Goldstream News Gazette, January 22, 2016

GOLDSTREAM Critical leaks

Langford Fire Rescue warns of carbon monoxide dangers Page A3

NEWS GAZETTE

NEWS: Colwood callers seek resident opinions /A3 RE-OPENING SOON COMMUNITY: Young parent daycare critical service /A12 SPORTS: Belmont senior girls peaking for playoffs /A21 WATCH HERE FOR DETAILS!

Friday, January 22, 2016

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Sewage costs raise hackles at Langford council Committee looking to open dialogue with other West Shore municipalities A presentation meant to encapsulate the Capital Regional District’s core area liquid waste management’s committee research left Langford council members voicing concerns over the veracity of the numbers.

Les Bjola, chair of a special sewer oversight committee tasked with finding the best treatment options for the City – even those separate from the current sewage treatment discussions – was forced to intervene at Monday’s council meeting when the Katherine Powerpoint presentation showed the cost breakdown per household.

Engqvist Councillors had a hard time letting the Reporting presenter finish and not voicing their concerns, while Mayor Stew Young compared the project to Victoria’s notorious blue bridge replacement.

“This whole process has been like herding cats and every meeting goes exactly like this,” Bjola said to council as he tried to restore order to the proceedings.

“We need you to understand that the decision around (sewage treatment) is by far and away … the largest tax implication you will ever deal with in the City of Langford – ever. And the problem is, everyone is now at the point of total frustration and everyone is so fed up and no one is listening anymore.”

Rolling transformer Three-year-old Aulie Paul rides, or more accurately, walks his wooden, self-proclaimed “Transformer bike” along a side street in Langford.

PLEASE SEE: Independent sewage solution, Page A5

Arnold Lim/News Gazette staff

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GOLDSTREAM GOLDSTREAM NEWS NEWS GAZETTE GAZETTE -- Friday, Friday, January January 22, 22, 2016 2016

Carbon monoxide incidents triggering alarms

Carbon monoxide detectors should be on every level of a house Katherine Engqvist News Gazette staff

Langford Fire Rescue is warning residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) after responding to six incidents in the past two months where the deadly gas was present inside a home.

In two of those cases, ambulances were called to treat residents for CO poisoning.

“In every incident, it was a carbon monoxide detector that alerted the occupants that there was a serious and lifethreatening problem inside the house,” said Langford Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Chris Aubrey. “Those inside had no idea there was a problem until the detector started to sound.”

On average, Aubrey said, the department only gets a few carbon monoxide related calls in a year.

This recent rash of incidents has the department worried that a number of residents – those who don’t have detectors – may be living in dangerous situations.

“It’s a concern for us,” he said.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that is produced when fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, oil, propane, wood or coal are burned.

CO levels can reach deadly proportions if there is poor ventilation or equipment isn’t working correctly.

But Aubrey warned it’s not just older equipment that needs to be monitored.

One of the recent calls was to a new home, which had two gas fireplaces.

“Fortis determined the seals around the glass weren’t installed correctly,” he said, explaining the cause of the carbon monoxide leak from the new fireplaces.

Another recent call was to a home that didn’t have a wood burning stove or natural gas. Investigation determined the likely cause was a car idling outside the home, Aubrey said.

Cases such as this one are why the department is recommending that all homes have carbon monoxide detectors installed. The units are also available in combination with smoke detectors, which are popular in new buildings and can help save a little bit of money.

“It’s something most people don’t even consider,” Aubrey said. With CO detectors costing roughly between $30 and $65, he added, it’s an expense that could potentially save lives.

Given CO’s invisible properties, many people don’t realize when they have been exposed to it, he said. “Carbon monoxide poisoning has similar symptoms as the flu, so it can often be discounted as nothing more than just not feeling well. Without a detector, you would never know just how dangerous the conditions in your home have become.”

Unlike a smoke detector, where the source setting off an alarm is usually easy to detect, a carbon monoxide alarm doesn’t have an obvious source, Aubrey said, so it’s important to make sure detectors are in proper working order and not placed right beside a device such as a wood burning stove.

“They’re only effective if they’re working,” he said.

CO detectors should be located on every level of your home. They should be checked regularly, just like smoke detectors, and replaced every seven years.

They are available at most home supply stores.

For more information, contact LangKatherine Engqvist/ News Gazette staff ford’s Fire Prevention Unit at 250-478- Langford Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Chris Aubrey shows off one of the many models 9555. of carbon monoxide detectors after the department had received six CO related calls katie@goldstreamgazette.com in two months.

Colwood checking pulse of community through telephone survey Responses to help guide city’s planning process Arnold Lim News Gazette staff

If you get the call, you may want to take this survey.

The citizens of Colwood are being asked to vocalize their level of satisfaction with the services

provided by the City, and the mayor and council who oversee their provision.

“This survey is really targeted at the silent majority, those that don’t come to meetings but have an interest in their community,” said Colwood Coun. Gordie Logan.

“We are really trying to mine what their feelings are.”

A random selection of 400 citizens from across the municipality will be contacted by phone through the first week of February.

The goal is to hear from a broad range of residents across the seaside municipality.

Recreation and transportation services are among the survey topics.

Citizens will also be asked their opinions on services in the community and whether they feel they are receiving good value for their property taxes.

“We want to be able to react and offer services that residents are wanting and seeking, and we want

to know that what we’re doing is meeting their expectations,” Logan said.

“If not, it will serve as an opportunity to refocus and turn the ship in a different direction.”

Results from the survey are expected sometime in late February, when they will be presented to Colwood council and made available on the City’s website.

Public responses will help inform the council’s 2016 strategic planning and budget processes to

guide short- and long-term priorities.

Anyone not contacted by phone may also complete an online survey at www.colwood.ca.

“This is our first one we have done, (and) we would expect it wouldn’t be our last. We’ll do more in the future,” Logan said.

“We’re hoping that our residents will let it all out and give us their honest opinion, and we look forward to sharing that feedback.” alim@goldstreamgazette.com

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GOLDSTREAM GOLDSTREAM NEWS NEWS GAZETTE GAZETTE -- Friday, Friday, January January 22, 22, 2016 2016

Independent sewage solution among committee considerations believes there are a number of ways to help reduce costs, he added, with local knowledge being the key.

“What we’re doing in our study so far, is we’re doing the meat and potatoes. We’re (saying) ‘there’s the location, there’s the pipes to get it to the location.’ Then we would go to private contractors and say, ‘here’s what we need, what have you got?’”

Young warned that the overall numbers could go up, not down.

He was careful to point out that grants and government payments were based on the previous project’s roughly $780-million budget.

Anything over that amount would be put on the taxpayers’ bill. “We need to be very careful with these numbers … anything over $780 million is in the danger red zone for all of the taxpayers,” he said.

Continued from Page A1

Bjola pointed out that the figures attached to the various plant proposals are generous amounts that have been rounded up, with the intention of having them refined, and are based on population estimates for 2030.

When he opened the discussion to council’s questions, concerns were voiced about existing infrastructure not being utilized, while some questioned the routes of some of the treatment and outflow options.

“They were pushed to put a package together very quickly, and unfortunately when you’re pushed to do things quickly, what you get is a quick number,” Bjola said. “It’s easy to throw stones and be a couch quarterback.”

The oversight committee

Young and council are not taking the potential for cost overruns lightly. “When we add $500 a year on your taxes, taxes would go up 50 per cent in Langford to the average household just because of sewer,” he said. The municipal tax portion for the average household in Langford is $1,007.

A member of the public attending the meeting asked for clarification on which households would foot that bill. While the oversight committee would not ultimately make that decision, Bjola said, they looked at everyone who could be connected to sewer, now and in the future, and excluded those areas that, under Langford’s official community plan, will remain on septic. That household estimate is based on population estimates for 2030.

Bjola said the committee has

had some discussion about an independent treatment system for Langford, but that would require a services review with the CRD. The time factor involved to do so, and resolve any environmental issues, would be significant, he added.

For the past few years the City of Colwood has been pursuing, at their own expense, the option of a tertiary treatment plant. Requirements for this plant would however include additional emergency and overflow connections to a treatment plant and outfall, which would double the costs of the plant, according to the oversight committee’s presentation.

That expense would be imposed completely on the City of Colwood because it would be the only municipality served by the plant.

In relation to that, the CRD’s core area committee has put

forward an option that includes a combined Colwood/Langford plant with at least a secondary treatment level, with an outfall at Royal Bay. This is one of seven options the CRD is currently considering.

“We believe that the Westside group are like-minded individuals and we’re going to come up with a solution that is very beneficial to the Langford taxpayer,” Bjola said. He asked council to grant the oversight committee permission to begin opening avenues of discussion with other West Shore municipalities and possibly Esquimalt, with the intention of forming partnerships beneficial to the City.

Council asked the committee to bring a budget for the further technical analysis to an upcoming council meeting. katie@goldstreamgazette.com

Region’s waste water options to be opened up for public scrutiny Christine van Reeuwyk Black Press

The Capital Regional District seeks feedback on proposed approaches to wastewater treatment and resource recovery, with outreach expected to start any day. At its meeting last week the core area liquid waste management committee approved heading out for public consultation, a process

that will include online surveys and an option to email comments.

