Comox Valley Record, April 12, 2023

Filberg Easter

ComoxValley HOMESHOW

■ NEWS

442 Squadron to the rescue

The 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron put its training to the test recently, performing a hoist rescue after a boat carrying two men and a dog capsized in rough waters. 3

Comox parklet program extended

Restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and pubs within the town of Comox that wish to place temporary outdoor seating on existing on-site open space can continue to do so, under the municipality’s temporary patio and parklet program. 3

Superstar on stage

International superstar Sarah McLachlan will perform at the 2023 Vancouver Island MusicFest. 4

On Monday (April 10), the Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park hosted an Easter at the park after the original event set for Saturday, April 8 was postponed due to inclement weather. Families and kids of all ages gathered to explore a bunny trail, make crafts, enjoy hot dogs, play outdoor games, and, of course, get their photos taken with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Erin Haluschak

releasedin 2 stageswith5-HTP, L-Theanineand

Parklet program extended in Comox to the end of 2024

Erin Haluschak Record staff

For the fifth time, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and pubs within the town of Comox that wish to place temporary outdoor seating on existing on-site open space can continue to do so, under the municipality’s temporary patio and parklet program.

At the April 5 council meeting, council voted

for an extension of a temporary patio and parklet program until Dec. 31, 2024 - a program that was first put into place in May 2020. The program has been extended for the past few years due to the significant impacts caused to the restaurant industry by Covid-19. It will, however, continue to have some restrictions, particularly a ban on structures that are constructed or placed on the property other than

temporary seating, tables, fencing and serving facilities.

Other restrictions include the combined indoor and outdoor seating capacity cannot exceed pre-Covid maximum seating capacity; temporary seating in a parking lot does not reduce vehicle parking capacity by more than six parking spaces (or 50 per cent of existing on-site parking spaces) and that the use of tem-

442 Squadron rescues two men and a dog

The 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron put its training to the test recently, performing a hoist rescue after a boat carrying two men and a dog capsized in rough waters.

According to a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCA social media post, at approximately 3 p.m. Pacific Time on March 30, Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Victoria tasked 442 Squadron to respond to a capsized vessel east of Texada Island, near Powell River.

“Already airborne in the vicinity was a 442 Squadron Cormorant helicopter ‘906’ with an instructor pilot and a student on their first Cormorant trip under instrument flight rules,”read the post. “Although search and rescue technicians were not on board given it was a training flight, JRCC tasked ‘Rescue 906’ to get their eyes on the people in distress while a second Cormorant with SAR Techs on board was making its way to the scene.”

Rescue 906 spotted the people on a “steep, rocky shore.”

“… The people in distress had let go of the boat after exhaustion and drifted for 45 minutes in

frigid water… The crew of Rescue 906 quickly determined that the 87-year-old needed immediate assistance. ”

The flight engineer and one of the pilots used the rescue basket to retrieve the two people and their dog. It was a 150-foot hoist rescue. They then started warming up the patients until the other Cormorant joined them and escorted them back to Comox.

Upon landing at 19 Wing, several SAR techs swarmed the aircraft to attend to the patients in serious condition. Their effective care quickly turned the table and stabilized the patients.

The two patients were taken to hospital by ambulance. As dogs were not permitted in the hospital a Military Police member from 12 MP Flight who was on shift took it upon himself to keep the dog with him at the station until the patients were released.

“Thanks to this amazing teamwork, two people and their dog are safe and sound and will soon rejoin their families,” added the RCAF social media post.

porary seating with a required zoning setback does not exceed 10 a.m. to 8 p.m and in other instances 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

According to Marvin Kamenz, the town’s director of development services, five businesses downtown and three businesses outside of downtown have taken advantage of the program and no complaints regarding temporary patios or parklets have been received.

The rescued dog was fostered by a Military Police member until the two patients were released from the hospital. Photo via RCAF

Sarah McLachlan to headline Friday lineup at Vancouver Island MusicFest

International superstar Sarah McLachlan will perform at Vancouver Island MusicFest 2023.

McLachlan will headline the Friday night (July 14) lineup.

McLachlan is one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in entertainment with over 40 million albums sold worldwide. She has received three Grammy Awards and 12 Juno Awards over her career and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Landing McLachlan is an achievement decades in the making for MusicFest artistic director, Doug Cox.

“I’ve been trying (to book her) for a long time - probably 20 years… probably ever since we started doing the festival,” he said. “One of the things I noticed is all of my daughters immediately knew who she was, which is unusual for all them to know any single artist. But my daughters, all the volunteers, even my mom knew who she was.”

McLachlan’s music embodies the art of songwriting on its most personal level and her indelible vocals resonate with people everywhere. Her songs have had a profound influence; Angel, Building A Mystery, Fallen, I Will Remember You, Adia, Sweet Surrender, World On Fire, Possession, and countless others are an

inspiration to music lovers around the globe.

In addition to her personal artistic efforts, McLachlan founded the Lilith Fair tour, which showcased female musicians and brought over two million people together during its three-year

DRIVE-THRU SHREDDING

run. Lilith Fair raised more than $7 million for local and national charities and was the top-grossing festival at that time, launching the careers of numerous female performers.

Following Lilith Fair, McLachlan was awarded

the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Visionary Award for furthering the careers of women in music. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada, was appointed to the Order of British Columbia, and is the recipient of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Achievement.

In 2002 she founded the non-profit Sarah McLachlan School of Music. The school provides high-quality music education and mentorship free to children and youth facing various barriers to access. From an early age, music provided McLachlan with the tools she needed to navigate the challenges she faced in her life, so she recognizes how important it is for every child to have those same opportunities.

McLachlan will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Friday. Other Friday night acts include Nikki D & the Sisters of Thunder, AV & The Inner City, and STORRY, “which are all really powerful female artists,”said Cox. “The female contingent this year is huge. The last time we had this strong of a female lineup is the year we had k.d. Lang, Emmylou Harris, Laura Anderson and Buffy Sainte-Marie all in the same year (2012). So I am thrilled about it.”

For tickets, camping or to volunteer for VI MusicFest 2023 July 14 – 16, go to www.islandmusicfest.com

ThispopularkidsandadulteventreturnsonSunday, May28,2023. Registeratwww.trik.ca.RegistrationisopenuntilMay23rd.

TheShorelineOrthodonticsTri-KTriathlonisaraceeventforkids,youth,and adultstohavefun,beactive,andgetinvolved.The Teeny,Inbetweeny,Kids, andyounger Youth eventsarefunandsupportivewithparticipationribbons presentedattheendoftherace.Thedistancesareage-andskill-appropriate. JustTRI-IT hasintrodistances.Don’tswim?Duathlon!Don’trun?Aquabike!Don’t bike?Aquathlon!

Sarah McLachlan will take to the main stage at Vancouver Island MusicFest on Friday, July 14. Photo supplied

The Comox Valley is filled with businesses, organizations and individuals helping improve the lives of others. Comox Valley Record likes to recognize the many events that make our community a better place to live. Email your photos and submissions to editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com

100%LocallyOwned

GETREADYFORSPRING/SUMMERDRIVINGSEASON!

ALL MAKES ALLMAKES OF TIRES AT BARGAIN PRICES! BARGAINPRICES! CALL TODAY! CALLTODAY! 250-338-6505 370PuntledgeRd,Courtenay ALL SIZES! OpenMon-Fri8-5pm CERTIFIEDAUTOMOTIVEREPAIRS

A father and his two sons escaped a burning trailer on April 4 from a rear window along with their cat, but the trailer was completely destroyed. Photo submitted

Fire rips through family trailer

Erin Haluschak Record staff

Around 6 a.m. Tuesday (April 4), the Courtenay Fire Department received notification of a structure fire in the 3600 block of Burns Road, explained Deputy Fire Chief George Seigler. Two engines along with a water tanker and 16 members responded to the fire. Upon arrival, the structure had heavy smoke emerging as it was about three-quarters of the way involved in the fire, noted Seigler.

A father and his two sons escaped the trailer from a rear window along with their cat, but the trailer was destroyed.

Seigler said it appears the fire started on the outside of the structure but they are still investigating the exact source.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has already exceeded the goal to raise $20,000. The fundraiser noted insurance will only cover a small fraction of the cost of the 40-foot trailer and the extensive renovations done on the home. According to the post, the family was trying to start a new life on Vancouver Island.

In addition to losing their home, belongings including clothes, eyeglasses, furniture, appliances and sentimental items were also lost in the fire.

Funds raised will go to replacing essential items, securing temporary housing while the family works toward finding a permanent home and purchasing clothing, groceries and other needs.

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/40HYAgF

2023AnnualWaterMainFlushing

TheTownofComoxPublicWorks departmentwillbecompletingthe annualflushingofwatermains.This programisnecessarytoensuregood waterquality.

FlushingwillcommenceonTuesday, April11andwillbecompletedby Wednesday,May31,2023.Allwork willtakeplacefromMondaytoFriday between8:30amand4:00pm.

Please note: thismayresultin atemporary, slight discolourationofthe water Althoughitdoes not presenta hazardtoyourhealth,itisadvisedthat you reserve somedrinking water forthat time. Shoulddiscolourationoccur, run acold water tap(bathtuboroutside tapisbest) forabout10 minutes.Where practical, residentsshould avoid washinglaundry duringoperationalhours,asit could resultindiscolourationofclothes.

Motoristsare askedto slow downanduse caution whenapproachingflushingcrews.

Unforeseen circumstancesmayrequire Public Worksto postponethe water mainflushing operation at any time

A Comox Valley family who is in the process of moving to the area from Alberta is now looking for a new home and belongings, as an early morning fire ripped through the family’s trailer north of Courtenay.

GIVING BACK!

Canadian Coast Guard

Terry Farrell

Record staff

Kris Trudeau was in the “right place, right time” Friday afternoon, down at Goose Spit in Comox.

Trudeau was enjoying a Good Friday walk, when she came upon a Canadian Coast Guard hovercraft, preparing to launch.

“It was so cool,” said Trudeau. “I’ve seen those things out in the water before, but I’ve never seen one up close like that. I was halfway down the spit and I saw it, and went running back to see it before the left, like a four-yearold kid.”

“The hovercraft was supporting Coast

Guard’s Aids to Navigation program, replacing the East Cardinal buoy at Cape Lazo,” said Canadian Coast Guard communications advisor Kiri Westnedge.

Trudeau was among a couple of dozen lucky beach walkers who happened along the unannounced launch.

“Everybody is asking questions - the poor guys are trying to get work done and we’re all (asking questions),” said Trudeau.

On her original Facebook post, Trudeau said the markings left behind were also unique.

“Seeing the marks it left in the sand were neat – if I’d not seen the craft there, (I’d have) assumed an alien ship left the marks… the weird divots and the way the sand was blown.”

A Canadian Coast Guard hovercraft launched from Goose Spit in Comox on Friday. To watch the video, go to comoxvalleyrecord.com (Video still, courtesy Kris Trudeau)

Crime Stoppers will pay cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of persons involved in criminal activities in the Comox Valley.

Conservationists stand in solidarity with Kwakiutl First Nation regarding logging

Farrell

Four members of Save Our Forest Team - Comox Valley (SOFT-CV) hand-delivered a letter to Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard’s office on April 5, citing the lack of public consultation regarding old-growth logging on the North Island.

“We are here to show our support for our friends up-Island, who have been requesting an end to all old-growth logging on their First Nations territory for the last number of years, and the province continues to ignore them,” said Megan Ardyche, of SOFT-CV.

“So what we are presenting to Ronna-Rae Leonard is the letter that the Kwakiutl First Nation has sent to Minister of Forests, Bruce Ralston,

and we have a letter of support for them, as their friends, asking Ronna-Rae Leonard to deliver our letter to the minister as well.”

The SOFT-CV representatives arrived at Leonard’s office to find the doors locked. An office employee eventually opened the door to explain that Leonard was not in, and accepted the letter on Leonard’s behalf. The original letter

FERRYSCHEDULES

from the Kwakiutl

First Nation is signed by 15 members of the Nation, including Hereditary Chief David Knox.

“The current deal, if allowed to continue their path of destruction will leave nothing for our children’s future,” the letter reads, in part.

“Failure to act at this time will result in the Kwakiutl families and their allies occu-

pying the homeland through the enforcement of the Douglas Treaties and the manifestation of our fundamental human rights as Indigenous People - right to land, right to water, right to forest, right to village sites and enclosed fields, and the right to respect and dignity.”

