Alberni Valley News, February 21, 2024

www.albernivalleynews.com

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21, 2024 Vol. 18 No. 26

«INSIDE: Coldest Night of the Year returns. Page A25

Alberni Valleyy

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NEWS ‘There is no better place to live, to raise my son and to heal cancer.’

Page A7

With a tea in hand from the iconic Donut Shop, Kama Money stands on the breezy boardwalk at Harbour Quay and looks out over Alberni Harbour—one of her favourite views. (Jan. 9, 2024) (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

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A first in Canada: Coulson Aviation academy SUSIE QUINN Alberni Valley News

Coulson Aviation has achieved a first for the Canadian aviation field. The Port Alberni-based company has been certified as an approved training organization (ATO) with Transport Canada, and recently graduated its first class of aircraft structures technicians.

Coulson is the only ATO that is not a school. There are only 20 other ATO-certified facilities across Canada, and only one other in B.C., in Abbotsford.

Pursuing Transport Canada certification was a natural progression for Coulson Group, said president and chief operating officer Britt Coulson. “We continue to expand around the world. We’re the largest North American partner in Australia, we’re the largest North American partContinued on A4

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Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A3

Tax increase to remain in double digits: council ELENA RARDON Alberni Valley News

Port Alberni city council will spend the next few months shaving down the 2024-2028 five-year financial plan, but city staff warn that the tax increase for this year is likely to remain in the double digits due to cost escalation beyond their control.

Council gave first reading to the proposed budget during a regular council meeting on Monday, Feb. 12. The financial plan proposes a 16.86 percent tax increase for the year of 2024.

However, financial manager Andrew McGifford told councillors on Feb. 12 that the budget has already been trimmed down considerably.

Work on the budget began in early fall 2023, and the first draft of the budget proposed a 25-26 percent tax increase.

“We knew that was something that wouldn’t be supported by council, so we had to look at what we had to do to bring the budget down to the service levels we currently provide, with a few additional items,” McGifford said.

The city will be spending more than a quarter of a million dollars just on equipment replacement. McGifford said that cost escalation this year means some of this equipment replacement is being funded through taxation instead of the Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund (ERRF).

With fixed costs, we have no choice.

– Cindy Solda “When we bring forward an ERRF replacement, it is because it is needed,” he said. “It’s breaking down, it’s worn out, so we need to replace.

Everything we can push, we push forward. Everything we’ve done there is to get that dollar value as low as we could.”

Another pricey line item shows the city spending $600,000 on “facility upgrades.” Port Alberni Mayor

Sharie Minions asked for this to be broken down so councillors can see exactly what upgrades they are approving.

City staff have also proposed funding the final $1,253,411 of the Connect the Quays pathway in 2024, but this will come out of the Growing Communities Fund and will not impact taxation. The province provided the city with $5.2 million under this fund last year to be used for infrastructure costs.

Councillor Cindy Solda warned that no matter how much spending they cut from capital projects, the tax increase this year will likely remain in the double digits because fixed costs alone make up an almost 13

percent increase. Fixed costs include things like insurance, contracts and staff salaries.

“With fixed costs, we have no choice,” said Solda.

The draft budget is available to view online at www.portalberni.ca/budget.

Council must adopt the budget by May 14.

Councillor Charles Mealey invited members of the public to attend upcoming committee of the whole meetings on Tuesday, Feb. 20 and Monday, March 4 to provide their input and feedback. Committee of the whole meetings take place at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

“You can come in person and have a discussion,” said Mealey.

ACRD opens Log Train Trail to motorized vehicles ELENA RARDON Alberni Valley News

Part of the Log Train Trail in the Alberni Valley will soon be open to motorized vehicles, but the City of Port Alberni wants to make sure their portion of the trail is for bikers and hikers only.

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) board voted last month to adopt a new management plan for the Log Train Trail, which will allow the use of motorized vehicles (including ATVs and dirt bikes) on the regional district-managed portion of the trail.

The full trail stretches 25 kilometres along the foot of the Beaufort Range. It was originally part of railroad logging operations until logging trucks became the preferred method of transport and the railway was abandoned. Since then, it has been developed into a multipurpose trail and regional park, mostly through the work of community volunteers.

The ACRD-managed portion of the trail is about 18 kilometres long, stretching from the three-kilometre marker in Cherry Creek to Woolsey Road in the Beaufort area (21-kilometre marker). The city-owned portion of the trail starts at the top

We have a significant amount of ATV traffic on the Log Train Trail.

– Jenny Brunn

A wooden bridge crosses a creek on the Log Train Trail between Burde Street and the arm connecting to the trail from behind West Coast General Hospital. (SUSIE QUINN/ Alberni Valley News) of Burde Street and ends at Maebelle Road. The rest of the trail runs through private or crown lands.

The regional district’s general manager of community services Jenny Brunn explained during an ACRD

board meeting in January that the ACRD undertook a “significant” amount of public engagement throughout the process of developing the new trail management plan, including interviews, public surveys,

open houses and workshops. Staff heard a desire from the community to open up the trail and make it multi-modal.

“We have a significant amount of ATV traffic on the Log Train Trail,”

Brunn said, adding that about 50 percent of the current traffic is made up of motorized vehicles, despite the fact that they are currently prohibited. “In the development of the plan, that was one of the biggest topics we ended up discussing.”

Brunn said staff also heard that the public wants a minimal amount of maintenance on the trail. Bridges and signage will fall to the regional district, while volunteers will address the rest of the upkeep on the trail.

But during a regular meeting of Port Alberni council on Monday, Feb. 12, councillors made it clear that the city-owned portion of the trail will not allow motorized vehicles. Council asked staff to review signage and Continued on A34

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A4 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

«FROM THE FRONT

Coulson graduates first-ever class of aircraft structure technicians Continued from A1 ner in South America” as far as aerial firefighting.

Coulson Aviation is a family-run business with headquarters in Port Alberni and operations at the Alberni Valley Regional Airport. The company converts former military or commercial aircraft into “Fireliners,” or aerial tankers used to fight wildfires. Over the last decade more of their operations have moved to the United States, Australia and South America, but the family wants to keep its roots in the Alberni Valley.

“We’ve stayed true to the community here where all our heavy modification and aircraft conversion work happens at our facilities in Port Alberni,” Coulson said.

“We want to stay in the community. How do we make it sustainable and create good paying jobs, provide post-secondary education…that will allow us to continue to not only do the conversions that we are doing now, but increase throughput?

“The firefighting industry is short on assets. The more aircraft we can build, the more we can put to work.”

The solution was to create an aircraft structures course where they could train technicians, provide them with on-the-job training and then hire them in the end.

“Our vision is we would pay students to attend school,” Coulson explained.

This differs from traditional aviation maintenance or structure technicians programs,

The inaugural graduating class from the Coulson Aviation Academy gathers for a photo at the conclusion of their Aircraft Structures Technician course in Port Alberni, B.C. (PHOTO COURTESY COULSON AVIATION)

Britton Coulson, third from right, accepts an Approved Training Organization certificate on behalf of Coulson Group. The Port Albernibased company is the only ATO in Canada that is not a dedicated school.

(PHOTO COURTESY COULSON GROUP) where students pay to go to class and are then released to find entry-level jobs that sometimes aren’t even related to the field for which they studied.

Students enrolled in Coulson’s program are paid to at-

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tend class, then they work for the company outside of school hours. Coulson guarantees graduates a full-time position once schooling is complete, with a path through apprenticeship to a full licence.

We want to stay in the community.

How do we make it sustainable and provide good paying jobs, post-secondary education...that will allow us to continue...?

– Britt Coulson Coulson started developing a certification program with Transport Canada and created a 10-month program that follows a federal curriculum.

The first class graduated in January 2024, and shortly after

an audit Coulson received its certification. Eight students started the program and six finished; all of the graduates are working with Coulson, training manager David Nilson said.

The unique part of the Coulson Aviation Academy program is the hands-on experience, said Nilson, who taught for five years in a college environment.

He said Coulson differs in that they introduce students to the culture of aviation right away: students are exposed to high-tech equipment and experienced mentors.

When the inaugural class started the company had a Boeing 737 in its hangar at the Alberni Valley airport, and students could see first hand the work they would be doing upon graduating.

“This company has a culture of getting things done and doing it at a high efficiency rate,” Nilson said.

“By the end of the course some of them are doing some really complex work on the floor.”

“These students are much more advanced because of their experience here,” Coulson added. While there will be travel opportunities for graduates, for now they will be working in Port Alberni.

Another class is already in the works and Coulson has plans to build two new facilities at the airport: a hangar and a manufacturing facility.

There will likely be more classroom space included for the future, he said.

One dead in Hwy 4 crash at Whiskey Creek One person has died following a two-vehicle collision on Highway 4 in Whiskey Creek on Thursday morning (Feb. 15).

Emergency responders attended to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 4 and Carson Road on Feb. 15 at approximately 11:20 a.m.

A passenger from one of the vehicles died on scene, according to a news release by the Oceanside RCMP. The remaining vehicle occupants were transported to hospital with serious injuries.

The investigation into the cause and any possible contributing factors of the collision is being led by Oceanside RCMP with the assistance of the RCMP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (CARS).

At this time, investigators can only confirm the two passenger vehicles involved in the crash were travelling in opposite directions on Highway 4.

The Highway was closed off in both directions for several hours.

The identities of those involved in the crash had not been released prior to publication as next of kin had yet to be notified.

If anyone witnessed this crash or has dash cam video and has not yet spoken with police, they are asked to contact the Oceanside RCMP at (250) 248-6111 quoting file number 2024-1400.

— Black Press Staff

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Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A5

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Remi Tom, centre, and Major Michael Ramsay, second from right, from the Salvation Army accept a donation of pallets of food from volunteers with donors the Port Alberni Toy Run, last month behind Quality Foods. (SUSIE QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

Toy Run donates food to Salvation Army food bank SUSIE QUINN Alberni Valley News

The Salvation Army’s community food bank is a little fuller thanks to a donation from the Port Alberni Toy Run. Toy Run volunteers joined Major Michael Ramsay and Remi Tom from the Salvation Army at the loading dock for Quality Foods on Jan. 26 to load a pallet full of food into a cube van to be transported to the food bank.

