TAKE 5 July 2018

4

take5.ca

JULY 2018

TAKE 5

take5.ca

Letters Trash Challenge Meant to get this letter written as soon as I had read the article “The Yellow Point Roadside Trash Challenge,” in the April edition, but never too late to get a point across.

Want to applaud Guy Dauncey, Lexi Maartman-Jones and the “YES” group for this idea and for putting out the challenge.

I’m not really one to pick up garbage anywhere except on my own property (easy then for immediate disposal), but my husband and I definitely would not think of littering anywhere (and often comment on this, positively or negatively, when we travel).

Yes, we see too much rubbish and litter and cannot believe there are still people these days who cannot be bothered to do the right thing — take a few extra seconds or steps so as to NOT LITTER. I have another challenge to put out there: Do not throw recyclable items in the garbage at fast food outlets and coffee shops, such as McDonald’s, DQ, KFC, A&W, Subway, Tim Horton’s, etc. (plus there are others not in our immediate area).

Take them home to your green bin and recycling bag/container instead. This includes cardboard cups, tray liners, paper and cardboard wrappings, bags, receipts, napkins, plastic lids, glass bottles and milk and juice cartons — all of which can quickly fill up garbage bags — so unnecessary! Even Styrofoam can be recycled at Peerless Road site.

Ideally, all eating establishments should have full recycling, and I am amazed they do not, or if they do, I don’t think it is enough. For e.g. McDonald’s and DQ have nothing except “waste” disposal. Tim Horton’s does have a bin labelled for drink containers (deposit refund). So the challenge is out to these places as well to improve their standards in this regard.

But in the meantime, please consider the “take-away” proposal. (It works because my husband has even followed my suggestion!)

Eliminating over-usage of straws is next on the list for these places. — Ann Hockey

Petition political

BY RUSS BARLING I’ve always loved politics. But I can understand why people disengage from the political process to the point where they

7

8

take5.ca

won’t even turn up to vote. At times, it seems like the folks who get elected aren’t interested in what we have to say after the election.

I’ve been living in Ladysmith for five years. I stopped going to Council meetings after the first year because I never got a response to urgent questions I submitted, and it always seemed like the tangled web of rules governing discussion at those meetings were stacked against public input, especially if you were known to have a dissenting opinion.

But I went on June 4 because Council’s plan for our Waterfront is probably the most important piece of business they will do for the next five years. Simply put, it will affect the quality of life of every resident in this town.

So when Council announced it would be voting to rezone the area known as “the Jewel” from Waterfront Park to Medium Density Residential — adequate public consultation, they said, had been done — several concerned citizens decided to take an independent poll of public opinion.

Despite asking the simple and obvious question, “Are you opposed to the rezoning?”, the petition became unnecessarily political — private businesses were threatened by Councillors for hosting the petition, and petitioners were yelled at in public by our elected officials.

We collected almost 1,000 signatures opposing the rezoning in a hectic week of campaigning prior to the June 4 vote. If we’d had another week, we would have collected another 1,000 (campaigning as we speak).

Broadly, one in 20 of the residents we approached refused

JULY 2018

to sign (I had no refusals, not one). With a 95 per cent adoption rate from a huge sample size, it raised the question: who exactly did Council speak to during their “public-consultation process”?

Another issue the campaign made abundantly clear was that the vast majority of the folks we spoke with weren’t anti-development. They just thought that a development proposal so critical to our town’s future should be decided by referendum, rather than through some vague and majority unseen publicconsultation process. And with municipal elections scheduled for October 20 this year, the pro-rezoning Councillors would have the opportunity to campaign on the issue without costing

TAKE 5

take5.ca

Citizens concerned over potential condo development by Transfer Beach Park

taxpayers a penny extra.

If they were to be re-elected, they would have a verifiable mandate for their Waterfront Plan, end of story.

With such a sensible and fair suggestion in hand, the morning of the vote we sent documentation of the results of the petition to every member of Council and the Mayor. But those emails were intercepted by a Town Administrator.

(Who knew correspondence to Councillors from their voting public had to go

through a unelected gatekeeper?). She told us that we had missed the May 14 deadline for submitting “new” information.

This deadline was set, she said, to “allow the process to remain fair.” Fair for whom? The same rationale was used to prohibit us from presenting the petition at the June 4 meeting. Yet Rob Hutchins, the Acting Mayor, was allowed to deliver a 10-minute soliloquy about why his was the best Waterfront Plan in the history of this town, ostensibly providing all kinds of “new” information to Council immediately before the vote. I guess

9

that privilege is only afforded to those who know their way around the rules.

So the Mayor and Council didn’t officially have the petition before they voted unanimously in favour of rezoning.

They either didn’t know or didn’t care that almost 1,000 people were against it.

I’ve tried, but I cannot think of any information that would be more germane to making informed decision on such an important development proposal.

So we continue to urge the Council to postpone any more activity associated with Waterfront Plan until the election. There, they can campaign on it to prove their mandate for development.

If they’re so sure they have undergone adequate public consultation, if they are so sure that they have a public mandate, what have they got to lose?

Either way, October 20 will see the most politically engaged electorate in many decades.

Letters to the Editor may be edited for space, clarity or legality. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of TAKE 5 or its affiliates. editor@take5.ca

10

take5.ca

JULY 2018

TAKE 5

take5.ca

11

12

JULY 2018

Running for the right reasons Municipal elections are right around the corner and many of us are already thinking about the issues affecting our community, about who can represent Ladysmith residents fairly and with conviction, and about whether we intend to run for office or not. It’s a decision that should be made thoughtfully — before someone decides to run for local office, it’s really important to have a clear understanding not only of the process and requirements for running for local office in B.C., but also the good and bad reasons for stepping up to the plate.

There is a fantastic blog by a former

Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone( left) at Stz'uminus Nation Indigenous Day celebration at Transfer Beach Park. Photo: Nick Longo

Alberta politician and businesswoman named Danielle Klooster that explores various reasons for and against running for local office. She does such a great job of summing everything up, so I will refer to her wisdom in this Mayor’s Message and supplement it with my own

thoughts and experience.

Danielle Klooster’s 6 awesome reasons to run for municipal office 1. You care deeply about your community and want to make a positive impact I love Ladysmith. I grew up here, I

TAKE 5

take5.ca

raise my own family here, I’ve built a business here, I’ve actively volunteered here in a number of capacities, and for the last four years, I’ve served my community as mayor. Public service isn’t for everyone, and while it has its challenges, it is incredibly rewarding. If you are truly passionate about Ladysmith and committed to ensuring it remains a safe, vibrant and sustainable place for future generations, then you should consider running for Council and working with your fellow Council members toward the betterment of the entire community.

2. You have proven leadership experience Local governments are complex organizations and the learning curve is steep. I’ve been Mayor of Ladysmith for the past four years and I am still learning. That’s why I am grateful to have had the benefit of leadership experience with my time as a business owner, as director and president of the Chamber of Commerce, director of the Ladysmith and District Credit Union, co-chair of our local Parents’ Advisory Council, and my work with a group formed to address concerns related to the School District 68 10-Year Enhanced Facilities Plan. If you don’t have this kind of experience, consider joining a local board, committee or working group or carry out other types of volunteer work. As Danielle Klooster points out, if you haven’t served your community as a volunteer, you haven’t earned the right to ask it to elect you into a paid position of leadership.

3. You’ve done your homework Many people don’t realize the level of commitment required for effective public service. Council meetings are typically held twice a month, and Council members also sit on other

13

Town boards and committees. Sometimes meetings are scheduled during the day, which means we have to take time off work. Sometimes they are held in the evening or on weekends.