To read the letter in its entirety, find the link at comoxvalleyrecord.com

Terry

Record staff

Megan Ardyche (right) and other members of Save Our Forest Team - Comox Valley wait outside Comox-Courtenay MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard’s office to hand deliver a letter for Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston. Photo by Terry Farrell

Big money in federal budget

Discussions about money are seldom pleasant and examining the latest federal budget may feel uncomfortable for many. The budget for 2023-2024 was presented by Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland on Tuesday, March 28.

There is a lot of money in this budget. The total comes to $491 billion, and for the coming year, it includes $8 billion in new spending.

For the next five years, the federal government is planning to have $59.5 billion in new spending.

The 2023-2024 federal budget has a focus on the clean economic transition, health care and cost-ofliving relief. In addition, the federal government is continuing to fund existing services and infrastructure.

The new spending is welcome, but at the same time, there is a cost in providing federally-funded services and initiatives to the population. The costs of the $491 billion budget are borne by taxpayers.

To understand the size of the budget, consider Canada’s population of 37 million, shown in the 2021 census. If the cost of this federal budget were to be distributed evenly among all Canadians, it would work out to $13,270 per person.

The high dollar values in the budget become more concerning when one considers the effects of high inflation and a slowing economy. It would be easy to suggest the federal government should simply tighten its belt or make some cuts in order to lower the budget. However, cuts by themselves could have some far-reaching consequences.

Trimming any category within the budget will eventually affect the level of public services or the amount of assistance available to help those in need. The budget figures can be overwhelming. At the same time, simply calling for cuts is not necessarily the wisest way to address the costs of running federal programs.

— Black Press

Mental illness is not a catchphrase

ave you ever used terms like traumatized, PTSD, manic or OCD to describe a feeling?

For example, have you ever said something like, “the lack of apples at the grocery store gave me PTSD.” Is it frustrating? Sure. But did it give you PTSD? Likely not.

I understand for some, that actually can trigger something from their past or bring up a painful memory from growing up with a lack of food.

In this instance, I am talking about the misuse of the term.

The purpose of this column is not to shame anyone but to educate.

There is a big difference between being stressed about something or annoyed that a store did not have something and being diagnosed with PTSD. To be diagnosed with PTSD or any other mental illness, you must meet an often lengthy criteria.

HThe Canadian Psychological Association states on its website that PTSD “is a psychological reaction that can manifest itself after a traumatic event. Symptoms must last more than 30 days for a diagnosis of PTSD to be considered.”

Approximately nine per cent of adults in Canada will experience PTSD at some point in their life, the Canadian Mental Health Association says.

As you can see, being diagnosed with PTSD is not a simple check of the box, or experiencing a temporary inconvenience or annoyance.

Even the words trauma, triggered and traumatized all have different meanings.

Vancouver physician Dr. Gabor Mate says, “Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.”

Another definition by licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton is “trauma is anything that happens to you or someone else that is too much for your brain to process at the moment.”

After surviving a fatal car accident in Uganda, it was too much for me to process at that moment. After the accident, I made my world as small as possible to survive. Rarely leaving my home, not driving, having distressing flashbacks, and jumping at loud noises. This went on

for years. I am part of the nine per cent. I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2021. People can experience trauma and not be traumatized and develop PTSD. I am not ashamed of having PTSD, going to therapy and taking medication to manage it. But when I hear people saying an inconvenience gave them PTSD, I find it incredibly insulting.

PTSD is a very real thing, as are other mental illnesses.

It is one thing if you have PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression, or another mental illness to talk about how an event triggered it. But can we get past using terms like PTSD, manic, OCD as words to describe a feeling?

There are plenty of other words that you can use to describe the worry that you may be feeling. Annoyed, stressed, frustrated, worried.

So, please think twice next time you want to use a mental illness as a catchphrase. Words matter.

To learn more about PTSD and other mental health disorders, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Anna Burns is a staff writer with the Surrey Now-Leader, a Black Press publication. Email her at anna.burns@ surreynowleader.com

LETTERS to the Editor

Send your letter to editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com.

Please keep letters to a maximum of 350 words and sign with your name

and hometown. We reserve the right to publish and to edit for space/clarity.

Please keep letters topical.We will not

run letters advocating for or against individual businesses (those associated with published news articles notwithstanding).

Email: editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are the sole opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the paper.

Courtenay Councillor Frisch pens apology to the community

Dear community members, Earlier this year I had the very challenging experience of being involved in legal action stemming from a dispute between my wife and me.

While I am glad the court set aside charges that did not reflect the situation, I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to my family, friends, and community who have been with me through these difficult times. I’ve spent the last couple of months addressing the issues in my personal life. I am delighted that my wife and I are, now, working on strengthening our marriage and our relationship with our community and friends.

I regret that my personal issues have put my fellow Courtenay council members in an uncomfortable position. They have taken unexpected and undeserving pressure from the public over my situation and I’m sorry for making their job more difficult.

I made mistakes and learned some valuable lessons about what is really important - the love of family and service to our community. I could have done better and have learned a great deal from my mistakes. I will be back to my regular council duties shortly and I humbly ask for people’s compassion and support as I put my mind back to serving the community.

Founding Comox Air Force Museum member says Vampire project money could be better spent elsewhere

Dear editor,

It is with sadness I write this narrative to protest the $1.4 million expenditure to place the Vampire aircraft, which never flew at Comox, in the Comox Air Force Museum Airpark.

This exercise is another boondoggle, of the same proportion as the Spitfire was a few years ago. Outrageous amounts of money spent on projects that have no historical significance to the base at Comox.

Millions of dollars spent and potentially spent on projects only near and dear to elite elements of retirees who support the Comox Air Force Museum for their own aggrandizement and of no value to the museum itself.

These kinds of nefarious and clique-sponsored projects do nothing to support, enhance or improve the museum at all.

My objection to these projects is that those millions of dollars would and could have been better spent to upgrade and mitigate at least, the current deplorable state of the static aircraft which have in fact served at base Comox and deserve recognition for their

historical significance.

In point of fact, I am almost certain that if those Spitfire monies and this Vampire monies had been available that the museum and the airpark would both benefit.

Please, whoever is in charge of the Comox Air Force Museum, get control of this before even more money is wasted. You owe it to preserve the true history of base Comox.

As a founding member, contributor and past curator of the Comox Air Force Museum I implore the executive and members of the museum to do the right thing and stop any further waste and degradation of the Comox Air Force Museum.

JF Logan CD1 F/L Retired

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to rebuild your trust. I understand these are trying times and I look forward to engaging with you on some of the more pressing issues like homelessness, downtown community building, housing, and climate change. I thank all of you who’ve stepped up with

support for me and my family during this ordeal and look forward to working with you in building a healthy, sustainable, vibrant Comox Valley.

Humbly yours,

David Frisch, Courtenay councillor

IsupporttheBranch#17 CourtenayLegion!

April13th-BingointheUpperHall. Doorsopenat5.Bingostartsat6:30-9:30

*Kitchenwillbeopen for food sales

April15th-MusicfromDoublePlay intheLowerLoungefrom2-5pm.MeatDraws. NextMusicBandJamwillbeApril22nd.

David Frisch

Giftyourselfafitting!

New CVAG exhibit opens Wednesday

Return to Water 2023, the new convergent program at the Comox Valley Art Gallery, features three projects that bring into focus different relationships with water.

Artists from Hornby Island, Vancouver, Kamloops and Winnipeg all have work in the program, which runs from April 12 to May 27.

The program includes the world premiere of Go Fish, a video installation created by film directors Scott Smith (Hornby Island) and Nettie Wild (Vancouver). Go Fish is a three-channel video and audio experience that immerses the viewer in images and sounds from the return of hundreds of millions of herring returning to the Salish Sea. This will be the world premiere of Go Fish. Wild

wins Governor General’s Award

Wild has just received the prestigious Governor General’s Award in Visual Media and Arts.

The announcement was made March 28, and came as Wild was working with co-director Scott Smith of Hornby Island on the finishing touches for Go Fish. The project is a video installation with stunning images and sounds from the annual

return of herring to Baynes Sound and surrounding waters.

The presentation of Go Fish at CVAG marks the first time that a work by Wild has premiered at an art gallery.

Other artists featured

as the wind blew: the ground beneath me | at the water’s edge | in its path, created by Sarah Crawley (Winnipeg), uses lensbased images to portray investigations at the place where land meets the water’s edge. Utilizing pinhole photography, lumen printing, and video, the artist explores embodied experiences of loss and vulnerability.

Coastal Camera Obscura III

is a project by Don Lawrence (Kamloops) that encourages audiences to consider the surrounding lands’ histories and the interplay between art and science. His project includes works in the gallery, as well as on the water experiences in May. Watch the CVAG website for details.

There will be artist talks and a public reception to celebrate the Return to Water 2023 program on Saturday, April 22, starting at 2 p.m.

CVAG is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more details on Gallery programming, please visit www.comoxvalleyartgallery. com

5315thStCourtenay

250-897-7488

Go Fish is a three-channel video and audio experience that immerses the viewer in images and sounds from the return of hundreds of millions of herring returning to the Salish Sea.

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ThisweekendI’llbeattheComoxshowandhaveafewitemsonmyresearchlisttocheck intowhileI’mthere.AsI’vewrittenmanytimesthatthemattressindustryisfraughtwith perilsandinmyopinionmuchmisinformationandpartialtruths(Youcanreadmoreabout thatinmyblogatjohnsbedrooms.com)whichmakesthisvenueaquestionableplaceto committoalargemattresspurchase.Don’tgetmewrongI’llbetherereadytoassistyou andI’llbehappytotakeyourorderattheshow.WhatIwon’tdoisputonspecialpricing fortheweekendorusingtheold“buytodayandsave!”spiel.Sothisweekendpleasecome totheshow,seemyselfandsomanyoftheotherqualityvendorsthatarethere.I’llbe featuringLatexmattressesandadjustablebedsandI’llbehappytoteachyouwhatto lookfor.Andifyoudon’tbuythisweekendmypriceswon’tchangeonMonday.Ifthere’s dealsoncertainitemsI’mlookingforI’llprobablybuy(hopemywifedoesn’treadthis).

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Poetry Walk brings art to Courtenay storefronts

The Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association has teamed up with local artists to bring JOY Downtown through poetry.

The first-ever Poetry Walk showcases the work of 11 poets and one painter, displayed in some of your favourite businesses.

The installation will run for the month of April to celebrate National Poetry Month. The League of Cana-

dian Poets has selected JOY as this year’s theme.

Artist Kelly Everill has hand-painted original poems by a local poetry group, Artful : The Poets, on 11 storefront windows throughout 4th, 5th and 6th streets. The installation features work by Adelia Macwilliam, Carys Owen, Corwin Fox, Diana Kolpak, Ed Varney, Lawrence J.W. Cooper, Louis

Stevenson, Margaret McKenzie, Natalie Nickerson, Scott A. Hamilton and Senyuè.

There is also a very special floral installation by Petals of Whimsy. JOY Bear, a handmade threefoot dried flower bear sculpture, holds court in the window of Hot Chocolates on 5th Street beside a haiku by Anne Dunnet.

There are a few ways to enjoy the Poetry walk. Whether you catch a poem or two during your dayto-day downtown errands, or make an event of enjoying the whole walk with family or friends, the intent is to bring joy to the community by uniting art and business.

Poems are displayed at Wildflower Mercantile, Gladstone Brewing Co., Sid Williams Theatre, Hitec Brazen Sportswear, Soulstar Metaphysics, Hot Chocolates, Laughing Oyster Books, Foundation Hair Salon, La

Cache, Blue Spruce Ice Cream and Atlas Cafe.

To celebrate the event, you are welcomed to a live poetry showcase, Saturday, April 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Comox Valley Art Gallery.

HowAbout Neutral TasteToothpaste?

DearDoctors:

I’m havingsensitivity problemswithtoothpaste onmytongue. That minty tasteiscausingreal problemsforme.Isitsafeformetousechildren’s toothpaste instead ofanywhichcauseburning sensationsforme? Howabout‘nopaste’?