“People are hungry all throughout the year,” Ramsay said. “In January there is quite a bit of need and it’s not generally a time we can go to the community and ask for help because we’ve just spent all of December working with so many wonderful people in our community to feed the need noticeable at Christmastime.”

The Port Alberni Toy Run normally makes a big donation to the food bank around Christmastime, but they moved it to late January this year.

“The Salvation Army said they didn’t have enough space for our order and they would prefer that it happen later in the new year for a bunch of different reasons,” Toy Run chairman David

Quality Foods and Salvation Army staff members and Port Alberni Toy Run volunteers load pallets of food into a cube van to go to the food bank. (SUSIE QUINN/ Alberni Valley News) Wiwchar said. “After the big Christmas rush there is a lull in the new year and the need is just as great now.

“Quality Foods gives us a really good deal and we’re able to stretch out our $2,500 even a little further,” he said.

The Salvation Army’s annual December kettle campaign was one of the most successful despite the economic pressures people are feeling this year, Ramsay noted. “This is quite a generous community. We raised $191,000. Our goal was $200,000. It’s the most funds we’ve been able to raise so far, which is absolutely wonderful,” he said.

“It was a record year, which

People are hungry all throughout the year.

– Michael Ramsay just speaks to the generosity in times of need.

“The need has been really significant in this community, as it has been across Canada all this year.”

All the money raised in the kettle campaign stays in the community. This year it was used to provide hundreds of Christmas meals, hampers, gifts for people in need and

toys for children. “We feed people three meals a day, seven days a week down at the Bread of Life. As well we provide meal supports for partner agencies. Most people have seen our food truck going around and taking care of people who really have no fixed address, no place to stay. We are still able to check up on them and provide meals and other necessities of life.”

The Toy Run has made a donation to the Salvation Army for the food bank every year for almost four decades.

The Toy Run donates to many different organizations and youth-focused events throughout the year.

The Toy Run funded First Night activities on New Year’s Eve, and volunteers were also front and centre at the balloon drop at Glenwood Centre that night.

Earlier in February they donated $3,000 to the ADSS music program to repair instruments for those who can’t afford to buy or rent them.

The Toy Run will celebrate its 40th anniversary with its 2024 event, scheduled for Sept. 14–15. Planning is already underway.

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Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A7

«FROM THE FRONT

Healing from stage 4 colon cancer ‘full-time job’ SUSIE QUINN Alberni Valley News

Kama Money was tired. It was the end of June, she was a teacher-on-call for some high-energy high school students and her grandmother was in hospice.

She was “teacher-tired” and didn’t think much of it.

Until July, when she landed in the emergency ward at West Coast General Hospital five times with extreme abdominal pain, bloating and low iron.

It wasn’t until the last time, in tears, that doctors did some blood work and an ultrasound revealed endometriosis and fibroids. Money underwent an emergency hysterectomy which she thought would solve the problem.

Instead, she came out of anesthesia to a shocking diagnosis: Stage 4 colon cancer.

“The doctor came in and said ‘you have cancer, you have very serious cancer, stage 4,’” she said. “The pain I was in… my stomach was stapled up and I had just had a large section of my colon removed and my uterus.”

When the shock wore off, Money got busy. She read everything she could about healing from cancer, changed her lifestyle and diet, and contacted a naturopathic doctor in addition to her oncologist. “I kind of got into science experimental mode…because nobody really knows the cure to this. It’s all just a big crap shoot,” she said.

She spent two months healing and maintaining her weight before she started a combination of chemotherapy and naturopathic treatment. “Because I have stage 4 and I’m listening to my gut, I think a blended approach is the right approach for me,” she said.

While she had tumours removed from her colon and uterus, she still has one on her liver and some smaller spots in her peritoneal lining, or the lining of her abdominal cavity.

Money says she is often asked why she doesn’t go to Mexico for treatment. There are two main reasons, not including the cost.

The first reason is her son: she doesn’t want to be separated from him.

“I wanted to keep my son and

Kama Money, right, is silhouetted in the window of a building on Argyle Street chatting to people waiting to see holistic service providers during a fundraiser in January 2024. (SUSIE QUINN/ Alberni Valley News) I in the Alberni Valley, around close family and friends as much as possible,” she said. “There’s really no other warmer community.”

The second reason is that most of the medical care she would receive in Mexico she can access either in the Alberni Valley or elsewhere on Vancouver Island.

She works with local naturopathic doctors Dr. Jeannie Doig and Dr. Juan Rohon.

Money stresses that any of the naturopathic treatments she is

doing have been vetted through her oncologist. “I’m lucky to have a very modern-minded oncologist,” she added. “It’s very important to cross-reference the natural treatments with the chemotherapy and make sure it’s complementary, not contradictory.”

She is taking chemo as well as acupuncture, acupressure, Reiki, light therapy and some home protocols “that kind of simulate what I could be getting in Mexico.”

She takes high-dose intravenous Vitamin C treatments, mistletoe therapy and supplements.

She turned to a vegan diet and she fasts for three days before and after chemo treatments— again, all with her oncologist’s knowledge.

She hasn’t experienced the same cooperation with people from the BC Cancer Agency, who told her to stop taking all supplements.

“I mean, I have stage IV cancer. You can’t tell me what to do and what not to do. I’m going to do it anyways,” she said.

“Your life is in your hands; I want to make sure that I’ve tried everything I can.”

While she is not quite finished with her chemotherapy sessions, Money has received some encouraging news from her doctors: her tumour has shrunk in half and her blood markers are normal.

Money says she is lucky to have supportive family close by. She and her son AJ, 11, are living with her parents while she undergoes treatment, and they have taken on most of her parental responsibilities. “I’m just

having fun with him..”

Money, who a few years ago worked on a marketing campaign to brand Port Alberni the “community with heart,” feels the warm embrace of her wide circle of family, friends and supporters in the Alberni Valley. “There is no better place to live, to raise my son and to heal cancer.”

A teacher-on-call with School District 70, Money’s contract was not renewed for the second half of the 2023-24 school year.

She has had to apply for medical Employment Insurance (EI).

“This whole cancer journey is about being humbled, starting from scratch and accepting help from people,” she admits.

“I’d rather be the one promoting events for other people, but here I am.” A GoFundMe account (‘Please help Kama heal stage IV colon cancer’, started by colleague Erin Koszegi) and various fundraisers people have supported “has made a big difference in my being able to focus on healing rather than financing.

“This healing cancer thing is a full-time job.”

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Alberni Valley News

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PUBLISHER Rachel Theus EDITOR Susan Quinn GROUP PUBLISHER Teresa Bird

Commitment to accuracy To report corrections and clarifications, contact editor Susan Quinn: 778-421-8061 editor@albernivalleynews.com or drop by our office 4918 Napier St.

«EDITORIAL

Democracy weakening Last year was a rough year for democracy in Canada.

In the 2023 Democracy Index, released by the Economist Intelligence Unit on Feb. 14, Canada’s score fell by 0.19 points to 8.68.

This is the country’s lowest level since the index was started in 2006.

The Economist Intelligence Unit, a division of the Economist Group from the United Kingdom, provides research and analysis of countries around the world. The Democracy Index, released annually, examines the economic process and pluralism, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation and political culture in 167 countries.

Canada’s score, 13th overall, down from 12th a year earlier, is still significantly higher than the global average score of 5.23, and Canada remains a full democracy according to the index. Only 24 countries are listed as full democracies, with another 50 as flawed democracies. The rest are hybrid regimes and authoritarian regimes.

Canada’s decline is cause for concern.

The country has a solid electoral process, a well-functioning government, strong civil liberties and good political participation. However, the political culture is lagging.

According to the report, tensions have been increasing between the Liberal federal government and provinces with Conservative governments. The level of tension is now one of the biggest risks to Canada’s political stability.

In addition, divisions surrounding individual freedoms, including transgender rights and parental rights, have also escalated.

In any democratic country, people will have differences of opinion on many topics, with a variety of strongly held views.

However, a growing level of polarization shows a problem.

Democracy works when people are able and willing to respect or at least tolerate views that are not their own.

Elections in Canada are free and fair, and they are carefully scrutinized. Those who do not like the governments in place at present will have opportunities to participate in deciding future governments.

Toning down the heated rhetoric and respecting the electoral process are ways to help improve the strength of Canada’s democracy.

— Black Press

Alberni Valley

NEWS The Alberni Valley News is published every Wednesday by Black Press Ltd., 4918 Napier St., Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 3H5.

Phone (250) 723-6399 Classifieds 1-866-865-4460 PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada

Copyright and/or property rights subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of The News. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

«A LOOK BACK...

SUSAN QUINN Editor

Taking a peek at Alberni Valley history with the AV Museum

This photo shows the 1912 Alberni District Brass Band. To view more than 24,000 historical Port Alberni photos, visit the Alberni Valley Museum’s online photo archives at portalberni.pastperfectonline.com. (PHOTO PN00310 COURTESY ALBERNI VALLEY MUSEUM)

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

uote of the

Are you hopeful financial pressure on Canadians will be eased in 2024?

YES

NO

NOT SURE

46%

50%

4%

»

WEIGH IN

Vote in our online community poll at www.albernivalleynews.com/polls.

Q

week

“There’s a lot of creativity going on, and I think it’s important that it’s reflected here.”

– Jillian Mayne, chair of Alberni Art Rave, on the upcoming juried art show.

See page A27 for story.

To Comment We welcome your original comments on editorials, columns, on topics in the Alberni Valley News or any subjects important to you. Only letters that include name, address, and day and evening phone numbers and that are verified by the Alberni Valley News can be considered for publication. Letters to the editor and articles submitted to the Alberni Valley News may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms. Word limit is 300 words.

