Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News, March 07, 2018

PROTEST AT THE JUNCTION

LNG PROJECT DIVIDES SOUND

Park Reserve staffers upset over pay system.

Opposition over Kwispaa project at Sarita Bay

2

3

Wednesday, March 7 , 2018

BAR N A CLE BLUES

Westerly News

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Highway 4 closures delayed

Massive project misses March 1 start date

ANDREW BAILEY andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca

Highway 4’s looming nightly closures have been delayed.

A $30 million construction project to straighten out a roughly 1.5 kilometre stretch of the highway near Kennedy Lake was expected to get underway on March 1, bringing daily traffic delays and nightly closures to the only road connecting the West Coast to the rest of Vancouver Island, but a Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure spokesperson told the Westerly that the deadline for companies to bid on the project’s contract was extended to give the ministry time to answer questions and clarifications.

“The contract closed on Feb 22 and the ministry is now reviewing the bids,” the spokesperson said.

“This process typically takes two weeks or more on large-scale projects such as this one. Following this process, we will be able to provide an update on the start of construction.”

The ministry hosted two public information sessions on the West Coast in January to collect feedback on the plan and local leaders consistently urged the ministry to consider pushing back the first nightly closure’s start from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The spokesperson said that suggestion, along with other feedback, is still being reviewed.

“Information about how feedback received at the public open houses will be applied to the project will be available in the coming weeks,” they said.

CORPORAL JOEY BEAUDIN PHOTO

A rescue diver with the Canadian Armed Forces 442 Squadron jumps from a military aircraft over Tofino as part of a five-day search and rescue exercise around the West Coast. The Squadron teamed up with a variety of local first responders during the training event. Read about it on page 11.

Tofino changes course on cannabis ban ANDREW BAILEY andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca

Tofino’s municipal council is pumping the brakes on its proposed cannabis ban and reaching out for more feedback from the community both online and in person.

A bylaw amendment that would restrict the sale production and distribution of cannabis within Tofino was up for review during council’s Feb. 27 regular meeting and they opted to further engage with their constituents before making a

UPCOMING UCLUELET EVENTS

See TURN page 0

UPCOMING EVENTS

final decision.

Council had hosted a public hearing about the bylaw amendment on Feb. 13 and heard mixed reviews from locals with the majority who spoke being opposed to the ban.

On Feb. 27, council decided to re-open the public engagement process, host an Open House event and launch an online engagement process.

Coun. Cathy Thicke suggested the district must ensure youth and parents are involved in the conversation.

Continued on A6

MARCH November 2017 10-25

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A2 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

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Barkley Community Forest Limited Partnership

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE Wednesday March 14, 2018 3:00 pm-7:00 pm TOQUAHT OFFICE / TIICKIN ROOM 1971 Peninsula Road Barkley Community Forest Limited Partnership (BCFLP) invites the public, First Nations and Stakeholders to come in and review the approved BCT Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP), Management Plan and its planned harvesting and roadbuilding for 2018 as well future harvesting blocks.

Overview and Block Maps along with documents will be available. Please visit www.barkleyforest.ca Harvesting and roadbuilding plans follow the approved FSP, site plans, Harvesting and roadbuilding permits approved by the Ministry of Forests.

These plans involve consultation and approval from local First Nations as well as government agencies, the public and stake holders.

The plans take into consideration all other resource values such as: terrain, visuals, fisheries values, water quality, wildlife, recreation, public safety and First Nation’s cultural values.

Written comments may be mailed to Zoltan Schafer, RPF Forestry Manager, Barkley Community Forest Limited Partnership, PO Box 759, 1971 Peninsula Road, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 or FAX 250-720-1177.

NORA O’MALLEY PHOTO

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve staff and local Canadian Coast Guard supporters stand in solidarity at the TofinoUcluelet Junction on Feb. 28 to call on the federal government to solve the disastrous Phoenix pay system.

Federal government staff protest pay system

Workers underpaid, overpaid and not paid at all NORA O’MALLEY nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca

s n o i t a l u t Congra to our “Why We Love Ukee” contest winners!

1st Place: Lilly 2nd Place: Isla rd Place: Ananda 3

Over 20 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve employees and local Canadian Coast Guard supporters gathered at the Tofino-Ucluelet Junction on Wednesday, Feb. 28 to protest the Phoenix payroll system debacle.

Hundreds of thousands of federal public service workers have been underpaid, overpaid, or not paid at all since the pay system was implemented two years ago.

Jenny Touchie, a Parks Canada employee, says the federal government owes her $25,127 in lost wages and counting.

“All last year I worked five days a week, but I only got paid 1.5 days a week,” said Touchie.

“I racked up thousands of dollars on my line of credit just to make ends meet. It’s still $25,000 and counting. Every month I get underpaid by $1,000.”

“I don’t know why they haven’t been fixing it.

They have every power and authority to hand the payroll system back to the departments and agencies but they’ve chosen not to. Employees are suffering the consequences,” she said.

Lorri Touchie claims she is owed $7,000 from the federal government.

“I worked as a PM3 and got paid as a CR4 for seven months,” said Lorri, adding she also racked up a line of credit.

“I did renovations on my house based on the letter of offer that I signed and wasn’t paid appropriately.”

“I racked up thousands of dollars on my line of credit just to make ends meet.”

– Jenny Touchie

“I want them to convert back to the compensation advisors. The payroll system doesn’t work. They are wasting billions and billions of taxpayers’ dollars and I don’t think it’s right.

We’re tired of being ripped off,” said Lorri.

CJ Schmidt started a new job within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve last year. For the first three months of employment, he said he was not paid.

“I was owed over $5,000,” Schmidt told the Westerly News. “I lived off credit. Eventually I got a sum of money, but I’m unsure if it’s right.”

Parks Canada staffer Josée Tremblay led a chant during the hour-long protest.

“Pay us for the work we do! We can’t eat an IOU!” the chant started.

Tremblay said they’ve been having problems with the payroll for a long time.

“We are all affected if not directly our families are also affected. We just want our pay,” Tremblay said.

Rallies by federal service workers were held across the country to call on the government to take concrete measures necessary to ensure workers on paid correctly.

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Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

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Wednesday, March 7, 2018 A3

Barkley Sound clashes over LNG Protestors oppose Kwispaa project

Ucluelet / Tofino midislandrealty.com

ELENA RARDON Alberni Valley News

A number of Barkley Sound residents are ‘breaking the silence’ about their opposition to the Kwispaa LNG project at Sarita Bay. Members of the Barkley Sound Alliance, an association that promotes the wellbeing of the Barkley Sound ecosystem, hosted a protest against the project on Feb. 28. The protest coincided with an Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce dinner meeting at the Italian Hall, which featured speakers from Steelhead LNG and Huu-ay-aht First Nations in a presentation designed to inform and update the Port Alberni business community on the co-managed project.

“We’re kind of breaking the silence,” said Alliance member Bernadette Wyton. “We don’t think it’s a very good idea.”

The major industrial project, she said, does not fit in with the vision and aesthetic of the area’s tourism industry, which is where many residents are employed.

“It will definitely damage it,” she said.

A planning strategy by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District determined a comprehensive plan for protecting the sensitive areas of the Sound. The strategy brought 15 major stakeholders to the table and determined they had a common interest to maintain the quality of the environment and resources by guiding the type and scale of future development.

“Under that plan, an area like [Sarita Bay] would be protected, not industrialized,” Bernadette explained.

Bernadette’s husband, Keith Wyton, is currently an ACRD board director for the area of Bamfield. He explained that the province had also implemented a Vancouver Island Land Use Plan in the 1990s. The planning document describes goals for land use on Vancouver Island, setting tourism, recreation and natural values as a high priority.

“They totally uphold the Barkley Sound Planning Strategy and wanted to see it strengthened,” said Keith.

Ucluelet’s municipal council remains unsure how to handle Canada’s expected legalization of cannabis this summer.

During their Feb. 27 regular meeting, council heard a presentation from Markus Knab of Parksville who asked for a business licence to open a dispensary in town.

“We would like to basically supply your community with a place to go, where they can find out about how to use marijuana in a good, medical way; in a clean and comfortable environment to actually talk to people about what to do and how to do it,” Knab explained.

“Our goal is basically to bring in

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TIDES & WEATHER

THURSDAY MAR. 8, 2018 TIDE

05:33 12:20 18:38 23:58

Metres

Feet

3.1 1.2 2.5 1.7

10.2 3.9 8.2 5.6

8°/5° Clouds, morning showers

FRIDAY MAR. 9, 2018 TIDE

06:25 13:30 20:02 ELENA RARDON PHOTO

Young Ucluelet resident Mallory Maftei joined a protest against the Kwispaa LNG project.

“We want a guarantee that the water and rivers can be returned to their natural productivity.”