Council members attend community events, consultations and celebrations, and we meet frequently with our Stz’uminus First Nation partners and with stakeholders from other local governments or organizations. If you enjoy taking your vacation for more than a couple of weeks at a time, this can pose problems because Council members are expected to attend a certain number of meetings each year — their votes are critical to the decision-making process.

To inform our prospective candidates and interested voters about the ins and outs of running for Council, as well as the many rules and responsibilities associated with becoming an elected official, the Town has already hosted one elections workshop and will offer another in September. There are excellent videos provided by the provincial government that give potential candidates information to help them with answers to questions that they may have before making the decision to run for local office. Elections BC also has information about campaign financing and expense limits on its website, in addition to frequently asked questions, and the nominations package is jam packed with facts and figures about what you can and can’t do when you decide to run for local office.

If you want information firsthand, talk to me or one of my fellow Council members about our roles, our responsibilities and our own experiences as elected officials. Scan the newspaper, read blogs and political and community columns, and

14

take5.ca

JULY 2018

watch our online Council meetings (available at www.ladysmith.ca). Read the Council agendas and minutes, also on the Town website. Attend Council meetings in person if you can.

Be informed before you decide to run, during your election campaign and after you are elected. Being informed will not only help you to decide whether you are ready to serve this community — it will help you to make thoughtful, constructive decisions on behalf of all Ladysmith residents.

4. You are prepared to be part of a team They say there is no “I” in team and that phrase is never as true as how it relates to sitting around the Council table. As one of seven decision makers, we are each committed to the people who elected us, but also to the decision-making process. We have to be informed, we have to have good debating skills, we must consider information and the opinions and positions of our fellow Council members and Town staff, we are required to vote on decisions, and when they don’t go our way, we have to accept the outcome even we disagree. Sometimes we make decisions that aren’t popular with residents. I can’t do this job without my fellow councillors, and they can’t do theirs without me. Being able to work well with others while remaining true to yourself is a key feature of this role.

5. You’re a long-term thinker, prepared to build for the future So much of what we do is about building a foundation for future residents of Ladysmith residents — our children’s children. Despite the possibility of not even being here to enjoy all the fruits of our labours, we do this work because it’s important to us and to our community.

6. You can remain committed to serving the community and doing what you believe is best, no matter what Danielle Klooster explains this so beautifully: “Good leaders — as opposed to good politicians — are willing to sacrifice personal gain for the good of the community.” This job can be tough — you have to develop a thick skin because some people can be very critical of the job we are doing. Sometimes, it’s hard not to take it personally. However, there is so much satisfaction associated with serving this community. I love Ladysmith and so do my fellow Council members. We only want to see our little town continue to flourish, secure in the knowledge that its residents can raise their families and run their businesses in a vibrant, sustainable and resilient community.

If the six reasons I have listed resonate with you, then you should absolutely consider running for Council.

Stay tuned for my next column where I share Danielle Klooster’s Five Terrible Reasons to Run for Municipal Office.

In the meantime, as I mentioned earlier, a helpful tool for assisting prospective candidates in determining their readiness is by attending the next Town-hosted elections workshop in September, and checking out some excellent videos provided by the provincial government aimed at anyone thinking of running for local office. Visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ governments/local-governments/governance-powers/generallocal-elections/thinking-of-running-for-local-office.

You can also see Danielle Klooster’s original blog here http:// danikloo.com/six-awesome-reasons-to-run-for-municipal-office/.

TAKE 5

take5.ca

15

16

On June 20, the official ribbon cutting for the new Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham at Oyster Bay Village was celebrated by the Stz’uminus and Town of Ladysmith representatives. Property tours and a reception drew an appreciative crowd eager to see the MasterBuilt Hotel. The project is in partnership with Coast Salish Group of Companies and MasterBuilt Hotels. Photo: Nick Longo

Grand opening of Wastewater Treatment Centre On June 18, 2018, the Town of Ladysmith celebrated the grand opening of two prominent infrastructure projects, the new wastewater treatment plant and the new bio-solids facility.

“Ladysmith’s world-class bio-solids facility and wastewater treatment plant, the latter of which was recently honoured with an award for engineering excellence, are excellent examples of how innovative infrastructure can provide a variety of sustainable benefits for communities,” said Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone.

Completion of the Town’s new wastewater treatment plant has significantly improved the quality of the wastewater effluent discharged to the Ladysmith Harbour.

In 2011, the Town received $5.21 million in federal Gas Tax funding from the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) Strategic Priorities Fund toward construction of the wastewater treatment plant, along with a $1 million grant and $10 million loan) through the Green Municipal FundTM (GMF). The Town later received an additional $570,224 in federal Gas Tax funding through the UBCM’s Regionally Significant Projects Fund that was directed toward construction of the bio-solids facility.

“It is crucial that we work together with all levels of government to make sure communities have the infrastructure they need to deliver the services residents rely on,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan.

Brits on the Beach

Abandoned vessels bill

The 18th Annual Brits on the Beach is Sunday, July 8, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith.

This event is the Central Island’s biggest car show of the year. Participants bring their vehicles from up and down Vancouver Island, the mainland and even Washington State. This is the best place to view British car makes and models from the past and present — also a great time to pick up those hard to find spare parts. Registration is free and so is admission. Come early and enjoy a hot breakfast provided by the Ladysmith Lions Club. Pack up the family and enjoy the entire day at the beach.

Ladysmith’s final attempt to close a loophole in the federal government’s legislation on abandoned vessels was defeated in the House of Commons. The Liberals’ legislation Bill C-64 hopes to prevent additional abandoned vessels, but fails to address vessels that are already abandoned.

“The Liberals and Conservatives voted together to defeat real solutions for coastal communities and the longstanding problem of abandoned vessels,” Malcolmson says. “Voting ‘yes’ would have also closed a loophole, so that old Coast Guard, BC Ferries and Navy boats would have to pay the same penalties that the Liberals are charging private boats owners.”

Last month, the BC Chamber of Commerce joined over 50 coastal organizations urging the Government of Canada to implement coastal community solutions to solve the longstanding problem of abandoned vessels. The NDP tried to add elements of Malcolmson’s bill into the government’s legislation, but Liberals voted down 12 out of the 13 amendments.

A Wet and Wild Dragon Boat Weekend Awaits The 16th Annual 2018 Save On Foods Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival will take place July 6 to 8 and once again promises to be the best and biggest ever — more teams, more festivities and more to celebrate at Nanaimo’s most popular summer event.

This year, they plan to host 72 dragon boat teams from all over B.C. and the U.S. to take part in the festival — a weekend of competition, camaraderie and celebration on Nanaimo’s waterfront. Come celebrate with family and friends during this great event and help them continue with their goal to raise money to support local breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This is truly Nanaimo’s finest festival — paddlers united in the fight to beat cancer.

Details at nanaimodragonboat.com.

NOAHS Centre is 25!

Join the 25th anniversary celebration of North Oyster and Area Historical Society (NOAHS) Community Centre on July 14, 2018, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., for an open house and light refreshments at the Community Centre (13467 Cedar Road). Everyone is welcome to visit the Centre and the new museum.

In June of 1993, a group of concerned

TAKE 5

take5.ca

17

nesses, corporations and foundations helped provide additional funding. A new addition was built onto the back of the community centre that provided wheelchair access, a new modern industrial kitchen, washrooms and storage. Over the years, more land was acquired to accommodate parking and an onsite water storage tank for fire suppression. As a result of this group effort, a sense of community spirit has grown over the years, and everyone sees this as “their” project.

Today, NOAHS and the community centre provides space and many services for weddings, birthdays, memorial services, crafts and children care facilities, as well as many other functions. To find notifications of events at the centre, visit our website northoystercommunitycentre.com.

