan. Fully fenced, flat backyard for easy maintenance with a detached shop/garage and brand new deck. The home features 3 bedrooms & a big cozy fireplace. Needs minor TLC and is Priced to Sell!

ROOMY READY & REASONABLE This home features 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens and plenty of storage. There is a 560 sq ft double garage to store those summer toys. This big home sits on an extra large 0.37 acre lot with fenced garden area and lots of room for building that dream car garage. Quick Possession Available. Call to view today!

197 Grants Lake Road

EASY LIVING

$121,000 REVENUE PROPERTY

17 Kestral Drive

QUIET CUL-DE-SAC

$296,900

$329,900 WATERFRONT

3105 Laurel Grove WATERFRONT LOT Start your dream here! Beautiful water front lot located in prestigious Creekside Estates on the sunny south facing shores of Lake Cowichan.

Incredible views of the pristine lake and mountains and many high end homes are in this impressive subdivision. Minutes from the Town of Lake Cowichan, close to trails and plenty of nature and recreation. This property boasts 14,124 sq ft and is ready to build on. Add your own private dock or walk on the waterfront pebble beach. Great place to enjoy the summer, live year round or retire!

$309,900 OFFER WHAT YOU THINK…

34 Creekside

Sunny Youbou waterfront on .29 acre The main home has 3 bedroom & 2 bathrooms, beautiful birch floors and an open plan kitchen / living roomdesign. There is a 2nd residence with 2 bed/1 bath which is currently being rented. Why not own a piece of paradise?

$199,000

250 South Shore Rd.

BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT LOT

PEACE & TRANQUILITY

225 Johel

$245,000

Gorgeous Lake & Mountain views from all sides on this Kwassin Lake home.

The home features 3 bed / 3 bath with an open plan living design. The master bedroom overlooks the lake and boasts a walk in closet and 4 pc en-suite. The backyard is perfect for entertaining or relaxing while watching the Kingfishers, ducks and more on your doorstep. Call now to view!

$339,000

PRETTY AS A PICTURE This lot is ideally suited to build your dream home in charming Mesachie Lake. The flat lot is close to swimming, golfing, hiking and camping. The lot includes a car port and a newer 200 sq ft shed which is wired, plumbed including a bathroom and insulated. The lot is fully fenced & has mature trees adding to the tranquility and privacy you will feel. Call to view today!

Beautiful waterfront lot on one of the nicest spots on Cowichan Lake. This is an undivided ½ interest a Joint Tenants with a Co-Ownership Agreement in place. Cute cabin on property with two bedrooms, includes a hot tub and dock. Enjoy the beach for swimming & boating and spectacular view of the Mountains & Lake. Call to view today!

9166 Meades Creek

$575,000

10552 Coon Creek

Great Investment property in the heart of Lake Cowichan.

This property has been used as a residential rental but lends itself to redevelopment for commercial because of the prime location. Lot size is approx. 90x300

6624 Forestry Road

11 Indian Road

$209,000

$119,000

PARADISE VILLAGE

Located on the outskirts of the Town of Lake Cowichan. Zoning provided for various usage including intensive agriculture or a B & B. Easy access to the property off Indian Road. Lots of privacy and there is the potential to bring in some revenue from logging some of the standing trees. Great opportunity to build a beautiful home in your own private wilderness. Call to view today!

1200 Sq Ft shop with two bays for all your toys. There is also a 3 bedroom home situated on a roomy .32 acre lot. The back yard is large and private.

Located close to all town amenities

196 Neva

This 1528 sq ft level entry home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious interior with huge kitchen, attached dining area and family room. The master is large and includes a en-suite and walk in closet. The yard is level with lots of room for RV/Boat parking, there is a courtyard with paving stones and glass covered entryway, nice flower beds and a large deck at the back.

Minutes to downtown Duncan. Motivated seller and early possession available!