“We’ll never have perfect information but we have enough. I think it’s time we ask the public. This will not be a referendum,” said committee chair, Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.

There are five options to wastewater treatment for the core area – some with multiple subset options – and each offers a representative

approach for developing a more refined plan.

“I really have to question why we’re going out to the public at this time with what information we have,” said Director and Saanich Coun. Vic Derman, who noted the public found a “dearth of information” last time. “We don’t have solid information here. We have five (options) or whatever it’s morphing to, mostly centred around

Rock Bay. We already know there are other options.”

The committee deferred going out last month to consult the public, asking staff to gather more information. Those details are either available now or coming soon to the CRD website.

Helps noted the survey will be designed to offer “other comments” for the savvy public who follow all the technical

to lose government funding for the project, Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell advised against such an approach, saying any information should be strictly factual and based on technical memos. “I don’t think we want to put any doom and gloom in that we might

lose funding,” he said.

Visit crd.bc.ca/ project/wastewaterplanning to view the options and other relevant information.

An expanded version of this story can be found at goldstreamgazette.com. editor@goldstream gazette.com

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The public expects to be consulted, but the final stages will be “a hard political decision” she added.

While Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen suggested that the public should hear about the potential

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GOLDSTREAM GOLDSTREAM NEWS NEWS GAZETTE GAZETTE -- Friday, Friday, January January 22, 22, 2016 2016

Highlands receives FireSmart grant Wildfires like this one can cause serious damage in rural areas close to forests and grasslands. The District of Highlands will be working with its residents on how to prevent wildfires and keep their homes safe from the potential spread of wildfires, with the help of a FireSmart grant.

Money will help municipality work with residents on being safe from wildfires Katherine Engqvist News Gazette staff

Highlands is the recipient of a $10,000 Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative FireSmart Grant, funding that will help the District mitigate risks to local residents.

Mayor Ken Williams said $2,000 of the grant is earmarked to host one or more evening or weekend workshops designed to inform the public how to create and maintain a wildfire-safe home. It will also cover the cost of a venue, a FireSmart consultant, printed workshop materials and refreshments.

Another $2,000 is set aside for specific dates for roadside pick-up, chipping and delivery to the Community Hall gardens of broom and brush.

The remaining $6,000 will be used for reimbursement grants (up to $200 each) for property owners to hire a FireSmart consultant to provide them with a plan for their property.

The Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative is a group of funding programs managed through the provincial Fuel Management Working Group, which includes the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society; Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

The initiative supports communities to help mitigate risk from wildfire in areas where wildland fuels (vegetation) are found adjacent to homes, farm structures or other outbuildings. katie@goldstreamgazette.com

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www.goldstreamgazette.com A8 • www.goldstreamgazette.com Christine Scott Publisher Don Descoteau Editor Penny Sakamoto Group Publisher

VIEWPOINT

Friday, 22, 2015 2016 - GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE Friday,January March 20, The Goldstream News Gazette is published every Wednesday and Friday by Black Press Ltd. Office address: 205-774 Goldstream Ave., Victoria, B.C. V9B 2X3. Phone: 250-478--9552.

Circulation contact: 250-478-9552 ext 227

OUR VIEW

Crime Stoppers valuable resource for communities It isn’t only men and women in uniform who can curb crime – anyone is capable of contributing.

The Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers proves that, year after year.

January is Crime Stoppers Month and a fine time to recognize the valuable service Stopping crimes the program is an ability we all that provides along with have at some level its partners in the community, media and the West Shore RCMP. Technology has the potential to make things easier on tipsters. Those who witness crimes don’t have to call the tipline from a pay phone and hang up; it’s simpler than ever to submit information electronically – even via your smartphone – and create useful dialogue with law enforcement.

Crime continues to be troubling on the West Shore and in any community, but there are sometimes indicators that the statistics are moving in the right direction.

Certain individuals who have been responsible for an inordinate number of crimes have been caught, often thanks to the help of individuals utilizing the Crime Stoppers resources.

While the overall crime rate tends to fluctuate depending on where you are on the West Shore, across Canada, the crime rate has been on an overall decline for two decades.

There is an argument that society nowadays lacks good, old-fashioned values, and while that may be true, we do possess good, modern values. Forms of abuse and violence that may have been socially accepted in past generations are no longer tolerated.

So if we know that crime is intolerable and unacceptable, then it shouldn’t be a stretch to want to be a part of the solution.

And that’s where Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers comes in. Whatever the stats show, crime happens and will continue to happen.

Certain heinous crimes we can only lament from afar and feel powerless, but in our own communities we can make a difference.

We can all be deputies, in a way – eyes and ears, Block Watchers, Crime Stoppers, the superhero’s sidekick who sometimes, improbably, saves the day.

Hopefully the situation will never arise where we’re anywhere close to a crime in progress.

But when it does happen, let’s try to be Crime Stoppers.

The Goldstream News Gazette is a member of the National Newspaper Council, an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact editor@ goldstreamgazette.com or call 250-478-9552 ext 224. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint with the National Newspaper Council, visit their website at mediacouncil. ca or call toll-free, 1-844-877-1163, for more information.

YOUR VIEW

Reader offers ‘doos’ and don’ts of canine ownership Is it a matter of etiquette?

Is it a sign of responsible dog ownership?

Is it a moral obligation, an environmentally responsible thing to do? Does it make one a good citizen, a caring individual? Does it matter?

Hosing off the soles of my boots yet one more time after returning home from a walk with my dogs, I ponder that it is all of the above and more, for you see it is a choice.

It is a choice I make each and every time I leash up my dogs and stuff my pockets with – yes, count ‘em – a minimum of five “doggy doo” bags.

Five, you may ask, but you only have three dogs. Sometimes you get a bag with a defective bottom seam.

Occasionally, one dog may have two “doo’s,” and if a bag is already knotted then that one is a done deal in my book.

Oh, and then there are the potential “step ins” along the walk, left by other dogs and their owners.

It was one of those that were coating the bottom of my boots, yet again.

After walking Sadie Bear and Ebony, it was Noah’s turn, but rather than stand still to get leashed up he was completely enthralled with my boot, more precisely with

what was on the bottom of it.

“Crap!”

Literally, I took Noah for his walk, dragging my foot in any grassy patches I could find, to try to get most of it off. When we got back home, I put Noah on the deck with the girls, went out and hosed off my boots, then mopped the laundry room floor where I had unwittingly deposited doo-boot prints.

I am not embarrassed to withdraw my bags from my pocket and tidy up after my dogs.

Well, okay, on the occasions where I have to pull out a twig or something before I can knot the bag, I do hope no one is watching, but even so, I do it all the same. I carry these special little packages all the way home and put them in the garbage.

Some well-intended owners seem to miss this important step, bringing their bags along, picking up their dog’s doo, knotting the bags and leaving these little treasures near a trail head or gate for the imaginary “Doo Fairy” to come along and collect.

It doesn’t matter what motivates you or I to pick up our dog’s doo, it just matters that we do it every time.

Marjanna Wornell Colwood

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Please enclose your phone number for verification of your letter’s authenticity and your municipality of residence. Phone numbers are not printed.

Send your letters to: ■ Email: editor@ goldstreamgazette.com ■ Mail: Letters to the Editor, Goldstream News Gazette, 205774 Goldstream Ave., Victoria, B.C., V9B 2X3 ■ Fax: 250-478-6545 Comments can also be made via Facebook (search Goldstream News Gazette) and Twitter at www.twitter.com/ goldstreamnews.

www.goldstreamgazette.com • A9

GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, January 22, 2016 2016

New West-Mont building coming to Metchosin?

Private school looking at potential major renovation Arnold Lim News Gazette staff

Don Descoteau/News Gazette

West-Mont Montessori School in Metchosin is in the initial stages of looking into a possible replacement of its current facilities on Metchosin Road.

“We certainly want to have a cap on our numbers because we are a smaller school and there is a certain atmosphere (that) happens with having a smaller number of students,” he said. “So we do have caps at different age levels.”

The current enrolment of 185 could be

increased by another 25 or so given the existing program offerings, Hanton said.

“That would be our cap and we wouldn’t be looking to go much beyond that.”

The school, which offers Kindergarten to Grade 8 classes, was once housed in portables on the Luxton Fairgrounds in Langford.

It moved to its current location in 1988 and has been on the West Shore for more than 50 years. Hanton said if any redevelopment plans were to move forward, a replacement school wouldn’t be in place for at least three to five years. alim@goldstreamgazette.com

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More than 180 students at West Mont Montessori School in Metchosin may have a new place to learn in future.

Operators of the West Shore private school are in the initial stages of exploring the possibility of building a replacement school on their current lot, adjacent to Witty’s Lagoon. While no application has been submitted to the District of Metchosin, Corvidae Environmental Consulting made a presentation to council last week on behalf of the school.