The Alberni Valley News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact: editor@albernivalleynews.com or 250-723-6399. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information. Anonymous complaints are not accepted.

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Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A9

«YOUR VOICE «Share your opinion

INBOX Feedback on news items

editor@albernivalleynews.com

Bulldogs’ anthem singer has it wrong To the Editor, The visual presentation is professional.

The vocal offering is almost operatic. But one phrase, in the singer’s rendition of the anthem, is incorrect.

I am talking about the singing of our Canadian national anthem prior to Alberni Valley Bulldogs B.C. Hockey League games at the AV Multiplex.

The gentleman does not sing the gender neutral phrase “in all of us

command,” which is now in the official version of O Canada.

The singer’s insistence on using the outdated, gender specific “in all thy sons command” version of the anthem is not acceptable.

The lack of respect for country,

and for women, in using this version is obvious.

Should this singer be allowed to continue as the presenter of our national anthem at the Multiplex?

Yes, absolutely, with the correct “in all of us” wording.

Should he continue with “in all thy sons command,” I would love to see every woman in the Multiplex sit down at that point in the anthem.

T. Lyman Jardin, Port Alberni

Humans don’t always deserve Naturalization is possible on their pets, so pets deserve rights Somass Lands To the Editor, Re: “Pets have rights now too,” Editorial, Jan. 24 So very many people with pets experience the emotional benefits of their presence.

Whenever I observe anxiety in the facial expression of my aging mother, a typical senior, I can also witness how that stress suddenly drains and is replaced with joyful adoration upon her cat entering the room: “Hi sweetheart!” she’ll say.

I know that countless other seniors with pets also experience the emotional benefits of their animals’ presence. Of

Pets can benefit seniors cognitive and physical health, experts say.

(Metro Creative Services) course, the animals’ qual- such a heartbreaking exities, especially an un-hu- perience. manly innocence, makes There’s an actuality of losing that pet someday healthy reciprocal rela-

tionships — some people would even go as far as to describe it as somewhat symbiotic — between pets (many of us see them as family members) and their loving and appreciative human hosts, especially physically and/or mentally ill hosts.

They have a beneficial influence over humanity that many people still cannot fathom; and this beautiful reality of their positive effect on their human hosts can also be beneficial to the pets themselves.

Mom’s cat, Mr. Simon, seems to really enjoy an enthusiastic talking-to while being firmly stroked

or his ears scratched, which usually induces him to purr appreciatively.

He will also slightly whine, quite like a small child, when wanting something, for example as he, with great expectation, stands next to his grooming brush. He’ll also have much to say, via loud trilling or an adorable combination of meow and trill, and hesitate or refuse to eat food we drop to the floor while we eat at the table.

Pets are indeed beautiful; maybe even more precious and innocent than humanity collectively deserves.

Frank Sterle Jr., White Rock

To the Editor, Many citizens seem to believe that development of the Somass Lands site into housing or commercial activities is a foregone conclusion and that renaturalization is impossible. However, Campbell River, Courtenay, Parksville, and Nanaimo have all renaturalized their abandoned industrial lands on the coastal foreshore. The problems of industrial contamination have not been insurmountable in those places, and the costs have been covered.

Somass Lands are part of the most important salmon estuary on Vancouver Island. Why aren’t we restoring our estuary salmon habitat?

The Somass Lands are a flood plain in a prime tsunami zone. Are we the only community on Vancouver Island planning to build housing on a flood plain? When will we learn?

James Wright, Port Alberni

Engineered Hardwood and Laminate Flooring Sale!

Prices starting at $2.89, stop by to see our selection and sales!

All sales final

3540-3rd Ave. • www.unitedfloors.ca • 778-421-4445

A10 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

PASS WHAT’S ON

Do you have an event you would like included in What’s On? Email the editor at newsroom@ albernivalleynews.com with details.

Working toward solutions

Clean out those Refundables!

Donate your bottles & cans.

Give us a call for pick up!

250-723-6511 ext. 113 Giving a Hand Up in our Community!

Learn more about PASS at www.pashelter.org

ONLINE

albernivalleynews.com 24/7

FEB. 19–25

SAT. FEB. 24

◆ CELEBRATE HERITAGE WEEK at the Alberni Valley Museum (4255 Wallace St.). Pick up a passport at the museum and get it stamped at museum events throughout the week.

◆ COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR hosted by Sage Haven Society.

Walk starts at Char’s Landing at 5 p.m. with check-in at 4 p.m. Walk will be followed by a light meal. Learn more or register at www.cnoy.org.

WED. FEB. 21 ◆ DOG MOUNTAIN BREWING SEED EXCHANGE & LIBRARY starts at 6 p.m. at Dog Mountain Brewing, 3141 Third Ave. Bring viable, labeled seeds to trade. No purchase necessary. ◆ MI’MA’OMAKW: PEOPLE OF THE SALMON film will be shown from 7-9:30 p.m. at Hupacasath House of Gathering, 5500 Ahahswinis Dr. Free admission. Coffee, tea and chummus will be served.

FEBRUARY 28

THE

CARD FOR EVERY PLOT TWIST Celebrate with the Gift of Movies

◆ SENIORS DOWNSIZING Q & A hosted by Rosanne Gray (REMAX Mid-Island Realty), Refine Homes Inc., BMO and Clarkstone & Dearin Notary Corp., 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Echo Centre (Cedar Room east), 4255 Wallace St. RSVP: 250735-8688. ◆ GODSPELL will be shown at Holy Family/Notre Dame Church (4731 Burke Rd). 1 p.m.

Snacks provided; admission is free. The fifth film in the Faith Through Film/ Jesus Film Festival.

THU. FEB. 22 ◆ CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE ALBERNI VALLEY talk presented by AV Transition Town on climate projections and local impacts. 7 p.m. at Char’s Landing, 4815 Argyle St. Free admission.

Available to order at landmarkcinemas.com/giftcards

MON. FEB. 26 ◆ 2ND MT. COKELY EMBERS (part of Girl Guides of Canada) are holding a food and book drive from 5–6 p.m. at Tyler’s No Frills, 3455 Johnston Rd.

THU. FEB. 29 ◆ WOUNDED WARRIORS RUN comes through Port Alberni.

Fundraising dinner to be hosted

by Legion Br. 293 (4680 Victoria Quay). Runners arrive at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m.

Auction to follow. Tix: $25 at the Legion bar. ◆ TOWN HALL MEETING with BC Seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie, 10–11:30 a.m., in the Arrowsmith Room, Best Western Barclay Plus Hotel, 4277 Stamp Ave. FMI: seniorsadvocatebc.ca.

SAT. MAR. 2 ◆ BIG DADDY at Beaver Creek Community Hall (8505 Beaver Creek Rd). 7 p.m. 19+ event.

Tickets can be purchased at Beaufort Barbers and Pete’s Mountain Meats. ◆ WHERE IS GRISE FIORD? Stories by Dennis Hawkins-Bogle, who was a schoolteacher in Grise Fiord, the northernmost community in Canada. Takes place at Char’s Landing, presented by Alberni Art Rave Society. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at

if t

Im B ag e yo in n d at io n A

G

7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($15 for seniors/students). Kids under 12 free. FMI: alberni. artrave@gmail.com. ◆ CANUCKS TUNDRA TOUR returns to Alberni Toyota (2555 Port Alberni Hwy.) from 12–3 p.m. Meet Vancouver Canucks’ alumni Richard Brodeur and mascot Fin in person.

Gyro Club will serve hotdogs and Canucks’ prizes will be available, including a chance to win a trip for two to an NHL game.

FRI. MAR. 8 ◆ ADSS DRAMA CLUB presents “She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurer’s Edition.” A dramacomedy about a teenage girl who begins a journey of discovery and adventures through Dungeons and Dragons after her sister’s death. 7 p.m. at the ADSS Theatre.

SAT. MAR. 9 ◆ ADSS DRAMA CLUB presents “She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurer’s Edition.” A dramacomedy about a teenage girl who begins a journey of discovery and adventures through Dungeons and Dragons after her sister’s death. 1 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m. evening performance at the ADSS Theatre.

MAR. 9-10 ◆ ALBERNI VALLEY ROCK AND GEM SHOW at the Alberni Athletic Hall. Admission $3 cash (kids under 12 free). 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Hourly free draws. FMI: ronald. creber@icloud.com.

SAT. APR. 6

◆ SPRING FLING INDOOR MARKET at Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vendors email the2elles2023@ gmail.com for application.

SUN. APR. 7 ◆ MCLEAN MILL 10K Part of the Vancouver Island Race Series.

Visit www.islandseries.org to register and for more info.

Proceeds from the event will go towards KidSport Port Alberni.

THU. APR. 11 ◆ ANNUAL CAREER FAIR hosted

by Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Program, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Alberni Athletic Hall, 3737 Roger St.

SAT. APR. 13 ◆ OPEN HIGHLAND DANCE COMPETITION at the Alberni Athletic Hall. Starts at 8:30 a.m.

SUN. APR. 14 ◆ GREATER VICTORIA POLICE CHORUS presents an afternoon of song, raising funds for the Community Arts Council. 2-4 p.m. at the ADSS Auditorium.

Tickets are $30 and available at the Grove Art Gallery (Harbour Quay).

ONGOING ◆ ELECTRIC MERMAID A monthly live reading event at Char’s Landing. Last Wednesday of every month. Visit www. charslanding.com for the Zoom link for the event. Sign up at ElectricMermaidReads @gmail. com. ◆ SUNDAY JAZZ at Char’s Landing on the first and third Sunday of every month. Music is ongoing from 6-8 p.m.

It’s Easy to #PlayinPA!

CHINA BEFORE COMMUNISM

Make your child’s next birthday an Inflatable Birthday at Glenwood!

Race through our 50’ inflatable course, use sports equipment and have a table set up for food and cake! Don’t worry our staff will do the clean up!

2-hour timeslots on Saturday & Sunday. $199 or $269 (with 3 large pizzas)

Just What You’ve Been Waiting For “Visually stunning, and emotionally uplifting.”