Answer:

The event is free to attend. More details can be

found at www.downtowncourtenay.com

Yes, youcanquiteeasilyusechildren’spaste. Firstly,theprimaryreasontobrushanyteeth istoremoveplaque.It accumulates after eating or drinkinganything except water.Plaque needs toberemovedbybrushing, andtarter needsto beremovedwithscrapingbyyour hygienist. Tarter is mature hardenedplaqueleftbehindby inadequatebrushing. Typically,your hygienist willfinishwithaflavouredtoothpastewith pumice,anda smallbitoffluoride following the de-scalingprocess. Manypatients findthe flavouredpastepreferable Wehesitatetomention namebrandsgenerally, but if yousearchonline likewe did,upwillpop 162,000 potential listings foryourdesiretopic! The minty tasteseem tobethe typemostpeople are either sensitiveorallergic to,andthereare manymoreobscureproducts which maybe ordered. One interestingtidbit–onegovernment agency did a comparativestudybetween162 toothpaste manufacturers’,whosetubesranged from $1.71 - $8.65 per tube. They discovered therewerenegligibledifferences other thantaste andprice

When it comes tooralhealthandone’smouth–manypeople prefer toothpastethat makes their breathfresh. NumeroUno! You may discover on searchingforthisproductthatanumber ofthem areformulatedtostop halitosis (bad breath). Forbraggingrights, oneormoreofthemmay indicatethattheywereformulatedby dentists. Hooray!Thatwould be exactlythesameasyour largegrocerystorewitha massive signoutfront thatclaimstheysell‘Milk’!Notterribly unique toboastabouta dentistbeing involved in the toothpaste industry. Theprimary ingredient in manytoothpastes issodium fluoride,andit may includexylitolfor sweeteningthebreath. What anyonewill discover isaslime like coatingonthe tongue,whichcanbescrapedoffwithvirtually any implement–even aPopsicle stick. Simplyput–brushyour tongue.Useany toothpasteyou like. Thankusforjustsaving youmoneyonthesearchfortheelusive ideal toothpaste!Theproductyouareworkingto eliminateis dentalbiofilm, whichis composed of many microorganisms. Youcan’trinseitoff swishing waterin your mouth. Itfoulsyour breath.

We’renotpromotinganyspecific toothbrush, toothpaste,oranyproprietaryproducts. Brush andfloss. Keep flosssticks available everywhere within reach. Useoneeverytimeanythingbut water passes between yourlips. Other thanyour checkupandcleaning, you’llspend lesstime in any dentalchair!

Margaret McKenzie’s poem, ‘Canvas Of Love’ graces the front door of Hitec Brazen Sportswear. Photo by Terry Farrell

This map identifies the 11 downtown Courtenay businesses participating in the 2023 Poetry Walk.

In 2018, volunteers from Autism BC greeted customers at Quality Foods to share information and raise money to support families with autism in BC. In the last couple years, we had to do something a bit different. It’s a little quirky, but we think you will like it.

This week we will donate 50 cents for every bunch of grapes, spinach, beets, green onions, carrots, asparagus, parsley & radishes sold.

When you purchase produce from Quality Foods, it’s good for us, good for you and good for Autism BC.

B.C.’s minimum wage going up by $1.10 to $16.75

Wolfgang Depner Black Press Media

Grocery clerks and food service staff will be among the 150,000 British Columbians getting a pay raise when minimum wage increases on June 1.

Minister of Labour Harry Bains announced the increase to $16.75 from $15.65 Wednesday (April 5) at a coffee shop in Victoria.

The 6.9 per cent increase in minimum wage rates reflects B.C.’s average annual inflation rate in 2022, according to the government.

“Having a minimum wage that keeps up with inflation is a key step to prevent the lowest-paid workers from falling behind,” Bains said. “These workers and their families feel the impacts of high costs much more than anyone else. We are maintaining our policy of tying the minimum wage to inflation.”

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Bains said that policy could become provincial law through legislation before the next scheduled increase in 2024. But such legislation comes with risks. While inflation has historically increased at low, predictable rates, recent years have seen sudden spikes. The province could potentially tie itself to double-digit increases.

“We are considering our options — how do we tie the minimum wage to the rate of inflation, so that our lowest-paid workers do not fall behind, because the reality is, we understand that businesses are hurting coming through the pandemic,” Bains said. Both workers and

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Grocery clerks and food service staff will be among the 150,000 British Columbians getting a pay raise when the minimum wage increases on June 1 to to $16.75 from $15.65.

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businesses need predictability, he added. The coming increase gives B.C. one of the highest minimum wages in Canada and comes after the release of new figures that peg inflation at 6.2 per cent in February 2023. Inflation has been trending down, but remains high for all economic actors, including small businesses such as restaurants, where margins are historically tight.

“The BC Chamber of Commerce is extremely disappointed with the government’s decision to increase the minimum wage by such a significant amount. This decision is the wrong choice, at the wrong time,” Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, said.

Famulak said the increase comes on top of several decisions that have “added significantly” to business costs. “Today’s announcement will make it difficult for many businesses to manage their operations moving forward and is a disincentive to (re)invest in our province,” she said.

Healthy communities depend on healthy businesses, she added. “Today’s announcement only adds to the urgency we see for government to take meaningful actions that support businesses so they can create jobs, hire workers, contribute to community growth and drive economic sustainability and prosperity.”

Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey acknowledged the struggles of small businessess during Wednesday’s announcement.

“I’m working with the small business community right now and we are accelerating this work,” she said. “This work is happening in parallel (with the minimum wage increase).”

But she also signalled that government has no plans to introduce different types of wages for different types of industries, and downplayed the impact of the higher minimum wage.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and, thanks to their work and determination, only 3.5 per cent of B.C. workers were paid at minimum wage last year,” she said. “Clearly, the vast majority of businesses are seeing the value of paying their staff a fair wage, which is a sign of a strong economy.”

Iglika Ivanova, Senior Economist and Public Interest Researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, said indexing the minimum wage to inflation is the bare minimum for lowest-paid workers.

“I’m glad to see that the B.C. government did the right thing and did not cave to the pressure coming from the business lobby that pushed for a lower-than-inflation minimum wage increase this year,” she said.

She added that inflation for the two biggest household expenses — food and rent — are rising faster than general inflation.

Greek Cafe

Focus on nature for Comox Valley Land Trust’s photo contest

The Comox Valley Land Trust is thrilled to announce its second annual photo contest to celebrate the beauty and significance of nature in the Valley. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner, this contest is for you! If you love spending time outdoors, don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your skills and win amazing prizes.

You have until May 31 to capture images of local flora, fauna, and landscapes. The judging panel, comprising three talented local photographers, will award the prizes.

The first prize is a $750 gift card from London Drugs, our best local store for photography equipment. Second prize is four alpine lift tickets and four days of equipment rental from Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

The third prize winner will receive a four-hour rental of two tandem kayaks from Comox Valley Kayaks and Canoes.

This contest is not just about

capturing great photographs; it’s also about celebrating nature in the Valley. With so many opportunities to be outdoors, we are fortunate to call this place home. Our natural habitats not only support fish, wildlife, and biodiversity, but they also improve our quality of life and help lessen the effects of climate change.

As a charity that works to conserve and restore nature, the Comox Valley Land Trust has played a significant role in protecting more than 600 hectares of ecologically sig-

nificant land since 1999. The photo contest is an opportunity to collaborate with the community and highlight the value of nature.

Images of domestic animals or pets, private gardens, or people do not qualify. Please submit photos of wild flora and fauna, or natural landscapes.

The CV Land Trust’s website (cvlandtrust.ca/photocontest) has all the details, rules, and submission forms for the contest.

Enter to have a chance to win great prizes!

Tanis Gower Special to the Record

Last year’s winner of the Comox Valley Land Trust photo contest was this photograph of a male red-winged blackbird by James Mackenzie.

BUSINESS

New owner brings ‘Living Hope’ to Little Red Church

As you crest Comox Avenue heading into the town of Comox, a historic landmark greets you on your left: the Little Red Church.

Locals will recognize the property by the myriad signs dotting the lawn, evidence of the variety of groups that use this hub. Among these signs, however, one is noticeably missing: the For Sale sign!

Last November, Living Hope Church purchased this beloved community building.

Living Hope is a Christian church with the Alliance of Canada. Since its beginnings in 2000, the church met in schools and other churches in the Valley. Last fall, the time was right to purchase a building. In addition to using the building for its worship services on Sunday, Living Hope desires to support the local community and bought the Little Red Church with that in mind.

Pastor Micah Smith is excited about the potential for this building.

“We love what the previous owner started here as a community centre,” Smith said. Living Hope is eager to further develop it as a culture and arts hub for the Comox Valley. The church currently hosts various community groups such as K9 Kind Training, Triple Heat Dance, Tai Chi, Yoga, Musement, Line Dancing, and The Georgia Straight Jazz Society along with several community events such as markets, weddings and social occasions.

This dynamic property is also home to one of the Valley’s few heritage buildings. The heritage

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chapel, built in 1886, is undergoing some essential upgrades to support community use again. The congregation of Little Red Church looks forward to stewarding this unique property. As a way to get to know their new neighbours, Living Hope is hosting an open house on Sunday, April 16, 2-4 p.m. Both the main hall and the heritage chapel will be open. The

community is welcome to come and view displays from some of the rental clients and enjoy live jazz by the Anderson, Amar, and Hyde Trio. Refreshments will be served. It will be an opportunity to ask any questions about how the church plans to use and care for the building. For details on bookings opportunities, visit littleredchurchcomox.com/rental.html

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Living Hope Church recently purchased the Little Red Church in Comox. Photo supplied

The flowing currant is a natural hummingbird feeder

Phenology is the study of how nature’s cyclic events, such as the flowering of plants, or the migration patterns of birds or wildlife, are influenced by seasonal and climatic changes.

It’s a branch of science that measures and monitors how the changes in seasonal temperatures, and precipitation patterns will affect the bloom time of many species of plants, or when insects will emerge. Matching some of this data with migratory birds and their route, they look for patterns of synchronicity. For example, when all goes well, plants will bloom or insects will emerge, along the migration route of a bird as they travel from their winter habitat to their summer home.

One of our more familiar guests in our garden is the hummingbird. Although there are nine species of hummingbirds that have been spotted in B.C., the three most common are the Anna’s, rufous and the calliope.

Anna’s hummingbirds can be found in B.C. throughout the year but the rufous and calliope are migratory. As the climate becomes warmer, it changes the conditions that are typ-

ical for plants and insects and that synchronicity is jeopardized. Combine climate change with the constant building and reduction of habitat and we know these little guys need all the help we can give them.

Hummingbirds rely on nectar for 90 per cent of their diet. There are many plants that can be added to your garden that can feed them throughout the summer. One of the first to open in the spring is the flowering currant.

When it starts to bloom it usually ties in with the return of these wonderful creatures.

Ribes sanguineum (flowering currant) ‘King Edward VII’ is a well-known variety with pendulous

fragrant clusters of vivid crimson flowers. A slow growing compact that reaches a height and width between three to six feet and prefers shade to part shade. It is excellent as a hedge or mixed shrub border in our cooler climate.

This deer-resistant shrub is perfect for the woodland or native landscape or kept in a pot on your deck. Water regularly to maintain an evenly moist soil and it does become somewhat drought tolerant once established. In the fall it produces blue-black berries which are a favourite of birds. Zone 6-8 prune after flowering to maintain form and ensure heavy blooms each year.

It can become frustrating watching how the world is changing and seeing the toll it’s taking on wildlife. Sometimes it’s doing the simplest acts of kindness or planting a shrub to help out the migratory guests that can make us feel that we are doing our small part. This spring plant a ribes sanguineum and welcome our hummingbirds back. Happy gardening.

Ellen Presley is the owner of Anderton Nursery, at 2012 Anderton Rd., Comox. Visit andertonnursery.ca

Ribes sanguineum (Flowering currant) ‘King Edward VII’ is a well known variety with pendulous fragrant clusters of vivid crimson flowers, which attract hummingbirds. Photo supplied

Check any weather report on any media source and it is story after story of unusual weather.

Some stories are relatively mild with snow flurries dusting highways or the odd hailstorm bombarding everything caught out in the open.

Other stories follow the paths of horrific destruction caused by lightening sparked wildfires; whole blocks, streets, even towns completely flattened by hurricanes; and floods washing away bridges, roads, and houses. Many of these catastrophes are long-term, life-altering events.

Is it my imagination or are these weather events growing in both frequency and ferocity?

But you do not have to plug into news stories to get a snapshot of changing weather. Just walk out into your garden.