“We have an aging facility, that is the big thing, that is the impetus,” school principal Magnus Hanton in an interview. “We just hope to get an idea on what their thoughts are on development.”

One of two potential options for the project, if it were to move forward, would be to bring in modular units to the current playing field, replacing the current building on the same footprint and removing the temporary units following completion.

The other could see a new building constructed on the playing field, demolishing the existing building when that was done.

Hanton, school principal since 2012, said they aren’t looking to grow the number of students or take over any extra land, but may want to have a larger footprint on the land on which the school currently resides.

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www.goldstreamgazette.com • A11

GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, January 22, 2016

Young parent daycare expands services Daycare open to all members of the community Katherine Engqvist News Gazette staff

The pitter patter of little feet in Belmont secondary isn’t just coming from the Grade 9 students anymore.

REACH young parent and child centre, in the school’s Neighbourhood Learning Centre, opened its doors to little ones for the first time on Jan. 4.

While the accredited centre operated on the old Belmont property for over 20 years, only now is it housed in the same building as the high school.

“It provided a lot of learning experiences,” especially while the old Belmont building was being torn down, said REACH co-ordinator Sandra Quesnelle, the new facilities offers a lot more opportunities. REACH stands for respectful relationships, education, advocacy, child development and healthy choices.

The centre previously offered only an infant/toddler program for children aged newborn to three years, but now accepts children in the three to five age group. It is licensed to accept eight children under three and will be operating at full capacity by the end of the month.

The ability to take infants has been an advantage for parents

who need care, as most daycare facilities will not accept children under a year old, Quesnelle said.

In the older group, she’s seen a few children return who had aged out of the toddler program. The centre is licensed for 16 spaces for kids aged three to five, and as of this week had room for 11 more.

While priority is given to young parents, the daycare also accepts applications from other members of the community when space is available. She noted the centre also supports young parents with different programs to help them adapt to their new responsibilities.

As a designated young parents centre, such applicants must meet a number of criteria. They must have had their first child before age 20, be currently working on finishing their high school education, and be enrolled within School District 62.

If a young parent meets these criteria and more, Quesnelle said, they are then eligible for subsidized childcare from the provincial government. However, that subsidy does not quite cover all of the daycare fees, which is where the Pacific Centre Family Services Association steps in. They absorb the difference so young parents need not worry about finding the extra cash.

“They think it’s very important to keep the program going,” Quesnelle said, adding that people using the daycare don’t have to be attending Belmont and with the

REACH co-ordinator Sandra Quesnelle (left) and Mitzi Dean, executive director for Pacific Centre Family Services Association, grab a little seat in the centre’s daycare facilities to discuss how the first two weeks have gone in the new space.

Katherine Engqvist/ News Gazette staff

expanded programs, the daycare centre is now operating 12 months of the year, instead of just 10.

“Twenty years ago all we had was Belmont,” said Mitzi Dean, executive director for the Association, which operates REACH. “This model is much more preferred … It destigmatizes access to services for young parents and allows them more access to services earlier on.”

Dean and many others representing different groups have been discussing collaboration within the NLC, the school and the surrounding community since plans to replace the old Belmont were announced. She noted that additional funding has been secured to help see that collaboration happen and they are “looking to build

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a community within the community.”

“Collaboration between agencies is the best way to promote services … If people access services earlier, they’re more likely to be successful,” Dean said. “When you’re in the same building, it can break down some of the external barriers.”

REACH is the largest part of the NLC, which takes up about 15 per cent of the high school’s footprint.

Dean hopes the successful partnership with School District 62 and the province will continue and lead to exciting new opportunities.

Some teachers have already approached the centre with ideas on how to get the student body involved in learning more about

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“The collaboration with the school district and ministry has really improved over the past four or five years,” Dean said. “We need more services.”

The centre accepts applications for its two daycare programs on an ongoing basis and has a wait list set up for spaces in the newborn to age three program.

Financial contributions are also being accepted from the community to help finish the outdoor play structures.

For more information on how to help, contact Dean at mdean@ pcfsa.org or by phone, 250-4788357. katie@goldstreamgazette.com

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www.goldstreamgazette.com A12 • www.goldstreamgazette.com

Friday, January 22, 2016 - GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE

West Shore news

… through the decades

A business park on Langford Lake, snow and rainstorms causing havoc, a hitchhiker stealing a van and leading police on a high-speed chase, and the arrest of a young thief made the headlines in past issues of the Goldstream Gazette for the week of Jan. 22.

2006 While in town to talk about his party, federal Green Party leader Jim Harris makes impassioned remarks about being excluded from televised debates in two successive election campaigns. “The central message is that the broadcast consortium can not prejudge the outcome of an election, that’s the role of the electors,” he said.

Also making the news the week of Jan. 22, 2006: With less than a week before voters cast their ballots, many in the Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca are still struggling to make their decision. “Everybody’s lying. I just don’t know who to trust,” says resident Inez Woods. Fellow West Shore resident Keith Turpin says, “I would expect nothing less of my government than to rip me off.”

1996 Goldstream Meadows won’t become a business park, says

Langford Mayor Stew Young, adding that a development proposed for the west end of Langford Lake has been deleted from the draft of Langford’s Official Community Plan. The business park plan is being scrapped because of negative reaction from a recently formed Langford Lake Area Protection Society.

Also making the news the week of Jan. 22, 1996: The combination of snow and drivers going too fast for the conditions adds up to a steady weekend for local police and fire crews.

Officers attend 15 car accidents on the weekend, all attributed to road conditions. Langford firefighters get called out four times, including twice when they were required to use the Jaws of Life to extricate motorists from mangled cars.

And, Langford council vows not to let the Greater Victoria Water District off the hook for releasing water from the Humpback Reservoir in November, a move which caused homes to flood. Property owners in the Glen Lake slough canoed around their backyards, the water was so deep. The water district’s chief commissioner writes to council denying any responsibility for the property damage, which he attributed to heavy rains.

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1986 Kevin Hutchings, 25, learns his lesson about picking up hitchhikers. His van is the object of a high-speed chase that went from Goldstream Avenue to Shawnigan Lake, with four RCMP vehicles in pursuit and a hitchhiker he had picked up at the wheel. Hutchings picked up the hitchhiker at Helmcken Road and gave the man a ride to the Goldstream Avenue Shell station. When Hutchings went inside to make a purchase, the hitchhiker jumped in the stillrunning van and screeched off heading north. The chase comes to a halt when four police officers corner the van on a deadend street. Randall Jones, 18, is charged in the incident.

Also making the news the week of Jan. 22, 1986: What started as a routine investigation of a break-and-enter leads to the arrest of a Colwood youth on probation for break and entry and 32 similar offences. Colwood RCMP catch the young man after a house on Jenner Road is ransacked, with jewelry, money and a police scanner among the items taken.

And, wind and rain wreak havoc, as close to 10,000 Western Communities residents feel the effects of a roaring storm that attacks the

Photo by Doug Morris

Owls such as this northern saw-whet are among those that make their homes around the West Shore.

Join the ‘who’s hooting’ walk Join a Capital Regional District Parks naturalist to learn some owl calls, find out more about these excellent night hunters and get to know more about local species.

This guided walk, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 24, is aimed southern tip of Vancouver Island, downing power lines and trees.

Five out of six main circuits were knocked out in the Western Communities, leaving almost 10,000

at participants of all ages and goes from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Mill Hill Regional Park in Langford. Meet at the kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Avenue.

For more information call 250-478-3344. katie@goldstreamgazette.com residents without power. “Lines were coming down like ten-pins,” said district line supervisor Don Parsons.

– Compiled by Arnold Lim

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www.goldstreamgazette.com • A13

2016 GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, January 22, 2016

Blowing hot and cold at Motor City’s Big Auto Show Detroit, MI – A chill wind blew snow outside, but inside the huge Cobo Hall conference centre, a great deal of hot air accompanied every new model announcement.

More than 5,000 journalists from 60-plus countries make this annual pilgrimage to the North American InterKeith Morgan national Auto Show. Dozens of new cars and trucks are revealed to applause and some gasps though not nearly as loudly as in the old days before the internet. Now carefully orchestrated ‘leaks’ and ‘sneak peeks’ cut surprises to the minimum. Nevertheless, it’s still the hottest place to be for the auto world despite the frigid conditions outside.

Space limitations prevent us from parading the dozens of vehicles revealed over the two-day official preview, which follow the ‘special invite only’ previews that the manufacturers offer up in the days running up to the show! You get the picture: so here’s just a taste of what caught our eye on the show floor – detailed specs and prices are months away in many cases.

Chevrolet introduced the 2017 Cruze Hatchback, set to go on sale in the fall of this year. The liftgate opens to offer 524 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat. With the rear seat folded, cargo space expands to 1,189 litres. Yes! – Finally, a good replacement for the Pontiac Vibe, which died with the brand.

It features standard 1.4-litre turbo engine with direct injection and Stop/Start technologies plus electric power steering. Sayeth Chevy: “More standard safety features than any other compact car – including Corolla and Civic – with available adaptive features including Lane Keep Assist, Rear

Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Park Assist.”