—Play magazine

Shuttle Bus is available

ALL-NEW PROGRAM fROM NEW yORk • LivE ORchEstRA

Tickets start at $99.

Mar 20–25 | Queen Elizabeth Theatre | 1-877-663-7469, 604-757-0355

ShenYun.com/Van

Find out more or REGISTER at www.playinpa.ca

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A11

Di's Chicken Drumsticks "Many people typically use chicken breasts, but we've found a fantastic method for preparing chicken drumsticks that's easy and economical; plus, it's perfect for leftovers. I used to make a similar recipe when I was a young mom, and now I've discovered this one that the whole family loves when the kids come home to visit."

You may already know Dianna as Quality Foods' first employee.

She's not only a talented designer but also a bit of a foodie!

To make life easier, this week we’ve got Chicken Drumsticks on sale.

1

$

lb

TRY IT! Cheesy Tortilla Crusted Chicken Drumsticks Get the recipe at qualityfoods.com or on our app

price in effect February 22-28, 2024

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A12 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

Bulldog puppy needs emergency eye surgery BC SPCA seeking community donations for nine-month-old puppy with cherry eye The BC SPCA is looking for some financial help for a bulldog puppy who needs eye surgery.

Lulu is a nine-month-old Bantam bulldog puppy who was brought to the Alberni-Clayoquot branch of the SPCA by her owner, who could no longer care for her. She has a number of health issues.

“Poor Lulu has a condition commonly known as cherry eye in both of her eyes,” explained Leon Davis, the BC SPCA’s senior manager for Vancouver Island and the coastal region. “She is also suffering from a secondary eye infection, an infection in both ears and she may also have environmental allergies.”

Cherry eye is the prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It is repaired by surgically placing the gland back in its proper location. When left untreated, cherry eye can become irritating to the dog who will then rub and paw at the eye. Not only does this cause further inflammation of the cherry eye, but it can also cause conjunctivitis and possible corneal injury, which can result in eye damage and vision loss.

Lulu received the necessary surgery

to correct the cherry eye and was also spayed. Unfortunately, while Lulu was recovering, the glands in her eyes prolapsed again and the SPCA says she will require yet another surgery.

“According to her vet, this is quite common with this kind of eye issue, especially when the glands are as large as Lulu’s,” said Davis.

Even with all of Lulu’s health issues, this playful and outgoing puppy didn’t waste any time making herself at home with her BC SPCA foster.

“As soon as Lulu walked in the door, she hopped right up on the couch,” said Davis. “At night she snuggles up to her foster Mom in bed, laying her head on the pillow, and falls into a deep sleep snoring loudly.”

Lulu will continue with treatments under veterinary care until she makes a full recovery. She will be looking for her forever home once she is medically cleared, which will be in approximately four weeks.

To help Lulu and other animals in need at the BC SPCA, please visit medical.spca.bc.ca.

Lulu is a nine-month-old Bantam bulldog puppy who needs eye surgery. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

FREE ADMISSION! ALL WEEKEND! Glenwood Sports Centre - 4480 Vimy St

Two full Days!

Saturday March 09 - 10:00am - 6:00pm Sunday March 10 - 10:00am - 4:00pm WWW.HOMESHOWTIME.COM F O R M O R E I N F O V I S I T - www.homeshowtime.com

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A13

Taste of Alberni!

www.albernivalleynews.com

Snap a selfie at a featured restaurant, submit online at https://www.albernivalleynews.com for a chance to win dining gift certificates!

Great at C Chinese se Buffet ffe DBA Golden Dr agon R estaur ant

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Kids under 5 eat FREE we have Morning Delivery we have a Lunch Buffet Friday, Saturday and Sunday Noon-2pm

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WANT TO HAVE A CANUCKS PARTY?!

WE GOT THE PLACE FOR YOU. BOOK OUR SPORTS CENTRE WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY FOOD, DRINKS, AND USE ARE SPORTS SIMULATOR! 19+ PLEASE HAVE YOUR ID READY TO ACCESS THE ROOM GO CANUCKS GO!

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CALL 250-724-7629 TO BOOK NOW! 19+ Please have your ID ready to access the room

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If you gamble, use your GameSense.

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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS & PUBS

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Delivery Available Order Online 778-419-2799 • 3981 10 Ave th

Stamps Café and Pastimes Sports Bar

Eat In, Take Out or Delivery Enjoy your favourite eatery or try something new!

Check out our Daily Specials!

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ORDER ONLINE www.spice7indiancuisine.com ALL MAIN COURSE CURRY SERVED WITH RICE OR NAAN

NEW MENU! Please inform us of any Food Allergies or Dietary restrictions

Dine-In, Take Out & Delivery!

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778-419-0681 Dinner Buffet every Saturday 4:30-8pm

778-421-2222 • 5328 Argyle Street • Open Monday-Friday 11am-10pm • Saturday & Sunday Noon-10pm

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A14 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

NOTICE OF LEASE OF LAND Community Charter s.24 & 26

AV NEWS READERS

The City of Port Alberni (the “City”) intends to:

We will no longer be supplying plastic sleeves for newspaper delivery due to the ban on single use plastic. Please provide a dry place at your door for the newspaper to be delivered to.

Thank you

Lease: Alberni Land District, Unit 7 at Alberni Harbour Quay Licence #HQ7 located at: #7 – 5440 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC and known as: Alberni Harbour Quay to: The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley who will use it for: the purposes of art display, fine arts and crafts instruction and programming, local art retail, office space and storage of materials during a Term ending: February 28, 2027; and Provide assistance to The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley to lease the area for the uses specified above with payment to the City in the amount of $3,500.00 per month plus applicable taxes through to February 28, 2025, $4,000.00 per month plus applicable taxes through to February 28, 2026, and $4,500.00 per month plus applicable taxes for the remainder of the term of the lease.

ALBERNI-CLAYOQUOT REGIONAL DISTRICT

Questions about hiring?

WorkBC can help.

Around the Region MEETINGS West Coast Committee February 21, 10 am - Tofino Council Chambers /Zoom & February 28, 10 am - ACRD Board Room/Zoom Board of Directors and Financial Plan Public Consultation - February 28 , 1:30 pm - ACRD Board Room/Zoom Alberni Valley & Bamfield Services Committee February 29, 10 am - ACRD Board Room/Zoom Electoral Area Directors Committee - February 29, 1:30 pm - ACRD Board Room/Zoom All Board meetings are held in the ACRD boardroom and virtually. Join by: 1. Attend in person at the ACRD boardroom 2. Apply to appear as a delegate 3. Register to participate in a Board or Committee meeting via Zoom Webinar 4. Submit questions or comments on an agenda to responses@acrd.bc.ca 5. Visit the Regional District website at www.acrd.bc.ca for further details on public participation in meetings.

250-720-2700

Financial Plan Public Engagement Mark your calendars!!

Find out more about the proposed 2024 – 2028 Financial Plan Where: Cherry Creek Community Hall When: Sunday, March 3 - 2-5 pm Presentation takes place at 3:30 pm The draft Financial Plan is available for viewing on the ACRD website at www.acrd.bc.ca/24_28-fp .

Find talent, develop your team’s skills and access resources to help support your growing business.

2024-2028 Financial Plan Input The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District invites you to provide input into the 2024 – 2028 Financial Plan.

When: Wednesday, February 28 at 1:30 pm Where: ACRD Boardroom - Attend in person or register to attend via Zoom Email comments to budget@acrd.bc.ca Register on the ACRD website to attend the meeting via Zoom and provide your input.

Watch live at www.acrd.bc.ca/events/22024/.

The draft Financial Plan is available for viewing on the ACRD website at www.acrd.bc.ca.

www.acrd.bc.ca

3008 Fifth Ave.

Visit WorkBC.ca/FindAnswers

@ACRDgov

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A15

SCENE HEARD &

SONJA DRINKWATER

Hockey fans flock to rink to skate with the Bulldogs

Call 250-723-4306 sonjadrink@shaw.ca Sonja Drinkwater has her eye on the Alberni Valley’s social scene. Let her know of any celebrations you’d like to share with our community.

Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ defenceman Caden Tremblay takes Bauer Ursic, 3, and his brother Liam, 6, for a skate at the Coulson Rink during a skate with the junior hockey team on Feb. 11, 2024.

(SONJA DRINKWATER PHOTO)

the Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley

AGM Thursday February 22, 7pm At the Grove Art Gallery #7-5440 Argyle St, Harbour Quay Nominations of Directors RESOLUTION TO CHANGE MEMBERSHIP FEES

Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ Sam Leonard autographs Taya Haukeness’ hoodie during a Skate With the Bulldogs on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024 at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. (SONJA DRINKWATER PHOTO)

Fixit Home Improvements

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Call or Email to Register 724-3412 • communityarts@shaw.ca Only current CAC members are permitted to vote.

Fun for the fans NEW & USED BOOKS. PUZZLES & GAMES JOURNALS & GIFTS SHOP ONLINE OR IN-STORE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10AM-5PM 464 ISLAND HWY E PARKSVILLE

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Another way to serve you better:

Custom Picture Framing

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A ‘Skate with the Bulldogs’ event held Feb. 11, 2024 at the Alberni Valley Multiplex drew numerous fans of the BC Hockey League Jr. A team.

There were some that came out to skate with their favourite hockey players. There were autograph hounds out to see how many team members they could get to sign their T-shirts, hoodies, hockey jerseys and autograph books.

Team members took the time to pose with their avid fans and create an afternoon of memories for everyone.

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A16 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

AGM Tuesday, March 5 6:30pm @ Echo Centre AGENDA: President’s Report • Financial Statement • Election of officers

NOTICE OF LEASE OF LAND Community Charter s.26 DESCRIPTION Alberni-Clayoquot Métis Society and Métis Nation British Columbia’s Ministry of Education are working alongside PacificCARE and Pacific Rim Children and Families to bring to you another amazing fun Métis Family Day Luncheon!