SOLD

2.5 ACRE TREED LOT

HUGE SHOP

upstairs with a huge living room, country kitchen and laundry room. There is a 1 bed suite downstairs which will provide extra revenue if needed or simply use as a big home. There is a big easy access wired shop that would be great for projects or storage.

Call to view today!

$220,000

$99,000

$325,000

87 Park

You can see for miles & miles on this spectacular south facing 0.28 acre lot. Located high on the hill in the “Cottages at Marble Bay”. There are panoramic views of the mountains, beautiful Cowichan Lake & Honeymoon Bay! There is lake access with wharfs and beach front. They don’t come any better than this so make this your weekend destination get-a-way or for full time living!

This large home features 3 bedrooms

147 MacDonald

$230,000

SPECTACULAR VIEWS

Immaculate double wide mobile in a small adult park with only 10 units.

This 2 bed/2 bath home has been meticulously maintained including paint, flooring, appliances, new propane fireplace, bathroom and the list goes on and on. A great home and wonderful location so don’t miss your chance to live here!

#1-8697 North Shore

This 3 or 4 bedroom home radiates hospitality & charm from the marble & Boeing bathtub to the vaulted ceilings. The living room has a cozy terra cotta fireplace and downstairs is a cold room for your wine or preserves. The home boasts unique tiles, intercom system, built in vacuum and fully finished detached workshop with over height double carport for your RV or Boat

$169,900

83 Wellington

Your Property Is Our Priority!

We Have Tenants Waiting!

477 Point Ideal $85,000

$285,000

191 Johnson

RENTAL PROPERTIES WANTED!

#57-6855 Park Ave

Make this your holiday get-a-away! Shared interest in a waterfront development boasting 12 acres on Lake Cowichan. There are 4 acres of play fields, a private marina, a boat launch, sandy beach and a year round caretaker. You are close to March Meadows Golf course, Gordon Bay Park, and only minutes from the Town of Lake Cowichan. Share in the abundance of nature the area offers that makes this place so uniquie!

$102,000

8 Wednesday, January 06, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Promoting the Cowichan Valley to the world, a century ago That was during the (Part 1) period of abysmal “...It is true that the ignorance of the averpopulation of the Cowage Englishman with ichan district is largeregard to the British ly made up of people Empire. of means to whom Then came the perit is not altogether iod of which one may necessary to work for call ‘The lady of the a living...”—Cowichan CHRONICLES snows’ period. At this Leader, 1912. time the Old Country t the dawn T.W. Paterson was beginning to of each new know the whereabouts of the year many of us reflect various portions of the Empire, upon the year just past and our but had but a very vague idea hopes, plans and prospects for of the conditions prevailing in the future. It was in this optithem. It is only within the last mistic vein, 104 years ago, that five years that the outlying porthe Cowichan Leader published tions of the British Empire have a special edition intended to been appraised at their true inform and to entice potential worth by the man in the street newcomers from afar (not just in the United Kingdom.

Canadian but those of other On a smaller scale the same nationalities) by promoting ignorance prevailed in the East the Valley as a place where one of Canada about the west until could live, comfortably and a few years ago. The boys of the prosperously. family who ‘went west’ were It’s necessary for us to underconsidered bold adventurers stand that, in 1912, the provindeed. The west was regarded ince was just coming out of a almost as a different country to decade-long boom, its greatest the east, and as for British Coleconomic ride since the Cariumbia, since it was necessary to boo gold rush. And that the pass the Rocky Mountains to get Cowichan Valley had been predominantly settled by gentrified there, it was considered almost in another hemisphere.

Britons with pensions. That Within a decade a marvellous all this was about to violently change has taken place. The end with a world war was as world ha[s] grown smaller — the yet unforeseen and partially distance from east to west of explains the Leader’s gilded prothis continent has contracted. motion of a way of life that was The transformation has been really achievable only by those brought about by the buildwho came with adequate finaning of railways east and west cial means.