School being relocated. Photo: Irene Hawthornthwaite

local people saved the old North Oyster School from the wrecking ball. This building had served as the elementary school for the area since 1913 and had seen many generations of local families educated within its walls. It has held a special place in the hearts of everyone. At a spontaneous meeting, $19,000 was raised to save and move the building across the street to land donated by Bert Gisborne.

The newly-formed NOAHS had many fundraisers and countless volunteer hours of labour, machinery and time clearing the lot, building the foundations, changing and modernizing the old school into a much-needed community centre. In the intervening years, thousands of volunteer hours had been completed to prepare the building for opening. Many local busi-

St. Joe’s closes doors The news of St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Chemainus closure was greeted with sorrow by the community.

“I feel very sad,” said Wendy Bouma. “All three of my children got a great start from attending that school.”

The school had been struggling with falling enrollment for a number of years and despite student and community attempts to keep it open, the decision was made in June to close the school.

Tyler Buck who graduated from St. Joe’s said it saddened him that other kids won’t have the opportunity to experience what he did. “I have special memories from my time there and a lot of respect for some of the teachers who guided me that are now losing their employment.”

The idea of a Catholic school in Chemainus began with

18

take5.ca

Father Frank Price and a handful of parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church. To build the school, parishioners gave pledges over a three year period. Many parishioners donated their time and money to building the school.

St. Joseph’s School opened in September 1964 with an enrollment of 118 students. Four teaching Sisters of the Order of Missionary Sisters of Christ the King, known as the “White Sisters” because of their white habits, came and taught at the school for three years.

The “White Sisters” left as St. Joseph’s could no longer be defined as a missionary school. The Sisters of the Child Jesus were asked to come to Chemainus to help support the teaching ministry needed for the school.

Over the years, the student population has fluctuated due to

JULY 2018

demographics and economics but one thing has remained the same, its lasting impact on its students and the community.

“My kids learned respect and interacting with other peers in a way that no other public school could have done,” says Bouma . “Small classrooms, teachers that chose to work there with less pay and some religion played a big factor, says Bouma.

École North Oyster Elementary wins contest! École North Oyster School, along with Cache Creek Elementary School and Mackenzie Recreation Centre/John Dahl Park are the winners in the BCAA Play Here contest. Each play space will receive revitalizations worth up to $100,000!

Three years ago after North Oyster Elementary School amalgamated with Ecole Davis Road School, the enrollment shot from 80 to 300 students. The playground was already inadequate – but now it is sorely lacking. What little play opportunities were left were also completely inaccessible to any person or child with mobility issues.

But that’s all about to change because of the support from the local community. Every day, several times a day, a dedicated group logged onto the BCAA Play Here contest and cast their ballots for Ecole North Oyster, from May 28 to June 17, encouraging others to do likewise in order to win $100,000 to build a new Playspace, this summer.

Salmon BBQ Fundraiser

Local Rotary Club Helps Out! On May 31, the Ladysmith Interact Club and the Rotary Club of Ladysmith filled personal hygiene kits for Soap For Hope to deliver to local shelters. The Interact Club also donated $500 towards a Disaster Aid bin to be sent to a community in need.

Ladysmith Rotary Club matched the $500. The Interact Club is a Ladysmith Secondary School volunteer organization supported by the Rotary Club of Ladysmith. Photo: Gerry Beltgens

Rayal Canadian Air Cadets 257 Parallel Squadron at the annual Parade and Inspection on June 5 at the Aggie Hall, Ladysmith. To register for the coming year, email ladysmithaircadets@yahoo.ca Photo: Nick Longo

A salmon barbecue fundraiser for the Locomotive #11 and Humdirgen restoration is being held at the Ladysmith Community Marina Social Dock on July 28, 2018. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at the LMS website (marina.lmsmarina.ca/tickets) . The event features cocktails, and dinner with music by the Mount Benson Ceili Band. Heritage books will be for sale, and a raffle. Sponsored by LDHS Industrial Heritage Preservation Committee and the Ladysmith Maritime Society.

The Knights of Columbus, Council #4582 Ladysmith, presented donations at St. Mary’s Church Hall on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at 10 a.m., to the following charity organizations: Ladysmith Food Bank, Cross Roads Crisis Pregnancy Centre, Bursaries to Ladysmith Secondary School, Ladysmith Resources Centre/ Seniors Centre, St. Joseph’s School, Sporting Equipment, Ladysmith Boys & Girls Club, Ladysmith Festival of Lights, Disabled Sailing Association, Ladysmith Baseball Association, Ladysmith Family & Friends.

TAKE 5

Heritage Video Series The first season of the Ladysmith & District Historical Society’s (LDHS) heritage video series Lives & Legends is available for viewing. These shorts were produced by TAKE 5 on behalf of the historical society thanks to the support of the Province of British Columbia through the British Columbia/Canada 150: Celebrating B.C. communities and their contributions to Canada grant “Every Thursday a new video link is shared from the LDHS YouTube chan-

take5.ca

nel to the LDHS Facebook page,” says video series director Marina Sacht.

“By the completion of the second and third series, we anticipate another 4 to 5 hours of viewing time will be added to the first season,” says Sacht. “This does not include the full interviews that encompass about 26 hours of material.”

The historical society has made several presentations to the seniors at Lodge on 4th. The videos will enhance some future talks. LDHS President Ed Nicholson is a strong supporter of this outreach program and believes that there

19

is a therapeutic benefit in stimulating memory recall by sharing experiences.

Because there are “so many stories, so little time” Sacht is wasting none. Work is well underway for another heritage video series, thanks to the financial support of the Province of British Columbia’s Community Resilience through Arts & Culture Grant.

For information on video sponsorship, or to suggest subjects, call Marina 250-245-7015, marinasacht@yahoo.ca, or contact the LDHS at 250-245-0100, info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca.

20

take5.ca

Holland Lake Dam

BY GREG ROBERTS Water. We turn on our taps and expect clean, safe drinking water.

This is the short story of the studies and decisions that lead to the construction of the Holland Lake Dams in 1979 and 1980.

It is the increased storage in this lake that provides a more steady supply to Holland Creek where the town draws most of its water today. While there have been water infrastructure projects before and after the construction of these dams (new pipelines and enclosed reservoir), this project created the basic structure that we have today for water delivery.

The story leading to the construction of the dams is a fascinating and important part of Ladysmith’s history. Today we are faced with significant growth in population and consequently increased demand in water.

Questions: Can we be sure about water quality and supply in the face of changing forest practices, changing climate and related changes in the hydrologic cycle.

Will we ever have salmon back in our streams? Does the history of the Holland Lake dams have any lessons important to Ladysmith residents today?

In 1965, the town of Ladysmith asked Willis Cunliffe and Tait, (WCT) who was the engineer firm of record for the town, to complete a study of options to address water shortages. The population of Ladysmith at the time was about 3450 people (but had grown from 1706 people in 1941). The report entitled: Development of Stocking –Banon Creek, and delivered in October 1965 brought forward proposals to increase the dam height on Stocking Lake, place a dam at the outflow from Heart Lake and construct a canal that would join the two lakes. It was anticipated this project would deliver enough water to supply the town and Saltair up to the year 2000 with an estimated population of 11,000 people. Ladysmith didn’t grow as fast as anticipated with a population of 8537 reported in the 2016 census..

The project to raise Stocking Lake Dam and Heart Lake Dam was never approved.

Fast forward to 1974. No actions are taken on the 1965 recommendations but water supply issues take an increasing amount of time of Town Council. Meetings with the Saltair Waterworks District and the Diamond Ratepayers Association are frequent. Issues of supply, costs for water use, and shortages are raised. Saltair even raises the possibility of a land develHolland Lake Dam. Photo: Greg Roberts

JULY 2018

opment freeze in Ladysmith to ensure adequate water supply.