The City of Port Alberni (the “City”) intends to: Lease: Alberni Land District, Unit 4 at Alberni Harbour Quay

Activities will include: • Kookum Corner • Sharky Balloons • Interactive photo booth (pictures can be taken on your phone) • Amazing Door Prizes • And More!

located at: #4 – 5440 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC

Please contact ACMS at 778-419-2006, if you have any questions.

who will use it for: the purpose of operating a candy

TIME 1pm-4pm

store for manufacturing and retail sales, during a Term

LOCATION 2941 8th Ave, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2K5

– Lease from City of Port Alberni to Sugar Shak Licence #HQ4 and known as: Alberni Harbour Quay to: C. Akerley

ending: December 31, 2028 and lease payments of: $880.40 per month/plus taxes including annual CPI increases for the term of the lease.

SHOP LOCAL. SAVE LOCAL Support the local businesses that keep your community and its newspapers thriving.

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A17

DOLLAR DAYS

Sunrise Farms Chicken Drumsticks

Fresh, Bagged in Store, 2.20/kg

1

$

February 22 to 28, 2024

lb

Gala Apples Extra Fancy, BC, 2.20/kg

$ Pork Loin Whole, Boneless, Canada, 6.61/kg

3

$

Tomatoes on the Vine

lb

2

Imported, 4.41/kg

lb

Selected Varieties, 284g

360g or 380g

lb

$

Kicking Horse Ground Coffee

Faith Farms Cheese

1

HOT DEAL

HOT DEAL

5

$

$

ea

HOT DEAL Campbell’s Chunky Soup 515 mL

7

5

2for$

Lay’s Potato Chips

ea

235g

Olympic Krema Yogurt

$

500g or 650g

4

$

ea

AN IsLAND

Original SINCE 1982

3

ea

Western Family Fruit Frozen, 1.5 kg

$

9

ea

See all flyer offers online.

EVEN MoRE IN SToRE MoRE SELECTION, SAVINGS & REWARDS!

More family favourites...for less

More Organics & Free From Products

More ways to earn and redeem points

A18 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

Goodness from the Ground Up

PRODUCE

Green Beans 8.82/kg

2

4

$ Green Leaf Lettuce BC

Western Family Baby Potatoes Selected Varieties, 680g

4

$

Long English Cucumber ea

BC

$ ea

2

$

Russet Potatoes ea

5

$

No. 1, BC or USA, 10 lb Bag

ea

Yellow Onions

$

lb

3

ea

No.1, USA, 3 lb Bag

Taylor Farms Chopped Salad Kit Selected Varieties, USA, 333g

HOT DEAL

5

$

ea

HOT DEAL Peeled Carrots

2

$

1 lb Bag

HOT DEAL Green Peppers

ea

$

Mexico, 4.41/kg

2

lb

Taylor Farms Organic Chopped Salad Kit Selected Varieties, 262g

Organic Lemons 2 lb Bag

$

6

Organic Carrots ea

2 lb Bag

3

$

6

$ ea

ea

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A19

MEAT & SEAFOOD

WESTERN CANADIAN - AAA - AGED 21 DAYS

WESTERN CANADIAN - AAA - AGED 21 DAYS

9

$

Black Angus Top Sirloin Grilling Steak

lb

AAA, 19.84/kg

Janes Chicken

10

$

Selected Varieties, Frozen, 700g

Bone In, 11.02/kg

Greenfield Natural Bacon ea

5

$

Sunrise Farms Chicken Breast

375g

$

8

ea

Find this recipe on our website or app

$

The Keg BBQ Pork Ribs Frozen, 700g

$

5

20

Greenfield Natural Wieners

8

ea

Fresh

Previously Frozen

lb

$

375g

Grey Cod Fillets

Ahi Tuna Steaks ea

AAA, 13.23/kg

with Scallops, Bacon & Corn

ea

Frozen, 284g

lb

Cod Chowder

TRY IT!

Simply Poultry Stuffed Chicken Breast

6

$

Black Angus Cross Rib Pot Roast

3

$

100g

Argentine Red Prawns Raw, Previously Frozen

2

$

100g

4

$

100g

A20 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A21

DAIRY & FROZEN

BAKERY

$

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Selected Varieties, 250g

White Bread or Whole Wheat, Fresh, Selected Varieties, 450g

pack of

6

Kaiser Buns Selected Varieties

3

$

2

$

pack of

Cinnamon Buns Pack of 4

4

2for$

Western Family Greek Yogurt

ea

Selected Varieties, 4 x 100g

4

$

Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Entrée Selected Varieties, Frozen, 259g

4

$

5

ea

7

Cracker Barrel Cheese Selected Varieties, 820g

Cavendish Restaurant Style French Fries

ea

11

$

Also Selected Varieties, Frozen, 750g

4

$

ea

ea

5

$

Western Family Signature Ice Cream Selected Varieties, 1.65 Litres

ea

Western Family Natural Cheese Slices Selected Varieties, 240g

pack of

English Bay Cookies

8

Selected Varieties

4

$

10

$

Chocolate Cake

ea

or White, Double Layer

Original Cakerie Cake Selected Varieties, 400g

10

2$

$

for ea

340 mL

Selected Varieties, 600g

Sourdough Sandwich Bread

4

ea

Selected Varieties, 1.54 Litres

Simply Juice

Dempster’s Signature Bread

$

9

Simply Orange Juice

4

$

ea

D’ Italiano Bread Selected Varieties, 675g

6

2$

for

3for$

5

$

4

ea

A20 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A21

DAIRY & FROZEN

BAKERY

$

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Selected Varieties, 250g

White Bread or Whole Wheat, Fresh, Selected Varieties, 450g

pack of

6

Kaiser Buns Selected Varieties

3

$

2

$

pack of

Cinnamon Buns Pack of 4

4

2for$

Western Family Greek Yogurt

ea

Selected Varieties, 4 x 100g

4

$

Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Entrée Selected Varieties, Frozen, 259g

4

$

5

ea

7

Cracker Barrel Cheese Selected Varieties, 820g

Cavendish Restaurant Style French Fries

ea

11

$

Also Selected Varieties, Frozen, 750g

4

$

ea

ea

5

$

Western Family Signature Ice Cream Selected Varieties, 1.65 Litres

ea

Western Family Natural Cheese Slices Selected Varieties, 240g

pack of

English Bay Cookies

8

Selected Varieties

4

$

10

$

Chocolate Cake

ea

or White, Double Layer

Original Cakerie Cake Selected Varieties, 400g

10

2$

$

for ea

340 mL

Selected Varieties, 600g

Sourdough Sandwich Bread

4

ea

Selected Varieties, 1.54 Litres

Simply Juice

Dempster’s Signature Bread

$

9

Simply Orange Juice

4

$

ea

D’ Italiano Bread Selected Varieties, 675g

6

2$

for

3for$

5

$

4

ea

A22 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

GROCERY Kettle Brand Potato Chips Selected Varieties, 198g

Western Family Soft Drinks Selected Varieties, 12 x 355 mL

Western Family Salsa Selected Varieties, 650 mL

Christie Cookies Selected Varieties, 439g

Doritos

Cheetos Cheese Snacks

210g or 280g

260g

4

$

Club House La Grille Seasoning Selected Varieties

7

$

ea

Selected Varieties, 325 mL

$

3

ea

for

ea

for

(200g), Also Munchie Mix (250g)

4

2for$

Club House Dry Gravy Mix

Knorr Gravy Mix

Knorr Bouillon

or Recipe Mix, Selected Varieties, 21g or 47g

or Sauce Mix, Selected Varieties, 22g or 48g

Concentrated, Selected Varieties, 250 mL

ea

3for$

5

Frank’s Hot Sauce

French’s Mustard

ea

Smartfood Popcorn

$ ea

3 2 $9 $ 4 2 $7

$

(354 mL), Also French's Crispy Toppers (170g or 140g)

4

$

ea

7

4

2for$

Knorr Recipe Soup Mix

$

60g or 69g

3

ea

5

$

ea

Hellmann’s Mayonnaise

Western Family Olive Oil

Selected Varieties, 750 mL or 890 mL

Selected Varieties, 1 Litre

$

6

14

$ ea

ea

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A23

GROCERY Pringles 148g or 145g

Classico Pasta Sauce Selected Varieties, 218 mL or 410 mL

Western Family Tomatoes Canned, 796 mL

Western Family Premium Coffee Roast Ground (300g) or Pods (12's), Selected Varieties

7 2 $7 2$5 $ 6 $ 2 for

for

for

ea

Bick’s Pickles Selected Varieties, 1 Litre

4

49 ea

Cheez-It Snap’d

ea

(295g) or Rice Krispies Squares (176g), Selected Varieties

2$

for

7

Western Family Canned Fruit

2

$

398 mL

ea

Kellogg’s Special K Cereal

Kellogg’s Cereal

Western Family Cooking Sauce

Western Family Honey

Also Selected Varieties

Selected Varieties, 439g or 425g

or Dipping, 355 mL or 350 mL

Selected Varieties, 1 kg

4

450g

3

$

or Kellogg's Snack Crackers, 213g

$

Quality Foods Milk Chocolate Covered Almonds

Kellogg’s Nutri Grain Cereal Bars

8

$

Quality Foods Ginger Slices ea

for

ea

ea

$

5

250g

6

$

ea

5

10

2$

Quality Foods Raw Whole Almonds 450g

10

$

ea

$

ea

Quality Foods Sour Jubes 550g

4

$

ea

A24 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

supporting local products

Portofino Bakery Bread Selected Varieties, 810g

5

99 ea

Eugene’s Homous or Tzatziki Dip, 200g

3

99 ea

Island Farms Frying Chicken Whole, Fresh, 6.59/kg

2

99 lb

Peppers Yeshi Dressing

Red, Yellow or Orange, Imported, 8.80/kg

3

99 lb

Selected Varieties, 350 mL

Celery USA, 3.73/kg

1

69 lb

$

7

ea

Spinnakers Soft Drink Selected Varieties, 473 mL

Hornby Island Energy Bar Selected Varieties, 80g

6

2for$

Level Ground Organic Coffee 300g

9

99 ea

2for$

4

www.albernivalleynews.com

Coldest Night of the Year returns with new venue

Alberni Valley News

Walkers proceeded through a balloon arch and up the alley behind Sage Haven Society to kick off the Coldest Night of the Year walk in Port Alberni on Feb. 25, 2023.

(SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

VALLEY DENTAL HAS MOVED

ELENA RARDON Alberni Valley News

Coldest Night of the Year is returning to Port Alberni for the eighth consecutive year.

The community-focused walk, organized by Sage Haven Society, will take place Saturday, Feb. 24 at Char’s Landing. The event will bring together local residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations in support of Sage Haven’s housing programs and drop-in centre.

Both the emergency short-term housing for women and children impacted by intimate partner violence and the drop-in centre provide warmth, acceptance and shelter from the cold, says Sage Haven executive director Ellen Frood.

“It’s a good gathering of the community, about bringing people out of the cold and into the warmth,” said Frood.

More than 20 teams and more than 100 walkers have already registered for the event, and Sage Haven has already raised almost 90 percent of its $40,000 goal. According to Frood, there has been increased participation from local nonprofit organizations this year, with registrations from teams representing the West Coast General Hospital Foundation, INEO,and the Salvation Army.

“We’ve had a much more active social media campaign this year,” said Frood. “And there are lots of returning teams from last year. People are really coming forward and I have no doubt that we’ll meet and exceed our goal this year.”

Check-in begins at 4 p.m. at Char’s Landing on Saturday, with the walk starting at 5 p.m.

Participants can choose between a two-kilometre and five-kilometre route. Warm food will be provided by Salvation Army volunteers, while beverages have been donated by Tim Hortons.

Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne will be distributing popcorn while cheering on the walkers.

Walkers can pre-register online at www.cnoy. org. Even people who aren’t able to walk can still take part in the event by donating to a team or by forming a team of their own.

While the Coldest Night of the Year addresses a serious cause, it has been designed as a fun community event.

“We’re so grateful to the people who come out year after year,” said Frood. “And to the new ones coming on board and helping.”

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A25

ACROSS THE STREET TO #1- 4110 6TH AVE (OLD POLICE STATION) (SLAMMERS GYM)

October 1, 2023

DR. DENTON COLLINS

&

DR. KENNETH MCCRACKEN

ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

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POP IN FOR A VISIT AT OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW OFFICE OPEN 8- 4:30 PM MONDAY-FRIDAY

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A26 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

Deadline approaches for 2024 AVCF grants

THE CANUCKS TUNDRA TOUR RETURNS

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT! Noon - 3pm Saturday, March 2nd

ALBERNI TOYOTA

www.albernivalleynews.com

It’s Time To Toyota

Meet Richard Brodeur & Fin in person from the Vancouver Canucks!

Celebrate an amazing season & see the impressive 2024 Tundra.

Spin to win Toyota goodies, signed jerseys, game tickets, Canucks merchandise, & an exclusive game experience for two in the Champion Club Suite. Plus, one lucky will win a Jr. Trainer experience!

The Gyro Club will serve hotdogs for a good cause.

Enjoy delightful treats all day. Don’t miss this fantastic family fun day!

2555 Port Alberni Hwy

Time is running out for community organizations to apply for Alberni Valley Community Foundation (AVCF) grants for 2024. The deadline for this year’s grant requests is Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Local organizations with “charitable” status under the Federal Income Tax Act may apply for grants in the following areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Physical Activity, Social Services and Environment.

The AVCF was founded in 1996 and since then has accumulated $1.5 million in its capital account as a result of donations and bequests from local individuals and groups.

“Each year the investment income from the capital account is distributed to local community groups in the form of grants,” explained AVCF chair Hugh Grist.

Groups such as Family Guidance Association, Community Arts Council, Abbeyfield House, Port Alberni

Volunteers with a school backpack program assemble food packages that will go home with students.

The Alberni Valley Community Foundation previously provided a grant to this program. SUBMITTED PHOTO Friendship Centre, the Bread of Life, the Backpack Program and Alberni Valley Search and Rescue have received funding in the past. Numerous scholarships are also awarded each year.

“The first stage of the grant

WE INCLUDE THE TAX!

FEBRUARY

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$44.85 Miller High life

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24 CANs

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Forty Creek Butter Tart

Labatt Blue

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process requires groups to write a ‘letter of intent’ outlining project details and budget,” explained John Mayba, grants committee chair. Details of the application process may be found at the AVCF website albernifoundation.ca. “This part is due on Feb. 28. Later a second-stage application may be requested.”

Grants will be awarded at the foundation’s annual general meeting in May. Each year, the AVCF disperses grants from $500- $5,000. This year approximately $45,000 will be distributed to groups in the community.

“Making a donation or bequest to the foundation results in tax savings to the donor as well as leaving a perpetual legacy to our community,” explained Mayba.

Persons wishing information about the grant application process or the process of making a donation to the AVCF may phone John Mayba at 250-723-2638.

SAVE $5.00

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750 ml

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Free estimates and measures. Blind installation available.

Crown Royal

750 ML

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Sales valid until February 29, 2024. Prices subject to change.

All bottles are 750ml or 12 units a case unless marked.

All prices include tax. Deposits not included. While quantities last.

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THE

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A27

ARTS https://www.drawgallery.com

Submissions open for art show Two music

promoters funded

ELENA RARDON Alberni Valley News

Submissions are now open for the third biennial juried art show at the Alberni Valley Museum.

The art show, which will be presented by Alberni Art Rave, will run in the museum gallery from June 6 to Aug. 31. Like previous years, the show is open to artists from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, but this year it is also open to anyone living in coastal communities on British Columbia’s south coast, from Lions Bay to Lund.

“We found that there is a commonality about living in a coastal community,” explained Jillian Mayne, chair of the Art Rave Society of Alberni.

This is the third juried show that Art Rave has hosted. Previous shows took place in 2018 and 2022 and were successful, said Mayne, both in art sales and exposure.

People in Port Alberni have limited places to see art, Mayne said.

Although both the local Grove Art Gallery and DRAW Gallery showcase artwork, the museum offers a larger gallery space and an opportunity to bring in work from farther outside of the community.

“Children go through the museum for school tours and get to experience art,” said Mayne. “There’s a lot of creativity going on, and I think it’s important that it’s reflected here.”

The theme for this year’s exhibit is “all that moves us.” Mayne says the theme was proposed by another Art Rave member, Tamsin Miller, who was inspired by Port Alberni’s

SUSIE QUINN Alberni Valley News

A photo taken during the 2022 art show “Emergence.” (ALI PENKO PHOTO) industrial heritage.

“It’s a reflection of our story here [in Port Alberni] with boats, trains and machinery,” Mayne said. “But we didn’t want to limit the theme in any way, so we made it a little broader for interpretation. That gives artists a lot more room to play with—they can find their own answer or response to that theme.”

The show is open to both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Mayne says they are only restricted by what can fit through the museum doors.

“We’re hoping it will be a diverse

and interesting show,” said Mayne.

“We want to expose as many people as possible to art, to bring diverse art to the space and encourage artists—both local and far away—to get their work hanging up in our Valley.”

Jurors will consist of Dr. Andrea Walsh (associate professor and Smyth Chair in Arts & Engagement with the University of Victoria’s Department of Anthropology), Astrid Johnston (owner and curator of DRAW Gallery in Port Alberni), Jean McIntosh (the former director of the Alberni Valley Museum) and

We want to expose as many people as possible to art...

– Jillian Mayne Tim Masso (a Tla-o-qui-aht linguist, artist and carver).

The submission window closes March 17. For more info, contact artravebiennialatmu@gmail.com or visit www.alberniartrave.org.

Come See us at our

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Two music promoters in the Alberni Valley will collect a combined $40,000 in provincial government grants for upcoming projects.

Five Acre Co. will receive $20,000 under the Live Music Presentations category to help with costs for the 2024 Five Acre Shaker.

Long Shot Events Inc. will receive $20,000 under the Live Music/ Business Development category to put toward capital infrastructure improvement and a business growth plan.

Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne said this fund will help B.C.-based musicians to develop their careers and build the local music industry.

“Our region is home to incredible artists and to so many people who love music and the arts,” Osborne said. “This funding will really help to support musicians in their work and give fans more exciting local events and live performances to look forward to.”

Organizations and businesses in Ucluelet and Tofino also received a portion of the $3.3 million being distributed to “hundreds” of artists and companies, she added.

Groups and individuals in her riding earned nearly $160,000 in grant funding through this initiative.

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STAY AT THE HOSTEL Bed in Dorm Room Backpackers’ Style OR Full Private Family Suite CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR UPCOMING CONCERTS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

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www.charslanding.com 250-730-1636 • info@charslanding.com • 4815 Argyle Street at 5th

A28 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

«ENTERTAINMENT

A painting by Lorne McNab on display at The Grove Art Gallery. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Explore a world of colour WORKSHOP MELISSA MARTIN

There’s still room to join us at the Grove Arts Gallery for a Basic Coloured Pencil WorkArts Around shop with Jim Sears. You can join whether you’re a beginner When neon meets nature, the world or an experienced artist. The workexplodes with colour. shop takes place Saturday, Feb. 24 Neon & Nature is the title of our from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is newest art exhibit at the Grove Art $75.

Gallery. Abstract artist Cairis Wall and landscape artist Lorne McNab SPRING CONCERT have combined their talents for a visually enchanting experience.

Enjoy an afternoon of song with a Join us Saturday, Feb. 24 from 1-3 special spring concert presented by the p.m. for an opportunity to meet the Community Arts Council, featuring talented artists. This exhibit runs until the Greater Victoria Police Chorus.

March 22.