Readers will note the dramatic and north and south, until the country has no less than changes which have occurred three transcontinental systems in a century. But, before getting — one of which has spanned down to the sales pitch for Cowthe continent for 25 years and ichan, the Duncan newspaper more, while the other two [then thought it necessary to put to under construction and doomed rest popular “misconceptions” to bankruptcy—Ed.] will join about this westernmost CanAtlantic to Pacific within a adian paradise... couple of years; and by the enor“In the year 1912 it is hard to mous advances which have been realize that it is only a very few made in the field of engineering years ago that a leading English science, making it possible to daily paper referred to Vancoubuild mighty liners which can ver Island as ‘an island on the cross the Atlantic Ocean in less west coast of South America’.

A

A division of

The Cowichan region of today looks a lot different from what it did 100 years ago. [CITIZEN FILE] than a week.

Under modern conditions, the ignorance to conditions of life in Canada has been rapidly giving way to a fuller understanding of the vast possibilities of this mighty land.

British Columbia, for some years, seemed to lag somewhat behind the other provinces of Canada, in the matter of the attracting attention of Great Britain and Europe. Today, British Columbia attracts more attention than any province in Canada. It was, until lately, the largest province in the Dominion, and it is acknowledged to

[be] the richest in potential wealth of all the provinces. British Columbia is famed the world over for its enormous potential wealth, its minerals, its forests, waterpower and fisheries; for the awe-inspiring grandeur of its mountain peaks and valleys; for the splendid opportunities for sport of all kinds which it affords, such as mountaineering, big game shooting and fishing, and last, but no means least, it is famous for its mild and equable climate.

Vancouver Island has its full share of these attractions. It has come to be called ‘The play-

ground of Canada’ from the fact that the conditions of life on this island are as near ideal as a man could desire...”

Finally, the editor begins to get to down to business: “In all Vancouver Island there is no more attractive centre than the Cowichan district. This district, which comprises some 300 square miles, in all, is situated 40 miles north of the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, by rail, and 41 by road...”

(To be continued) www.twpaterson.com

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 06, 2016 9

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10 Wednesday, January 06, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

January a great month to plan your garden for the new year

B

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ecause various crops use different soil nutrients they should be rotated throughout the garden.

This also avoids a buildup of pests and diseases that prey on a particular plant. January is a good time to plan for spring, summer, fall and winter rotations so there’s always something to eat in the garden since new seed catalogues come out this time of year and we can order the

6476 Norcross Rd, Duncan 6476 Norcross Rd, Duncan 6476 Norcross Rd, Duncan

A division of

seed we need for the whole year.

Some items like garlic won’t be available until mid-summer, but we can order them now and have them

By Mary Lowther delivered when we need them.

I like to include a high-protein crop for each season; peas in spring, beans in summer and corn in fall. Seed producers cultivate plants geared to each specific season, so it is worthwhile getting those that suit your garden.

Buttercrunch lettuce, for example, is a hardy variety that grows well in late fall, holds up in a cold frame and sometimes will re-grow outside in spring if left in the ground to overwinter.

Some commercial seed packets contain several varieties of the same plant that can be harvested at different times even when they’re sown at the same time.

When you plan for crops to grow in each season you accomplish three things. First, since the harvest is extended over time, you use more of your crop and don’t end up giving so much away or just composting whatever you couldn’t get around to processing. Second, you’ll be eating fresh produce for a longer period and, finally, the garden chores will be spread out and therefore easier to accomplish.

For example, sow the first crop of lettuce in one-third of the designated

Dig In

Plan in January; seed catalogues come out this time of year. [MARY LOWTHER PHOTO] “lettuce” bed, then three weeks later, sow another crop in another third of the bed, and the last third of the bed in another three weeks. By the time the first crop of lettuce is ready you can re-sow that bed and so on, changing the

variety as the seasons change.

Gardening is a labour of love, but it is labour. If we want to enjoy our own fresh picked food we need those spring and summer hours for work. How fortunate we have January for planning!