WCT is asked to undertake another water study in 1974 to determine the causes of water shortages. The report makes a recommendation that water metres be installed. It was estimated that this could reduce consumption by up to 50 per cent. It is fascinating to note that this idea was not acted on until early in the new century. A number of minor recommendations are also made in the report that could improve efficiency of the system. But there is no mention of Holland Lake at this time.

December 6, 1976 is the first Council meeting where raising Holland Lake dam is suggested as the best option for increasing water supply. The cost was later estimated at $1,865,000. It is interesting to note that Holland Lake at this time was a shallow lake contained at the North West side by a small dam known as the “Company Dam” that was constructed by the Wellington Coal Company in the early 1900’s.

From 1974 to October 1980 when the Holland Lake Dam was completed, over 45 council meetings had Holland Lake Dam, water supply and related issues with the Diamond and Saltair water organizations on the agenda. These are the subject of a more detailed report of the various reports and council decisions. For those interested in more information you can view the report on-line at the GreenBlue facebook page and in hard copy at the Ladysmith Archives.

This review was initiated because of a fortuitous meeting with Bob Colclough who was in charge of inspection and oversight on the Holland Lake Dam project in 1979-80. He was an avid photographer and has kindly provided digital copies of all his photos to the Ladysmith Archives. Many of these photos are used in the longer report. And those interested in this history can visit the Archives to view all the photos.

Suffice it to provide a short summary here of some of the lessons over this 15 year period.

Water shortages have long been part of Ladysmith history; a key lesson here is that decisions to increase supply can take a long time (1965-1980 in this case) Today, many people still think the issue of water supply and population growth is still an unresolved issue in Ladysmith. Additional supply may simply not be available without huge costs. The lesson from Holland Lake Dam is that citizens and local government needs to be thinking about the future of water supply and the relation to population growth.

It also took a long time between recommendations for water meters to having them installed. Much yet remains to be done to help conserve water and reduce per capita consumption Politics of water are an important part of the story. Proposals for integrated water services for Saltair and Ladysmith that

TAKE 5

were on the table but never implemented.

Historical stresses over water between Diamond and Ladysmith are evident in the many meetings. The Province still issues water licences and the issue of water transfer from the Chemainus watershed (Banon Creek) to Holland Lake may be an issue in the future as climate change impacts local hydrology. Some of the tensions in these areas still exist today. When you add the issue of forest management on private land, an expanding urban land base where environment, fisheries, and hydrology are often not adequately addressed you have the ingredients for complex problems that will continue to take time energy and creative solutions of local government and the citizens of Ladysmith.

In short, water issues are here with us for the foreseeable future.

Ladysmith Waterfront Plan recognized Ladysmith’s Waterfront Area Plan has been honoured by the Planning Institute of BC with an Excellence in Policy Planning – Small Towns & Rural Areas Award.

“Council is proud and delighted that the town‘s vision for renewed waterfront area has been recognized as one of the finest examples of professional planning work in BC and the Yukon,” said Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone. “Built in partnership with our Stz’uminus neighbours, Ladysmith residents, waterfront owners, and tenants, the design provides for numerous environmental rehabilitation and economic sustainability.

The plan was developed during a 15-month extensive community consultation process led by consultant Dialog Design. - submitted

take5.ca

21

22

take5.ca

JULY 2018

of many research books and papers, Dr. Richard E. Thomson. Brian was chief scientist of the Ocean Drilling Project in Saanich.

Music at Ladysmith Community Marina

Concerts in the Park Picture yourself sitting and looking out at a picture-perfect harbour, mountains in the background and the sweet sounds of music filling the air. Every July and August, the Ladysmith Resources Association hosts a series of concerts at the beautiful Transfer Beach Amphitheatre as a major fundraiser for the many programs they provide for the community. This season kicks off on July 8, 2018, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the sweet jazz sounds of Lust Life Band, sure to be a fun evening. For more information and a full listing of concerts, see the pull out feature.

Music in the Park Music fills the air this summer season in Ladysmith and Chemainus. Getting things started is the popular concert series “Music in the Park,” Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., at the Chemainus Waterwheel Park, from July 3 to August 28.

Admission is by donation, and the concerts go on rain or shine. On July 3, enjoy the sounds of great blues, seasoned with a helping of R&B, with a performance by Auntie Kate and the Uncles of Funk. Don’t have time for dinner? No problem! Gourmet hot dogs and refreshment are available. For more information, see their ad in the July issue.

Music to war – Bornhold leaves legacy

BY MARINA SACHT From music to war, Brian Bornhold leaves a lasting legacy to Ladysmith.

Brian, 72, passed away on June 3, 2018.

In March of 2017, Brian wrote the book “Early Music in Ladysmith British Columbia 1902-1912”, for the Ladysmith and District Historical Society (LDHS). The book documents the early years when there were international musicians and opera players performing in the town. The book, available at Salamander Books and the Ladysmith Museum, is a fundraiser for the society.

“Brian was a very through researcher,” says LDHS president Ed Nicholson.

Author Brian Bornhold leaves a lasting legacy behind.

Brian had been diagnosed with terminal cancer but still wanted to contribute. An avid musician and a trombone player, he turned his interest into uncovering history in an area that had not been explored before, said Nicholson. “Brian is a good example of a person who has skills and that are transferrable,” says Nicholson. “You don’t have to be from Ladysmith to uncover its history.”

During his earlier research he came across a series of published letters written by soldiers to their families during the Great War. With help from Harald Cowie, the music book was released, Brian turned his attention to researching World War I in Ladysmith. He left a volume of research behind that volunteers Isabelle Ouelette, Bonnie and Ray Peerens, and Terry Carlson are continuing to build upon. John and Esther Sharp are now spearheading the “Letters Home” project.

Brian worked on a wide range of marine environmental and engineering projects. In 2004 Brian became a co-chief scientist of the NEPTUNE Canada project, an innovative, deepsea research initiative led by Dr. Chris Barnes. In 2012 he semi-retired but retained a professional involvement as a consultant in several large BC coastal projects. He continued to work with his colleagues Drs. Isaak Fain, Alexander Rabinovich and Evgueni Kulikov, as part of a company in which Brian was President, International Tsunami Research Inc., and with a long-time ocean science colleague and co-author

Whether you are a music lover or a closet musician, Ladysmith Maritime Society has weekly open mic and performance nights running through the summer you will want to catch The best view in town and some great tunes combine to make Open Mic Night at Ladysmith Community Marina a must do this summer. Open to everyone, musicians and audience come together each Tuesday night in July and August from 7:30 pm to 10 pm. Bring your clarinet, harmonica, or whatever you play or sing. Come alone or with friends and join in the fun. Volunteers play a threesong format and welcome others to join them through playing, singing or dancing. Sit back and relax and meet some new friends on their Social Dock.

Get ready to be entertained every Thursday from 7 pm to 9 pm and listen to featured performers. Returning artists Gord Light of Victoria and Scott McGill of Duncan will be joined by Kelly Fawcett of Nanaimo this summer.

It’s all free, thanks to the society.

Chemainus Theatre presents the musical Grease Hey Guys and Dolls, dust off your leather jacket and pull on your bobby socks. It’s time to go back in time as Danny and Sandy fall in love to the sounds of the music you loved. This fun Broadway musical is a roller coaster of emotions, surrounded by the music that made this play an international hit.

Grease will be playing at the Chemainus Theatre Festival until Sept. 1, 2018.

Bluegrass Extravaganza Mark your calendars for the Chemainus Bluegrass Extravaganza on July 14, 2018, at Waterwheel Park in Chemainus. This annual event is put on by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society and, this year, will feature the music of Jesse Cob and Border Ride. Also performing are Clover Point, Bluegrass Fever, Riverside Bluegrass Band and Genevieve and the Wild Sundays.