This show, which is scheduled for Sunday, April 14 at the ADSS Auditorium, will contribute to fundraising BOOK SALE for the arts in our community. Tickets It’s almost time for the Community are $30 and can be purchased at the Arts Council’s annual fundraising book Grove Art Gallery at Harbour Quay. sale, and we need your help to fill up our book donation bin at Harbour Quay. EXPLORE PAVERPOL Drop off your gently-used books (and puzzles) at the front door of the Grove Dive into a new medium with a Art Gallery in the big wooden white box. Two-Day Beginner Paverpol WorkThe Grove is located at #7-5440 Argyle shop presented by Cheryl Frehlich.

Street (Harbour Quay) and is open Tues- This workshop uses the environmentally-safe textile hardener Paverpol. It day to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While we appreciate all your dona- will take place March 16 and March 23 tions, we cannot accept textbooks, (10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on both days) magazines, National Geographic, en- and the cost is $165 (including most supplies). Register at 250-724-3412. cyclopedias or Reader’s Digest.

ACRYLIC PAINTING Artist Susan Schaefer will present two different acrylic painting workshops at the Grove Art Gallery. Workshops are priced at $125 each. Register at 250-724-3412.

Explore the art of painting waves in the “Making Waves” workshop on April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., then discover the beauty of a “Limited Palette” in the second workshop on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

OPEN ART EXHIBIT Calling all artists!

Embark on a creative journey with our open spring art exhibition, “When Colour Speaks to You – IGNITE YOUR IMAGINATION,” at Grove Art Gallery. Artists of all mediums are invited to submit up to three pieces for this exhibit (submission fee is $10 per piece). Detailed submission information is available at the gallery or online at www.alberniarts.com. The exhibit will open March 26.

Melissa Martin is the Arts Administrator for the Community Arts Council, at the Harbour Quay. #7-5440 Argyle St. and writes for the Alberni Valley News. Call 250-724-3412. Email: admincac@shawcable.com.

READY TO

Vancouver Island musician Ryan McMahon will return to Char’s Landing in Port Alberni on Feb. 23, 2024. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Ryan McMahon returns to Char’s with new album Ryan McMahon, a singer-songwriter from Vancouver Island, is starting a tour this month that will cover two provinces. He kicks off the tour with two dates on Vancouver Island, including a stop at Char’s Landing in Port Alberni.

McMahon returns to Char’s— one of his favourite Western Canadian haunts—on Friday, Feb. 23 to celebrate the release of his seventh full album, Live Now. Three of McMahon’s singles, starting with “One More Fire,” followed by “Lost & Found” and “Sometimes Life’s Amazing,” have been added to more than 150 stations world-wide and the current single “Feed Your Mind” was added to 17 stations in its first

week of tracking.

“This has been the longest, but most rewarding, recording of an album that I’ve ever created,” admits McMahon. “Taking the time to ensure the songs were recorded with the right people, the right way, at the right time has built an appreciation in myself for the quality of the music we are about to deliver.”

This year, touring will see McMahon performing as a duo with long-time friend Joel Spillette on keys.

The show at Char’s Landing starts at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be found at https://ryanmcmahon.bpt.me or by calling or texting Char at 250730-1636.

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Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A29

Remembering Loved Ones Place your condolences online. (Visit your local newspaper website, obituary page) In loving memory of Goldie ZIROS We are saddened to announce that Goldie Ziros, our beloved Mother and Grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the age of 85, at West Coast General Hospital.

Goldie was predeceased by her loving husband Mathew, her parents Paul and Marta, and her brother Randy. Goldie is survived by her loving sons, Brian and John (Frances), her much cherished granddaughters, Veronika and Anastazia, dear friends, wonderful neighbours and many loving relatives here in Canada as well as in Croatia.

Goldie was born on March 26, 1938, in Croatia, on a beautiful farm and vineyard that straddled the border of Croatia and Slovenia. Leaving post-war Yugoslavia in 1953, Goldie and her mother made their way to Liverpool, England, and then to Canada, joining her father Paul in Chemainus, B.C. At 17, Goldie met Mathew in Nanaimo and they married that year, 1955, on New Year’s Eve, eventually settling in the Alberni Valley.

Goldie loved living in Port Alberni and she enjoyed local valley festivities such as parades, craft fairs, salmon festivals and fall fairs. She always enjoyed her fitness sessions with the Sunshine Club at Echo Centre. She loved gardening and caring for her beautiful flowers, often sharing them with friends. She also cherished and always looked forward to her monthly lunches with her wonderful friends from the old country.

We will miss you Mom. We will always hold and cherish your memories and family stories in our

In loving memory of BEVERLY ANNE COUTU 1966 - 2023 One of my precious daughters, Beverly Anne Coutu, passed away after a sudden illness, November 26, 2023.

Born in Port Alberni, B. C., August 30, 1966. Bev is survived by her loving partner, Jim Dawes. Also, her sister, Jo-Anne Graham and Raymond, her nephew. And Brandon. Her fathers, Gerald Coutu/Robert Quesnel/Beth.

Her grandmother, Glory Coutu. Her uncles, Ron Green/Chet, Bill, Ed, Steve, Dave Coutu. Her aunts, Shona, Dee, Jean-Anne, Marla, Anita, and numerous cousins. Bev’s second family were at Bartlett and Storey Law, where she and her sister Jo were conveyancers. A job at which she excelled.

She never missed a chance to go camping, always accompanied by Jim and her dog, “Sheba”, and going to “Sunfest” at Lake Cowichan, with her sister and her friends. I have lost my Sunday dinner date and games partner. We all miss her greatly. Bev was pre-deceased by her beloved mother, Shannon Coutu, nee Green, also born in Pt. Alberni, 1947. Her uncle Alan (Pinky) and aunt Lois.

hearts. May you always be at peace.

There will be no service as requested. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider donations in Goldie’s memory to the charity of their choice.

Donations to the West Coast General Hospital Foundation are also greatly appreciated.

The Ziros family wishes to extend a special thanks to the exceptional team of nurses, doctors, care aides and paramedics at West Coast General Hospital for their compassion, support and professional care.

RIP BEVY We will arrange a Memorial, for June 29

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

In loving memory of Celia “Gay” Bell February 26, 2022

We miss you a little too much, a little too often, and a little more everyday.

Love from your family.

Place a loved one’s Memoriam or Obituary

The Rose Beyond The Wall A rose once grew where all could see, sheltered beside a garden wall, And as the days passed swiftly by, it spread its branches, straight and tall...

One day, a beam of light shone through a crevice that had opened wide The rose bent gently toward its warmth then passed beyond to the other side Now, you who deeply feel its loss, be comforted - the rose blooms thereits beauty even greater now, nurtured by God’s own loving care.

You can place a loved one’s in memoriam or obituary in one of our BC award winning newspapers...

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A30 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

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Location mid island

Cards of Thanks Thank you - Thank you one and all for all the support given to our family with the passing of Pete Fetchko. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for all the kind words and compassion shown to us.

Wendy, Patrick, and Nathan Fetchko wlfetchko@shaw.ca.

MP CONSTITUENCY ASSISTANT Permanent, Full-time Position Gord Johns, MP Courtenay - Alberni For full details and to apply visit www.localwork.ca Annual salary: $59,300 (salary levels subject to clauses 12 and 21 of the collective agreement) Closing date: February 23, 2024 (Midnight) Apply with resume to: NDPHR@parl.gc.ca For full details visit: www.ndp.ca/jobs

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TAKE NOTICE THAT; with her father’s permission, the woman: Christine Alynn, Farrell, has now accepted her husband’s family Title: Drummond, and Christine’s Estate trust NAME: FARRELL, CHRISTINE ALYNN Estate is now coming to merge with her husband’s Estate trust: DRUMMOND, JEFFREY SCOTT Estate. Anyone who opposes this merger-of-Estate is hereby WARRANTED to present their objection or claim to witness: Shanna Laurie, Young, c/o near: 427 Wireless Road, Comox, British Columbia [V9M 3T6] before expiration of twenty-eight (28) days of this first publication.

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To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. Use the numeric clues provided to figure out where numbers will appear.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Golf scores 5. Shock therapy 8. Ballplayer’s tool 11. Quench one’s thirst 13. Female relatives of American war vets (abbr.)

14. Every one of two or more things 15. Member of Muslim people 16. Play 17. Type of cheese 18. Type of lounge chair 20. __ King Cole, musician 21. Fellows 22. North, Central and South 25. In an early way 30. Foes 31. Georgia rockers 32. Cryptocurrency 33. Narrow path along a slope 38. Disallow 41. Joyousness 43. Inaccessible 45. Evoke emotions 47. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 49. Boston Celtic punk rockers (abbr.)

50. Sword 55. Actor Idris 56. Affirmative (slang) 57. Afflicted 59. One point north of northeast 60. Born of 61. Arabic name 62. Traumatic brain injury (abbr.)

63. Extremity 64. Post CLUES DOWN 1. Pacific Standard Time 2. Protruding ridge on nematodes 3. Indian king 4. Type of milk 5. One who brings home the bacon

6. More comprehensible 7. Connected with sense of touch 8. Red mineral 9. Breezed through 10. Therefore 12. Supplement with difficulty 14. Early kingdom of Syria 19. Satisfy 23. They confuse doctors (abbr.)

24. Brass instrument 25. Domesticated animal 26. Ribonucleic acid 27. Snakelike fish 28. Woman (French) 29. Economically-minded aircraft 34. When you hope to get somewhere 35. Tease 36. Actress Gretchen 37. Midway between northeast and east 39. Inoffensive 40. Yellowish cotton cloth 41. Consume 42. Does not tell the truth 44. Improved something 45. Spiritual leader 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 47. Fix 48. Evergreen tree genus 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Major C. European river 54. Long, narrow strap 58. Male parent

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A31

Call for Nominations to the Alberni Co-op Board of Directors Alberni District Co-operative Association invites nominations for the position of Director.

Nominees must meet the qualifications and requirements specified in the Co-op’s by-laws.

For further detail on the qualifications please refer to the Nomination package available through our Administration Office.