#UsedHelps

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 06, 2016 11

◆ YEAR IN REVIEW

Recognizing the great people in Lake Cowichan in 2015

O

ur communin Lake Cowichan, ity has always started the Caring been a special with Cookies campaign in 2007. Her place to those of us initiative to bake who have made it and donate cookies home and particufor the less forlarly so because tunate has grown of the thoughtful, and grown to the compassionate people who curMayor’s report point where she

By Ross Forrest was recognized on rently reside here the American TV and those who have talk show Live with resided here in the Kelly and Michael on Nov. 24. past.

The Caring with Cookies project It should come as no surprise hit the U.S. television spotlight to anyone when you hear about with Kelly Ripa and Michael our local citizens being recogStrahan discussing the camnized for their generosity or paign and how it was started by kindness. Recently we became Stacy. Indeed it was a wonderful aware of those who have been story about a good person who long overdue for such recogniis not only caring about those in tion and who deserve that extra need but actually doing a really acknowledgement. I say long positive thing to make life more overdue because these people enjoyable for those in need. have been overlooked in the Thank you Stacy, your communpast, probably because we have ity is proud of you. simply come to expect good People like the Pimlotts and deeds out of them and hence Stacy Middlemiss are who have overlooked their need for define our community. These recognition. are good people who care for The Pimlotts (Pete and others and who have been doing Joanne), owners of Country Grocer were recently recognized good deeds for years, not for the accolades, but because they feel for good corporate citizenship a need to do the right thing. Our at the National Philanthropy community is a much richer Day awards ceremony. Any of place because of the likes of the our many local organizations Pimlotts and Stacy and others who rely on fundraising to suplike them. port their activities are acutely The large contingent of volaware of Country Grocer’s genunteers who year after year erosity towards their endeavors. participate in the Community Also Country Grocer is always Services Christmas Hamper Profront and centre for all comgram certainly demonstrates munity parades, markets, fairs a very compassionate, caring or for taking the lead for the and generous community. The annual Tour de Rock fundraiswonderful hampers provided to ing event. Congratulations Pete our less fortunate neighbours and Joanne, this award is well deserved because of your contri- are available only because of the many donations and the many butions and generosity towards volunteer hours provided by so your community. This is cermany. A large percentage of our tainly a great endorsement of a community is responsible for business seeing the great value the success of this hamper proin giving back and participating gram beginning with the Comin the good of the community.

Stacy Middlemiss who grew up munity Services organization;

Resa Clark-Attrell and Amanda Sawatzky are two of the 40-plus volunteers who boxed up donated food and items to make Christmas hampers for people in need this year. [GAZETTE FILE] Val Sangster for the coordination and collection of items for the free store table; our fire departments for the breakfast and boot donations; private individuals as well as other organizations who make contributions through other donations; and all the special volunteers who have made this year’s Christmas Hamper Program a success through their heartfelt efforts. I am proud of our community!

We are fortunate to have our different committees comprised of members from the public who are committed to enhancing our community in positive ways. Some of these committees work under the radar and don’t receive the recognition they deserve. Our Advisory Planning Commission (APC) is certainly one of those committees which is relatively unknown to the public but hugely appreciated by council and staff. Chairman

Ross Fitzgerald along with members Les Bowd, Tara Bushby, Darlene Ector and Dianne Goode do tremendous work ensuring that improvements to our town adhere to our bylaws and legal requirements. They also have a great vision of our town’s future and of how we should proceed to accomplish that vision. They donate a lot of their precious time for no remuneration because they truly care about the town and want to see continued improvements and progress in that regard. We are so fortunate to have such a diverse group volunteering for our community.

Thank you members of the APC; I applaud your dedication to our town.