TAKE 5

take5.ca

23

24

take5.ca

JULY 2018

26

take5.ca

JULY 2018

Wildwood house

BY KATHY CODE The Ecoforestry Institute Society celebrated another Wildwood milestone with the launch of the Wilkinson Heritage Homestead Awestruck is a good way to describe visitors’ reactions as they toured the newly-restored Homestead during the recent public launch. Visitors eagerly pointed out the many unique design features, snapped photos and cheerfully stole (much to the delight of EIS) design ideas for their own homes. Some toured through two or three times, just to make sure they captured all the innovations and ambience. Wildwood friends who had known the beloved building through the decades were just as impressed as those visiting for the first time.

EIS was pleased to welcome Mayor Bill McKay of Nanaimo and six directors from the Regional District of Nanaimo. The RDN contributed a Community Works grant that greatly assisted with the cost of the restoration.

After a year of hard work and more than a few dollars, the Homestead emerges as a first-rate education and accommodation facility. The Yellow Point area is well known as a favourite place for vacationing, hiking, artists, and going to the farmers’ market and pub. Now, the Wildwood Homestead adds to this, with opportunities to rent the Homestead for workshops, retreats, life events (weddings, birthdays) and overnight stays for conservation tourists from near and far.

The Homestead Committee adopted the “do it once; do it right” approach and took care to combine the required electrical, plumbing, water and heating updates with a décor that respects Merv’s legacy. Installation of solar panels, heat pumps, double-paned low-e windows,

TAKE 5

take5.ca

insulation, and a cistern and rain water collection ensure optimum energy-efficiency.

The Homestead showcases the use of wood in its many forms, from hand-built wood bed frames and coffee tables and solid wood doors and window frames, to recycled-telephone pole kitchen floors and repurposed vintage wood furniture.

The dining room light fixture consists of an arbutus branch intertwined with lights, and the kitchen’s island countertop was made with arbutus branch legs. The live edge headboards have a big “wow!” factor, and Anne Wilkinson’s Singer sewing machine now has a place of pride restored as a bathroom vanity complete with elegant vessel sink and oil bronzed faucet.

The success of the Homestead is two-fold. First, it marks completion of the restoration, and second, the economic impact rippling throughout the community. The project added hundreds of thousands of dollars to the mid-island economy, as EIS hired local trades people and bought materials and goods from local suppliers and businesses. Every dollar was stretched by seeking discounts, enlisting skilled volunteers and accepting donations to refurnish the Homestead. In this way, the Homestead stands as a community project, and there will be many locals who will proudly recount their contribution to this chapter in Wildwood’s story for years to come.

Interested in renting the Homestead? Please email EIS Directors Cheryl Bancroft (cheryl.futureworks@icloud.com) and Kathy Code (codekat999@gmail.com) for more information.

Wildwood Heritage Homestead was a hit with visitors at Open House on June 16. Photos submitted.

27

JULY Ladysmith Harbour Tours by request, 250-2453944

7, 10am–4pm, Coast Salish Weaving, with Chepximiya Siyam Chief Janice George and Skwtsimeltxw Buddy Joseph, Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, 250-753-1821

1–7

7, 2pm–8pm, Chemainus Blues Festival, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

1, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo

3, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo

1, 1pm–5pm, Canada Day Celebrations, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith

3, 2pm, Blaine Dunaway Quintet, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

1, 11am–3pm, Canada Day Celebrations, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

4, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, City Hall, 410 Esplanade Ave., Ladysmith, 250-2456400

2–6, 9am–3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-6424 3, 7pm, Auntie Kate & the Uncles of Funk, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 3, 7:30pm–10pm, Open Mic on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146 4, 10am–noon, Art Show, St. Andrew’s Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo 4–Sept 1, “Grease,” Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus, 1-800-565-7738 5, 7pm–9pm, Scott McGill, Music on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146 5–9, 20th Annual InFrinGinG Dance Festival, The Port Theatre (125 Front St.) and MaffeoSutton Park (10 Comox Rd.), Nanaimo, www. crimsoncoastdance.org/infringing 6, 5pm, Dine on the Dock, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146 6–8, Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival, Maffeo Sutton Park, 10 Comox Rd., Nanaimo 7, 8am–3pm, Chemainus Giant Street Market, Chemainus 7, 9am, Garage Sale, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-2462111

8, 4pm, A Pot-Pourri of Patriotic Pleasers at “Second Sundays at First,” Ladysmith First United sanctuary, 232 High St., Ladysmith 8, Concerts in the Park, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-3079 9–13, 9am–3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-6424 10, 7pm, Sweet Potato Brown and the Troublemakers, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 10, 7:30pm–10pm, Open Mic on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146

5, 7pm–10pm, Ruby Tuesday, Riot Brewing Co., 3055 Oak St., Chemainus, 250-324-7468

11, 7pm, Nanaimo Horticultural Society Meeting, First Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 595 Townsite Rd., Nanaimo

5–9, 21st Annual Nanaimo Pride Week, parade on June 9 at noon, Nanaimo, www. nanaimopride.ca

12, 7pm–9pm, Kelly Fawcett, Music on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-2451146

8–Sept 1, Chemainus Theatre Festival presents “Grease” 9737 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus, 1-800-565-7738

13, 5pm, Dine on the Dock, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146

9, 10am–noon, Good Cents for Change Walkathon, Holland Creek Trail (the entrance by the Police Station), Ladysmith 9, 1pm–4pm, Saori Handweaving: A Japanese Textile Revolution, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, 250-753-1821 9, 1pm–4pm, Sipping the Wild, Wildwood Ecoforest, 2929 Crane Rd., Ladysmith, www. ecoforestry.ca 9, 2-4pm, Strawberry Tea, St. Philip Cedar tkts A $7/C $3, 1797 Cedar Rd.

8 – 14 8, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo 8, 10am–3pm, 18th Annual Brits on the Beach, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith

14, 9am–3pm, Annual Multi Unit Garage Sale, Town & Country Mobile Home Park, 10980 Westdowne Rd., Ladysmith 14, 1:30pm–4pm, 25th Anniversary of North Oyster Historical Society, Open House, 13469 Cedar Rd., Ladysmith 14, 2pm–8pm, Chemainus Bluegrass Extravaganza, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 14, 7pm (doors 6pm), Sean Ashby, Oyster Bay Cafe, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-9242245 14–15, Men’s Fastball Tourney, The Wheaty Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd., 250-722-2422 14–Aug 5, “The Little Prince,” Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus, 1-800-565-7738

15 – 21

15, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo 15, Concerts in the Park, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-3079 16, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, City Hall, 410 Esplanade Ave., 250-245-6400 16–20, 9am–3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-6424 17, 7pm, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

Community Marina, 250-245-1146 27–29, Mixed Ortho Season Ender, The Wheaty Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd., 250-722-2422 28, 1pm–3pm, Drum Making with Jorge Two Eagles Lewis, Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, 250-753-1821 28, 5pm (dinner at 6pm), LDHS’s Salmon BBQ, fundraiser for Locomotive #11 restoration, Ladysmith Community Marina, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith

17, 7:30pm–10pm, Open Mic on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146

28, Concert on the Hill, 630 2nd Ave., Ladysmith, 250-245-3079

18, 10am–2pm, Laying of the Corner Stone 125th Anniversary, St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo, 250-753-1924

29 – 31

18, 9:30am, Ladysmith Probus Club meeting, the Ladysmith Seniors Centre, 630 2nd Ave, Ladysmith, 250-245-0907 18, On the Water Movie, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146 19, 7pm–9pm, Gord Light, Music on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146 20–22, Contemporary Portraits Workshop, with David Goatley, Saltair Community Centre, South Oyster School Rd., Saltair 20–22, Mixed Slow Pitch Season Ender, The Wheaty Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd., 250722-2422