– Bernadette Wyton Both Keith and Bernadette, as well as other members of the Alliance, feel that the Kwispaa LNG ignores previous plans, which designate the Sarita Estuary as an Environmental Protection Area deserving of the highest level of protection and conservation.

The LNG project, Keith said, could potentially be British Columbia’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions, which would have a direct impact on rising sea levels—something he described as a “slow motion tsunami.”

“That would devastate our community,” he added.

The proposed natural gas liquefaction and export facility will be located on Huu-ay-aht traditional territory.

“As a treaty nation, we are pursuing this incredible economic development opportunity to generate wealth to fund badly needed programs, services and infrastructure,” said Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. in a press release.

He added that he was aware of the group of protesters.

“We want them to know we respect and honour their opinion,” he said.

“Our people have lived on this land for many generations, and we want to ensure it is not harmed so that future generations can move home and benefit from our Hahuuli (traditional territory).”

Huu-ay-aht communications director Heather Thomson pointed out, “Huuay-aht also had similar concerns as Keith’s group does. That’s where this world-leading (process) is driven from, the fact the Huu-ay-aht citizens live there, as well.”

Read more at www.WesterlyNews.ca.

Ucluelet not ready for cannabis ANDREW BAILEY andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca

mid island realty

speakers and have public meetings wherever we are allowed to have them, to educate on how to use marijuana properly…Yes, we’re in business to make money, but our main concern and goal is to educate people in the community and hopefully help some people have less pain.”

Knab added he’s a frequent visitor of Ucluelet and would like to establish a local business.

“We would like to be part of the community and work with the council on what location you would prefer,” he said. “We’re ready to start whenever you’re ready.”

Mayor Dianne St. Jacques thanked Knabb for his presentation but said

council isn’t ready to accept cannabis related businesses.

“I’m afraid we haven’t determined yet if and where the cannabis retail is going to belong in the community or not,” she said. “But, we’re certainly actively looking into the legal framework that’s coming forward and we’ll be consulting with the public through our [Official Community Plan] process before adopting regulations.”

Knab responded by suggesting cannabis is already in the community.

“Basically marijuana is already in the community. It’s just in the back alleys instead of a storefront,” he said. “We’re just trying to actually pay taxes on it and actually give education to go with it.”

Metres

Feet

3 1.3 2.4

9.8 4.3 7.9

7°/5° Low clouds

SATURDAY MAR. 10, 2018 TIDE

01:05 07:29 14:46 21:30

Metres

Feet

1.9 2.9 1.3 2.4

6.2 9.5 4.3 7.9

9°/7° Sunny; partly cloudy

SUNDAY MAR. 11, 2018 TIDE

02:33 08:41 15:52 22:36

Metres

Feet

1.9 2.9 1.2 2.5

6.2 9.5 3.9 8.2

11°/4° Cloudy; rain showers

MONDAY MAR. 12, 2018 TIDE

03:47 09:46 16:44 23:20

Metres

Feet

1.9 2.9 1.1 2.7

6.2 9.5 3.6 8.9

7°/7° Cloudy; Windy

TUESDAY MAR. 13, 2018 TIDE

04:42 10:39 17:26 23:54

Metres

Feet

1.8 3 0.9 2.8

5.9 9.8 3.0 9.2

9°/2° Rain; Windy

WEDNESDAY MAR. 14, 2018 TIDE

05:25 11:24 18:01

Metres

Feet

1.6 3.1 0.8

5.2 10.2 2.6

8°/2° Rain

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OPINION

A4 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

www.westerlynews.ca

The Westerly News is published every Wednesday

by Black Press Ltd. 102-1801 Bay St., Ucluelet Phone: 250-726-7029

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B.C. Views

Protest industry prepares for war against Alberta Provincial and national media are finally paying attention to what this column has reported occasionally for a decade.

They are being played by well-funded professional protesters targeting Canadian energy projects.

This belated realization is sparked by a document leaked to the B.C. Liberal opposition about “direct action” protests against the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project. It describes a secretive organization designed to create an impression of grassroots opposition.

The document is called the “Action Hive Proposal,” and the author turns out to be one Cam Fenton, who works for 350.org, a climate protest organization based in Oakland, California. Fenton says it was written before a kayak protest in Vancouver last fall, and doesn’t try to pretend that it’s no longer in effect.

It describes a “hive” or central organi- threats when asked about this document zation that requires “staff-driven” partici- in the legislature.

He attended a dinner on Bowen Island pants to contribute money and staff, plus participation in weekly meetings. with representatives of this “hive” on Jan. It directs everyone to use “digital 30, the same day he released a five-point security” such as a disapplan to deter further oil transpearing message service or port from Alberta. phone calls to make sure This sparked immediate retaliation from Alberta things aren’t too transparent.

Premier Rachel Notley, The “hive” directs a “swarm” of smaller groups, who banned B.C. wine from and here’s a key strategy: entering the province and “This group is an organizathreatened further actions. tional structure, not a brand.

Notley, Prime Minister We will not have a brand or Justin Trudeau and federal Tom Fletcher presence in public beyond Natural Resources Minister what is necessary to achieve our goals.” Jim Carr all bluntly reminded the B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman, government that it has no authority to who ran the B.C. branch office of Califor- interfere with a federally approved pipenia-based Sierra Club before being elected line project running from one province for the NDP, resorted to evasions and to another.

This blew up while Premier John Horgan was on a trade mission in Asia that included efforts to carry on with liquefied natural gas exports. After Horgan got back, the most offensive part of Heyman’s scheme was pulled back, replaced by the latest of a series of taxpayer-funded court actions approved by the NDP, like the one that pretends Burnaby’s bylaws can override federal law.

Reminder: the day after the B.C. Greens and NDP made their minority government deal, a pair of Greenpeace employees climbed a flagpole in front of the B.C. legislature and put up their own banner.

It read: “People power: 1 Kinder Morgan: 0.”

The manufactured “people power” has begun, with TV following along to make it all appear spontaneous and grassroots, as planned.

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Box 317, Ucluelet B.C. V0R 3A0 reporter@westerlynews.ca Sunday at 2pm

PHUONG NGUYEN PHOTO

Prince Rupert photographer Phuong Nguyen snapped this shot of an eagle soaring through his local skies. Do you have a photo of your surroundings that you would like to share? Send it to us at Office@WesterlyNews.ca or reach out through Facebook at www.Facebook.com/WesterlyNews.

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Question of the week Will you be attending a Pacific Rim Whale Festival event?

Vote at the Westerly News Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WesterlyNews or on our Twitter feed @WesterlyNews

Last week’s question Have you noticed an increase in crime in your community?

YES 67%

NO 33%

LETTERS

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Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

Letters to the Editor Deadline: Sundays 2:00pm Andrew.Bailey@WesterlyNews.ca

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

THANKS FROM FIRE BRIGADE The Ucluelet Volunteer Fire Brigade held its annual Matterson House Valentines Fundraiser this past February 14th, and what a fabulous event it was.

Captain Alan “Luciano” Anderson yet again led the charge in the singing department. His numerous encores pleased his many adoring fans, but it also left some fire fighters and the odd patron slightly nauseous.

Jennifer and Sandy have supported this fundraiser since forever and the brigade can not thank them enough for their continued generosity.

This year $2710 was raised which yet again set a record!

The brigade plans on using the funds to purchase new cribbing which is a vital tool for stabilizing vehicles during road rescue situations.

We love working with Isaac and Gio in the kitchen. You guys always come through to serve great food.

A couple of big high fives to Cheryl and Abby for your assistance. Thank-you to Alison at Compass Flowers for providing the lovely roses.

Finally, a huge thank-you to the customers for your patience, sense of humour and the HUGE tips you left! Wow! Your brigade will be hosting the Vancouver Island Porsche Club May 25th-27th, 2018 for our next fundraising event.

We hope to see you then!

Ucluelet Volunteer Fire Brigade

PROTECT WILDLIFE Re: RCMP, Conservation Officers kill 3 cougars near B.C. farm. March 6, www.WesterlyNews.ca.

I grew up on a cattle ranch in the interior, so I know what it takes to look after livestock and not have predators taking them.

This case near Cumberland is yet one more example of livestock owners perhaps not properly protecting their livestock.

Instead of three cougars paying with their lives, this ‘farmer’ should have been fined for luring the cougars if he had not protected his livestock and should have his livestock confiscated if he can’t or more likely, won’t, look after his livestock properly.

The rules need to be changed to protect the wildlife, instead of the rules being bent to provide excuses for poor human behaviour.

Every single time a Conservation Officer kills a cougar or a wolf or a bear, every single time, it has been caused by humans!

Why are you not punishing the humans?

Why are the animals paying with their lives?

Trish Boyum Comox Valley

Letters to the editor must be signed and include your full name, home town and contact number. Those without these requirements will not be published. Letters must be 300 words or less and are subject to editing. Deadline for letters is Sunday at 2 p.m. The Westerly news retains the right not to publish submissions.