The all-new Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew adds room for passengers and gear, in what the manufacturer boasts “expanding choice and versatility in the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever.” See what I mean about hyperbole-charged hot air?

In the real world, the Raptor will do its own talking. It has an all-new 3.5-litre EcoBoost, all-new 10-speed transmission and torqueon-demand transfer case making it more powerful yet efficient and easy to drive off-road.

We thought the Chrysler Pacifica crossover would simply leave the world’s stage, a little embarrassed about ever seeing the light of day. Nothing wrong with it other than it’s just a ho-hum kind of vehicle. But there it was/they were on the Detroit stage: the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid, designed to “revolutionize the minivan segment with nearly 40 new minivan firsts.” (It’s now a minivan).

It offers more than 100 standard and available safety and security features, including 360-degree Surround View camera, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Hold and Forward Collision Warning-Plus.

Okay, we’ll buy that for now. Looks good and promises much in performance and utility.

(Please note carmakers would like us to describe optional extras that cost extra as ‘available features’. Ahem, call us old fashioned but we’ll stick with the ‘options’ option from here on in!)

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Visit the Detroit Auto Show gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca Honda unveiled the all-new 2017 Ridgeline truck promising “superior on-road performance – with the segment’s best handling, ride quality, cabin quietness and all-weather traction capabilities”.

Frankly, it’s in tough in a tough market full of tough successful domestic and import competitors.

A round of applause for KIA, the Korean company that continues to challenge its big brother Hyundai and indeed the rest of the market with interesting concepts and production cars. The Telluride concept is its take on a premium large sport utility vehicle, featuring three-rows of seating for seven passengers. Notable are the front doors and rearhinged back doors that swing open 90 degrees in opposing directions.

Talking of Hyundai, it unveiled its G90 premium luxury sedan for the new Genesis brand. Don’t snigger, these guys know what they are doing . . . now. Five additional Genesis models are planned

for launch within the next five years.

Moving upmarket, sorry Hyundai you will be in that rarefied air soon. The first ever BMW M2 is the entry-level model to the brands renowned M performance line-up. It will feature a newly developed M TwinPower Turbo technology 3-litre, 6-cylinder engine producing 365 hp, capable of soaring to 100 klicks in around 4.2 seconds.

The Lexus LC500 is mighty purty.

The premium Japanese brand has teased us with its LF-LC Concepts, now we have a production 2+2 coupe. Its all-aluminum, 32-valve V8’s output is expected to generate 467 hp, using a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission. The Acura Precision Concept model made its world debut and these eyes reckons it’s even more purty than the Lexus. keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca

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Friday, January 22, 2016 - GOLDSTREAM

NEWS GAZETTE

Two-wheel fans to converge on the big bike show Keith Morgan Driveway

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A chill maybe in the air but motorcycle riders are already thinking about their first ride of the spring.

And this weekend they have a golden opportunity to dream a little more about the joys of the open road at the Vancouver Motorcycle Show, which runs for three days at the Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford.

Show producer Laurie Paetz says the show’s diversity and massive selection of bikes and lineup of entertainment is what fans keep coming back for.

“They really appreciate that there is so much to

see – from entertainment and giveaways to classic and newly introduced bike models,” she says.

The family-friendly event will again feature the latest gear, live demonstrations, motorcycle giveaways, local musical entertainment, and a brand new line-up of 2016 motorcycles, ATVs and scooters as well as the classics.

New to the show this year, is Indian Motorcycle, which will introduce its middleweight cruiser the Scout ABS, the Roadmaster and the Chief Dark Horse.

Honda’s fleet will include the brand new CRFL1000L Africa Twin, described as a blend of advanced technology and multi-

terrain durability.

Spectators will also see two new full-size models– the Pioneer 1000 and 1000S. Harley Davidson Canada is set to introduce its sleek Road Glide Ultra and newly styled FortyEight. BMW Motorrad is debuting its 2016 S1000XR and showing its modified F700GS and F800GS models.

Triumph has introduced the next generation of Bonneville with five new motorcycles. Kawasaki promises to up the wow factor with its Ninja ZX14R bike, which features advanced electronics, an innovative frame and ultrapowerful 1,441cc inline four-cylinder engine.

Yamaha is bringing out its Y2450F model, which has a modified engine and launch control system for those riders who need faster starts. Riders looking for suburban commuter comfort should check out Yamaha’s BWs 125.

The name Ducati may be synonymous with speed but the brand has joined the cruiser world with its bike the X Diavel.

Suzuki has plans to display its newest retro cruiser, the TU250X. For those looking to find a crossover bike, Victory rolls out its 2016 Cross Country 8-Ball, featuring creature comforts such as spacious lockable saddlebags and a sound

system that can dispel wind and engine rumble.

Spectators can expect to see such favorites as Team Empire and enjoy She Rides Night, which runs from Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those attending can enter the draw for a 2016 Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the grand prize giveaway – a 2016 Bonneville 800 Street Twin provided by Triumph Motorcycles and valued at $12,000.

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GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, January 22, 2016 GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, March 20, 2015

Smart meter system finishes under budget Savings already seen on provincewide project

CEO Jessica McDonald, Dix said the company’s estimate of power theft by marijuana growers was “magically” inflated by thenenergy minister Rich Coleman in 2006, then increased again in the utility’s 2011 business case for the wireless system.

Reimer said the business case projected a 75-per-cent reduction in power theft, and the reduction for this fiscal year is projected at 80 per cent, as the smart grid detects actual power consumption and compares it to billed amounts.

While it’s officially complete, the smart grid requires ongoing maintenance and annual testing of meters to meet federal accuracy regulations. BC Hydro also plans to install more than 4,000 meters that use commercial cellular phone networks to send in readings.

Those are for locations with concrete basement meter rooms that can’t reach the grid, or rural areas where it is too expensive to extend the BC Hydro wireless grid, Reimer said.

There are still 1,320 BC Hydro customers who have refused to accept smart meters, opting to pay a monthly fee for manual meter reading of a mechanical meter or a wireless meter with the radio transmitter turned off. editor@goldstreamgazette.com

Tom Fletcher Black Press

BC Hydro’s wireless grid system, which is monitoring the West Shore and other communities around the province, was officially complete at the end of 2015, with a total cost the Crown utility now projects to be $777 million.

That’s $153 million below the original budget, said Greg Reimer, executive vice-president, transmission, distribution and customer service for BC Hydro. It includes all the elements required by the B.C. government when it ordered the installation of the smart meter system as part of its Clean Energy Act in 2010.

Reimer said in an interview the system has also exceeded the $70 million in savings projected for the first three years of operation.

“We’ve realized about $100 million in benefits during that time, particularly from operational savings,” Reimer said. “Customers are getting more accurate bills. We’ve reduced our manual meter reading reads and our bill estimates.

Meter reading and billing is automated through the system.”

The Metchosin Minute

Photo courtesy BC Hydro

Wireless “smart meters” are tested in a BC Hydro lab. The Crown corporation is required to test meters annually to make sure they are accurately measuring electricity use.

The smart grid had its severest test at the end of August 2015 when a windstorm brought down thousands of drought-weakened trees, leaving 700,000 customers on southern Vancouver Island – including many homes on the West Shore – and the Lower Mainland without electricity.

Power was restored to all areas

repaired means the crew doesn’t have to drive the rest of the line, and can move to the next confirmed problem when repairing storm damage.

BC Hydro has defended its power theft savings after NDP energy critic Adrian Dix questioned them.

In a recent letter to BC Hydro

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Jan. 4 to 29: Historic photographs of Metchosin are up for your viewing pleasure at the Metchosin Community House’s Art on the Walls exhibit for the month of January. The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday at 4430 Happy Valley Rd.

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Experience this revelatory and captivating music in the intimate space of St Mary of the Incarnation in Metchosin.

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Jan. 29: Cinephiles and others interested in environmentalism are encouraged to make their way to Metchosin Community House for a Film Night with two shorts from the Raincoast Conservancy.

Directly Affected follows the reactions of those directly affected by the proposed Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline, and Reflections presents a trip by 50 well-known artists to the route of the proposed Northern Gateway tar sands pipeline.

Misty McDuffy of Raincoast presents the evening and will help lead discussions. alim@goldstream gazette.com

in five days, which was half the time it took to recover from the December 2006 windstorm that flattened trees in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, Reimer said. The 2006 storm blacked out only half the number of homes of the 2015 event.

Reimer said the ability to test an entire power line after one break is

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Friday, January 22, 2016 - GOLDSTREAM

NEWS GAZETTE

Langford refuses to budge on parks/rec. budget rejection Council takes stand on behalf of city taxpayers, who they say pay a large bill for West Shore recreation Katherine Engqvist News Gazette staff

West Shore Parks and Recreation Society is appealing to the City of Langford to reconsider their recent rejection of the Society’s budget proposal.

Les Bjola, the City’s citizen representative on the society’s board as well as its elected treasurer, wrote to council asking them to reconsider their recent decision.