I have yet to see any bumblebees buzzing around our yard. In the past, the bumbles were always on hand to catch the early flowers… February daphne, winter aconite and the early primulas. But for the last two years, it has been the honeybees who have been first on the scene. As I write this, there has not been one bumblebee spotted. There are about 855 bee species in Canada and over 500 of those can be found in

- what are

doing

Is that why a long walk in a forest feels so good?

And they say if we added a mere 10 percent more “green cover” in our city landscapes, we could reduce the surface temperature by more than 2 percent. Personally, when I see all that concrete in some of our big cities, I think more “green cover” would be

needed but I like the theory. Just step under our chestnut tree on a really hot day. Pure bliss.

The very first Earth Month started on April 4, 1970 with the purpose of talking about climate change and brainstorm ideas on how we can protect the environment. Since then, Earth Month has

kicked off on April 1 and the entire month is dedicated to raising awareness of what is happening to our planet. Think on it. More next column…

Leslie Cox co-owns Growing Concern Cottage Garden in Black Creek. Her website is https://duchessofdirt.ca/

BC. Sadly, quite a few of the bee species in Canada and BC are at risk, including a few bumblebee species. We can attribute the declines to loss of habitat, disease and pesticide use.

Which of these are we responsible for?

There is no pesticide use in our own garden but cannot be sure about our neighbours within a two mile radius. Living rurally, I wonder how many farms spray their fields. Could this be the cause of our lack of bumblebees?

Perhaps loss of habitat.

Many wild bees live underground or in trees. And while there has not been any major logging in our area, much of the hedgerow edging the fields was removed.

But I am forgetting one other possible reason for the late arrival of bumblebees in our garden. Climate change. It is just possible but given the fact bumblebees have wooly bodies to protect them

from cold and that there is a bumblebee species which lives in the Arctic, it seems unlikely a little inclement weather just south of the 50th parallel would keep them huddled in their warm nests. The mystery remains unsolved.

Moving on to forests… Forests around the world support huge ecosystems. Unfortunately, they are being decimated by approximately 4.7 million hectares per year globally. This has a direct impact on 80 percent of the world’s terrestrial species who call forests home.

Deforestation also endangers over 28,000 plant species which are used in medicine… some of which cure some serious illnesses. Studies have found that many plants specific to a forest release antimicrobial compounds called phytoncides which can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, plus boost the immune system. Hmm.

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Sadie, as a puppy, finding her way through a lush forest. Photo by Leslie Cox

■ Leslie Cox DUCHESS OF DIRT

27 nominations for 2023 Comox Valley Tree of the Year

naturalist.bc.ca) along with locations, descriptions, photos, and the accompanying story for each of the trees.

Nominations for 2023 Tree of the Year (TotY) have now closed, and Comox Valley Nature (CVN) is thrilled to announce that 27 remarkable trees from across the Valley have been nominated by 25 individuals eager to recognize them for their exceptional qualities. These trees, with their unique stories and characteristics, showcase the diversity, impact, and significant roles they’ve played in the lives of their nominators and that of the community.

To ensure accuracy on the particulars of each tree, 10 enthusiastic CVN volunteers located and confirmed their details, which included trunk diameter, overall height, and GPS co-ordinates.

Two volunteers created the cycle tour maps now posted to the CVN website (comoxvalley-

With details completed, CVN invites the public to participate in the next phase of the event, which includes touring the trees, voting for your favourite, and thereby helping to choose Tree of the Year.

The nominees are not just trees, they’re tellers of stories that echo tenacity, resilience, and adaptation. Characteristics recognized and admired by the nominators of the western red cedar in Seal Bay Park, the Douglas fir in Comox and the big leaf maples in both Roy Morrison and Rosewall Provincial Parks.

There’s the mimosa tree in Comox, with its exotic flower and fragrance, whose bloom is eagerly anticipated every year, and the coronation oak in Courtenay that stands in respect as both a memorial and commemorative tree.

Old, enormous, and towering over their respective settings are two breathtaking Douglas firs gracing Kitty Coleman Provincial Park and Comox Bluffs Ecological Reserve, and the mighty big leaf maple standing majestically in Hurford Hill Park.

Not to be missed is the heartwarming story of two nominated trees that have captured the imagination and sparked excitement in local school children.

Many of the nominations are perfect examples of stunning and very public trees people may have walked past without consciously noting, wondering about their history, or considering how much greyer our urban space would be without their presence. Nominators, however, did notice these trees.

CVN encourages everyone to stroll or cycle, to enjoy a previously unexplored natural area and embark on an unforgettable tour through

the six cycle routes that vary in distance from five to 41 kilometres and whose paths cater to all interests and skill levels. Here, you’ll witness the grandeur and beauty of the area’s trees rooted in their natural habitat, offering a firsthand perspective that surpasses what the photos can capture.

Sky N., the nominator of the Courtenay western white pine, highly recommends taking deep breaths while touring the trees, to inhale the phytoncides they release – organic compounds that have a positive impact on human well-being.

Visit the CVN website comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca to read all 27 compelling stories and cast your vote for your favourite tree by May 31. While the emphasis is on seeing and appreciating all the trees, the nominator of the winning Tree of the Year will receive a small prize as a token of appreciation.

Garden laws and bylaws discussed at next Horticultural Society meeting

Dana Beatson will be the guest speaker at the Comox Valley Horticultural Society meeting on April 17.

Beatson’s presentation will cover the laws and bylaws that govern private and community gardens as well as the importance of food security. Originally from Vancouver, Beatson is now a local resident in the Valley. She’s a registered

professional planner with more than 15 years of experience in land development. Beatson has had the opportunity to work in various communities during her career from the Cowichan Valley to the Comox Valley. She completed her master’s degree in community and regional planning at the University of British Columbia in 2004.

Attend in person

To attend the meeting in person, it takes place

at the conference hall in the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7:15 p.m.

Attend virtually

The meeting can also be attended via Zoom. Advanced registration for Zoom is required for both members and non-members. Current members will receive a separate Zoom invitation. Registration for non-members ($5.50) is simple: visit www.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca

by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 14, as it requires two days to process.

CVHS 2023 memberships are now available to purchase from the website or download a registration form and mail it in.

Plant sale upcoming

A quick reminder to also add Saturday, May 6 to your calendars for the annual plant sale taking place at the Farm Stand at 5000 Willis Way, Courtenay from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The barred owl, so named for the “bars” running across their gray and white chest, is one of the most common owls on Vancouver Island.

MARS Moment: Vancouver Island boasts seven species of owls

Early spring is a fantastic time to find some of our most mysterious birds: owls. Known worldwide for their nocturnal habits, captivating forward-facing eyes, and unique vocalizations, owls seem to have an aura that stops humans in their tracks.

Luckily for us, Vancouver Island is home to an incredible seven species of breeding owls, with a few more joining us as uncommon migratory or winter visitors. From the smallest northern pygmy owl, barely the size of a sparrow, to the imposing and widespread great horned owl, there exists more owl diversity on Vancouver Island than many folks might expect.

Most of Vancouver Island’s owls prefer mature intact forest, yet some species like the short-eared and barn owl course actively over farm fields and estuaries looking for their daily meal. Smaller, forest-specialist owls like the western screech and saw-whet can only survive as long as their habitat persists.

One familiar owl to many might be the barred owl: a large, round-headed owl with “bars”running across their gray and white chest. While the barred owl is likely the most common owl on Vancouver Island today, they were first spotted on the island in the late 1960s - a surprising fact to many. Barred owls followed humans westward into B.C. through the Peace region from their original habitat east of the Mississippi River, exploiting the trees we planted and

the rats and pigeons that followed our cities and garbage. Now firmly established in our province, these common and successful owls have found their niche.

Birds of prey day

Pacific Northwest Raptors, located in Duncan, will be at MARS Wildlife Rescue on Sunday, April 23 to offer an individual, close-up experience with birds of prey.

MARS (Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society) is located at 1331 Williams Beach Rd, Merville. Go to the-raptors.com/events/mars-encounters to learn more about this event and cost of admission.

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James Mackenzie Special to the Record

Photo by James MacKenzie

There are mixed reviews about former premier John Horgan’s move to enter into the coal industry after leaving provincial politics.

Horgan, who resigned on March 31 as MLA for the Langford-Juan de Fuca riding, will be sitting on the board of a company spun off from Teck Resources, called Elk Valley Resources.

“When you see a revolving door between government and industry, that is when the confidence in this institution starts to be eroded,”BC Green MLA Adam Olsen said, adding that it was “shocking to see such an announcement so short after his resignation.”

The move prompted no small measure of outrage among environmentalists, as Horgan will be working for a company that uses coal to make metallurgical steel.

In an interview with the Globe and Mail, Horgan drew a distinction between burning coal for fuel and using it to make steel in promising to make sure that the company lives up to its social and environmental obligations. While Horgan predicted that his move would generate a negative reaction in certain quarters, he signaled that it would not cause him grief.

Reaction to Horgan’s move was less negative among the BC Liberals.

“On behalf of our caucus, I wish John Horgan, all the best in his new role and frankly, it’s fantastic that a former premier, particularly a former NDP premier, has decided to embrace as his next career step working with a very reputable group of people in a very significant nat-

ural resource company in this province,”said Todd Stone, BC Liberal House Leader.

“May be John Horgan in his new role with this resource company will have some conversations with the current premier about the importance of B.C.’s natural resource sector.”

Stone added metallurgical steel is an important resource.

“[Horgan] has always had a special place in his heart and a profound respect for not just the history of the natural resource sector, but the future importance and significance of our resource sector. He will be able to make an impact at that level for good for the resource sector in the province.”

Stone said lobbying rules are very strict, pointing to the cooling off period among other measures, when asked about Olsen’s comments.

“To the best of my understanding, John Horgan in this new role is fully compliant with all of the existing laws around lobbying,” Stone said, adding that he knows Horgan as a person of integrity.

“With all due respect to my friend Adam Olsen, and he is a friend, I wonder if Adam would be saying the same

thing if John Horgan was going to work for the Sierra Club.”

Olsen disagrees with that notion, and said the issue is the unique knowledge that a senior-decision maker like Horgan now brings to a private company.

In 2017, then-attorney general David Eby introduced a cooling off period for certain public office holders. Former cabinet ministers and their staff, former parliamentary secretaries, and former senior officials in government departments and Crown corporations are prohibited from lobbying for two years after the date on which they left office.

Horgan becomes the latest premier to find himself in the corporate sector after retiring from politics. Christy Clark’s current job title is senior advisor for Bennett Jones LLP and serves on several boards, including Shaw Communications. Clark’s predecessor Gordon Campbell serves on the board of the Equinox Gold. Former New Democratic premier Glen Clark worked for more two decades for Jim Pattison, considered by many B.C.’s most successful entrepreneur.

Nurse-to-patient ratios are coming to B.C. hospitals, community care and long-term care facilities as part of a broader agreement between the provincial government and the union representing nurses.

In doing so, B.C. becomes the first province to implement such ratios model after systems in Australia and California.

Questions about key details remain unanswered and the proposed collective agreement still awaits ratification starting April 20 and ending April 27.

The impending three-year deal between the Health Employers Association of BC, Nurses Bargaining Association and the provincial government proposes two components: one covering wages and other aspects first announced Friday (March 31) as part of a tentative agreement, and a second dealing with nursing workload standards, funding for recruitment and retention and one-time funding for professional development among nurses.

B.C. Nurses Union President Aman Grewal said the tentative agreement goes a long way to solve B.C.’s nursing shortage. Grewal had previously pegged the number of unfilled positions at 5,200 with B.C. needing about 26,000 nurses by 2031. Other sources peg the number higher.

BCNU’s chief negotiator Jim Gould said the deal, combined with the minimum nurse staffing ratios and attached funding, is going

to have “an incredibly positive impact” on the recruitment and retention of new nurses as well as the re-hiring of nurses who have left the system. Ratios will improve quality care, he said.

The April 2022 to April 2025 agreement covers approximately 51,500 registered, psychiatric and licensed practical nurses in B.C. About 87 per cent of nurses work in the six provincial health authorities, the rest for affiliated organizations like Providence Health Care.

Nurses will see their wages rise retroactively from April 1, 2022 by 25 cents per hour, then grow by 3.24 per cent until April 2023. From there, nurses’ wages will go up 6.75 per cent to April 2024, and then two per cent to April 2025.

Plans call for the ratios to exist uniformly across the province with hospitals being prioritized first starting in the first year of the agreement, followed by community care and long-term care facilities in the subsequent years.