The Westerly News is a member of the national newsmedia council which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.

If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact: editor@ westerlynews.ca or 250-726-7029. 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.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 A5

TRENDING ONLINE PARKS CANADA EMPLOYEES PROTEST PHOENIX PAY SYSTEM:

So sorry for your horrible experiences. Wish we could do more.

Marg McLellan Pay your staff Justin [Trudeau]. Shame shame shame!

Patricia Garland

Read the full story online at:

westerlynews.ca

COLUMN: THE LINGERING EFFECTS OF BULLYING:

If it was a sincere and genuine apology, I would accept it. I don’t think the girl who bullied me (and others) relentlessly in elementary school even gets what she did though.

Chris Peters I would accept it. If it came this many years later I think it would be sincere. But like Chris Peters said, I doubt they even know.

Marcie Callewaert One person has apologized, which I have accepted, others have not.. I would accept their apology as well if they truly meant it..Some people just don’t realize the impact it has on your life..

You’ll find the Westerly News every Wednesday at the following locations: AHOUSAHT Ahousaht General Store TOFINO Beaches Grocery Green Soul Organics LA Grocery Long Beach Gas & Co Tofino Co-op Tofino Co-op Gas Bar Tofino Pharmacy UCLUELET Barry’s Pharmacy Blackberry Cove Market Murray’s Grocery Harbourview Drugstore Petro Canada Store Ucluelet Co-op Ucluelet Co-op Gas Bar Westerly News Office

Karen Smith

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SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNTS UNDER SCRUTINY FOR ICBC:

Rules and regs as tight as private insurance.. just without the good rates...

Colin McLeman

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A6 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

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Chamber chat

Local business issues

Retention and expansion program going strong TOURISM UCLUELET

Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday, March 7th Place: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort Time: 7pm Please RSVP to denise@discoverucluelet.com

TOFINO CLAYOQUOT HERITAGE SOCIETY Join us for our

Annual General Meeting Wednesday, March 21st, 2018 4:30pm in the Heritage Museum (331 Main Street, below the Legion) We’re happy to welcome new members.

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Westerly News District of Tofino PUBLIC NOTICE

/^d

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATION

Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Council Chambers of the Tofino Municipal Hall, 380 Campbell St., Tofino, B.C

LOT 1, DISTRICT LOT 115, CLAYOQUOT DISTRICT, PLAN 13244 – 301 OLSEN ROAD Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Local Government Act and regulations contained in the District of Tofino Land Use and Development Procedures and Fee Bylaw No. 899 (2002) that a Temporary Use Permit application will be considered for the above property. Tofino Whale Watching Inc. has made an application for a Temporary Use Permit. Council will consider the application at the regular Council meeting held in the Council Chambers of the Tofino Municipal Hall, 380 Campbell St., Tofino, B.C., on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

The purpose of this application is to permit the subject property to be used as a commercial parking area up to 15 spaces for customers of Tofino Whale Watching Inc. As per section 492 of the Local Government Act, a Temporary Use Permit may be issued for up three years.

Further information may be inspected at the Tofino Municipal Office, 121 Third St., Tofino, B.C. during regular business hours (8:30 AM to 4:00 PM between March 2, 2018 and March 12, 2018 Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Written submission may be sent by mail to the District of Tofino, PO Box 9, Tofino, B.C., V0R 2Z0, or by email to dhawkins@tofino.ca . Please submit any comments or concerns you may have regarding this application before 4:00 PM on Monday, March 12, 2018). For more information, please contact: Dana Hawkins, Planner (T) 250.725.3229 ext 703 (F) 250.725.3775 (E) dhawkins@tofino.ca

We’ve now completed close to 30 interviews Which leads us to housing. A standard measure with local employers, which last anywhere from of affordable housing is spending 30% or less 45 minutes to 2+ hours (depending on the size of of income on shelter. The last Census showed the business and how much the employer wants that 32% of Ucluelet’s permanent residents were to talk). spending more than this, which is 2nd highest While we wait for the results, it’s useful to step among the small resort communities. back and examine the latest statistics to see what Low incomes and high housing costs are clearly they tell us about key local issues. Ucluelet is of- a challenge for affordability. Looking at building ficially designated a “resort municipality” by the permit values in the last couple of years, Ucluelet provincial government, one of 14 in BC. I focused had a big jump in activity in 2017. Total permit on the 10 smallest resort municipalities by values were $5.6 million, the highest level permanent population as a good comparin 8 years and up more than 150% from the previous year. ison group for local trends. Ucluelet is the 4th-smallest with about 1,700 permanent What is notable in Ucluelet is that alresidents (as of the 2016 Census) and the most all new development is residential. others, from largest to smallest, are Fernie, For 2016 and 2017 combined, 94% of Osoyoos, Rossland, Golden, Invermere, the permit values are for residential projTofino, Valemount, Radium Hot Springs, ects, which is easily the highest among and Sun Peaks Mountain. the small resort communities (Tofino is The first point is that being a resort mu- Jamie Vann Struth around 60% residential). More housing is nicipality is a good thing! The 10 small clearly a need, but as we’ve been exploring resort communities had combined population in our interviews, having more good-quality jobs growth of 8.1% from 2011 to 2016. Small rural requires the commercial and industrial space to communities that are not resorts lost population put them, and new development in these areas has in this period. Ucluelet’s growth of 5.5% ranked been minimal in the last couple of years.

4th among the resort communities, by the way, These statistics are meant to complement the nearly double Tofino at 3.0%. insights we’re getting from local employers and Resort communities are growing because they give us a deeper understanding of local trends are great places to live and they provide local em- and whether they are unique to Ucluelet. ployment opportunities. But we want good qualNext month, I’ll take a closer look at the breakity, well-paying jobs, not just any jobs. Ucluelet’s down of local employment by industry, including median employment income of $27,400 ranks much more than tourism!

7th among the resort communities. From 2005 to 2015, the change in median employment income in Jamie Vann Struth is the Ucluelet Chamber of Ucluelet was 15%, less than any other community. Commerce’s UBERE Program Manager.

Thoughts on pot sought From A1 “How is it that our council and our community is going to capture those young persons?” she asked. “We’ve heard from those people who have loud and energetic voice, but how are we going to capture the voices of the young and vulnerable who are affected as well?”

She suggested that, in addition to the Open House, council “actively solicit some responses” from anyone responsible for youth in the community, including the Wickaninnish Community School Society and Parent Advisory Council.

Mayor Josie Osborne said actively soliciting feedback from Cathy Thicke all areas of the community was a good idea.

“I think there are many voices to be heard and that’s an important part of getting balanced feedback,” she said adding council heard a need for increased engagement during Feb. 13’s public hearing.

“This is not a council that’s opposed to cannabis.

This is a council that wants to do the best job possible soliciting feedback from the community to make sure that we take care of everybody’s interests.”

Coun. Al Anderson cautioned against focusing on any specific group.

“You tend to get results that skew a process when you say we want extra feedback here or there,” he said. “It’s important that youth are considered, but a call for feedback and input at an open house or public hearing needs to cast a broad net and not necessarily be focused on the parents.”

Osborne said that would not be an issue as the

entire community would be invited to particpate in the discussion.

Anderson added that Tofino has a smoking bylaw on the books that prohibits tobacco use in public spaces like playgrounds and asked whether marijuana could be added to that.

District CAO Bob MacPherson said that it would.

“The province is going to have its own regulations about where cannabis cannot be consumed…This is a new area of law and regulation that senior levels of government are still working their way through,” he said. “That’s actually one of the challenges. We hear about this idea of cannabis tourism, but you go and buy cannabis in Seattle and you can’t smoke it on the street, you can’t smoke it in your car, you can’t smoke it on the sidewalk or a park and you go back to your hotel and all hotels are non-smoking pretty much now. So, it is a bit of a funny thing. I don’t think there’s a really good answer to it.”

The district’s manager of community sustainability Aaron Rodgers told the Westerly News after the meeting that multiple open houses will likely be held, with the first expected to take place within the month, and a webpage to collect online feedback was expected to be launched this week.

“It’s going to take some time to build trust with the community and have a little bit of a back and forth, so we want to make sure we have enough time to do that,” he said. “Once we understand what the parts that are causing some concern in the community are, we can try to figure those out a little bit more.”

He said Tofino is expecting Canada to legalize cannabis in late-August. ”Our goal is to have everything in place before the federal legislation is complete,” he said.

PROFILE www.westerlynews.ca

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 A7

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Andrew Bailey, Editor 250-726-7029 • andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca

ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO

From left, visitors from Strathmore, Alberta, Rick and Pam Kobluk check out a sea star being held by Ucluelet Aquarium curator Laura Griffith Cochrane along with their daughter Keely on March 1.

Ucluelet Aquarium swings open new season ANDREW BAILEY andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca

Thousands of fascinating ocean critters are ready to shine under the Ucluelet Aquarium’s inspiring spotlight.