22 – 28 22, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo 22, Concerts in the Park, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-3079 23–27, 9am–3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-6424 24, 7pm, Mark Crissinger Blues Band, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 24, 7:30pm–10pm, Open Mic on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146 26, 5pm–9pm, Beer and Cut for Charity, Riot Brewing Co., 3055 Oak St., Chemainus, 250324-7468 26, 7pm–9pm, Music on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146 27, 5pm, Dine on the Dock, Ladysmith

29, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo 29, Concerts in the Park, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-3079

30–Aug 3, 9am–3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-2456424 31, 7pm, Compassion Gorilla, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 31, 7:30pm–10pm, Open Mic on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146

AUGUST Ladysmith Harbour Tours, 7 days a week, 250245-1146 1–5, “The Little Prince,” Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus, 1-800-565-7738 Daily, Harbour Tours 6-8, Dragon Boat Festival 28, Salmon BBQ

30

RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington)

BY ALEC MCPHERSON Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure of being the chairperson of two committees charged with developing a new Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) for the Regional District of Nanaimo. The Regional Solid Waste Advisory Committee (RSWAC) had 23 members, including representatives from the general public, industry, technical and environmental groups. The Solid Waste Management Committee was comprised of 10 elected officials from within the municipalities and electoral areas forming the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).

The RDN first started tracking its waste disposal in the 1980s when there were no waste diversion strategies employed and the per person per year waste to the landfill was 1,084 kilograms. By 1990, waste diversion had resulted in a reduction of the per person per year waste to the landfill to 550 kg, an almost 50 per cent decrease. The first SWMP was prepared in 1988 in accordance with the Environmental Management Act, RSBC requiring all regional districts to prepare such. In 1991, the RDN introduced Canada’s first user pay residential garbage collection system. The RDN

take5.ca

amended the SWMP in 1996 and again in 2004. In the latter plan, Zero Waste was identified as the ultimate community goal. In 2014, the B.C. average per person per year waste to the landfill was 520 kg, whilst the RDN boasted a 347 kg per person per year rate or a 68 per cent reduction in waste to the landfill — a rate that places the RDN by all measures in first or second place in Canada. The next waste reduction target detailed in the current draft SWMP is a per person per year waste reduction of 90 per cent to 109 kg. It is a lofty goal, but one considered achievable if all residents fully participate.

The changes contemplated to the SWMP to allow the RDN to work towards its Zero Waste goal include: • Expanded Zero Waste education; • Exploring/Implementing options for Household Hazardous Waste Management; • Expanded Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) Waste Management; • Expanded Construction and Demolition (CD) Waste Management; • New regulatory tools (e.g. Mandatory Waste Source Separation Regulation); and • Zero Waste recycling (targeting materials not currently part of the stewardship program and improving convenience for recycling materials).

JULY 2018

One of the keystone elements of the plan is the adoption of a Zero Waste Hierarchy from the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA). The following graphic details the ZW Hierarchy of Highest and Best Uses: The ultimate goal of Zero Waste as defined by ZWIA and adopted by the RDN is: “Zero Waste is a goal that is ethical, economical, efficient and visionary, to guide people in changing their lifestyles and practices to emulate sustainable natural cycles, where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use.”

Clearly, to achieve this goal will require the intervention of senior levels of government in encouraging changes to packaging and material usage in the manufacture of goods entering the market.

In 2012, the RDN commissioned a study of the composition of waste being sent to landfills in the region. The results highlight the need for ways to be found to educate and encourage changes in our disposal habits.

Fully 63 per cent of all material going to the landfill is material that is either compostable or recyclable, with paper, plastics, textiles and metals comprising the majority of these recyclables.

The current annual budget of solid

TAKE 5

take5.ca

waste services in the RDN is $14.7 million. Over the ten year period of the proposed SWMP, the projected annual budget will increase by $1.6 million to $16.3 million — an increase of 10.9 per cent. The RDN will carry out a review and report on the SWMP’s implementation and effectiveness at the five-year point — that is, in 2023.

The next step is to submit the plan to the B.C. Ministry of the Environment (MOE) for approval. The minister will review and can approve the plan in whole or in part and request amendments prior to resubmission to the MOE for final approval.

As a final note, I attended the recent Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference & AGM in Halifax. I participated in a half-day study tour for delegates to a facility that is under construction near Chester, NS. This is a first of its kind facility in North America. There are four operating facilities — all in Spain — that are using similar technology to that proposed in the Nova Scotia facility. Basically, material that is headed to the landfill is diverted to this facility for processing.

The processing begins with all garbage being ground into fingernail-sized pieces. It is then boiled before being fed through a series of screens to separate the materials. Once the organics are removed, much of the remaining material is either plastics or metals. The metals are removed through a series of processes that can distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The plastics are further processed through a series of high-tech equipment that results in 80 per cent of the material being converted to its original oil base. The residual of this process is turned into pellets, which can be used to fire electrical co-generation plants.

While the science appears to support this as a viable way to not only remove the metals and plastics but also, as importantly, to reduce the amount of material headed to the landfill — thereby extending its life — one must remember that this is Model 1.0, and I, for one, would prefer to assess its longerterm effectiveness. The Chester, NS, plant is being funded and constructed by, and will be operated by, the proponents of the technology. The approximately $20-million cost will be amortized through a 20-year agreement with local government. alecmcpherson@shaw.ca

CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond)

BY MARY MARCOTTE Spring has arrived at last, and a warm, sunny summer is just around the corner. Local residents and visitors in our local parks should become aware of the potential for wildfires when in the woods. Jason de Jong has provided some tips on protection of your homes and buildings. I am passing this information to you.

Wildfire can follow a path from a forest or grassland to your home. A wildfire moving from treetops can be slowed if the trees are spaced out. It can be further slowed by flame resistant plants and shrubs that are growing on your property. The following are tips from the “FireSmart Rules of Thumb.”

TIP 1: YARD SPACING Changes within 10 metres of your home, including the removal of combustible surface material, will have the largest impact controlling potential fire hazards.

TIP 2: TREE SPACING Spacing trees at least three metres apart will help reduce the intensity of a wildfire.

31

32

take5.ca

TIP 3: PRUNE TREES Prune all tree branches within two metres of the ground.

There have been workshops on many topical issues, such as risk assessment and the Wildland-Urban Interface. What is a Wildland-Urban Interface? It is where homes, structures and infrastructure meet forested or grassland areas. The Cowichan Valley has many different types of natural assets that grow in our forest and range lands. Examples of infrastructure include roads, home garages, water systems, barns, BC Hydro and communication poles. Examples of natural assets in our area include coniferous trees, deciduous trees, grass, slash, broom, ocean spray, gorse, etc. and Gary Oak ecosystems. If you look back to the fires in Fort McMurray, many of the homes abutted a Wildland-Urban Interface. The natural environment provided the fuel for those tragic fires.

Fire embers may seem small, but they should not be underestimated. Fifty per cent of home fires caused by wildfires are started by sparks and embers. Regular maintenance and cleaning the corners and crevices of your home and yard, where needles and debris build up, will leave nothing for embers to ignite. Remember to remove any windblown leaves from under decks, as well as any flammable debris on balconies and patios.

For a more complete FireSmart guide for your home, you can download the homeowners manual at: http://www.bcwildfire. ca/prevention/docs/homeowner-firesmart.pdf.

I encourage all of you who live in a Wildland-Urban Interface area to obtain the FireSmart guide before the dry season arrives. Think about creating a wildfire safety zone around your home and creating a wildfire safety plan for your property.

And don’t forget to have a great summer!