The letter outlined alternative solutions, one of which recommended that Langford approve the 2016 budget but indicate the City would not support the 2017 budget unless meaningful change was made to the governance of the owners committee.

The letter was discussed at Monday’s council meeting.

“It’s getting to the point (where everyone is) fed up and I just want to bring (the discussion) back and come up with a nice solution,” said Mayor Stew Young. “We know how frustrated everybody is.”

Langford rejected the proposed budget last month, stating it would not support a budget with a more than two per cent increase to the City’s contribution.

The society, jointly owned by Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Metchosin, Highlands, and the

A woman works out with dumbbells at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre weight room. The facility, is part of the operations of West Shore Parks and Recreation Society, which is jointly owned by all five West Shore municipalities and the Capital Regional District.

The City of Langford is the lone holdout on approving the society’s 2016 budget, saying its contribution increase is unfair.

File photo

CRD, operates the Juan de Fuca recreation complex in Colwood as well as satellite programs. Its governance model states that if any owner rejects the proposed budget, the society must amend the

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agree to the imbalance and then come back to the table to work on a solution. He said the City pays 50 per cent of the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, and that number is growing. “We also pay 100 per cent of the services we provide in Langford and everybody uses it but nobody pays for it except Langford residents.”

He added, “I just want a common sense solution that is over like a five year term that says how do we make it more palatable for Langford residents.”

While Bjola’s letter suggested this is a governance issue for the owners group, not a board of directors decision, Young STORY NO. 6 wanted that decision to take it to the owners group to come from the board.

“I don’t want to go down there with a hammer,” Young said.

“I’d rather see the solution come from there.” Young asked Bjola to put it on the agenda and get the dialogue started at the board level. He said It’s a good read. When crumpled and stuffed in the board could then your jacket, it’s a good insulator. That’s what decide to take it to the owner’s group.

Bethany had to do when she lived on the streets.

Bjola said he would make his finance report at the board’s Thursday’s meeting (after the Gazette’s print deadline) and would introduce this motion to get the ball This toque. It helped Bethany rolling. find a better life. Buy yours at “It’s a learning RaisingtheRoof.org or donate $5 process but the owners need to learn by texting TOQUE to 45678. Help too as much as the the homeless in your community. board,” Bjola said. katie@goldstream gazette.com

proposal to achieve unanimous support. Failing that, the previous year’s budget continues forward.

All parties except Langford have accepted the 2016 budget proposal.

The society has proposed an overall increase in owner contributions of 2.6 per cent. But its funding formula, based on population and total assessed value (and by extension,

the increased usage of facilities), would see Langford asked to pay 3.77 per cent more than last year’s contribution, or roughly $4.27 per household.

“I need that validated first,” Young said. “We’re not saying stop it now, cut it now. We’re saying come up with a solution that makes it more fair.”

Young wants a report done on WestT:4.31” Shore recreation facilities usage, but insisted that everyone

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GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, January 22, 2016 2016, 2015

Wolves in the middle of a tough hockey week Westshore Jr. B club plays league’s top two teams The Westshore Wolves continue to be in a battle in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League’s South Division.

The Wolves, coming off a successful hosting of the VIJHL All-

Star Game, were sitting with an even .500 record (18-18-0-3) heading into Wednesday’s home game against the Victoria Cougars (played after the Gazette’s print deadline). The Wolves are in Campbell River tonight (Jan. 22) to play the North-leading Storm.

Everyone is chasing the Victoria Cougars (31-4-1-0), who have all but clinched first place and are gearing up to host the Cyclone

Taylor Cup B.C. Junior B championship tournament in early April.

Westshore is virtually neck and neck in the battle for second spot with Kerry Park and Peninsula, who each sit two points up on the Wolves.

The Panthers have played two more

games than their two divisional rivals.

Individually, Branden Tangney and Cory Hatcher lead the scoring parade with 42 points apiece. Tangney and Nathan Gelsinger are tied for the team lead in

goals with 18, while Tomba Huddlestan leads the team’s defence corps with 26 points in 35 games.

In goal, Leighton Williams leads the way, sporting a solid 12-6 record with a 3.24 goals against average.

Westshore’s next home game is against Campbell River next Tuesday (Jan. 26) at 7 p.m. at The Q Centre. editor@goldstreamgazette.com

Grizzlies running hot The Q Centre welcomes back one of the hottest teams in the British Columbia Hockey League Saturday, Jan. 23.

Following a tough December that saw the Victoria Grizzlies go 3-5 for the month, the upand-down season continues with a successful but gruelling January.

Despite numerous back-to-back games, the West Shore squad has battled, riding a 5-0 January record that saw them outscoring their opposition 28 goals to 8 over the twoweek span. Heading into a stretch where the team plays four of their next five games at home, the streaking team has an opportunity to improve their 19

win, 20 regulation loss and three overtime loss record and jockey for a playoff position. They currently sit fourth in the Island division with

42 points. Brayden Gelsinger is currently in the top 15 in league scoring with 51 points.

Game starts at 7 p.m. at The Q Centre.

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Friday, January 22, 2016 - GOLDSTREAM

NEWS GAZETTE

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www.goldstreamgazette.com • A21

GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, March January20, 22,2015 2016

Bulldogs’ win virtually assures a home court playoff spot Senior girls basketball season heading toward the post-season Don Descoteau News Gazette staff

Belmont secondary is hosting the city AAA senior girls basketball tournament in February, but until last night, it wasn’t clear whether the Bulldogs would be in the six-team event.

Hitting some key baskets down the stretch, Belmont’s girls pulled away from Stelly’s and posted a 40-31 home win to push their record to 2-3 in league play. The victory increased the likelihood of a top-five finish for the Bulldogs, who were scheduled to round out league play with a game against Reynolds at Claremont last night (after the Gazette’s print deadline).

After the league’s exam break, Belmont hosts the city playoff tournament Feb. 11 to 13.

“The win more or less assured that we won’t have to play that play-in game,” said Belmont coach Brad Lidstone, referring to a sixthversus-seventh match to determine the last team in the playoffs.

The Bulldogs were led Tuesday by their three returning players.

Jessica Thomsen scored 16 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, while fellow forward Claire Church

Don Descoteau/News Gazette staff

Belmont point guard Madison Bullen spins away from Stelly’s defender Chloe Beech (4) during Tuesday’s city AAA senior girls basketball league game at Belmont. Bullen’s playmaking – she had six assists – helped the Bulldogs score a 40-31 win. had 14 points and used her reach to block six Stelly’s shots. Point guard Madison Bullen chipped in five points, collected seven rebounds and had six assists.

The trio, in combination with an athletic group of less experienced

players, have helped the Bulldogs improve from the start of the season, Lidstone said.

“Every game we play is better than the one before,” he said, noting that the goal is to keep improving and be “hitting our stride at

the right time.”

With the opening of Royal Bay, some of the players who would have been part of the Bulldogs core are now playing for the Ravens. As well, having no junior girls team last season meant there

were no Grade 10s moving up to the senior team this year.

“At the start we were optimistic, but we were also realistic,” Lidstone said of the team’s prospects. “We’re pleasantly surprised at how we’ve done.”

Solid results at the Totem 61 tournament in Port Alberni earlier this month, and at their own tournament before Christmas have allowed the team to grow. They’ll get some pre-playoff warmup games next weekend (Jan. 29 and 30) when Belmont hosts the annual Bill Spotswood Memorial tournament.

As for his team’s chances of securing one of the South berths in the Island championships, set for Feb. 18 to 20 at Claremont, Lidstone remains optimistic. Teams can get hot down the stretch, he said, and this year’s AAA league “has a lot more competitive balance” than past years.

Ravens win West Shore showdown … The warm-up game for Tuesday’s senior girls contest at Belmont saw the visiting Royal Bay Ravens down the Bulldogs.

All six teams from the city’s junior girls A league advance to the playoffs, to be played Feb. 9 through 12, then Royal Bay hosts the Island championships Feb. 18 to 20.

Late Tuesday at Belmont, the Bulldogs senior boys improved to 3-2 in Div. 1 league play with a 79-65 win over Claremont. editor@goldstreamgazette.com

Visit the NEW Hawaii.com Enter To Win a Waikiki Beach Getaway for Two*

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For more information and to register, visit hawaii.com *Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. No purchase necessary. Winner chosen by random draw. Odds determined by number of entries. Travel valid from any Alaska Airlines gateway in North America. Winner travel dates, times and package components subject to change & availability. Restrictions apply. Contest ends on January 31, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. HST. See website for complete details.

Your complete source for island travel.

A22 • www.goldstreamgazette.com

Correction notice A story and photo about the Belmont Bulldogs senior girls basketball team in the Jan. 20 edition of the Gazette included a couple of erroneous items.

Information about Belmont results from the Totem tournament in Port Alberni came from a school source we didn’t previously identify as

being written in January 2015. That report spotlighted star player Isla Swanwick, who graduated last year and now attends Camosun College, where she now plays for the Chargers women’s basketball team. The photo of Swanwick also gave outdated information.