The aquarium’s season officially began on March 1 and curator Laura Griffith-Cochrane was excited to show off the unique catch and release facility’s new exhibits.

“We’ve got thousands and thousands of organisms in here, but what people will probably focus on are the many different kinds of rockfish that we have, our brand new little octopus and our salmon habitat exhibit,” she said. “We’re excited to see everyone and for everyone to come back and see all of the work that we’ve done.

There’s a lot of projects that we started last year that we want to build off of and keep the momentum going, especially around rockfish conservation.”

“There’s a lot of pure, gritty, messy maintenance that goes into keeping this place functioning.”

– Laura Griffith-Cochrane The aquarium traditionally opens at the start of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, but opening day was held early this year.

“We decided that we wanted to open at the beginning of the month to reflect how Ucluelet is getting busier, to show support for the other businesses that are opening earlier in the season and to be here for all of the visitors that are here to watch storms,” Griffith-Cochrane said.

She added that a particularly powerful storm in January made the aquarium’s collection process a tough slog as heavy winds and crashing waves destroyed habitats that aquarium staff have been collecting

species from for the past decade.

“We see storms as a spectator sport, but it has a profound and very violent effect on the organisms along the coast,” she said.

“That can be really good. It can open up new habitat sites for other animals to move in and can keep our local ecosystems biodiverse and rich but, when it gets too violent, it can also be very harmful.”

She said that, along with showcasing local species and habitats, the aquarium plans to increase its educational offerings for youth this year and expand the microplastics survey it began last summer.

“We’ve been seeing a lot of debris, but we’d like to know what that is made up of and how it’s distributed,” she said.

The aquarium operates with six full-time staff with diverse backgrounds.

“Running an aquarium is very complex because it’s not just about the animals that reside in here. It’s also about maintaining

pumps and polishing tanks,” Griffith-Cochrane said. “There’s a lot of pure, gritty, messy maintenance that goes into keeping this place functioning. So our staff members need to not only be able to make things look beautiful and talk about the animals that are in here, but make sure that everything is flowing really well.”

She added the keystone of the Ucluelet Aquarium experience is the interpreters.

“The B.C. coast is one of the most incredible places on the planet. We have beautiful biodiversity and animals living complex, long, lives in a very dynamic environment,” she said.

“It’s important that we have people here to be able to tell those stories so that we understand the value of these organisms and we’re able to better protect them and then look at our behaviours and see how we can support our local ecosystems while still enjoying and living on the coast.”

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WESTERLY FILE PHOTO

Twelve Canadian Surf Champs were honoured at Cox Bay Beach last year in conjunction with the Rip Curl Pro Tofino.

MATHEMATICAL HARMONIES MATHEMATICAL HARMONIES SCULPTURE PAINTING AND PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURE

"MATHEMATICAL HARMONIES" “D d, D d/ > , ZDKE/ ^ Paintings and Sculpture ” WĂŝŶƚŝŶŐƐ ĂŶĚ ^ĐƵůƉƚƵƌĞ

by ARTIST

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ϳ Ͳ ϵƉŵ – ƌĞĨƌĞƐŚŵĞŶƚƐ ƐĞƌǀĞĚ

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Didymus Bernadotte is an Architect, Artist and Sculptor. He ŝĚLJŵƵƐ ĞƌŶĂĚŽƚƚĞ ŝƐ ĂŶ ƌĐŚŝƚĞĐƚ͕ ƌƚŝƐƚ ĂŶĚ ^ĐƵůƉƚŽƌ ,Ğ ĐĂůůƐ calls his work "ORTHOPHIGRAPHIC". The discipline of drawing ŚŝƐ ǁŽƌŬ ΗKZd,KW,/'Z W,/ Η dŚĞ ĚŝƐĐŝƉůŝŶĞ ŽĨ ĚƌĂǁŝŶŐ ƵƐŝŶŐ usingΖW,/Ζ dŚĞ 'ƌĞĞŬ ůĞƚƚĞƌ ŵĞĂŶŝŶŐ 'ŽůĚĞŶ DĞĂŶ Žƌ ͘ϲϭϴ 'PHI' The Greek letter meaning Golden Mean or .618.

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nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca Let Westerly Readers Know All About It

Park to host national surfing showdown

Canadian Championships scheduled for May 4-7 NORA O’MALLEY nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca

Surf Canada Nationals will be held as a standalone event this year at Wickaninnish Beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve during the first weekend of May. For the last few years, the National titles were contested in conjunction with the Rip Curl Pro Tofino at Cox Bay Beach.

The last competition held at Wick Beach was the Surfcam Christmas Classic Surf Contest in 2014.

PRNPR Visitor Experience Manager, Dave Tovell, said via email that Parks Canada is pleased to partner with Surf Canada and welcome surfers to the waves at Wick Beach.

“As the country’s largest tourism provider, Parks Canada is committed to providing visitors with exceptional and meaningful experiences at our places,” Tovell wrote. “The Agency is continually looking for fun, innovative ways to engage Canadians in their natural and cultural heritage.”

President of CSA Surf Canada, Dom Domic, confirmed the sporting event is open solely to Canadians.

“Any Canadian is eligible to register,” said Domic. “You have to have a valid Canadian passport or citizenship card or certificate. You can’t just be a landed resident. You actually have to be Canadian because that’s the rules of our international federation.”

Early bird registration opened on March 3.

The cost to enter is $60.

Categories include: shortboard, longboard, and SUP surf.

Registration fees go up to $75 after April 15th, depending on if there are any spots left.

Domic said there are about 200 spots, and the event will be gender equal.

“Any Canadian is eligible to enter.”

– Dom Domic

“It all really depends on how many people register. The scheduling is equal. We are trying to get people to register early so we can actually plan it.”

The competition format will follow International Surfing Association rules. Surfers will compete in a predetermined competition zone in heats of two or four. Each wave a contender catches will be rated on a 10-point scale by a panel of judges and only the best two waves are counted towards their end score. The surfers that get the highest scores move on to the next round.

For local surfers wondering if they’re ready to enter, Domic says to just go for it.

“You don’t have to go into the contest thinking you could win it. If you feel like you just want to test yourself against other surfers and see how you measure up and, basically, know what you need to do and how much better you need to go to advance in your skill set and, not just your technical ability, but also your tactical abilities as well,” he said.

The washrooms that are currently under construction between Lot C and Lot D at Wick Beach will be completed in the spring of 2018, noted Tovell.

“Parks Canada makes every effort to minimize disruptions to visitors. During construction, portable toilets are available to National Park Reserve Visitors for their use,” he said.

For more information on Surf Canada or to register visit: csasurfcanada.org.

IN FOCUS

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

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Wednesday, March 7, 2018 A9

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Job Expo connects Coast Event matches job seekers with job creators ANDREW BAILEY andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca

Tofino’s Best Western Tin Wis Resort was buzzing with connective energy between job seekers and job creators on Friday.

About 35 local employers set up booths at the Alberni Valley Employment Centre’s West Coast Job Expo rolling out the red carpet for potential employees and laying out local career and summer job opportunities.

Municipal councillor Duncan McMaster attended the event as Tofino’s acting mayor and said it was a valuable matchmaking event for employers and prospective employees.

“We all know how busy employers are and this allows them to set up and meet a lot of prospective youngsters that are looking for jobs in the summer and the youngsters can see that there’s all sorts of jobs here,” McMaster said.

“They get to see a lot of different jobs that are available rather than being tempted to just take the first job that’s available.”

He added the timing is right for local youth to be looking to get their foot in the door.

“The job market, as we all know, gets crazy in the summer and the people that try to get a job now tend to secure the best jobs,” he said. “It’s an ‘early bird catches the worm’ sort of thing.”

Ucluelet Secondary School teacher David McPherson chaperoned a school trip to the event and said it was beneficial for the students to see what’s available and learn how to break the ice with employers.

“They can try to find summer jobs and they can get experience making that first contact, which is often very intimidating for students,” he said. “They can also explore potential careers in the area. For those students who don’t want to move away for work, this is a chance for them to start thinking about what the options are down the road.”

One of those students was 14 year-old Ava Law who was thrilled with the opportunity to see what’s available.

“I get to see the options that I have for places I can work in the future and places I can work now if I want to,” she said.

“They can try to find summer jobs and they can get experience making that first contact, which is often very intimidating for students.”

– David McPherson “I can see all the different options and I can compare all the different options, which is helpful.”

T’ashii Paddle School instructor Emre Bosut attended the event to meet interested youth and explain both the school’s job and training opportunities.

“It’s great to see the high school kids and great to connect with the local community,” he said.

Bosut’s colleague Tsimka Martin has worked as a guide since high school and encourages youth to get into the field.

“In Tla-o-qui-aht territory there’s lots of beautiful areas to paddle….You’ve got exposure to the swell and then you’ve got the beautiful calm inlet side, so there’s really nice dynamic areas to be paddling in,” she said. “Guiding can help develop a person’s public speaking skills as well as their confidence and you’re working with people so there’s group management and safety; it really involves a lot.”