The ratio for treatment in ventilated critical care is 1:1, 1:2 for non-ventilated critical care; 1:3 for special care, 1:4 for in-patient care and palliative care; and 1:5 in rehabilitation. Standards for other areas are still to be developed.

Another $108.6 million in annualized ongoing funding will support recruitment and retention while $100 million in one-time funding will support professional development.

But neither BCNU representatives nor Dix could answer repeated questions about how many new nurses would be necessary to meet the ratios, nor when the ratios would specifically come into effect.

Kickers now colour co-ordinated

Comox Valley Kickers

RFC (“Kickers”), a grassroots rugby club consisting of senior men’s and women’s teams, unveiled their new jerseys last month – their first in over five years.

The new jerseys were custom designed through Lionheart Sports, a reputable multi-sport and lifestyle apparel brand based in Vancouver and unite the club in black and maroon.

The old jerseys are being sold with the proceeds going towards operating expenses with any leftovers being used for tournament/practice jerseys.

“It is great that both Kickers teams now have the same jerseys, in the same colours,” says Natalie Nguyen, co-captain of the Kickers women’s

team. “It really showcases the camaraderie between the men’s and women’s teams, as well as the pride of being a Kicker. The club has a long history, but it was imperative to create a fresh narrative for the years to come.”

The Kickers are passionate about promoting and developing the sport of rugby in the Comox Valley area with a focus on player development. Whether it be at the club level or representative

honours at either the B.C. or Team Canada level, members of all skills and abilities are supported and an accepting and encouraging environment is provided for all to thrive in.

The Kickers’ goal is to eliminate barriers for individuals to engage in sport, with rugby being one of the more affordable sports to play. All members pay annual fees, which are used primarily to provide player

insurance and medical coverage and to cover dues to the British Columbia Rugby Union and Rugby Canada. The Kickers would like to take the time to thank their main sponsor Ace Brewing and their supporters Cumberland Legion, Cumberland Masonic Hall, Cabaret-Drag Show and Glacier Water. Financial and in-kind donations help offset the operating expenses of the club which can include field rentals, travel, and equipment, helping to make the sport more accessible for all. For more information about the Comox Valley Kickers RFC, visit their website at comoxvalleyrugby.ca, email at cvkickers@ gmail.com or follow them on Facebook.

Comox United Over 48s run the table at Victoria soccer tournament

This past weekend April 1-2, the over 48s Comox United men’s team headed down to Victoria to play in the ever-so-popular Bill Drew Soccer Fest 2023.

It has been more than three years since the event has taken place due to COVID.

With a 17-player squad, the Comox team was ready to play.

In the opening game, Comox defeated Victoria Centaurs 2-0.

The second game resulted in a 4-1 victory over Victoria Zgoda - of note; the team’s sniper, Sean Kerrigan, capped all four of Comox’s goals.

Sunday’s early morning third game against Victoria Vantreights ended in a 1-0 victory for Comox, and the final game against Victoria Gunners ended

with a 2-0 victory. The team went 4-0.

This tournament is a friendly no awards event. Teams from the USA and central Canada came out for the

mere enjoyment of the beautiful game. The team thanks organizer Hu Wallis and his team for putting together another enjoyable tournament.

Live life your way

The Comox United Over 48s won all four games played at a recent tournament in Victoria.

Photo supplied

The Comox Valley Kickers’ men’s and women’s teams now have the same uniforms. Photo supplied

Coastal residents should be prepared for tsunamis: Province

High Ground Hikes being hosted across Island this week

Vancouver Island communities are at risk of tsunamis, and the province is reminding people about the risks and how to stay safe.

As part of Tsunami Preparedness Week (April 9-15), many communities on the Island are hosting High Ground Hikes to help raise awareness of the issue. During these events people will practise reaching their tsunami-safe location. Knowing where high ground is and how to get there is an important part of tsunami preparedness. Some people may not need to travel far to reach safety.

“We know it’s scary to think about emergencies like tsunamis, but by getting prepared and learning about the tsunami risk in your community now, you’ll be safer in the event of a tsunami,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Tsunami Preparedness Week is the perfect time to put together an emergency kit for your family and practise evacuating to a tsunami-safe location in your community.”

High Ground Hikes are being held in these communities:

- Gold River

- Colwood

- Heiltsuk Nation (Bella Bella)

- Mount Waddington Regional District –

Quatsino

- Old Massett

- Pacheedaht First Nation

- Piers Island (during Emergency Preparedness Week in May)

- Port Hardy

- Port Moody

- Prince Rupert

- Sooke

- Stewart

- Tofino

- Toquaht Nation

- Ucluelet

- Victoria

“It’s so important that people on the coast are ready and know what to do when a tsunami occurs. Many communities – including some here in the north Island – are hosting a High Ground Hike, which is great way to practise your evacuation plan,” said Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. “I also encourage ev-

eryone in risk areas to learn about local public alerting and put together an emergency graband-go bag for your family.”

In the event of a tsunami, which is a giant wave caused by earthquakes beneath the ocean, landslides or volcanic eruptions, people in an affected area will receive a tsunami alert that will be broadcast across television, radio and compatible mobile devices through B.C.’s emergency-alert system, according to a release from the province.

To prepare before a tsunami occurs, become familiar with local evacuation routes and high ground locations.

For people near the coast when an earthquake occurs, drop, cover and hold on, and then move to higher ground immediately.

Once at high ground, stay there. Wait for the “all clear” from local officials to confirm the threat is over. Tsunami waves can last several hours.

Find out how your community will share emergency information and subscribe to local alerts. Alerting methods include radio, television, telephone, text messages, door-to-door contact, social media and outdoor sirens. Always follow instructions from local officials during an emergency.

If you are not in a tsunami zone, stay home and connect with family, friends and neighbours who are in a potential tsunami zone.

If you are visiting an area with higher tsunami risk, research evaluation routes and share your travel plans with friends and family.

Homeless encampments are ‘ground zero’ of the provincial housing crisis: Premier Eby

By Wolfgang Depner Black Press Media

Premier David Eby called the current housing crisis a threat to the prosperity of province during his keynote address at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Housing Summit in Vancouver.

Eby’s speech blamed the current situation on past decisions by previous provincial and federal government to stop building affordable housing and more broadly, policies that favoured speculators.

Claiming that New Democratic policies have helped to house 42,000 individuals that would not have been housed otherwise, Eby acknowledged that the province now needs to build even more homes — even faster.

He promised additional support along the lines of the new $1-billion Growing Communities Fund to help municipalities improve and enhance infrastructure.

Eby also touched on efforts by Vancouver police officers and city staff, who were dismantling the tent encampment along Hastings Street in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Homeless encampments across the province are “ground zero” of the provincial housing crisis, he said in broadly defending the dismantling of the camp, pointing to issues of public safety and violence.

BC Green House Leader Adam Olsen does not buy it.

New Democratic governments including Eby’s have been aware of the situation for a long time, but have not done anything to address it, he said.

“It’s policing poverty,” Olsen said. “The sweeps have never worked … scattering people across the communities of the Lower Mainland isn’t making those most vulnerable people in our society more safe. The Premier wants dignified housing for people, but it appears that

❝ The sweeps have never worked … scattering people across the communities of the Lower Mainland isn’t making those most vulnerable people in our society more safe. The Premier wants dignified housing for people, but it appears that he actually wants them off the street more.

ADAM OLSEN, BC GREENS

he actually wants them off the street more.”

Civil libertarians and social justice advocates have also raised concerns about the government’s approach.

Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon defended the camp’s dismantling.

“The encampment on Hastings, in particular, is not safe,” he said. “The fire risks are great. Many of the housing units that we have on Hastings have been at risk, with some of the fires that have happened. We know that there was a recent report from a not-for-profit that interviewed 50 women and all 50 of had been reported to be sexually assaulted.”

The provincial government will continue to work with Vancouver to create housing, Kahlon added.

The province is reminding people to be prepared for tsunamis.

Tents are seen on the sidewalk in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Monday, April 3, 2023. The City of Vancouver asked police to help bring a tent encampment in the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood to a close. Police spent last week removing the encampment. The move has drawn criticism from civil libertarians and parts of the provincial opposition. (Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)

Crime Stoppers will pay cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of persons involved in criminal activities in the Comox Valley.

LETUSHELP

Eventhemoststraightforwardestatescanpresentunique challengesandcomplications,beitactingasanexecutor,or challenginganunfairwill.

Letourexperiencedestatelawyershelpyou.

In Memory of FISCHER, FRANK & JOEY

Honour

We would like to announce that Frank and Joey are returning to the Comox Valley. The interment of ashes in the Courtenay Civic Cemetery will take place on May 10 at 3pm. A remembrance social will be held afterwards at the 888 Wing. Please respond to: tc2fish@gmail.com so that arrangements can be made.

In loving memory of Robert Shaun McManus

February 17, 1960 – March 31, 2023

Rob passed away in Victoria from a series of health issues. He was predeceased by his father (Robert).

He leaves behind his mother Jacqueline, and sister Kelly, as well as his beloved niece Taylor, and beloved nephews Grayson and Reid. Also mourning his loss is his Ontario family (Greg, Pam, Bonnie, and Linda). Rob also left behind many close friends, in Victoria, Courtenay, and Duncan who cared for him deeply and supported him. He was a very social person who attended Village Park Elementary, Robb Jr. Secondary, andVanier.

Rob enjoyed many road trips with friends including Bob, Gerry, and Tim among others. He worked for Overwaitea Foods, built houses with his father, spent time as a pilot teaching flying in Nanaimo.

More recently, he worked for the BC Government and Hewlett Packard as a Systems Analyst. He enjoyed nearly everyone he met and often asked about his friends back in Courtenay. Rob liked the outdoors and spent time in the past snowmobiling, with a core group of friends at the cabin, skiing on Forbidden Plateau, and was one of the first snowboarders on Mt. Washington. He enjoyed windsurfing at Nitnat Lake and many day hikes. He loved to travel but his travel was cut short by health concerns. While in Victoria, he

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enjoyed attending Burning Man, Santacon and other events. He spent his last years in an apartment overlooking the cruise ships in the Victoria Harbor listening to his favorite tunes. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Rob was a sensitive soul who cared deeply. Please take time to reach out to those living alone.

A celebration of Rob’s life will be held in the summer.

In loving memory of Pierre Emile Joseph Genereux

It is with great sadness to say that Pierre Emile Joseph Genereux (Juice, PJ, Pete) who was born April 3rd, 1958, in St. Paul, Alberta, has passed away from his battle with cancer on March 31st, 2023, with his wife Deborah (Debi) Lynn Genereux by his side.

Pierre had previously lost his parents Robert and Aline Genereux, as well as his only daughter Crystal Ann Genereux. He will be greatly missed by the love of his life, Debi, son Shawn Michael Pierre Genereux, daughter-in-law Shannon Genereux, and grandchildren Brianna Lynn Genereux (Jacob Hutchins) and Tyler Joseph Genereux. Pierre’s 4 brothers, 6 sisters, many nieces, nephews, and cousins all cherish his memory and are saddened by his passing.

He was very proud of his 30 years of Military Service as a Sergeant, Combat Engineer, and Master Carpenter.

He loved to ride his motorcycle, play baseball, shoot pool, throw darts, go fishing, camping, and play any game with a deck of cards. He would help anyone in need without hesitation.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at 1:00 p.m. on April 30th at the Comox Legion, 1825 Comox Avenue, Comox, B.C. Opentoanyonewhowouldlikeafinalchancetosaygoodbye to an amazing man and see the family. Thank you all for the support and love that my whole family received during this sad time. At this time, we ask for no flower donations but donations can be made to the following charities in his honour: Canadian Cancer Society/ BC Cancer Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or directly to the family at shawngenereux@gmail.com

Thank you from the Genereux Family.

KarinaA.Carson

SteveAllardice

Place an announcement in the classifieds.

We little knew that morning God was to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone. For part of us went with you The day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.

Inlovingmemoryof Henry“Hawk”LouisLacourse

December2, 1940 March24,2023

Inlovingmemoryof HertaObexer(neeDrews)

October9,1937–March23,2023

OurdearestMotherpassedawaypeacefullyin herownhomeattheageof85,surroundedby herlovedones.