• Basic knowledge of Co-op’s • Working knowledge of democratic environment • Ability to understand cash flow and financial statements • Strategic thinking and long-term planning skills • Flexibility and independent thinking • Time commitment • Strong communication skills • Comfortable in team approach If you are interested and would like to be considered for the role of Director, please complete a Nomination application available through our Administration Office located at 4885 Beaver Creek Road.

Applications can be returned to: Alberni Co-op Attn: Director Application 4885 Beaver Creek Road Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 7E1 Or email: gm@adcoop.ca Deadline for Nominations is April 1, 2024.

A32 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

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Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A33

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A34 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

Hello Baby

Alberni Valley Community Forest

OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, March 5, 2024 1:00pm - 7:00pm 7400 Airport Rd at the Alberni Valley Regional Airport building.

“Babies are amazing. They begin each day all warm and sleepy and smelling of promise.”

- Julia Roberts Gift Basket for Baby of the Week Prepared by: Cedar Grove Reformed Church Family.

Contact Carol Johnston 250-723-7080

Custom Onesie for Baby of the Week

A 4567 Gertrude St.

www.albernivalleynews.com

We welcome public feedback on our past efforts and invite input for our future plans. Our Forest Stewardship Plan is open for public review and comment as we prepare to renew it for another five years.

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A Meal, Salad & Sweet Treat of choice for Baby of the Week.

https://www.albernivalleynews.com

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm 7400 Airport Rd. at the Alberni Valley Regional Airport building.

Recreation user groups and individuals are invited to come and discuss recreation use and recreation planning on the Community Forest lands.

City opposed to ATVs on the trail “There’s a very low commitment coming from the regional areas to barriers on the trail to ensure that it upkeep the Log Train Trail as an remains free of ATVs or dirt bikes. asset,” said Minions. “Which was Council also asked staff to send a disappointing to me, given how letter to the Ministry of Transpor- much use we see and how much tation and Infrastructure and Mo- value we hear from our residents about this trail.” saic Forest Management stating that the The new Log Train city does not support Trail management plan has not been motorized vehicles on fully implemented the Log Train Trail. yet. According to “I’m very concerned the ACRD, staff that those motorized vehicles will be miwill work on the cregrating onto the cityation of a transition owned portion of the plan and will engage Log Train Trail,” said user groups on the Coun. Debbie Hagdevelopment of – Sharie Minions guidelines, signage gard. She added that she wants to ensure and a communicathere are “barriers tion strategy, as well and proper signage” to make sure as modifying access points and key motorized vehicles aren’t able to trail sections as needed. access the city-owned portion of The ACRD will also need to nethe trail. gotiate a new agreement with the Mayor Sharie Minions called the Ministry of Transportation and Log Train Trail one of the city’s Infrastructure. greatest assets, and admitted she It is expected to be another 12 was disappointed to hear from the to 18 months before motorized ACRD board that there will be vehicles are actually allowed on very little maintenance on the trail. the trail.

Continued from A3

There’s very low commitment coming from the regional areas...

PUBLIC NOTICE Pacific Rim School District draft Long Range Facility Plan The Board of Education of Pacific Rim School District is seeking community input on the draft Long Range Facility Plan and invites comments from the public on or before 4:00pm on March 15, 2024. All information, including the draft document, can be found at www.sd70.bc.ca Written Comments: Can be mailed to: ATTN: Paula Mason, Manager of Corporate Services Pacific Rim School District (SD70) 4690 Roger Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 3Z4 Or Emailed to: Paula Mason Joel Plamer

pmason@sd70.bc.ca palmer@palmermgmt.com

Or Dropped off to the School Board Office:

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www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

SPORTS

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A35

GOT A SPORTS TIP? Email us at newsroom@albernivalleynews.com.

Sheep win Cowichan Cup ELENA RARDON Alberni Valley News

The Port Alberni Black Sheep Rugby Club has won the Cowichan Cup. The Black Sheep picked up the cup after a 30-24 win against the Nanaimo Hornets on Saturday, Feb. 10. While the Black Sheep usually compete for the Times Colonist Cup, which is awarded to the top team on Vancouver Island, head coach Jas Purewal says this wasn’t possible for the 202324 season because of their BC Rugby schedule.

Instead, the Black Sheep played against the Cowichan Piggies and the Nanaimo Hornets for the Cowichan Cup. “The Cowichan Cup is not played regularly,” he explained. “It’s on and off. It’s one of those unique years, where because of the scheduling there was no [Vancouver Island] championship.”

Although Nanaimo opened the scoring on Feb. 10 with an unconverted try, the Black Sheep came back with a penalty goal from Ty Shannon and a try from Mat

Mitchell Daines of the Campbell River Storm checks Anthony Duhamel of the Port Alberni Bombers into the boards during a game at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Feb. 14. (ELENA RARDON / Alberni Valley News)

Bombers drop game to Storm The Port Alberni Black Sheep celebrate their Cowichan Cup win in Nanaimo on Saturday, Feb. 10.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO) Kelly. Shannon added one more penalty goal and two tries on the match, while Anthony Selva added another try for the visiting team.

Nanaimo scored on the last play of the game, but the Black Sheep still managed to take the 30-24 win and claim the Cowichan Cup. “We were fortunate enough to come away with the win,” said Purewal.

After several months on the road, the Black Sheep are finally returning to their home pitch on Saturday, March 2 for a game against Abbotsford. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.

“It’s been a very challenging schedule for us, with a lot of games on the road,” admitted Purewal. “We’re hoping things will get a bit better for us now that we’ve

got a few home games coming up.”

The Black Sheep are sitting in third place in Men’s Div. 1 rugby standings, just behind Abbotsford and the Vancouver Rowing Club. Purewal says the team is starting to get healthy again after a few injuries earlier in the season.

“Hopefully we can make a good playoff push,” he said.

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ELENA RARDON Alberni Valley News

The Port Alberni Bombers dropped a 7-1 Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) decision to the Campbell River Storm on Wednesday night (Feb. 14) at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.

After a scoreless first period, the Storm took advantage of the power play, scoring three second-period goals with the man advantage. Port Alberni’s Owen Ditzel scored the Bombers’ lone goal in the second, but the Storm still took a 4-1 lead into

the second intermission.

In the third period, the Storm added three more markers for a decisive 7-1 win. Bombers goaltender Dylan Dykstra made 39 saves on the night, while Campbell River goaltender Nick Peters made 20 saves.

As the VIJHL regular season winds down, the Port Alberni Bombers only have one home game left. They will host the Comox Valley Glacier Kings at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Friday, Feb. 23. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.

A36 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

A L B E R N I VA LLEY

Buying

Real Estate

OR SELLING?

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F E B R U A RY 2 0 2 4

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With all the benefits of country living yet only minutes to all of the city amenities. This warm, family home is situated on a 2.5 acre, partially treed property. Main floor features a large, welcoming living room with wood burning fireplace, an adjoining dining area, an original kitchen with clean wood (ash) cabinets and a dishwasher, laundry, three bedrooms and a four piece bath.

The lower floor contains a 4th bedroom, a large family/games room, a storage room and a workshop area. A covered back deck overlooking the mostly treed back yard, extensive concrete garden beds, lots)

This unit features a large sunken living room with laminate flooring and a vaulted ceiling, a bright, open, well appointed kitchen, three bedrooms and a den, a large five piece main bath (plus laundry incorporated) and a 3 piece 2nd bath. A large, fully covered deck provides additional living space on a seasonal basis. A 12x12 detached shop, a storage shed, covered parking and a large fenced yard with garden area

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MLS 948433

$429,900

Located in a well cared for mature neighbourhood. Built in 1949, this home features a large living-room with original hardwood floors, coved ceilings and a wood burning fireplace, a functional older kitchen with great potential along with adjoining dining area, two large bedrooms with wood floors and a newer four piece bath on the main floor. The partially finished lower floor contains a 3rd bedroom, a family room and a laundry/workshop/ storage area. The easy care fenced back yard also has alley access. Upgrades include a newer roof and some newer vinyl cased thermal windows. Within easy walking disclose to schools & shopping. With fresh paint and some minor upgrades, this character home could return to its former glory.

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A37

New Listings

10 - 10325 Lakeshore Road 1 Bed, 1 Bath, 0 Acres Sproat Lake Charmer $224,900

3740 Argyle Way 3 Bed, 1 Bath, 0 Acres Argyle Gardens Townhome $269,500

3687 6th Avenue 5 Bed, 3 Bath, 0.13 Acres In-Law Suite Included $449,900

2910 18th Avenue 6 Bed, 4 Bath, 0.22 Acres Versatile 2,860 sq.ft. Duplex $799,999

2891 Burde Street 2 Bed, 3 Bath, 6.91 Acres 2 Separately Titled Lots $1,249,900

Featured Listings

4662 Margaret Street 0 Bed, 0 Bath, 0.16 Acres Commercial Bldg w/ Suite $425,000

4858 Josephine Street 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 0.35 Acres Modern Vintage Charm $649,900

4504 Glenwood Drive 0 Bed, 0 Bath, 0.20 Acres Commercial Bldg/Shop $699,000

3150 McNaughton Avenue 4 Bed, 4 Bath, 0.19 Acres Includes In-Law Suite $879,000

6171 Saunders Road North 7 Bed, 3 Bath, 4.08 Acres 3,750 sq.ft. Country Living $899,000

14-4837 Roger Street 1 Bed, 1 Bath, 0 Acres Roger Creek Views $204,999

Congratulations To Our Happy Clients!

SOLD 3732 Argyle Way

SOLD 10175 Klitsa Drive

SOLD 3907 Morrison Road

SOLD 4026 Bute Street

To View All of Our Real Estate Listings Visit:

www.albernivalleyrealestate.com www.AlberniValleyRealEstate.com Call For Free Home Valuation

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A38 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

Your Journey Home Begins Here Royal LePage Port AlberniPacific Rim Realty welcomes

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www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 A39

Now serving the Alberni Valley from our new office at D-4035 Redford St.

250-248-8801 PEMBERTON HOLMES WELCOMES TO OUR PORT ALBERNI TEAM:

John Miminas

Bev Mullen

A40 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com