Lisa Stewart of Creative Salmon was happy to showcase full-time, year-round, opportunities in the local aquaculture industry.

“Resumes can be a powerful tool, but meeting people face to face can really go a long way to knowing whether they’re going to be a good fit for you and whether the job is going to be a good fit for them because you can explain it in a lot more detail,” she said.

She added that while having experience is helpful, it isn’t always necessary for finding a new career.

“We train on the job,” she said. “The biggest thing we’re looking for with people is people who are going to like the environment they are going to be working in and the kind of work they’re going to be doing and that they’re going to be reliable.”

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

www.westerlynews.ca

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 A11

Canadian Armed Forces train on Coast Search and rescue exercise a successful collaboration ANDREW BAILEY andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca

The Canadian Armed Forces joined local first responders for some high flying collaboration last week.

About 70 members of 442 Squadron traveled to the West Coast for the Squadron’s annual search and rescue exercise, dubbed SAREX, from Feb 26 to March 1.

“One of the benefits of conducting SAREX is that it provides us the opportunity to train and build working relationships with our SAR [search and rescue] partners, those professionals and volunteers in communities across BC that are trained and always ready to respond when people find themselves in trouble,” said Exercise Director Captain Adam Kusch.

The 442 Squadron is based at 19 Wing Comox and covers search and rescue responsibilities throughout B.C. and the Yukon as well as roughly 600 kilometres offshore in the Pacific Ocean and conducts search and rescue exercises annually.

“The exercise location changes annually, with preference given to holding the exercise in areas where we frequently conduct actual search and rescue operations,” said a 19 Wing spokesperson.

Two CC-115 Buffalo fixed-wing aircraft, two CH-149 Cormorant helicopters, and a CC-130H Hercules were involved in the event, which simulated a variety of scenarios based on actual events that have happened on the West Coast.

Those scenarios included a joint response involving the Canadian Coast Guard where a vessel in distress is taking on water and requires a pump dropped from a CC-115 Buffalo aircraft, an injured windsurfer stranded on a remote beach and a rescue of passengers and crew from an overturned vessel.

CORPORAL JOEY BEAUDIN

Search and Rescue Technicians carry a stretcher to the CH149 Cormorant during a 442 Squadron Search and Rescue Exercise in Tofino on February 28.

“It’s always nice working with the best of the best.”

– Dave Payne The Squadron was joined in the exercise by members of the RCMP, the Canadian Coast Guard, Parks Canada, BC Parks, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and the Tofino Airport Authority.

“We appreciate the support we received from the Tofino Airport Authority, which enabled us to conduct the exercise, and the warm welcome we received among the local community,” added Air Force Task Commander Major J.F. Dupont.

“We also value the participation in the exercise by a diverse group of dedicated

local agencies that are routinely involved in search and rescue operations.”

The local Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue team’s Station Leader Dave Payne said his team “jumped at the chance,” to train alongside the Canadian Armed Forces members.

“It’s always nice working with the best of the best,” he said. “Apart from being extremely friendly, they were also very professional, very proficient and it was really a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet them and to train with them…It was definitely a unique experience.”

Payne said RCMSAR acted as a vessel in distress roughly five miles offshore and gained valuable experience and familiarity through the exercise.

“It’s excellent training,” he said.

“When we’ve all worked together be-

fore, we know procedures, we know how communications work and it just makes everything go smoother so, in a real life situation, the odds of everything coming out successful are that much higher.”

The local RCMSAR team has about six active members and is actively recruiting volunteers.

Payne said the team responds to about 20 incidents a year, including rescuing two fisherman who had been badly burned in a steam leak last winter and two other mariners who were stranded near Curl Island after their vessel ran out of fuel.

“When you can save lives and when you can save vessels, it’s extremely rewarding,” he said.

Anyone interested in joining RCMSAR or supporting its efforts can contact Payne at 250-720-7231.

Tsunami siren testing sounds off in Tofino ANDREW BAILEY andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca

Westminster Chimes rang out over Tofino’s beaches Friday morning as the district tested its emergency notification system.

Tofino has tested it’s tsunami sirens on the first Friday of every month for the past two years and today was the first of its monthly One Call notification system testing, which provides a phone call, text message and email to locals who Aaron Rodgers have signed up through the district’s website at www.tofino.ca.

The district added its One Call system to its monthly testing as part of its efforts to upgrade local emergency notification after a Tsunami Warning evacuated the community on Jan. 23.

“It gives everyone peace of mind when they’re out surfing.”

– Danny Osborne “It’s important to exercise these systems to make sure that they’re working effectively and also to bring general awareness of emergency preparedness within our community,” Tofino’s emergency program coordinator Keith Orchiston told the Westerly News from the district’s Emergency Operations Centre above the Tofino Fire Hall Friday morning.

At 11 a.m., a booming voice belted out “This is a test of the emergency warning system,” from the district’s three sirens— located at Cox Bay, South-Chesterman and North-Chesterman—before the Westminster Chimes kicked in.

Aleah Rockwell was visiting Tofino from Cochrane, Alberta, and said she heard and appreciated the siren.

“I think it’s a really good thing. It makes

me feel more safe to know that it’s going on and that we’re looked after,” she told the Westerly News at North Chesterman.

“It’s a really good idea.”

Miranda Peterson of Calgary was happy to see efforts being made to warn beach goers.

“It’s good that they’re looking out for tourists and they’re not just looking after their own,” she said.

“People might not have their phones when they’re on the beach, so it’s really nice that they’re really taking care of everybody and nobody’s left behind.”

Ucluelet local Danny Osborne was getting his wetsuit on to head out for a surf when he heard the siren.

“Given recent tsunami warnings, I think it’s really good that they have that implemented because, I think, it gives everyone peace of mind when they’re out surfing,” he said.

Vancouver’s Daryn Cassie said he was pulling into Chesterman’s parking lot

when he heard the siren’s “big boomy voice” telling him the test was over.

“I think it’s a good thing to have at the beach,” he said. “It’s good to be prepared for these types of emergencies.”

The district’s manager of community sustainability Aaron Rodgers said all three sirens sounded off during the test and that the One Call System sent out 905 phone calls, 620 emails and 293 text messages.

“We’re happy with the first roll out of the double testing,” he said.

He added that locals should sign up for the One Call system rather than depend on the sirens to alert them of an emergency.

“The sirens were developed and installed to notify people outside, specifically beach users,” he said. “If you’re inside your house or if it’s windy, you may not get that notification. So, we encourage everybody to sign up for that One Call system.”

Check out a video of the tsunami siren testing at www.WesterlyNews.ca.

A12 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

GAMES & PUZZLES WEEKLY CROSSWORD

PUZZLE #183110

www.westerlynews.ca

Ukee to host emergency preparedness meeting Residents asked to share evacuation experiences ANDREW BAILEY andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca

CLUES DOWN 1. Czech monetary unit 2. Able to arouse intense feeling 3. Elk 4. Muscular weaknesses 5. Geological time

HOROSCOPE ARIES You are inspired and ready to take on the world. Make the time to thank the people who spurred your motivation, then get moving toward your goals.

TAURUS Your positive outlook can help not only you, but also others. Where some people only see problems, you see all the possibilities lying ahead of you.

GEMINI Everyday things seem magical to you this week. This may be because you’re looking at the world through the haze of happiness spurred on by new love.

CANCER You have been biding your time, but the moment to take a calculated risk has finally arrived. Since you have done some thorough research, it should be smooth sailing.

LEO Transparency is your middle name this week, Leo. Others know just what is going on in your life and in your head. This may encourage others to be more open.

VIRGO Since you don’t want to be misunderstood in any way, you need to be very careful in how you express your thoughts this week. Clarify details, if necessary.

SUDOKU

6. Depths of the ocean 7. Burns to the ground 8. Becomes cognizant of 9. Cause to shade 13. US political party 14. Refers to some of a thing 17. Single 18. Type of beer 20. Ancient Iranian people 22. Grocery chain 27. Gridiron league 28. English river 29. __ and cheese 31. Peyton’s younger brother 32. Long time 33. High schoolers’ test 37. Respects 38. Organize anew 39. Filippo __, Saint 40. Intrinsic nature of something 41. Cheese dish 42. Ancient Greek City 43. Patron saint of Ireland 44. Produced by moving aircraft or vehicle 47. Shock treatment 48. __ Jones 49. Things 51. Having wings 52. Panthers’ QB Newton 53. Third-party access 58. Satisfaction

THIS WEEKS ANSWER

CLUES ACROSS 1. Chop or cut 4. Green veggie 7. Bar bill 10. Doctors’ group 11. One who buys and sells securities (slang) 12. Be in debt 13. Lively ballroom dance 15. Singer Charles 16. Polish city 19. Former 21. Dismissing from employment 23. Minerals 24. Plotted 25. Consult 26. After a prayer 27. Agents of one’s downfall 30. Leaseholders 34. Supervises flying 35. Voodoo god 36. Alfalfa 41. Apply another coat to 45. Witnesses 46. Jai __, sport 47. Ones who proof 50. Recant 54. Small group with shared interests 55. Part of warming headgear 56. Woolen cloth 57. Snag 59. Central American fruit tree 60. Woman (French) 61. The 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet 62. Type of bed 63. Soviet Socialist Republic 64. Consume 65. Japanese freight company (abbr.)