Another corporate contributor we are thrilled about is Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) because of its willingness to fund cost sharing

projects and, through the Road Improvement Program, assist the town with many of our road safety improvements. Our South-North Shore Road roundabout, two speed reader boards, road street sign improvements, and four pedestrian activated crosswalks were all made possible through the generous financial assistance of ICBC. As a friendly reminder it is important that pedestrians remember to push the appropriate button to activate the crosswalk lighting signal. ICBC, recognizing the need to be proactive has been very beneficial to our ability to make the necessary improvements for the safety of our citizens. We really appreciate ICBC as a partner and for its generous contributions in making Lake Cowichan that a much safer community.

See REVISIONS, Page 12

CUPE members provide public

We all know firsthand how important library services throughout Vancouver libraries are to the communities we serve.

Island, Haida Gwaii, the Central Coast, and As we bargain a collective agreement, we some northern Gulf Islands – at 39 branches will continue to stand up for fairness and in 37 communities. We are frontline staff for public services. We invite all library including library assistants, office workers, lovers to visit our web site.

IT, and drivers. We ensure our library users get the books and information they want from both inside library branches and to remote locations.

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A message from your Vancouver Island Regional Library workers at:

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Port McNeill Port Renfrew Quadra Island Qualicum Beach Queen Charlotte Sandspit Sayward Sidney / North Saanich

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12 Wednesday, January 06, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

◆ NEW YEARS CELEBRATIONS

New year in with a bang at the Lake

Children of all ages were invited to say goodbye to 2015 at the Cowichan Lake Rec Centre, which hosted its Family New Year’s Celebration. The event included movies, crafts, skating and a balloon drop at 7:30 p.m.

[MALCOLM CHALMERS PHOTO]

Left: Colleen Smith and Cameron Stewart with kids Myriam and Eric enjoy a New Year’s Eve skate at the Cowichan Lake Rec Centre. Above: Revellers ushered in 2016 with much fanfare at the Lake Cowichan Legion on Thursday night. [MALCOLM CHALMERS PHOTO]

Revisions to water system to prevent boil orders, seniors care facility issues for 2016 RECOGNIZING, From Page 11 A big thank you must also go to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for its financial contributions towards the pedestrian activated crosswalks, the roundabout and the main street paving project.

These are improvements that add to the quality of life for our residents.

While 2015 has been overall a positive year for our community, the recent torrential downpours have caused minor flooding in parts of the town and have also caused an increase in the turbidity levels in our water source.

Island Health requires that the town post a Boil Water Notice when turbidity level exceeds 1 NTU (nephelometric turbidity unit) at the point of disinfection.

The town would very much like to construct a new water treatment plant at a cost exceeding

$6 million so that the mandated requirements imposed by Island Health, which are now more stringent than previously, may be met or exceeded.

The Town of Lake Cowichan has been required to implement the appropriate water system improvements by 2017. In the meantime, a positive response to the grant application made under the Gas Tax Strategic Priorities funding program would certainly help expedite improvements to our drinking water supply and make the boil advisory notices a thing of the past.

Now that the study on our Age-Friendly Plan has been completed (step 1), it is time to begin the process of locating an extended care facility in Lake Cowichan. We know there has been the WANT in our community for some time and the Age-Friendly Plan contains a great amount of information

and facts identifying the NEED. We now have the information to help us persuade the necessary partners required to assist in us in those efforts.

We will be holding a meeting on Monday, Jan. 4, to discuss the next steps that are required.

Forming an active committee will be a necessary requirement.

However, it is crucial that our entire community involve itself in some capacity to take on this challenge. Strong community support will achieve success.

Remember Jan. 4, 7 p.m. would be your opportunity to begin work on this initiative so we may bring it to fruition so please show up at the town hall on the day and time I have just indicated. Please make your presence felt so we can identify the best possible people to assist in accomplishing our goal of a first class care facility.

As we prepare to proceed with

our town hall addition and renovation, here is a brief description of the design plans from HDR/CEI Architecture Associates, Inc. The proposed work to the existing Lake Cowichan town hall comprises a single story, 272 square metre addition on the north and west sides of the existing structure to house a new council chamber and a new entry hall and reception area.

The existing fire hall component will be removed to facilitate the new addition.