ShewaspredeceasedbyherhusbandFranz (2022),brotherWilliDrews,andparentsGustav DrewsandElsaDrews(neeMettner).She issurvivedbyherchildrenIreneBrabazon, MargaretDouglas(Fred),andPeterObexer. ShewillbemissedbyhergrandsonMikal (Jennifer),great-granddaughtersAlexandra andJosephine,andTheo. Momwasborninawar-torntimeinPoland in1937.Mom,herbrother,andmotherfled toWaldgraben,Germany,onfootwearingall theycouldcarrywhiletheirfatherfoughtin thewar.Theywerereunitedseveralyearslater andimmigratedtoCalgary,AB,in1953, wheretheirsafepassagewasprovidedbythe CanadianGovernmentthroughworkonsugar beetfarms.WhileinCalgary,shealsoworked inacoffeeshopandthenatCanadaPackers, whereshemetherhusbandFranz.Theywere marriedin1956.

peopleinthehospital,talkingwithpeoplewho neededcomfortandhelpingothersthrough difficulttimes.Thevisits,cardsandkindwords fromtheOceansideCongregationgaveher strengthandhelpedherfindpeace.

Henry Louis Lacoursepassedawaypeacefully athishomeinCumberland,BConMarch

24,2023.HewasbornonDecember2, 1940 inMedicineHat,AlbertatoMargaret “Irene” (Braconnier)andPeter Lacourse.

Heissurvivedbyhis childrenPeter,Sheila (Rick),Corinna, Terri-Jean(Dave),HenryJr.and Michael; SiblingsMargaret, Tom,Jeannette (John),Mary-Louand Teresa(Bob);17 grandchildren;17great-grandchildrenand manynieces,nephews, cousinsandfriends.

HeispredeceasedbyhiswifeBillie,brothers Gilbert,Arnold,HarryandJosephand granddaughterSheena.

Henry livedmostofhis lifeon VancouverIsland; manyyearsspentinCumberlandandPort

McNeill

Mostofhisworkingyearswerespentinthe loggingindustry,muchofwhichwasspent fallingandthenbuckinginthedry-landsort;

Hewasbroughtdownto Nimpkishforhisfinal daywithCANFORtoworkalongsidehis long timefallingpartnerDan Logan.

Henry’spassionsincludedhunting,fishing, crabbing, canningandwoodworkingbutmost ofall spendingtimewithhisfamilyandfriends andhealways lovedaparty!

Henrywasknownbyhisfamilytobeagreat brother,a lovingfather,butmostofall asafun, generousand lovingPapa.

Ashismotheralwayssaid “Iknowourlossisheaven’sgain”.

Hewillbegreatlymissedandlovedalways.

ACelebrationof LifetohonourHenrywill beon SaturdayApril15,2023at 1:00pmattheRoyal Canadian LegioninCumberland

In loving memory of Simms, Marilyn Mae

1938 - 2023

Marilyn’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 29th, 1:00pm in the Courtenay Room of the Westerly Hotel, 1590 Cliffe Avenue. www.korucremation.com/ obituaries/marilyn-simms/

In Loving Memory

In1957,HertaandFranzmovedtoBlackCreek wheretheyestablishedtheirwell-respected familyfarm.After60yearsofhardworkfarming, Momenjoyedgardeningandherbeautiful flowers.Hergreat-grandchildrendevouredher raspberriesbythebucket.Sheenjoyedtrips toGermany,Austria,andItalywithherfamily, andtripstoHawaiiandMexicowithher friends.Shefoundwalkingalongthebeach verypeaceful.Shewelcomedherfamilyand friendsintoherhomefordeliciouscrepeswith homemadejamanddelightfullystrongcoffee.

HertamademanyfriendsattheOceanside CongregationofJehovah’sWitnesseswhere shewascalledtohelpothersthroughher faith.Hertawasawonderfullistenerandvery empathetic,spendingcountlesshoursvisiting

Thefamilywouldliketogivetheirmost heartfeltthankstoDionHamiltonandJanet Marriottfortheirfriendshipandforalways beingthereforMom.Momwasfiercely loyaltothosewholovedher,andshewillbe greatlymissed.

TherewillbeaFuneralonMay6,at2p.m. attheKingdomHallofJehovah’sWitnesses, 1935EvergreenRoadinCampbellRiver,B.C.

CEMETERYSPRINGCLEANUP VILLAGEOFCUMBERLAND

InearlyApril,pleaseattendtoyourlovedone’sgraveattheCumberlandcemeteriesand refreshyourpersonalitems,mementosorartificialflowersonyourlovedone’sgrave. Pleasedonotplaceglassvasesorotheritems.Theyareasafetyhazardandwillbe removed.

BeginninginlateApril,theVillagewillspendsometimeatthecemeterytidyingupby removingbrokenandweatheredplasticflowers,vases,andplant pots.ItemswillbeleftbytheconcretebinsuntiltheendofMay thendiscarded.

VillageofCumberland

250-336-2291

www.cumberland.ca

cumberland.ca

GaryGeorge

Inlovingmemoryof

LeonardJohnErler,94,ofComox,BC,passed away,TuesdayApril5,2023atNorthIsland HospitalComoxValleyBCsurroundedbyhis family.

ACelebrationofLifeservicewillbeheldat2:30 PM,Friday,April14thatthePiercy’sFuneral Home,440EnglandAve,CourtenayBCV9N2N1. AreceptionwillprecedeamemorialofLen’slife atPiercy’stosharememoriesofLen’sLife.

LenwasbornMarch22,1929InOttawa,Ontario toAlvinandIsobel(Beattie)Erler.Hewas educatedinOttawaandworkedasclerkbefore decidingtojointheRoyalCanadianAirForcein 1946.OnSeptember24,1949,hemarriedhis solemateDianaMacDonaldSmithwhopassed onNovember25,2004.Lenwasemployedfor 32yearsbythemilitarywithsortiesOverseas initially,livinginOttawaandTrentonOntario, PortageLaPrairie,ManitobaandfinallyComox, BCbeforeretiringin1978.Lenwaspredeceased byhissisterLoisVenturaandBrotherBruce, followedbyhiseldestsonDouglas(November 2020).

Lenissurvivedbytwosons,Bruce(Adele) Kingston,ON,MichaelofComox,BCand daughterDebraLohmaire(James)Chilliwack, BC;8grandchildren;11greatgrandchildren; alongwithseveralniecesandnephewsand theirfamilies.

Lenwillbedearlymissedbyhisfamilyand manyfriendsthathehasmadeoverhis94years withus.Wewelcomeallwhowishtocelebrate Len’slifeandsharememoriesoftheirtimewith ourdad.

Whenafamilymemberdies,one telephonecalltousanytimeofday ornightisallthat’snecessary.We’ll thenseetoanyimmediate requirementsandarrangefora timetomeetanddiscussyour wishes.Fromthatpoint,welook afterallofthedetailssuchastime, placeandlocationforaceremony, arrangeforafacilitator, constructingandplacingnewspaper notice,planningareceptionto followandprovidingyouwiththe necessarydocumentationtohelp youdealwithestatematters.

1949-2023

Withprofoundsadness,thefamilyofCarol MadelaineHeard(Lirondelle)announcesthat aftermanycourageouslywonbattles,she passedsuddenlyfromthisworldtothenexton Sunday,March26,2023,attheageof74years.

CarolwasbornFebruary11,1949,inEdmonton, AB,andwaslovinglyraisedintheLegal,Rivière QuiBarre,Morinville,ABarea.Sheexcelledas alifeinsuranceagentandfinancialconsultant inEdmontonandSherwoodPark,AB,andmade themostofherretirementyearsinCourtenay, BC.Shecontinuedloving,laughing,andof course,talkinguntiltheveryend.

Carolwasdeeplylovedandwillbegreatly missedbyherdaughterKelly(James)Barnie, grandchildrenClaireBarnieandSamBarnie, stepdaughtersSusanAlleboneandChristine Allebone,numerousbrother-and-sister-like cousins,andmanylifelongfriends.

ShewaspredeceasedbyherpartnerRichard Alleboneandherparents,ElieLirondelleand LouiseLirondelle(Perrault).

Carol,Ma,Grammywillliveintheheartsand memoriesofherfamilyandfriendsforever.

ACelebrationofLife,prayerserviceand intermentwillbeheldatSt.CharlesCatholic ChurchandCemeteryinMearns,AB,on Saturday,April22,2023,at3:00pm.Lemon meringuepieandrefreshmentstofollowatSt. CharlesChurchHall.

MemorialdonationsinCarol’snamecanbe madetoTheKidneyFoundationofCanada-BC andYukonortoY.A.N.A.(YouAreNotAlone).

Theseandmanymoredetailsareall lookedafter,aspartofthe comprehensiveserviceweprovide sothefamilydoesn’thaveto concernthemselveswithdetails. Whenthetimecomes,one telephonecalltousisallthat’s necessary.

RosemarieRoduck Owner/FuneralDirector

Broodstock Manager

Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. Gold River, BC

Grieg Seafood BC Ltd., a dynamic and growing company in the Aquaculture industry, is seeking an experienced BroodstockManagerforourBroodPrograminGoldRiver. We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package. If you or someone you know is looking for an opportunity to build on their career in Aquaculture, please visit our website at https://griegseafood.com/ bc-careers for more information and to apply.

Thank you for your interest in Grieg Seafood!

HUGEPLANTSALE

Saturday,April15,9:00-3:00.1564

AndertonRoadinComox.Lindaof LavendersBlueLandscapingwill besellingtrees,shrubs,vinesand perennialsatfantasticprices.Come visitherproperty/gardens.Linda willbeansweringanylandscaping orplantquestionsyoumayhave duringthesale.Ifsomeonetells youthatyouhaveenoughplants andthatyoudon’tneedanymore, stoptalkingtothem.Youdon’tneed thatkindofnegativityinyourlife!

CourtenayFire ProtectionDistrict

ANNUAL GENERALMEETING

Wednesday,April19th,2023 7:00p.m.

CourtenayFireHall-650 CumberlandRoad,CourtenayB.C.

PropertyownersinCourtenay FireProtectionDistrict areinvitedtoattend.

Journeyman Certified Refrigeration & HVAC Technician

wanted for Awl Tec, Campbell River

Starting wage is $60 per hour.

Extended medical and dental benefits.

Work vehicle provided.

To apply, please e-mail resume to: awltec@telus.net

Galactic featuring Anjelika Jelly Joseph, to make its Vancouver Island MusicFest debut

New Orleans funk band to bring high-energy act to the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds

For nearly three decades, Galactic has been bringing the ‘funk’ to the world and this July they will be bringing it to the Comox Valley. New Orleans’ Galactic performs a vibrant combination of funk, jazz and R&B traditions with their own brand of jam-based grooves.

After 10 albums, over 2,000 gigs, and tens of

millions of streams, the proud New Orleans quintet – Ben Ellman (saxophone, harmonica), Robert Mercurio (bass), Stanton Moore (drums, percussion), Jeffrey Raines (guitar), and Richard Vogal (keyboards) – has kept the torch burning through five U.S. presidential regimes, the turn-of-the-century, Hurricane Katrina, a global pandemic, and a much-anticipated recovery.

They’re the rare collective who can support Juvenile on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, contribute music to a blockbuster soundtrack such as Now You See Me, and light up the stages of Coachella, Bonnaroo, and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (a staggering 22 times).

For weekend passes, camping, volunteer information and more go to: islandmusicfest.com

Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst team up for concert

the theatre production of War of the Worlds.

The April 13 Thursday night jazz concert at The Little Red Church in Comox marks a very special and exciting occasion, as Jennifer Scott (vocals and keyboard) and Rene Worst (bass) return to the Georgia Straight Jazz Society stage after almost six years.

There was a time when we used to finish our regular season each May with a wonderful performance by this fabulous duo, but due to the pandemic and personal reasons, it’s been almost six years since Jen and Rene charmed us with their unique brand of music.

As well, they are rhythmically supported by locally well-known James McRae, percussionist.

Considered the finest jazz vocal improviser in Canada by her peers, her fans and by the musicians who work with her, Scott is an important jazz voice. She has sung with such

jazz greats as Gene Bertoncini, Clark Terry, Tommy Banks, Paul Horn and Kenny Wheeler, among many others. She has been nominated for Juno and Jessie Awards with ‘Mythos’ and

Scott performed to sold-out crowds from San Diego to Vancouver to Whitehorse on the West Coast of Canada and has begun a major foray onto the world stage including performances in Amsterdam, Milan, and Rome. She was also featured with Jon Batiste at Stanford University performing at the Miles Davis tribute concert for their concert series in tandem with The Jazz Museum in Harlem.