Emergency preparation will be under Ucluelet’s microscope this week.

The district has an emergency preparedness Open House scheduled for March 8 from 3-7 p.m. at the community centre.

The event was organized after the community was evacuated from their homes and hotel rooms by a tsunami warning in the early morning hours of Feb. 23 caused by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake near Dianne St. Jacques Alaska around 1:30 a.m.

The district is hoping to find ways to improve its emergency notification processes by hearing locals share their experiences

from that event.

“We want to talk to the public and hear from the public after the event that we had…We’re coordinating our efforts and always trying to improve,” said Ucluelet mayor Dianne St. Jacques.

“When and if an event like that happens, we all want to do everything we can to be safe so we need to know what worked well for people and what ideas they might have on improvements.”

The event will include information on how to join Ucluelet’s Emergency Social Services team.

Locals can sign up for the district’s Emergency Notification Service, which provides emergency notices through text messages as well as voice messages to landlines by visiting www.Ucluelet. ca.

That service is tested annually during Emergency Preparedness Week each May.

LIBRA Chances for success in all areas of your life are magnified by your innovative spirit, Libra. Keep the good ideas flowing and bring others into your future plans.

SCORPIO Confidence is on the rise, Scorpio, and that may lead you to take a few risks. There may be great gains to be had, or not much change. However, it can be worthwhile to try.

SAGITTARIUS Intentions aimed at distant goals may keep you busy in the long run, Sagittarius, but this week direct your focus to items that will provide the most immediate results.

CAPRICORN Capricorn, you have enough sense to balance your imagination with reality. Take your clever ideas and figure out a practical way to make them work.

AQUARIUS Although the destination is in view, you have not yet developed a plan to get there. Be sure you include integrity in your decisions and skip shortcuts.

PISCES Conformity is certainly not your thing. But at some point this week, you’ll need to go with the flow. Find a way to make it your own.

SU183070

THIS WEEKS SUDOKU ANSWER

Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Wednesday, MarchNews 7, 2018 A13 A13 Wed, Mar 7, 2018 Ucluelet Western

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

www.westerlynews.ca

BCClassifieds.com

ONLINE bcclassifieds@blackpress.ca IN PRINT 1.866.865.4460

...in your community, online and in print

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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BULK SALE. 1,500 Metric/SAE 11 piece wrench sets plus 12,000 single size wrenches. Sale $12,000.00.

Forward interest by email to tkachukr@shaw.ca

Free Breathing, Meditation, and Self Healing group sessions. Everyone is welcome! Tofino Community Centre Thur Mar 15, 6:00-7:30pm. & Ucuelet Community Hall Sat Mar 17, 12:00-2:00pm. Offered by www.AwakeningIndigenous. com Check out our website for more information and facebook for all our event listings.

INFORMATION

Please attach a copy of relevant certification with your application.

IF YOU want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Alcoholics Anonymous, Ucluelet/Tofino 1800-883-3968.

COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE $0.99/each for a box of 180 ($178.20). Also full range of tree, shrub, and berry seedlings. Free shipping most of Canada. Growth guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or TreeTime.ca

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

LEGALS

LEGALS

LEGALS

Visit: www.sd27.bc.ca for full position details and how to apply.

COUNSELLING

vertise in the 2018 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis gest Sportsman publication

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Salmon Beach Recreational Village

LEGALS CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment / Licensing loss? Travel Business opportunities?

Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-347-2540. accesslegalmjf.com

PERSONALS MAKE A Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat Call FREE! 250-220-1300 or 1-800-2101010. www.livelinks.com 18+0

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT? Arthritic Conditions / COPD? Restrictions in Walking / Dressing?

Disability Tax Credit $2,000.

Tax Credit $20,000 Refund.

Apply Today For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372 MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career!

Employers have work-athome positions available.

Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-athome career today!

VOLUNTEERS

Board of Directors

BC Hockey is seeking volunteers interested in nomination for election to the Board of Directors at its AGM, June 8-10, 2018.

For complete details see: www.bchockey.net Enquiries and Candidates’ Expression of Interest to: info@bchockey.net Deadline April 1st, 2018

The Alberni‐Clayoquot Regional District is accepting proposals for the following individual projects at Salmon Beach Recreational Village: • Equipment and Material Supply • Solid Waste Hauling Proposal documents can be found at www.acrd.bc.ca located in the “What’s New” section.

RFP SUBMISSION PROCEDURE All proposals are to be submitted in a sealed envelope, marked with the project name and will be received up until 2:00pm PST on Thursday, March 29, 2018. Proposals may be mailed or couriered to the address listed below. Faxed or emailed proposals will not be accepted. It is the sole responsibility of the Proponent to ensure this timeline is met. Late proposals will not be accepted and will be returned to the proponent unopened. The lowest or any proposal will not necessarily be accepted. Proposals will not be opened in public. The ACRD reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals or accept a Proposal deemed to be in the best interest of the ACRD and will not be responsible for any costs incurred by Proponents in preparing a response.

ENQUIRIES Randy Fraser, Acting Manager of Environmental Services Alberni‐Clayoquot Regional District 3008 – 5th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2E3 Phone: 250‐720‐2717 Email: rfaser@acrd.bc.ca

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Snack And Beverage Vending Services For The Long Beach Airport Terminal Building Tofino, BC The Alberni‐Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) is seeking proposals from Proponents to supply vending machine services to the Long Beach Airport terminal building.

The vendor would be responsible for supplying the machines and all maintenance and upkeep. The vendor would also supply all products for the machines and ensure all machines are adequately stocked with quality, fresh products. Products supplied in machines must be brand new products. The service is to be provided at no cost to the ACRD and the vendor will manage all monies associated with the operation of the machines. Additional details on the Request for Proposal can be located at www.acrd.bc.ca, under the “What’s New” section of the website.

RFP SUBMISSION PROCEDURE All proposals are to be submitted in a sealed envelope, marked “SNACK AND BEVERAGE VENDING SERVICES FOR THE LONG BEACH AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING” and will be received up until 2:00pm PST on Thursday, March 22, 2018.

Proposals may be mailed or couriered to the address listed below. Faxed or emailed proposals will not be accepted. It is the sole responsibility of the Proponent to ensure this timeline is met. Late proposals will not be accepted and will be returned to the proponent unopened. Proposals will not be open to the public.

The ACRD reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals or accept a Proposal deemed to be in the best interest of the ACRD and will not be responsible for any costs incurred by Proponents in preparing a response.

ENQUIRES

SÖOFÖ */"Ö6ACANCIES

Mark Fortune, Airport Superintendent Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District 3008 - 5th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 2E3 Questions regarding this Request for Proposal please call Mark Fortune at 250.725.3751 or via e-mail at lbairport@acrd.bc.ca

Alberni‐Clayoquot Regional District Request for Proposals

Solid Waste and Recycling Services, Bamfield, BC BACKGROUND: The Alberni‐Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) in partnership with the Huu‐ay‐aht First Nation (HFN) and the Bamfield Marine Science Centre (BMSC) are inviting proposals from qualified contractors for the following individual Services: 1. Solid Waste Hauling Services 2. Transfer Station and Recycling Services SCOPE OF WORK: Details outlining the scope of work for each of the services can be found in the Request for Proposal documents located at www.acrd.bc.ca in the “Quick Links” section of the webpage.

There will be a mandatory site tour for each of the services on March 15, 2018 commencing at 10:00 am at the Huu‐ay‐aht Office, 170 Nookemus Road, Anacla, BC V0R 1B0. For details of this site tour, please contact Amelia Vos at 250‐728‐3414, ext. 119 (office) or 250‐266‐5335 (cell) or by email at amelia.v@huuayaht.org.

RFP SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: All proposals are to be submitted in a sealed envelope, marked with the specific name of the service as noted above and be received by 2:00 pm on or before March 29, 2018. Faxed or emailed submissions will NOT be accepted. Proposals will not be opened in public. It is the sole responsibility of the Proponent to check the ACRD website for any updated information and addenda issued before the closing date. Proposals must be submitted in printed form to the address below.