CVRD Area G (Saltair, Thetis Island) LOCAL ELECTIONS OCTOBER 20, 2018 The four-year term for locally elected officials is coming to an end on October 20, 2018. I will not be running again, so Area G will have to choose a new director to carry on the work of representing Saltair and the Gulf Islands for the next four years at the Cowichan Valley Regional District. I have been your director for 13 years and have helped Area G make deci-

JULY 2018

sions that enrich the quality of life in the community. Our terrific parks and trails have been built and maintained to allow users to feel that they have been respectful stewards of our environment. What a joy it is to be able to walk our trails. Stocking Creek Park is the Stanley Park of Saltair. The parkland has been acquired and expanded in size five times over the years in my tenure, with future expansion planned. When you look at our other parks as well, like Princess Diana and Centennial, you could say that Saltair has the best parks in the CVRD. SALTAIR WATER We recognized early on that our water system would be needing some serious attention for upgrades and did a 15-year upgrade, a $4.5-million plan that would be used at about $400,000/year. This year we would upgrade along Chemainus Road from Reed Road to Southin Road and down Southin Road. There is more work to do on our water system, but we have a good handle on it. The CVRD will hold a water meeting soon to talk about our water situation.

SUNNY SALTAIR Early on in my term, there was an effort to promote the “Sunny Saltair” theme in the community. With our waterfront location and moderate climate, it was recognized that it was close to a warm Mediterranean climate, so why not promote it. I gave out 120 small palm trees at public meetings, and the parks department planted 10 big palm trees around the community and in our parks to illustrate the climate as gentle and warm. Our signage promoted Sunny Saltair, and we set up www.sunnysaltair.ca website. Real estate sales people continue to mention Sunny Saltair in their literature.

All of this talk reinforces and supports the value in our real estate and home values.

SALTAIR COMMUNITY CENTRE The purchase of Mt. Brenton School for community centre use by the CVRD was a big step towards addressing a need of a meeting place in Saltair, for now and future residents. The not-for-profit Saltair Community Society was set up to operate the building. They have been very successful in getting tenants to pay for the operations and maintenance of the building. The list of regular tenants includes: a 60-child daycare, a 30-member quilting group, a 60-member arts group, a massage therapist and a photography group. The centre also provides a place for various groups to meet, such as the Saltair and District Ratepayers Association, the Saltair Parks Commission, the Area G Advisory Planning Commission and the Saltair Community Society. If you drive by, on some days, there are more than 40 cars parked in the three parking lots indicating the use.

TAKE 5

take5.ca

33

1 cup sugar 5 tbsp flour 1 tbsp butter A sprinkle of almond powder (optional — see below under hint) 2 pie crusts

Delicious rhubarb pie, oh my!

“The knotted leaf Unfurled to red stalk Cleaves the earth with such happiness.”

— Anne Dimack’s pieku Quinton Moran, age 7, takes time out to share his experience growing rhubarb and baking homemade pies.

What type of rhubarb do you grow on your farm?

We grow red, pink and green rhubarb.

Some people think that the green rhubarb isn’t ready, but it is supposed to be green and tastes delicious, just like the red ones. [The green variety that Quinton is referring to is less common, but is very productive and, as he mentioned, is as sweet as, or sweeter, than both the red and pink varieties.]

The rhubarb on your farm is huge!

What is the secret to growing such massive plants?

The rhubarb we grow on the farm is thick and juicy with enormous leaves!

We grow it a certain way by putting tons of water on it, and then it grows really chunky. You grow it in a sunny place and water it a lot. It also helps to use horse manure. We are lucky that we have horses on our farm. Sage and Sisco give us lots of manure for our gardens!

The secret to gardening is making sure the roots get lots to drink. We have a pond on our farm, so that’s where we get our water. It also helps to talk or sing to your rhubarb.

How would you describe rhubarb pie to someone who has never tried it before?

It has a crunch to it from the crust, but it has the sweetness and sourness from

Laurie Gourlay munching on fresh-picked rhubarb at Thistledown Farm.

Photo: Jackie Moad

the rhubarb. It is also very juicy and delicious! [Quinton likes the tart flavour of rhubarb, so much so he can often be found nibbling on a freshly picked stalk.

Mixing strawberry in with the rhubarb helps to balance out the tartness and creates a lovely texture.]

What is the secret to baking the perfect pie?

Well, the secret to baking the perfect pie is using all the ingredients: sugar, a little flour, butter, extra rhubarb and a drop of vinegar. You put it in the oven and there you go — delicious rhubarb pie because it has lots and lots of rhubarb.

Quinton especially likes his Great Aunt Jackie’s rhubarb pie; the awardwinning recipe is included below. Try it out. You may have just found your new favourite dessert!

Quinton is adjusting to life on a farm after growing up in the city. He is soaking up the wisdom bestowed upon him by his Great Aunt Jackie Moad, fruit gardener extraordinaire.

Recipe for Rhubarb Pie Innards Pick your rhubarb, give it a quick rinse and cut it into 1/2-inch lengths.

4 cups rhubarb

Directions: Mix the rhubarb, sugar and flour together. HINT: Sprinkle about a tablespoon almond powder on the base crust before you put in the fruit and your pie won’t have a soggy bottom!

Put the rhubarb mixture into your favourite pie crust. Dot with butter and cover with a second crust. Put some fork holes to let the hot air escape. Cut out a hole in the centre and stick a piece of uncooked rigatoni pasta into it. This helps the juice go up through the hole and not over the edges and onto the bottom of your over.

Bake on the lowest rack at 425F for the first 15 minutes. HINT: Put tin foil around the crust edge for the first 15 minutes so that it doesn’t get too brown by the end of the baking. Then lower the heat to 350F for another 50 minutes.

34

Summer sippers: Tea Herbs My neighbour’s daughter expressed an interest in growing herbs that make good teas, which led me to create a list of good candidates for her. She asked the right person, as when we first bought our home in Yellow Point, I had a plan to open a tea garden where visitors could harvest fresh herbs from the garden to make their cup of tea. My role was to grow enough plants to meet demand, based on one large handful of fresh herbs per four to six cup teapot.

First on my list are the mints, which come in a range of flavours from pine-

take5.ca

apple to chocolate, so offer a host of flavour possibilities. For those who like citrus, there’s lemon verbena, lemon balm or orange mint. For those who like a licorice flavour, there’s anise hyssop or fennel seed tea. A combination of peppermint and spearmint leaves work for those looking for an energizing tea; chamomile flowers or lemon balm leaves work best for a relaxing tea. For a floral note, choose lavender, rose petals or bergamot leaves. For a woody herbal flavour, add rosemary, sage or yarrow leaves to the blend.

Lemon Blend Tea Mix equal parts fresh lemon balm leaves and fresh lemon verbena leaves.

Add grated lemon peel (about 1 tablespoon per cup of lemon herbs). Add some calendula petals for colour.

To dry herbs, harvest in the morning after the dew has evaporated, but before the sun is strong, or pick at dusk. Rinse and pat dry if desired. Strip the leaves from their stems and dry them flat on a mesh screen. Sprinkle the herbs no more than two or three layers thick on the

JULY 2018

screen. Dry away from direct heat and light and fluff occasionally until they crumble when crushed. When making tea with dried herbs, use one tablespoon (15 ml) per mug. This is simply a guideline, as amounts vary according to taste.

Avoid making herbal tea in a metal pot, which is reactive and could affect the taste; choose ceramic or glass instead.

Glass teapots make it possible to gauge when the tea is ready.

Peppermint can aid in the reduction of a number of painful digestive problems, including gas, bloating and nausea. It can also help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Inhaling the scent of peppermint can result in a heightened level of energy.