We apologize for the errors.

Add your voice to the future of parks in View Royal The Parks Master Plan is being updated and we want your input!

Experience a world café at the open house kick-off event

Where: View Royal Town Hall 45 View Royal Avenue When: Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016 What: Drop-in Open House 3:30 to 8pm World Café Sessions at 4 and 6:30 Light refreshments will be served

For more information or to give your input online, go to www.viewroyal.ca

Latoria Dental Centre

We are open!

We are happy to announce the official opening of

Latoria Dental Centre.

Our goal is to provide the local community with high quality and convenient dental care.

Located at 111-611 Brookside Road, (corner of Brookside and Veteran’s Memorial Parkway), Latoria Dental Centre provides a wide range of dental services from preventative care to general dentistry and restoration.

We are now accepting New Patients

Dr. BryanCall Parker and Dr. John Duncanto (Rocky Point Rd) are excited to announce their new us(Metchosin today atRd)778-265-5070 book your next appointment.

location! In order to provide our patients and clients more and services, You can alsowith visit usspace online at we will be moving the first

week of Novemberwww.latoriadentalcentre.com into our brand new Latoria Dental Centre or located at 611 Brookside Road, connect with us onnext to the Red Barn Market and Pure Pharmacy https://www.facebook.com/latoriadentalcentre/ (near the corner of Brookside and Veterans’ Memorial Parkway) Facebook

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Latoria Dental Centre

111-611 Brookside Rd. Victoria Collectively, Dr. Parker and Dr. Duncan have over 50 years of Dentistry experience and will continue to offer the same dental care in our new location including regular hygiene checkups, basic and major restorative treatment.

Come check out our new location and meet all of our professional staff!

We may be moving; however you will still be able to reach us at the usual numbers: • Dr. Parker - 250-474-1641 •

Dr. John Duncan – 250-478-6111

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Friday, January 22, 2016 - GOLDSTREAM

NEWS GAZETTE

Spend time with the Mann Cup The boys and girls of summer will soon be back and for West Shore families eying the coming Little League season, registration is now open for Layritz and Hampton Little League clubs.

West Shore catchment and registration information is available online (layritz.ca or hamptonll.pointstreaksites.com).

Registration for both parks runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 23 and Jan. 24, and again Jan. 30 and 31.

Find the Layritz Clubhouse at Layritz Park, near Wilkinson Road, and the Hampton ClubJock Talk house on Tillicum Road near Burnside.

Hit the floor with the Greater The Victoria Shamrocks conVictoria Minor Ball Hockey tinue the celebration of their Association this spring. The Mann Cup championship with registration deadline has been their fans tomorrow (Jan. 23). extended to Jan. 31 for players Fan Appreciation Day offers ranging in age from five to 18. an opportunity for fans to take Also coming up for the Junior pictures with the Cup and meet division (1997 to 1999-born) is players, coaches and alumni an opportunity to try the sport from the Western Lacrosse Assofor free, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, ciation club, all at the McCorJan. 29 at Eagle Ridge arena. For mick Meadows community more information, visit vmbh.ca show home at 3451 Ambrosia or RSVP to om@vmbh.ca.

Crescent in Langford.

Looking forward to the HSBC Exclusive Mann Cup merchanCanada Women’s Sevens rugby dise and game-worn jerseys tournament coming to Langfrom previous seasons will be ford’s Westhills Stadium April available, as well as 2016 season 16 and 17. tickets.

Tickets are currently availCurrent season pass holders able to early bird registrants, and those from 2015 will enjoy with tickets for the general pubspecial access from 10 to 11 lic available as of Jan. 25. Toura.m., with everyone welcome nament passes start at just $40 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while single-day tickets can be Admission is free but the purchased for $25.

Tickets are also available for the Americas Rugby Championship at Westhills, for Canada’s Feb. 6 match versus Uruguay and Feb. WHY WAIT? WE CAN HELP NOW! 20 versus Brazil.

General admisHome & Hospital Visits sion tickets are $21 Happiness is in advance. For more a beautiful smile! information, visit events.rugbycanada.ca.

In Vancouver Island Soccer League Division (250) 595-1665 1 men’s league, West3581 Shelbourne Street castle United 1 hosts www.walk-indentureclinic.ca Lakehill FC 1 tomorrow night, with kickCOME ON IN FOR off at 7:30 p.m. at WesYOUR FREE CONSULTATION! thills Stadium. In Div. 3B, Juan de Fuca hosts Cordova Bay Red Bar Bobcats at 7 p.m. tonight (Jan. 22) on the Royal Bay turf.

In Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association Div. 1 play, Juan de Fuca hosts the Cowichan Cubs on Sunday, Jan. 24 at noon, on a field still to be determined at press the THE time (see liwsa.com for details).

RESTAURANT and In Div. 2 women’s Take Out or Eat In Menu Restaurant and enjoy a action, Juan de Fuca Daily Lunch & Dinner Buffet An Invitation Breakfast, Lunch, or FC faces Salish Celosen Combination Dinners for 1 to 8 From an Old Friend Dinner Entrée at noon Sunday at the Seafood and Deluxe Dishes Tsartlip Tribal School.

Licenced Premises Colin Gall is an athOpen 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily lete and Grade 11 stuFree Home Delivery with min. $20 order dent at Mt. Doug secondPresent this coupon when you buy dinner or lunch and get a second of equal of lesser value FOR ONLY $2.00. This coupon may only be used with a minimum of two beverages (need not be alcoholic). Present coupon at time of ordering. ary school. Send your Cannot be combined with any other offer. Maximum 3 coupons per group or table.

90 Gorge Rd. West Not valid at JBI Pub on Sundays between 3:30-8:00pm. EXPIRES January 31, 2016 coming sports events to 250-385-5564 250.384.7151 270 Government Street wjocktalk@telus.net

Colin Gall

Shamrocks request a non-perishable food item donation for local food banks.

Turning to the B.C. Hockey League, the Victoria Grizzlies are home to Salmon Arm on Saturday night, welcoming the Interior Division team to The Q Centre for a 7 p.m. start.

You can support your local boys with a trip over the Malahat next Friday, Jan. 29, when the Grizz take on the Nanaimo Clippers in Frank Crane Arena.

Game time is also 7 p.m.

Fresh from hosting the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League’s all-star game at The Q Centre on Sunday, the Westshore Wolves kick off their threegame week tonight (Jan. 22) as they head north to face the Campbell River Storm.

In a home and home, the Wolves return to Colwood to host the Storm next Tuesday, Jan. 26, when the puck drops at 7 p.m. Finally, the Wolves host the Kerry Park Islanders at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28.

It’s a light week in high school basketball, with Belmont’s senior boys hosting Lambrick Park on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.

The Royal Bay Ravens are off league play until Feb. 3, when they play Reynolds. The Royal Bay and Belmont senior girls wrapped up their regular seasons this week, hoping to gain a good spot for the upcoming playoffs.

Walk-In Denture Clinic Conrad De Palma Denturist

Out Dining Out

JAMES Drop by BAY INN JBI Pub

WING’S

www.goldstreamgazette.com • A23 Fri, Jan 22, 2016, Goldstream News Gazette

GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, January 22, 2016 A18 www.goldstreamgazette.com

To advertise in print:

Browse more at:

Call: 250-388-3535 Email: classified@goldstreamgazette.com Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

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*Private party only, cannot be combined with other discounts.

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

IN MEMORIAM GIFTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE

BC Cancer Foundation

RENTALS

2410 Lee Avenue Victoria, BC V8R 6V5

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250.519.5550 bccancerfoundation.com

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Used.ca cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement.

Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition.

Used.ca reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Used.ca Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

Supporting the BC Cancer Agency

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS INFORMATION

LEGALS AUCTION SALE Notice is hereby given by West Coast Super Storage Ltd, 3220 Otter Point Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 0K8 that the following item(s) will be open for bids between 9am-12pm on February 6, 2016 on the premises to cover costs incurred. Only CASH accepted. • Linda Stockton ENC3129 - Household goods. • Linda Stockton ENC7038A - Household goods. • Carmen Heron ENC3041 - Household goods.

ON THE WEB:

PERSONAL SERVICES

PERSONALS

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

DISCREET CHAT for curious guys. Try FREE! Call 250-4194634 or 800-550-0618.

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT SCHOOL. Hands-On Tasks. Start Weekly. GPS Training!

Funding & Housing Avail!

Job Aid! Already a HEO? Get certiďŹ cation proof.

Call 1-866-399-3853 or go to: iheschool.com

EXPLORE MIDDLE Eastern Music. Small informal group of musicians looking for others to play with us, any instrument; be willing to learn Turkish & Arabic songs. Topaz/ Quadra area. Robert (250)383-7364.

MAKE A Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat Call FREE! 250-220-1300 or 1-800-2101010. www.livelinks.com 18+

LOST AND FOUND LOST PINK mitten w/black fur on bottom around Goldstream Ave. If found please call (250)896-0841.