Alberni‐Clayoquot Regional District 3008 – 5th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2E3 ENQUIRIES: Randy Fraser, Acting Manager of Environmental Services Phone: (250) 720‐2717 Email: rfraser@acrd.bc.ca The ACRD reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and is not necessarily interested in obtaining the lowest price for this service.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

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STEEL BUILDING SALE BIG BLOW OUT SALE ALL BUILDINGS REDUCED TO CLEAR! 20X21 $5,560 23X23 $5,523 25x25 $6,896 32X33 $9,629. 33X33 $9,332.

One End Wall included.

Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Vancouver Island 17 - 3110 Cook Street.

Vancouver Island Patio Home for sale in the charming seaside town of Chemainus, BC just 1/2 hour south of Nanaimo. Spacious 2 br/2 full bath 1,294 sq ft duplex in adult only Applewood Estates. Main level living and entry, open concept kitchen, dining and living room with gas fireplace and cathedral ceiling.

Central vac, stainless steel Maytag appliances, laminate flooring with carpet in master, walk-thru closet, 2 full bathrooms, natural gas water heater and forced air furnace, attached garage and crawl space, patio in back, gorgeous landscaping.

Like new home in much sought after community. $359,900. For sale by owner, no agents please.

250-246-2698.

Certified Dental Assistants & Registered Dental Hygienists We are seeking a highly motivated Certified Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Hygienists to join our practice in Port Alberni, BC. This is a perfect opportunity for someone with a great attitude and exceptional clinical and communication skills!

We have a strong focus on patient care and we operate in a chartless environment (Cleardent), using current technologies and methods to provide a wide range of preventative and restorative services.

In addition to a competitive base hourly wage, we offer Extended Healthcare Benefits (includes vision, prescription medication, paramedicals) and a matching Retirement Savings Plan If you are looking for an opportunity to build a successful career, please email your resume to info@blueoceandentalgroup.com

A14 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

www.westerlynews.ca

Restaurant owners awarded $1.7M in lawsuit The owners of Nanaimo’s MGM Restaurant were awarded almost $1.7 million by the Supreme Court of B.C. in a lawsuit that found they were the victims of reprehensible conduct by the Canada Revenue Agency.

In a ruling Friday, Justice Robert Punnett found the CRA “vicariously liable” for the conduct of an investigator in prosecuting Tony and Helen Samaroo for tax evasion and found that the CRA’s conduct was “high-handed, reprehensible and malicious.”

In 2008, the Canada Revenue Agency issued an indictment against the Samaroos for allegedly skimming $1.7 million between 2004-2005 via incomplete reporting of sales summaries. However, the Samaroos were acquitted in 2011 after they were able to plausibly explain their bookkeeping.

In e-mailed communications during the investigation leading up to that trial, CRA employees joked about potential news coverage of a guilty verdict and whether it would “call for a guillotine.”

The Samaroos commenced their lawsuit in 2012, positing that CRA employees initiated a prosecution “without reasonable and probable grounds and with malice,” according to last week’s judgment. The defendant argued that there was no evidence to suggest that there wasn’t “reasonable and probable cause” for prosecution, “nor is there evidence that the defendants acted for a purpose other than to place the case before the court for adjudication.”

Punnett wrote in his judgment that after CRA employees “looked forward with unprofessional glee to the plaintiffs’ anticipated conviction and sentencing and their resulting ruination.”

Tony and Helen Samaroo, who no longer live together, were awarded $300,000 each in punitive damages and were awarded $750,000 in punitive damages and $347,732 in legal expenses.

The justice noted that “no amount of punitive damages will cause the CRA financial hardship.”

– www.nanaimobulletin.com

Court rules Victoria can take action on derelict vessel The B.C. Supreme Court ruled Monday that the City of Victoria has the authority to regulate the waterway. The decision follows a 2017 move by the City to seek an injunction requiring owners to remove their boats and docks that were illegally moored.

“Today’s judgment confirms that the City’s zoning regulations for the Gorge Waterway do not intrude on federal jurisdiction over navigation and shipping, and that they represent a reasonable balance between the munic-

Road.

Canada Post confirmed the mailboxes were damaged prior to Feb. 23, at which time new, replacement boxes were ordered.

The units were expected to be shipped Feb. 28, and “installation will begin as soon as they are received,” Darcia Kmet, Canada Post spokesperson, told The NEWS in an email response.

Monday morning, March 5, a series of concrete pads were in place at the Delanice Way location, awaiting the arrival of the new boxes.

“Until work is completed, affected customers are picking up their mail at the Nanoose Bay post office,” Kmet added.

It was unclear what, if anything, might have been taken in the apparent break-in of the boxes.

– www.pqbnews.com BLACK PRESS FILE PHOTO

The owners of MGM Restaurant were awarded almost $1.7 million by the Supreme Court of B.C. in a lawsuit against the Canada Revenue Agency.

ISLAND IN BRIEF

ipality’s role in regulating land use and boaters’ rights to occasionally anchor,” City solicitor Tom Zworski said in a statement.

The judgment also recognizes that the right to anchor does not extend to the permanent or semi-permanent occupation of public space for private purposes. Vessel and dock owners must remove their property from the Gorge Waterway by May 7.

The City is offering outreach services to those living aboard vessels that cannot be safely moved to help find alternative housing.

— www.vicnews.com

Port Alberni to host second homeless count Port Alberni will be one of several communities hosting a homeless count in April as part of a province-wide initiative through BC Housing and the Homelessness Association of BC. Alberni will be one of 9-12 communities providing information on the estimated number, key demographics and service needs of those experiencing homelessness.

This is the second time Port Alberni has hosted a homeless count, but the first time the community has worked in partnership with the province.

“The purpose of this is to ensure that we have really good data for all of B.C.,” said co-ordinator Marcie DeWitt. “Which BC

Housing can use in order to make some decisions around housing and policy.”

“Homeless,” for the purpose of this count, includes people who do not have a place of their own where they can expect to stay for more than 30 days, and if they do not pay rent.

This way, said DeWitt, they can count both the “sheltered,” who are living in shelters, transition houses or health facilities, as well as the “unsheltered” homeless, who are living outside or couch surfing.

The count will take place in Port Alberni on April 10-11. A night count will take place in the evening of April 10, and will get a head count of those who are in jails, hospitals, detox facilities, transition houses and shelters.

The day count, on April 11, will involve dropsites and “magnet events” in order to survey people at particular locations.

Volunteers will be needed leading up to and on the day of the count. Information on how to volunteer will be available soon at hsa-bc.ca..

– www.albernivallynews.com

Duncan man warns of escalating phone scam Duncan’s Robert Casey has been receiving increasingly threatening phone messages over a two-month period from a woman claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency.

The woman said she is from the CRA’s investigations department and that it’s been determined that he owes a significant amount of money in back taxes.

The woman said his is a “severe case” and that he should contact her immediately.

Casey said he assumed the calls were from a scam artist at work and didn’t return any of them.

He said the last message was the most threatening of them all.

“She said this was my final notice and if I didn’t call back and make arrangements to pay the money, I’d be immediately arrested,” Casey said.

“I called the CRA directly and was told the agency never calls taxpayers by phone. I think the public should know about this in case anyone gets similar calls.”

RCMP Island District spokesperson Cpl. Tammy Douglas said that with tax time on the horizon, income tax phone scams are increasing. For more information about frauds involving the CRA, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website.

– www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com

Community mailboxes vandalized in Nanoose Bay Mail service to several households in Nanoose Bay was disrupted after a pair of community mailboxes were damaged in acts of vandalism in late February.

Oceanside RCMP warn that with the tax return season underway, residents should be vigilant and collect mail on a daily basis.

“This time of year it spikes,” RCMP Cpl. Jesse Foreman said.

“Tax time and Christmas.”

The damaged community boxes are located near each other on or near Northwest Bay Road.

One of a set of five, older-style “brown” boxes was pried open on Delanice Way at the intersection of Northwest Bay Road. Two boxes in a row of six newer-style community mailboxes were broken into on Northwest Bay Road at the intersection with Sanders

Proposed water bottling plant receives backlash A Comox Valley family’s business proposal to establish a water bottling operation in Merville is earning them no friends in the small community in Electoral Area C. The family intends to extract and bottle up to 10,000 litres of groundwater per day on their property on Sackville Road, and sell five-gallon jugs of it by home delivery throughout the Comox Valley.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development issued Christopher MacKenzie and his family a conditional water licence for the operation in November 2017.

The province has jurisdiction over below-ground water extraction practices in accordance with the B.C. Water Sustainability Act. However, the Comox Valley Regional District has jurisdiction over the proposed business’s above-ground operations, including zoning.

Once he had been issued the water licence by the province, MacKenzie applied for a rezoning application through the CVRD. Directors on the CVRD’s electoral area services committee were briefed on the rezoning application at the committee’s monthly meeting on March 5.

Over 100 people — mostly from Merville — attended the meeting on Monday, filling the CVRD’s boardroom to above capacity. Some brandished signs that opposed MacKenzie’s business plan.

Among the Merville residents’ concerns is that extracting that much groundwater every day would put a further strain on the region’s aquifer.