She has just completed a tour of the western States and Canada and was named “Pick of the Week” by the L.A. Times.

Scott is an in-demand performer, clinician, and teacher of workshops throughout the USA and Canada.

Worst is one of Canada’s finest

jazz bassists. Having worked with a diverse group of musicians such as Gene Bertoncini, many jazz legends, Chet Baker, David Bowie, Freddie Hubbard and Aerosmith, Rene Worst is a virtuoso on both electric and acoustic basses.

As a producer and session artist, he has worked with Juno award-nominated Skywalk (a band he co-founded), and Mythos.

Doors open at the Little Red Church (2182 Comox Ave., Comox) at 7 p.m. Showtime is 7:30.

Admission is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Memberships ($20) will be for sale at the door. Visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com to see our calendar of upcoming concerts.

Malcolm Holt is the president of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society.

Malcolm Holt Special to the Record

Galactic, a funk band from New Orleans, will be playing at Vancouver Island MusicFest this summer.

Photo by Josh Brasted Photography.

Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst return to the Georgia Straight Jazz Society stage for a show April 13.

Photo by Bill Jorgensen.

‘Inside Art’ featured at Pearl Ellis Gallery

The Pearl Ellis Art Gallery presents the Inside Art Group Annual Spring Art Show and Sale from April 11-May 6.

This group of enthusiastic artists meets on Mondays at the Lions’ Den in Comox. They are a non-competitive group providing friendly support to each other while producing images in a refreshing and creative atmosphere.

Members work in a variety of mediums including oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, scratchboards, alcohol inks and mixed mediums. Members gain inspiration from each other and a variety of subject matter: landscapes, floral, portraits, wildlife,

seascapes, modern and inspirational subjects.

Artists experiment with their own

styles at their own pace. If you have ever thought that you would like to take up painting as a hobby, drop by

on a Monday and see the artists at work. They are always looking for new artists.

Original art cards from over 40 local artists are also available to purchase.

An opening reception will be held Saturday, April 15, 1-3 p.m. with artists in attendance. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

The Pearl Ellis Art Gallery is located at 1729 Comox Ave. in Comox.

The Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m.

For more information about the gallery, and to see a virtual display of the exhibition, visit www.pearlellisgallery.com

Comox Valley to host BC Choral Federation Chorfest event

The BC Choral Federation Chorfest 2023 returns as an in-person event this year, and one of the Chorfest locations is the Comox Valley.

The theme for this year’s multi-destination choral festival is Sing Together, and the Comox Valley event, to be held May 2627, will be led by Scott Leithead - the founder and artistic director of the award-winning Kokopelli Choir Association in Edmonton.

Leithead is a prized choral clinician who has adjudicated both national and international choral competitions. He has a passion for South African music and has been invited to direct choirs in Africa on numerous occasions.

Leithead will be accompanied by a visiting artist from South Africa, Travis Fitch, who will introduce attendees to the beautiful music from his homeland.

Other locations for Chorfest

2023 are Gibsons – with clinician/conductor Rollo Dilworth, and Kelowna – with clinician/ conductor Hussein Janmohamed.

“Sing Together” starts Friday, May 26 with a session from 7 - 9 p.m. and a social to follow. Saturday, May 27 offers a full day of vocal training and rehearsal culminating in a performance of the music at 7 p.m. The Vancouver Island Chamber Choir (director,

Brian Tate ) and A Capella Plus (director, Patricia Plumley) will also be featured at the concert.

An early bird rate for registration prior to May 1 is $125. Regular registration, starting May 2, is $145.

For more information, visit bcchoralfed.com/courtenaychorfest/ or to register visit cdn.jotfor. ms/223627014367252.

Or contact Sheila Donvaster at sheilald@shaw.ca

Doris Badcock - The Old Homestead - is one of the pieces at the next Pearl Ellis Gallery show, opening April 11. Photo suplied

Scott Leithead will be leading the Comox Valley’s BC Choral Federation Chorfest 2023 festival, May 26-27.

Photo supplied

When Iris Eyes are Smiling, by Gail Clements, is one of the pieces at the next Pearl Ellis Gallery show, opening April 11. Photo suplied

It’s easy to miss the human stories behind the toxic drug crisis.

The Comox Valley Art Gallery, NIC, the Comox Valley Community Foundation and other community partners are hoping people across the North Island will walk with them to see the people behind the crisis in a new way.

The arts-based research project, Walk With Me, takes people through downtown streets and parks of Island communities. Participants wear portable headsets to hear the stories people have faced because of a poisoned drug supply—struggles that are often invisible to many who walk along the streets every day.

The project started in 2019 through the Comox Valley Art Gallery, with public walks taking place in the Comox Valley and Campbell River through 2022. NIC started its partnership with Walk With Me with the support of the Comox Valley Community Foundation in 2021. The walks are open to the public, though the project has also organized specific ones for Island Health and NIC.

After the walk, people are encouraged to gather in a circle to reflect and share their own stories in a safe space. They leave one seat open to represent those lost to the drug crisis.

“It’s all about the circle,”said Sharon Karsten, the Comox Valley Art Gallery’s project facilitator and Walk With Me initiator. “We’ve been finding our circles have been getting bigger.”

“Creative practice … art practice is at the

After the walk, people are encouraged to gather in a circle to reflect and share their own stories in a safe space. They leave one seat open to represent those lost to the drug crisis. Photo submitted

core of our work,” Karsten said.

In 2022, NIC’s Centre for Research, Technology and Innovation (CARTI) received a grant through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund of $360,000 for Walk With Me. The grant for the next phase of the project was one of 76 announced by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry in October 2022.

“Phase Two builds on a strong collaborative history and practice established by the Walk With Me team,” said Kathleen Haggith, who co-leads the research, and serves as Dean of NIC’s Faculty of Health and Human Services.

“We do this work in solidarity with those facing the crisis first-hand, and in memory of those we have lost.”

The research phase will put a human face on the increasing statistics for drug-related deaths, in the hope of informing a community and government response to the crisis.

At the project’s core are the voices and leadership of people with lived experience from the crisis.

Other project goals include piloting artistic and inquiry-based interventions to mobilize change and generate engagement and increase awareness of the crisis through exhibition, education, community-building, systemic change and policy development.

Ultimately, Walk With Me will share lessons learned from the project and community engagement practices with small cities throughout the province.

Union Bay Post Office stamping its way into history

This story is part of the Comox Valley Record’s spring edition of Trio Magazine, published quarterly and available throughout the Comox Valley. The spring edition is available at the Record office (407D Fifth St.) and businesses throughout the Comox Valley.

• • •

The post office in Union Bay is the only wooden post office in Canada that is still in service.

Operating before the First World War, the Union Bay post office was built in 1913 and is a designated heritage site.

Janette Glover-Geidt, the former chair of the Union Bay Historical Society, said the post office has been a significant part of Vancouver Island’s history.

In July of 1868, the only post office on the north Island was a colonial post office in Comox. It wouldn’t be until after 1871, when British Columbia joined confederation, that another post office would open in the area.

George Howe owned a lot of property in Union Bay and Glover-Geidt said he established the first store and was the first postmaster in Union Bay.

“He had that in his little store on the beach at the bottom of McLeod Road,” she explained. “He had mail service there and it was brought by boat and kind of just unloaded onto a pile.” Glover-Geidt said people would be waiting to get some mail and Howe would read out the postcards to everyone there.

In 1905, a proper post office was purchased at the bottom of McLeod Road on the North Side in Fraser and Bishop Store. Glover-Giedt noted at this time Jack Fraser was the postmaster, and the mail came three times a week on boats.

In 1913, the present post office was built and

opened. In August 1914, when the U.S. declared war on Germany, the mail was brought in by the Esquimalt & Nanaimo (E&N) railroad.

“The train came south and took the mail at 11 o’clock in the morning and then north at 5 pm,” said Glover-Geidt. “And it was sorted in the mail car, they had a mail car on the train.”

Fred Brown was the first postmaster of the

Union Bay post office in 1913, overseeing the postal activities while also living above the office with his family.

“He arrived with his 10 kids and they lived upstairs on the top two floors. They had actually planned to build a custom house next door. It was going to be the same style as the post office.”

But Glover-Geidt said because of the First World War, the house was never built, instead becoming part of the post office. It was at this post office that people would gather daily to get the news firsthand about the war.

“Mr. Brown was a trained telegrapher, “ she noted. A small room in the back of the post office was turned into a telegraph room, which now operates as the Vancouver Island Public Library.

Brown died in 1935 and his daughter Edith Hicks took over as postmaster until the 1950s.

Today, Glover-Geidt said little has changed at the post office. The lobby where people come in still has the original 178 mailboxes where people’s mail would be delivered.

“They’re beveled glass doors and you open them with a key. They’re exactly the same as they were originally, and box numbers and keys were passed down through generations. So some of the great-great-grandchildren are probably opening the same boxes their grandparents did.”

In the 1980s, the post office became run down, and at this time the building was owned by Public Works Canada, who wanted to sell it. The plan Public Works Canada had was to put the postal service into a store somewhere.

In 1990, the Union Bay Historical Society was formed, with the goal of saving the building.

“We really weren’t interested in the mail service,” said Glover-Giedt.

She said they spent many years negotiating with Canada Post and Public Works Canada on the building, and in 1995 they started repairing the building to its former glory. During all of the construction, the postal service continued operating uninterrupted in the building.

Today many of the original features and architecture of the building remain. In October 2004, Glover-Giedt said the Union Bay Post Office was designated a heritage site, the first in the Comox Valley Regional District.

Jasper Myers Special to the Record

The post office in Union Bay is the only wooden post office in Canada that is still in service. Photo by Ali Roddam

&

LOCAL HEROAWARDS

ANIMALAMBASSADOR Thisindividualhasdirectlyimpactedthe well-beingofanimals.Theyhaverescued,protectedorenhancedthequalityof lifeofanimals.Throughtheirleadershiptheyhavecreatedpositivechangeto protectanimalsand/ordisplayedoutstandingbehaviourinhonourofanimals.

ARTSAMBASSADOR Thisindividual(s)isvitaltothediversityof ourcommunityandencouragesparticipation,andsocialwell-being.They encouragepartnershipsandinitiativestosupportthearts,heritageandcultural landscapeoftheValley.

COACH(ES) Thisindividual(s)makesapositivecontributiontoour sportscommunity.Theyareexemplaryindevelopingskillsandconfidencein participants,inspiresyouth,andencouragesahighlevelofathleticachievement andcommitment.

“Whereourselectionisoutofthisworld”

COMMUNITYBUILDER Thisindividualorgrouphastakenthe initiativetoengageresidentsinaninnovativeornewcommunityprojector event.Theinitiativemightencouragedifferentgroupstocollaborate,address agapincommunityparticipation,orresultinamoreinclusive, engaged communityinitiative/event.

VICTOR ANASIMIV

DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONADVOCATE Thisindividualhasmade asignificantcontributiontothecommunitytoincreaseawarenessandadvocate foracommunityculturewheretheinherentworthanddignityofall peopleare recognizedandcelebrated.

COMMUNITYVOLUNTEER Thisindividual(s)makesapositive contributiontothecommunitybyvolunteeringtheirtime.Thispersonis significantlyrelieduponbyothers.

COURAGE & BRAVERY Thisindividual(s)hasexhibitedgreatbravery whilefacingathreattotheirownsafetyincomingtotheaidofanother.While conqueringfear,thisindividualtriumphedforthebenefitofanother.

EDUCATOR Thisindividual(s)demonstratesahighlevelofethicsand professionalstandards,isaninspirationalmotivator,excellentcommunicator, goodlistenerandareliableresourcetothecommunityandhis/her students.

EMERGENCYSERVICES Thisindividual(s)makesapositive contributionbygoingtheextramile.Theyareexemplaryinthearea of emergencyservicesandunselfishlyshoulderenormousresponsibilitywhile acceptingthepotentialrisksandchallengesofthejob.

ENVIRONMENTALHERO Thisindividual(s)makesapositive contributiontothecommunitybychampioningenvironmentallyfriendly initiatives.Theyinspireotherstobegreenbybeingaleadingoradvocatingin ecologicallysoundpractices.