LOST TD bank envelope with my Christmas money. Possibly downtown Fort/Douglas, Cook/Yates, Johnson/View or on Government. Reward! If found please call 250-3812808 Toby or 250-361-2043 Warren.

papers for the next 3 weeks for only $30 or choose all 5 papers for $60. If your vehicle does not sell, call us and we'll run it again at no charge!

HOLISTIC HEALTH TragerÂŽ Bodywork Move more freely in a relaxed body; Release pain & tension; Hot Stone Massage Penetrating heat from smooth basalt rocks softens tight muscles, melts tension Hot Stone Massage with Raindrop Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Rae Bilash CertiďŹ ed Practitioner 250-380-8733 www.raebilash.ca raebilash@shaw.ca

PERSONAL SERVICES ART/MUSIC/DANCING EXPLORE MIDDLE Eastern Music. Small informal group of musicians looking for others to play with us, any instrument; be willing to learn Turkish & Arabic songs. Topaz/ Quadra area. Robert (250)383-7364.

FINANCIAL SERVICES 1-855-812-6767 Abakhan

KRIPALU MASSAGE, Reiki, Acupressure, Chair Massage.

I have relaxed clients that have been with me for 5-12 years. See testimonials on website. Women only. Located in beautiful setting off the Gorge. Call 250-514-6223 or www.andreakober.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

•

•

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EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

1996 Subaru Outback VIN# 4S3BG6853T7982187 Registered to: Linda Diane Charters.

Íť ^>Ͳ,ĞĂůƚŚ Ä‚ĆŒÄž Ć?Ć?Ĺ?Ć?ƚĂŜƚ Ĺ?ƉůŽžĂ

YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR CLASSIFIEDS Call 250.388.3535

FRIENDLY FRANK 1950s REMINGTON Rand collector typewriter & case, no ribbon.$50.obo. 250-920-4111

LARGE FUND Borrowers Wanted Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts.

We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

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

ACUPUNCTURE Table obo. Call (250)544-4933.

$95.

ANTIQUE REGENT sewing machine, black electric + cabinet,works $80. (250)388-6950.

SINGLE BED- brand new, vibrates, feet/head rise, remote control. $85. (778)265-0105.

FUEL/FIREWOOD ARBUTUS, CYPRESS, fir, hardwoods. Seasoned. Call 250-661-7391.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

#,!33)&)%$Ă–!$3Ă–7/2+

KENWOOD EXCELON KFCX693 6X9 300 Watt 3-way car speakers. Brand new, , never opened, save $100+. $120.

Call Chris 250-595-0370, chrissmyth54321@gmail.com

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

The Abbotsford News, a twice-weekly publication serving more than 45,000 homes, has an opening for a full-time, permanent, multi-media journalist.

Candidates will have outstanding and diverse writing abilities, including a flair for narrative. The successful applicant for this entry-level position will be a key contributor to the print product, while bringing creativity and innovation to our website and social media engagement.

The sale will take place at 1247 Parkdale Dr, Victoria, B.C. on January 29, 2016.

For offers and info call 250-474-1369

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

Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

Black Press B.C.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WARE-HOUSE LIEN ACT, WESTSHORE TOWING LTD WILL SELL THE FOLLOWING:

1995 Honda Civic VIN# JHMEG858XSS808375 Registered to: Courtney Megan Moody

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

Multi-Media Journalist

MAKE A FORTUNE with $5000, we know how! Free info pack. Call (250)384-9242.

PERSONAL SERVICES

MIND BODY & SPIRIT

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Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of Used.ca.

Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

SELL IT IN 3 OR IT RUNS FOR FREE!* Place your private party automotive ad with us in one of our Greater Victoria

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ŽžƉůĞƚĞ ƚŚĹ?Ć? Ä?Ĺ˝ĆľĆŒĆ?Äž Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ç‡Ĺ˝ĆľĆŒ ĆŒÄžĹ?Ĺ?Ć?ĆšĆŒÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä‚Ć? Ä‚ ÄŽĆŒĆ?Ćš Ć?ƚĞƉ ƚŽ , Ć?ƚƾĚĹ?ÄžĆ?

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Íť ĹśĹ?ĹŻĹ?Ć?Ĺš Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ ,ĞĂůƚŚ Ä‚ĆŒÄž ÄžĆŒĆ&#x;ÄŽÄ?ĂƚĞ /ĹľĆ‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€Äž Ç‡Ĺ˝ĆľĆŒ ĹśĹ?ĹŻĹ?Ć?Ĺš Ĺ?Ĺś ĹŠĆľĆ?Ćš Ďą Ç ÄžÄžĹŹĆ?

Visit us to find out why we are not like the rest!

Phone: 1.855.447.3422

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Advanced photography and video skills will be key attributes, along with a strong grasp of social media best practices (Twitter, Facebook, etc.), and an understanding of how to tailor online content accordingly.

You will have a diploma/degree in journalism. Extra attention will be given to related newsroom experience. Knowledge of basic Photoshop, InDesign and iMovie are valuable assets.

You’re a self-starter and a critical thinker, with the ability to work well under deadline pressures.

The Abbotsford News is part of Black Press, Canada’s largest private, independent newspaper company, with more than 150 community, daily and urban newspapers in B.C., Alberta, Washington State, Ohio and Hawaii.

Those interested should submit a resume, writing and photography samples, and a cover letter to: aholota@blackpress.ca Deadline for applications is Jan. 27, 2016.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

blackpress.ca X bclocalnews.com

NEWSPAPERS

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Goldstream News Gazette Fri, Jan 22, 2016 A24 • www.goldstreamgazette.com MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

RENTALS

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

MISCELLANEOUS FOR RENT

ANTIQUES, BOOKS, collectibles, furniture, china, jewelry. Estates/private libraries purchased. Galleon Books & Antiques, 250-655-0700.

PARKING SPACE near Lansdowne Camosun College. 3 min. walk to campus. Only $75/mo. Save $55/mo (or more for long-term). Chris, 250-595-0370.

REAL ESTATE

WANTED TO RENT

APPRAISALS/INSPECTIONS

QUIET, RETIRED non-smoking gentleman is looking for a house in the Goldstream area on acreage/farm to rent, long term. The house is to accommodate myself & my partner, one 11 year old dog and 2 sister indoor/outdoor cats. Also acceptable would be a vacant equipped cabin on the property. Caretaking the property, OK. Able to move in, in March.

Rent negotiable. References provided. Call Jerry at 250213-2077.

HOME INSPECTOR? You have a realtor and a lawyer; don’t wait to find an inspector.

Call Terry at 778-533-0333 or check on line at: chewkahomeinspections.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

TRANSPORTATION

Friday, January 22,www.goldstreamgazette.com 2016 - GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE A19

TWEETABLE

TRUTHS ABOUT NEWSPAPERS âž” 9 in 10 Canadians read newspapers each week in print, on websites, tablets and phones.1 âž” Key times for reading the newspaper on each device: print in the morning, phone midday and online and tablet in the evening.1 âž” 7 in 10 continue to read a print newspaper each week as readership matches three years ago - some also use digital access as well.1 Source: 1. Newspapers Canada 2015

AUTO SERVICES FREE REMOVAL of all vehicles, cash paid for some. Any condition. Call (250)889-5383

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CARS

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check your

MOBILE HOMES & PARKS 40’x11’ PARK Model trailer. and lot at Otter Point. $103,000. Call (306)290-8764.

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Service Directory

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Complete guide to professional services in your community

250-388-3535 HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

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ACCOUNTING/TAX/ BOOKKEEPING

GARDENING

GARDENING

HAULING AND SALVAGE

HAULING AND SALVAGE

MOVING & STORAGE

UPHOLSTERY

AFFORDABLE, EFFICIENT bookkeeping or Payroll Services avail. Call (250)858-5370.

DPM SERVICES- lawn & garden, seasonal pruning, clean ups, landscape, power wash, etc. 15yrs exp. (250)883-8141.

$20 & Up Garbage & Garden waste removal. Senior Disc.

Free estimates. 250-812-2279.

SAVE-A-LOT HAULING Furniture, appliance, garden waste, we take it all! Always lowest rate, senior discount.

Brad 250-217-9578.

(250)889-5794.

DIAMOND Dave Moving- Free estimates!

UPHOLSTERER work. Your fabric 250-480-7937.

Done Right Moving $85/hr.

A+ BBB. Senior Disc. No travel time before/after local moves. Penny 250-418-1747

UPHOLSTER- Furn. repairs, scratches, fix springs, marine, commercial. 250-480-9822.

PAINTING

WINDOW CLEANING

A PROFESSIONAL Woman painter. Karen Bales Painting & Wall coverings. Over 25yrs exp. Free est. 250-514-5220.

250-380-7778 GRAND Xterior Cleaning. Repairs, Gutters, de-moss, roofs windows, PWash, Christmas lights.

HIGH QUALITY and FAST. Professional Painting. $20./hr.

Free est. Glenn 778-967-3607.

DAVE’S WINDOW Cleaning.

Windows, Gutters, Sweeping, Roofs, Roof Demossing, Pressure Washing. 250-361-6190.