– www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

www.westerlynews.ca

C O M M U N I T Y

events

CALENDAR

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, Thursday, March 8.

JACKY ESSOMBE ‘SINGING AFRICA’, Friday, March 9.

9:15-10:15am at the UCC. Free to all children!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Saturday, March 10. 8:3010am at the Tofino Legion. $5 & a non perishable food item donation.

SURFRIDER BEACH CLEAN UP, Saturday, March 10.14pm at Wickaninnish Beach.

Meet at the Kwisitis Visitor’s Centre at 1pm. Snacks and hot cocoa provided. Bring your own mug!

KIDS MOVIE: FERDINAND, Saturday, March 10. 1pm at the Clayoquot Theatre in Tofino. Free event presented by the Tofino Co-op.

GREAT BEAR WILD WITH IAN MCALLISTER, Saturday, March 10.7:309:30pm at the Tofino Community Hall.$15 (suggested donation of $5 for 12& under) Ian McAllister is a conservationist, filmmaker, photographer and writer who has spent the last 30 years working to protect BC’s coastal wilderness and wildlife.

BLESSING OF THE BOATS, Monday, March 12. 9:30am at the 1st Street dock Tofino.

events

RUBBER FISH RACE & HATCHERY TOUR, Sunday, March 11 at 1pm at the Thornton Creek Hatchery. Win prizes!

FEATURED EVENT OF THE WEEK

ongoing UCLUELET ALANON GROUP Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Catholic Church (use side entrance below), 1663 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet.

PILATES Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-7pm. Tofino Community Hall. $10 drop-in.

LIVE MUSIC Wednesdays, 3-6pm The Great Room at Long Beach Lodge.

PICKLEBALL Mon., Wed., Sat., 8am-12pm, Tofino Community Hall. Free.

CHI GONG Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am, UCC Main Hall. $2 drop SOUP LUNCH Thursdays, Noon-1:30pm. the Hub, UCC. All welcome!

Free.

BADMINTON Sundays, 7-9pm. USS Gym. $2 drop-in DARTS Mondays, 7pm. Tofino Legion

to all Mascon customers Mascon Cable will shut down as of March 28, 2018 and will no longer provide TV or internet service in Tofino.

Call 1-855-502-2332

Saturday, March 10 PARADE OF WHALES & WONDERS Starts at 10 a.m.

Route begins at Wickaninnish Community School and parties through Tofino, ending up at the Village Green. This event kicks off the Whale Festival, with businesses and organizations working hard to decorate floats that capture the spirit of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Watch the excitement move through Tofino and cheer on your favourite floats.

ongoing FOOD BANK Tuesdays, 1-3pm. 160 Seaplane Base, Ucluelet.

service ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH Saturday, 5pm.

service TOFINO BIBLE FELLOWSHIP Sundays, 10:30am.

GRACE BIBLE CHURCH, Sundays at 10:30am at UCC, 500 Materson Drive.

Email pfconnect@telus.com or visit Tom Harris Cellular 4006 Johnston Rd, Unit B, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 5N3

mascon.ca/tofinoFAQ Also, don’t forget to contact Mascon at 1-866-832-6020 to settle and close your cable account.

ST. COLUMBA CHURCH Sundays, 10:30am.

Whale Fest. ready to rock Popular event will make 32nd annual showing

The grays have arrived and the celebration is about to commence.

The West Coast’s 32nd annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival will kick off with a parade in Tofino this Saturday.

“I’m looking forward to two weeks of fantastic community events at the Pacific Rim Whale Festival,” said Tofino mayor Josie Osborne. “I always learn something new about whales, the natural world and important environmental issues, and I want to offer enormous thanks to the great team of coordinators and volunteers that pulls this festival together for our enjoyment every year.”

Festival coordinator Sue Payne touted the event as the West Coast’s unofficial launch into spring.

“Everybody sort of waits for Whale Fest. to come out of their hibernation,” she said. “It gets everybody back in the groove and thinking spring…The whales are back and everybody’s excited. It ramps up our busier season and gets everybody going. It’s awesome.”

Saturday’s parade will begin at 10 a.m. starting at Wickaninnish Community School and migrating roughly 1.5 kilometres through town before ending at the Tofino Village Green.

Prior to taking in the parade, festival-goers can fill up at a Pancake Breakfast being held at the Tofino Legion from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and,

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Please contact TELUS to switch your services before that date.

To submit your activities, e-mail: office@westerlynews.ca, fax: 250-726-4248 or drop by: #102-1801 Bay St, Ucluelet. We accept your Arts & Entertainment, Service Group, Non-Profit Organization, Church, Library, Fundraiser, Open to the Public Notices on a first come, first served basis.

ANDREW BAILEY andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 A15

afterwards, they can help beautify the coast at a Pacific Rim Surfrider Foundation beach cleanup from 1-4 p.m. at Wickaninnish Beach.

“Get out. Enjoy some of the events. Say ‘Hi’ to your neighbours and just have fun,” Payne said.

Educational opportunities will abound during the two weeks worth of festivities and Payne encourages locals and visitors to check out the festival’s ongoing speaker series.

She added a Sea-Change panel on March 18 will focus on how climate change is affecting the ocean.

“It’s a really hot topic and a very interesting one and we’ve got some great guests,” Payne said.

The event is made possible thanks to committed volunteers and Payne encourages anyone willing to lend a hand to reach out through the Pacific Rim Whale Festival’s Facebook page.

“It’s a great community festival and it brings people together,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun and you can meet new people.”

A full schedule and break down of each event can be found in the Whale Fest guides distributed in last week’s Westerly News and available at participating businesses throughout the West Coast.

Stay tuned in to the event’s exciting happenings through our website at www.WesterlyNews.ca and Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/WesterlyNews

© 2018 TELUS. 18_00183

Matt Benoit, Meat Manager, is pleased to welcome Colin Hunt to the position of Meat Cutter with Tofino Co-op, effective March 1, 2018.

TOFINO

Colin completed the Retail Meat Cutting program at Thompson Rivers University and joins us with over 10 years of meat cutting experience.

Please join Matt in welcoming Colin to our community and the Tofino Co-op team!

FOOD STORE: 8:30AM–7PM DAILY • GAS BAR: 6:30AM–11PM DAILY TOFINO LIFE CLOTHING: 10:00AM - 5:00PM DAILY (CLOSED ON SUNDAY & MONDAY) HARDWARE STORE: 8:30AM - 5:30PM MON-FRI 8:30AM - 5:00PM SAT & HOLIDAYS (CLOSED SUNDAYS)

A16 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

www.westerlynews.ca

NDP leader visits Port Alberni students ELENA RARDON Alberni Valley News

Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh took the stage at Alberni Valley District Secondary School Tuesday morning for his first talk in front of students since his election.

The school was his only stop in Port Alberni on Tuesday, Mar. 6 during his tour of Vancouver Island. He had been invited by the school’s Model UN Club, and was accompanied by Courtenay-Alberni NDP MP Gord Johns.

In front of the full auditorium, he spoke about the impact that youth can have on their communities and their country.

“Young people have the best B.S. metre out there,” he said. “If someone’s not real, you can call it out. It’s that ability to be real and authentic that connects with people.”

Model UN students moderated the event, delivering questions to Singh that spanned from tuition costs to environmental concerns to electoral reform.

He expressed his opposition to the Kinder Morgan project, which drew a round of applause from the crowd.

“If our goal is to protect the environment, and to reduce the emissions we put out into the air, the land, the water, then we need to make sure that our energy projects match up with our goals,” he said.

He added that new projects also need to create local opportunities, drawing a comparison to raw log exports.

“If we cut down trees, and then just ship them without actually creating value, it doesn’t create jobs for local people,” he said.

The project, said Singh, also needs more

environmental risk assessment, as well as consultation with Indigenous populations.

“We can’t move forward in our country if we don’t respect the rights of the First People of this land,” he said.

Singh also expressed his commitment to proportional representation.

“If you get 40 percent of the vote, that means you get four out of the ten votes and you get all the power,” he said.

“That doesn’t make any sense. I think people want to see their voice reflected in Ottawa, and whatever percentage you get is the amount of power you get. I think it’s about giving power to the people.

Singh met with the Model UN students to personally hear their concerns before taking the stage at the ADSS theatre. He took selfies with students and doled out high fives before and after his talk.

The students were “star struck,” in the words of student Reghan Geddes.

“He’s such a big inspiration to a lot of us,” she said.

“He’s able to connect with us really easily,” added student Saraf Nawar. “It’s like we’re friends with him, instead of strangers.”

“I feel like he didn’t beat around the bush,” said Geddes.

“His message is something a lot of students could respond to.”

Singh was equally impressed by the students.

“They talked about caring about the environment and Indigenous issues,” he said. “And the reasons why were so heartwarming. We have a responsibility to take care of [the planet] because we’re not alone here. That’s a beautiful sentiment.”

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