HEROOFTHEYEAR Thisindividualrises abovetherestbydemonstrating unwaveringleadership, compassionandcommunity spiritinall thatheorshedoes. Heorshemakesa genuine andsignificantcontribution tothe Valley andis a natural community rolemodel.(COMMUNITYPARTNERSJUDGINGPANELWILLSELECT)

HEALTHCAREADVOCATE Thesefinalistsshowexceptional performanceintheirrespectivefield.Theirpassionanddedicationisevident throughthecareandcompassiontheyprovidetotheirpatients.

MENTALHEALTHADVOCATE Acommunitymindedindividual whoisthevoiceforthosesufferingfromdepression,anxiety,oranyother mentalorpsychologicaldisorder.Throughtheiractionsandactivism,theyhave demonstratedtheircommitmenttohelp,seeksupport,connectindividualswith helpfulresourcesandcreateawarenessinourcommunityonthissensitiveissue.

SENIORS’CHAMPION Thisindividual(s)hasmadeanoutstanding voluntarycontribution toenrich thesocial,culturalorciviclifeofourcommunity. Mustbe65yearsorolder.

YOUTHVOLUNTEER Thisyoungindividual(under18)makesapositive contributiontothecommunitythroughvolunteerefforts,communityengagement, leadingbyexample,andhasdirectlyimpactedthecommunity.

Tri-K Triathlon looking for volunteers

The Tri-K Triathlon is back on Sunday, May 28. Participants from ages 4 to 104 can swim, bike, and run with distances depending on age, skill level, and event choice. Counting on dozens of volunteers is crucial to make sure the event is fun and safe for all participants.

This is a call out for people to volunteer –the sooner the better so we can slot you in and make sure you receive your volunteer appreciation goodies!

All sorts of volunteer positions are available. No experience required. We have leaders organizing the various areas who will give you what you need to know to have a great day of supporting outdoor sports, having community engagement, and receiving the deserved gratitude and admiration from the organizers and all the participants!

Visit www.trik.ca or email info@trik.ca to let us know you’re interested in this great experience!

Thank you Sendial Volunteers!

Courtenay Volunteer Appreciation

Expo coming to Filberg Centre

As a kick-off to National Volunteer Week (April 16-22) Courtenay Recreation is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Expo.

The Expo takes place Sunday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Florence Filberg Centre in the Conference Hall. The free event celebrates volunteerism and features non-profit organization info tables, some food and refreshments as well as music by local musicians.

All current community volunteers are invited. Also, those interested in volunteering are encouraged to come and find out more about how to get involved.

Non-profit organizations will have info tables to give information and highlight how they contribute to the community. This is an opportunity for those interested in volunteering to meet organizations face-to-face.

Enjoy local music with performances by Luke Blu Guthrie and Anela Kahiamoe (11 a.m.), Brodie Dawson and Christy Vanden (noon) and Easy Street (1 p.m.)

For more information visit courtenay.ca/ volunteerexpo or call the Lewis Centre, 250338-5371 or the Florence Filberg Centre, 250338-1000.

One of the Comox Valley’s most recognizable volunteers, Jin Lin, helps out during the 2022 Courtenay Canada Day events at Lewis Park. Photo supplied.

The Office of the Seniors Advocate, with help from volunteers across the province, is in the process of surveying all residents in publicly subsidized long-term care homes in B.C. Volunteers are needed. ADOBE

Volunteers needed to conduct seniors’ long-term care survey

By Record staff

Friendly faces and listening ears are wanted in the Comox Valley to spend time with and record the experiences of seniors living in long-term care.

The Office of the Seniors Advocate, with help from volunteers across the province, is in the process of surveying all residents in publicly subsidized long-term care homes in B.C. In the Comox Valley, that work is already ongoing at Glacier View Lodge, and surveyors will begin the process at Cumberland Lodge on April 12.

Volunteers are needed for both locations.

Dates have not yet been set for Ocean Front Village and Comox Valley Seniors Lodge, but volunteers will be needed for those as well. Surveying has been completed at The Views at St. Joseph’s.

“More volunteers are needed throughout April and May to ensure that each one of these seniors has the opportunity to share their perspective with a friendly face and listening ear,” said Emily Jurek, regional engagement lead with the Ministry of Health.

Jurek said volunteers go into the care homes, sit down with seniors and ask them about their experiences living in care.

“This project is sponsored by the BC Office of the Seniors Advocate,” said Jurek. “When Isobel Mackenzie became B.C.’s first Seniors’ Advocate in 2014, one of her visions was to get the perspective of every resident in longterm care in the province on the quality of care they were receiving. That was done in

2016 and 2017 and now it is being done again, post-pandemic.”

Anyone can apply by calling 778-675-8873, by visiting www.surveybcseniors.org/volunteer or emailing Lindsay Malbon (also with the Ministry of Health) at lmalbon@providencehealth.bc.ca

Interested and approved volunteers will undergo online training, and then will conduct in-person interviews with residents in long-term care. All the questions and materials will be provided, so the volunteers will just sit down with the resident, ask them the questions, and record their responses.

Surveys are being conducted in 298 publicly subsidized long-term care homes across the province. Family and visitors of each resident in care will be invited to complete a related online survey, asking them to share their perceptions of their loved one’s care and their own experience visiting care homes.

“Our project completion deadline is May 31,” said Malbon. “We are looking for one last push of surveyors to help us meet this deadline. The (Comox Valley) care homes that have not yet been given surveying dates – Ocean Front Village and Comox Valley Seniors Lodge – will be open sometime between April and May for surveying.”

According to the Office of the Seniors Advocate, information collected from the resident interviews and family/frequent visitor surveys “will be an important source of information for the Seniors Advocate to identify system-wide issues.”

STOCK IMAGE

With the recent surrender of 17 dogs from a Surrey breeder, the BC SPCA has seen a marked increase in the number of puppies placed in its care this year.

“We have had almost 350 puppies come into care so far, compared to 200 at this time last year,”said Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations.

Most recently, a breeder in Surrey surrendered 17 dogs (11 eight-day-old yellow Labrador retrievers, three 10-week-old border collie-cross puppies and five adult retriever mixes) to the BC SPCA’s care – an example of the ongoing influx of puppies from breeders and other sources, a release said.

Drever says many of the puppies coming into SPCA care are from individuals who turned to breeding to make money during the COVID19 pandemic when the demand for pets was high, but who are now are overwhelmed with the costs of caring for animals as the market for their puppies has diminished.

“In the recent intake of puppies, they tested positive for roundworm and giardia, which we are currently treating,” Drever said.

She noted that the surrender of large numbers of puppies places increased strain on the BC SPCA’s resources.

“Although puppies do tend to get adopted more quickly than adult dogs, puppies and their moms require a huge commitment of time and energy from the BC SPCA’s foster volunteers,” she said.

“Moms and their puppies require roundthe-clock care until the puppies are weaned. The puppies also need to be house-trained and socialized.”

Drever doesn’t see the influx slowing anytime soon.

“There are just too many people who still

think this is a good way to earn quick money and don’t understand the amount of care required and the costs involved,” said Drever.

“That is why we encourage everyone to make sure they are getting their dogs from reputable breeders. Or better still, adopt a dog from the

BC SPCA or a rescue organization with a good reputation.”

The puppies are expected to be available for adoption in approximately six weeks. To find out about adopting, visit the BC SPCA’s website.

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animl talk

12 things to consider before adopting a rabbit

Thinking of adding a rabbit (or two!) to your family? Rabbits are the third most popular furry pet after cats and dogs. But with unique care needs and behaviours, they’re definitely not the same as cats or dogs! Here are 12 things to know before you bring a bunny home.

1. It’s a long-term commitment

What’s the lifespan of a pet rabbit? Depending on the breed, your bunny could live up to 15 years. Commitment, patience and an appreciation for rabbit behaviour are important in becoming life-long friends with your new companion.

2. Part of your family

Your rabbit should be kept indoors in an area of your home where people hang out — ideally in a large, enriched enclosure or with free run of an entire room. Your rabbit’s habitat must be big enough to fit food and water bowls, at least one litter box and at least one hideout, while still allowing him to take several hops in a row. The more space, the better!

3. Pet rabbits behave a lot like wild rabbits

Two things are very important to both wild and pet rabbits: security and companionship.

Security. Rabbits are a prey species. In the wild, they either freeze on the spot or run for cover when they’re frightened. As pets, they do the same. To feel secure, your rabbit needs a shelter she can retreat to, whether she’s in her enclosure or out free in a room.

Companionship. In the wild, rabbits live in large groups. They keep watch over each other for predators, eat together and even groom each other. Consider adopting more than one rabbit so they can keep each other company when you’re not home.

4. Rabbits require daily exercise

Your pet will need at least four hours each day outside of a cage. You can let your rabbit hop freely around a room or use dog exercise pens to fence off a safe area for her to play. Be sure to “rabbit-proof”your home by moving household plants out of reach and blocking off access to electrical cords and other unsafe items.

5. Bunnies get bored too

It’s important to keep your rabbit entertained with puzzle feeders and items such as paper bags, phone books and hard plastic baby toys. To wear down his constantly growing teeth, you’ll need to give him things to gnaw on like grass mats and untreated willow or apple tree branches.

6. Rabbits have unique personalities

Some rabbits are shy and will take more time to relax and feel comfortable in your home. But once used to people, rabbits can make fun, affectionate pets.

7. Even rabbits need “hare” salons

Rabbits are great groomers, so they don’t need baths. But they do need brushing — especially long-haired rabbits — to prevent matting. Rabbits also need their nails trimmed every four to six weeks. Be careful, though: cutting nails too short can be painful and cause them to bleed.

8. Rabbits can’t live on carrots

Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. Grass hay should be the staple of your rabbit’s diet. Feed him a variety of grass hays such as Timothy hay, orchard grass and oat hay — as much as he wants. Hay helps with digestion. Avoid alfalfa, though. It’s too rich for most rabbits.

See the BC SPCA Rabbit Food Guide for more details on feeding your rabbit.

9. Rabbits require maid service

Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box so they won’t make a mess in the house. Clean the litter box every day and the entire cage once a week. A large plastic cat litter pan works well, as long as your rabbit can fit completely inside. Make sure

your rabbit has one in her cage and at least one to use during playtime. Keep the litter box topped with fresh Timothy hay to encourage her to use it.

10. Bunnies need doctors too Spending time with your rabbit will show you how he normally looks and behaves. When you notice something unusual — like diarrhea or loss of appetite — take him to the veterinarian right away! Rabbits also need a vaccine to protect them from disease.

11. Rabbits prefer to stay on the ground

Despite a reputation for being cuddly, most rabbits don’t like to be picked up and held. If you try lifting a rabbit off the ground, they’ll often get scared and struggle to get away from you, kicking with their strong back legs. Not only can you be scratched in the process, the rabbit could also be seriously injured in their attempt to escape.

Instead of carrying your rabbit around, try playing with her on the floor, and letting her hop on and off your lap as she likes. If it’s necessary to pick up your rabbit, always use two hands: one under her hind end and the other around her chest. Hold her close to your chest so she feels more secure.

12. Rabbits can multiply!

At the end of just one year, a single unspayed rabbit could be responsible for as many as 450 baby bunnies. To help prevent pet overpopulation, all BC SPCA rabbits are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Yours should be too! Spaying and neutering can make litter box training easier and keep your companion healthier.

Rabbits are the third most popular pet, after cats and dogs. Photo via BC SPCA

ANOTHER GOLDEN TICKET WINNER

Congrats to Stephanie and Glenn who redeemed the fifth Valley Vonka Golden Ticket. They bought their chocolate bar at Quality Foods, Comox. There is still one Golden Ticket to be redeemed. Deadline is Friday, April 15. The chocolate bars can still be purchased at the Comox QF, as well as Canadian Tire.

Prizes include:

• Mt Washington Family Alpine Seasons Pass for 2023/24 winter season, up to a family of 5, (value $3,500)

• The Old House Resort & Spa, Local Restaurant dinner and Family Spa day (Value $1,500)

• The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa (Value $1,000)

• Peninsula Co-Op Gas Card (Value $1,000)

• Canadian Tire Shopping Spree (Value $1,000)

• Quality Foods Comox Gift Card (Value $1,000). All proceeds go to YANA

ThreeAgeCategories:

JudgedbyYANAboardofdirectors,prizeisnon-transferable.TheCHOCOLATEFORAYEARandcannotbeexchangedfor cashorusedwithanyotherpromotionsorpurchases.