CARPENTRY BENOIT CONSTRUCTION. Reno’s & Additions. Windows, Doors, Decks. 250-479-0748.

CLEAN-UP SPECIAL. You load bins, size 12 yard $100 plus dump fee or we do it all.

Call 250-361-6164.

FRUIT TREE PRUNING. Ivy & blackberry clearing. Call John Kaiser at 250-812-8236.

JUNK BOX- Junk Removal Company. Local guys. Low rates. Call (250)658-3944.

DRYWALL

JUNK REMOVAL 7 days / wk.

Fast Service, Best Prices!!

Free quotes. (250)857-JUNK.

LANGFORD DRYWALL- Uhang; we-tape. Professional.

Done-in-a-day service. Call Andy 250-896-9338.

PARRY’S HAULING We haul it all - FREE estimates. Call Wes 250-812-7774.

ELECTRICAL

ALL TYPES of fencing, repairs. Reliable, on-time. Free estimates. Call 250-888-8637.

FURNITURE REFINISHING FURNITURE REFINISHING & repairs. Scott (250)896-0758. www.scottsfinefinishing.ca

MASONRY & BRICKWORK

NEEDS mine.

DO YOU OFFER HOME SERVICES?

250-380-7778 GRAND Xterior Cleaning. Repairs, Gutters, de-moss, roofs windows, PWash, Christmas lights.

KENDRA’S ELECTRICAL Company. Sm jobs welcome.

Lic #86952. 250-415-7991.

FENCING

RENOVATIONS SPECIALIST decks, fence Doors, windows, painting, drywall.

Kitchen, bath, suites. 250-217-8131.

GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

250-361-6193 Quality Electric Reno’s, res & comm. No job too small. Lic# 22779.

NORTHERN SUN Electric Comm/Res. Work Guaranteed. Any size job. Call (250)888-6160. Lic#13981.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

or

250-507-6543.

AL’S V.I.P. Gutter Cleaning, guards, power washing, de-moss, Insured.

NEED REPAIRS? Use our community classiďŹ eds Service Directory to ďŹ nd an expert in your community

Call 250-388-3535

(250)889-5794.

DIAMOND Dave- window, gutter cleaning, roof-de-moss, gutter guards, power washing. Free estimate

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GOLDSTREAM NEWS NEWS GAZETTE GAZETTE -- Friday, Friday, January January 22, 22, 2106 2016 GOLDSTREAM

HomeFinder Find a place to call home

Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE MY HOME FOR SALE MORE APPEALING DURING THE WINTER?

GREATER VICTORIA MARKET UPDATE » MONTH TO DATE JAN. 18/16

225/351 » 468/1,027 » 2,399/3,283 »

NET UNCONDITIONAL SALES / TOTAL, JANUARY 2015 NEW LISTINGS / TOTAL, JANUARY 2015 ACTIVE RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS / TOTAL, JANUARY 2015

BUYER’S TIP | Independent mortgage brokers can often find buyers the best rates

Local, B.C. buyers purchasing most homes Impact of outof-country buyers not the same here as on mainland

A report commissioned for the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals, A Profile of Home Buyers in Canada, was released this past June.

It stated that of the roughly 620,000 households purchasing a residential property in an average year, approximately 45 per cent are first-time buyers, most between 25 and 34.

The next largest group, at about 33 per cent, is made up of buyers purchasing their third home or more – not surprisingly concentrated in the 45 to 64 age range – while roughly 20 per cent of households were buying for a second time.

The report said singledetached homes accounted for the largest share of the purchased, about 57 per cent. Semi-detached homes (duplexes) and row homes (townhomes) combined for about 19 per cent, the same amount as condominiums.

While incomes ranged widely among home buyers, it’s interesting to note that those earning $40,000 or less accounted for about six per cent of the sales.

It’s a sign that people considered to be in the lower range of the middle class income brackets can still afford to buy.

Residential prices on the West Shore and elsewhere in Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island are not being affected by offshore buyers as much as some might think, say B.C. Notaries.

Jacob Zinn News Staff

Foreign buyers may have less of an impact on B.C.’s housing market than previously thought, according to a report from B.C. Notaries.

In November, the society surveyed 133 of its members on key real estate topics, including the perceived influx of foreign buyers.

The report found that only five per cent of all residential real estate transactions managed by B.C. Notaries across the province were from foreign buyers.

The report’s release comes as the provincial government considers taking measures to combat the high cost of housing in B.C. “Our survey results, which indicate that the vast majority of real estate purchases in B.C. are made by B.C. or Canadian residents, point to the need for careful consideration of any related legislative changes,” B.C. Notaries president Tammy Morin Nakashima said in a statement.

While the report shows foreign buyers making up seven per cent of residential sales in Greater Vancouver, Island-based notaries reported only two per cent of their transactions came from such buyers.

Additionally, while for-

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eign buyers made up more than half of the clients for a few notaries in the Lower Mainland, the 20 notaries surveyed on the Island said foreign buyers made up no more than 10 per cent of their business.

“We haven’t seen a marked increase at all in foreign buyers,” Laurie Salvador, a notary with Salvador Davis and Company in Sidney. “We generally have maybe just a handful a year – maybe under six – and that hasn’t changed in many years.”

According to the report, the Island’s housing market has more in common with the Fraser Valley or the Okanagan, with lower foreign ownership compared to Vancouver. But despite the small numbers, 39 per cent of island notaries reported an increase in foreign buyers, not far off the 42 per cent bump seen by Greater Vancouver notaries.

Nonetheless, Salvador said the provincial average of five per cent shows that

foreign sales are not making a significant dent in B.C. real estate markets.

“If it’s five per cent, that means 95 per cent of the people either live in British Columbia or somewhere else in Canada, and that

says a lot about the health of our economy and the desire to live in British Columbia,” she said.

Salvador attributed the ongoing increase of house prices on the Island to such factors as a lull in develop-

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ment over the last five to seven years, creating an issue of supply and demand.

She noted the low ownership numbers should be studied by the provincial government as it determines if legislation is appropriate to address housing affordability.

“When we’re talking about government possibly imposing taxes for that, I’m sure they will discuss this with all the various players and make a wise decision if they feel that’s necessary,” she said.

“We certainly don’t want to discourage people that can afford to purchase in British Columbia. I think what people are afraid of is that those buyers are driving up prices, but I don’t think that’s the case at all.” editor@goldstreamgazette.com

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NEWS NEWS GAZETTE GAZETTE

Housing affordability tax?

Balancing idea would shift money from investor owners Jeff Nagel Black Press

A B.C. housing affordability surcharge is being proposed as a way to redistribute money from investment property owners – including foreigners and other owners of vacant homes – to other residents in the same participating city.

The UBC and SFU business professors behind the idea say it would be a modest step to restrain the upward spiral of house prices in hot real estate markets, mostly around the Lower Mainland, but to a certain degree in Greater Victoria.

But more importantly, they say, it would spur investors to rent out now-vacant homes rather than merely using B.C. residential real estate as a place to park money.

The proposal for the B.C. Housing Affordability Fund would create a 1.5 per cent tax on the assessed value – a $1 million home would be charged $15,000 per year.

But it would come with a long list of exemptions to exclude most resident owners. Seniors receiving CPP or OAS wouldn’t pay, nor would veterans, the disabled or anyone who has lived in their own home for several

years.

For others, the surcharge would be reduced for every dollar paid in annual income taxes by the owners, meaning the average working family in a typical home would likely owe nothing.

Non-resident owners of vacant homes would have their surcharge reduced by the amount of rental revenue they declare to the federal government.

“The targets are people who own real estate and leave it vacant and people who live here but essentially don’t declare much in Canadian income,” UBC’s Tsur Somerville explained.

Those targets would include Canadian investors as well as wealthy Chinese families where the wife and kids live here but pay no income tax while the father works in China.

Each municipality would decide if it wished to participate and money raised within its borders would be redistributed there. The academics are split on whether it should be rebated equally to all Canadian tax filers within the city or geared more to those in greater need.

Premier Christy Clark praised the proposal but stressed it is problematic.

“It’s a good idea, but the execution is really hard,” Clark said.

hom home hom ho o welcome

“We are looking at it. It’s really complicated, though. If somebody goes away for a year, a university prof goes on a sabbatical at the University of Beijing, should we tax them? A senior citizen finds themselves in hospital for a long period of months, should we tax them?”

Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association CEO Robert de Wit said there’s no hard data to justify such a policy.

“It’s well-intended but it’s a bit of a harebrained idea,” he said, adding it would distort the market and create more problems than it solves.”

The authors admit the proposal would do little to make homes more affordable for most buyers.

NDP leader John Horgan praised the idea as a way to collect needed data on real estate owners and “generate money for affordable housing by taxing speculators and profiteers while remaining invisible to British Columbians filing income tax, seniors living in long-time family homes and landlords.”

Somerville noted PEI bans non-residents from owning ocean front property and said it’s high time for B.C. to at least gather more information on who owns real estate here.

– with files from Tom Fletcher

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GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, January 22, 2016

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