The remainder of the exciting 210 square metre town hall will be renovated and the exciting building envelope upgraded to current performance standards and to better blend with the new addition.

The proposed addition revitalizes the public face and access to the town hall while taking advantage of views to the rivers from both the new council

chambers and from the new entry hall. The building showcases wood construction featuring exposed wood structure and wood finishing and incorporates prominent glazing walls that connect interior and exterior space. This new transparency will animate the building by allowing views and activities inside, particularly views into and from the entry hall. The project also includes new exterior landscaping, reorganized parking and universal access to and from the building.

As 2015 comes to an end I am encouraged by the steady growth of our community, both through infrastructure improvements and more importantly growth through public interest and participation at local public events.

Happy New Year to all and may 2016 bring you happiness and prosperity.

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 06, 2016 13

◆ YEAR IN REVIEW

New projects, accomplishments crown 2015 at Lake

Crystal Bell, centre, was crowned the 2015 Lady of the Lake during this year’s Lake Days festival, following in the footsteps of her sister, Amber, who was named First Princess in 2011. Kirsten Mackie, right, was named this year’s First Princess and Sidney Fothergill, left, was named Second Princess. All three serve as ambassadors for the town. [MALCOLM CHALMERS PHOTO]

Above: In April, artist Ron Hamilton put the finishing touches on his design sketch for the totem pole in Ts’uubaaasatx Square. [DREW MCLACHLIN PHOTO] Right: Curtis and Meredith Carlow with their daughter Naomi at a bottle drive fundraiser in support of Naomi, who was diagnosed with a rare liver condition called biliary atresia and needed to go to Edmonton for surgery and treatment. [MALCOLM CHALMERS PHOTO]

Above left: Sylvia McMahon, left, and Pat Foster of Communities in Bloom display some of the flower baskets planted and nurtured by two classes at Lake Cowichan School. [DREW MCLACHLAN PHOTO]. Above right: RBC Atom C1 goalie Tyler Friesen reacts to a shot during the skills competition at the 2015 Lake Cowichan and District Minor Hockey Jamboree held Jan. 24. The Lakers Blue Jerseys took home gold that day. [MALCOLM CHALMERS PHOTO]

14 Wednesday, January 06, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

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www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 06, 2016 15

FOREST CO-OP STEPS UP FOR FOOD BANK

In Brief Catalyst boss coming to Chamber dinner to talk weir LEXI BAINAS GAZETTE

If you were unable to get your questions answered about Catalyst’s future plans for the Lake Cowichan weir, the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce has a possible solution for you.

On Wednesday, Jan. 20 they are welcoming Harold Norlund, vice president and general manager of Catalyst’s Crofton mill, to speak and provide a PowerPoint presentation on the weir and plans to pump water over it from the lake into the Cowichan River.

Norlund’s wide experience in pulp and paper in North America also covers the fields of cost-reduction and profitability. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba and is a Professional Engineer with APEGBC. The event begins at 6 p.m.

Register early for Cowichan Lake Chamber awards banquet LEXI BAINAS GAZETTE

Will there be a Citizen of the Year or a Nichole Stock winner for 2015?

No one will know until the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce makes its announcement at its annual general meeting and banquet on Thursday, Feb. 25.

The popular event, held at the Cowichan Lake Curling Lounge starting at 6 p.m. includes a buffet dinner. Tickets are $20 per person.

Seating is always limited so register early.

Also on the agenda for the evening are a Lady of the Lake report, a review of the Chamber’s year, Chamber business awards and election of Chamber officers for 2016.

For more information email Coordinator Katherine Worsley at lcchamber@shaw.ca or call 250-749-3244.

Betty Anne Weberg Sanddar, left, and Cindy Vaast of the Lake Cowichan Food Bank are delighted to receive a donation from Richard Weir on behalf of the Lake Cowichan Forest Co-op. [SUBMITTED]

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16 Wednesday, January 06, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

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