German chamomile is the easiest daisy-like plant to grow. It seeds itself readily and comes back every year. Its mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing effects promote general relaxation and relieve stress, helping those who suffer from insomnia to fall asleep more easily.

Lemon balm is another herb that grows anywhere, readily self seeding. Lemon balm is a calming tea and is widely used to treat anxiety and insomnia in Europe.

TAKE 5

take5.ca

Chamomile is pretty in the garden and makes a good tea!

Herbal Sun Tea Cool down with delicious, thirst-quenching herbal sun tea.

Solar tea never tasted so good! All you need is a quart canning jar, water, coarsely cut herbs of choice and sunshine! Toss one cup of fresh herbs into the canning jar, fill with water, cover with a lid and place the jar where it receives maximum sunlight. Give the mixture a couple of shakes through the day. As the sun goes down the tea should appear rich and translucent in colour.

Strain the contents and pour fresh tea on ice to enjoy.

Some of two-ingredient blends good for beginners: • Elderflowers with peppermint • Calendula petals with mint • Peppermint with spearmint • Sage with lemon verbena • Lemon balm and lemon verbena • Chamomile with hibiscus flowers Carolyn Herriot is author of The Zero Mile Diet, A Year Round Guide to Growing Organic Food and The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook, Seasonal Recipes for Delicious Homegrown Food (Harbour Publishing). Available at your local bookstore.

35

TAKE 5

take5.ca

37

38

The Starfish Initiative My father was of the opinion that you could never take a good idea too far.

This explains the family motto: “If a little is good, too much is way better.”

This was demonstrated to me one adolescent summer when our kitchen sink plugged up. My father’s solution? Drano. What he called “Plumber in a Can.” We picked up a couple of tins at the store and gathered around the sink while I read the instructions. “It says two tablespoons should do it, Dad.” He didn’t say a thing, but I could tell this would be one of those occasions where important life skills would be passed on from father to son. Like how to fix a flat tire, how to build a doghouse

take5.ca

and, more importantly, how to live in that doghouse when you’ve really annoyed your mother.

“Did I hear two?” he asked, giving me the “Watch and learn, Grasshopper” expression. He then poured two FULL CANS! of Drano down the sink, then added water. “Trust me, Son, “he said smugly. “The sink won’t know what hit it.”

And nor did we. The next thing I knew, we were standing in the middle of the road, surrounded by emergency vehicles, sucking in oxygen, as acrid black smoke poured out our front door.

When Dad wasn’t making the house uninhabitable, he was an enthusiastic organic gardener. Like many people of that era, he relied on seaweed and the occasional fish head for garden fertilizer. This pleased the neighbourhood cats, but never offered the performance he was looking for.

Then one day, by accident, a starfish got mixed in with the seaweed. He buried it in his garden and planted a tomato plant directly above. Almost overnight, the plant was as tall as he was. You haven’t seen a man so hap-

JULY 2018

py since the discovery of brewer’s yeast.

Meanwhile, up in heaven, the Creator blew a big sigh of relief. Someone had finally found a use for the starfish. Let’s face it, the starfish was not the Lord’s best effort. In fact, it was the worst thing he ever made, only surpassed by the arrival of Donald Trump, who has the brain of a starfish, but not the social skills.

Compared to the crab, the starfish is a total loser. Though both are approximately the same size, crabs are well armoured, fleet of foot and claw and formidable of pincher, on top of which, they’re damn tasty.

The starfish has a number of problems; one being its name. How can something be called a fish if it doesn’t swim? And what kind of a fish has legs? And why are there five of them? Anyone whose ever been in a three-legged race knows that legs work better in even numbers.

A lot better. With legs, four’s company; five’s a crowd.

Now you’d think a creature with no armour and the top speed of a rock would have no defence against undersea crea-

TAKE 5

take5.ca

tures. There you’d be wrong. Starfish have an excellent defence. It’s called ugliness.

But back to my father, the starfish would be his little secret.

When the neighbours dropped by and inquired why the one tomato plant was as tall as a Douglas Fir, his response would be, “I talk to it.”

Through the fall and early winter, my father embarked on “Operation Beanstalk.” Family members were sworn to secrecy, and my father would go down to the water, which was a good three blocks away, and return a couple of hours later, drenched in sweat with a large burlap sack filled with starfish, which were dug into the soil late at night under the cover of darkness.

This went on until Christmas, by which time Nanaimo Harbour had been vacuumed free of starfish. That winter was particularly cold. You could tell because teenagers of both sexes were wearing their summer clothing, and little of it. All went well until April when the first rays of warmth released the fermenting aroma of what was later estimated to be 457 long tonnes of rotting starfish.

This smell, which thankfully was hard to pinpoint due to wind direction, took over the entire town. People’s response was immediate: they started wearing cloth face masks to protect them from, I don’t know, bad realtors. People started to bail out of their houses. Property values plummeted.

Homes wouldn’t sell. People were looking for someone to blame.

So my father started the rumour that the local junior hockey team, the Hub City Puck Bandits, were the culprits. Too young to grow beards for the play offs, they had vowed not to wash their hockey bags, or contents thereof, until the cup was theirs.

“Simply disgraceful,” said my father, who had told more lies in the last two days than in the rest of his life combined.

That’s when Mom put her foot down, took off her shoe and started to beat him over the head with it. Okay, maybe it wasn’t the Puck Bandits after all. I know, let’s blame Harmac, the local pulp mill. How can you lose blaming a large multinational corporation? So my father, like an adolescent male with the latest knock-knock joke, asked everyone he could buttonhole: “Was that you Mac, or Harmac?” He became the local pulp mill expert. “It’s those new evaporators they put in,” he would say. They’re just not getting the job done.”

Finally, about three decades later, the earth had converted the starfish into top soil, the Harmac jokes disappeared and Nanaimo was recognized for what it is — a lovely place to live.

As to my father’s culpability, where’s the crime? All he did was ensure a large inventory of affordable housing. What the Mayor of Vancouver had been trying to do for years.

Bonus Question: What other fish has legs? The dogfish.

A delightful summer sipper, though I wouldn’t recommend it with dogfish, Ruffino Orvieto, $12.99.

My book Slightly Corked is available at the Coco Cafe, the Mahle House, the Wheaty Beer and Wine Store, and the Crow and Gate Pub. Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book Slightly Corked available at the Mahle House.

39

40

take5.ca

JULY 2018

Join the Club -- house that is!

BY MARINA SACHT Toasted or untoasted, two or three decks, the club today is usually made up of chicken or turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.

It’s believed the sandwich may have originated at the Union Club of New York City where, in the 1880s, it was called a Union Club sandwich. The early recipe went like this: Two toasted pieces of Graham bread, with a layer of turkey or chicken and ham between them, served warm.

Others believe it originated in a New York gambling club. Regardless of where in New York it first showed up, it was on restaurant menus by 1900 and continues to be a regular item on most menus today.

In the June issue of TAKE 5, we asked, “Where do you go when you get a Clubhouse Sandwich craving?”

A sight to warm a hungry heart. Locally made clubhouse sandwiches await tastings by this month’s judge Nick Longo. Photo: Marina Sacht.

Here’s what people in the community had to say: Kim Lamoureux writes: “You can’t go wrong with a Club. It’s pretty basic, but the Red Rooster in Chemainus is really good.” Also located in Chemainus is Bonnie Martin, Heather Irwin’s favourite choice.

Heading south to Duncan, Eli Metcalf suggests The Old Fork or James Street Café. “If you can manage to get one.

They aren’t open all day and run out often,” Metcalf says. Aletta Bosma-Clarkson’s choice is the Dog House — “Bet you can’t eat it all!”

In Nanaimo, Belinda Edwards-Fleissner and Fran Mitchell’s first choice is Kelly’s Kitchen. “I have the breakfast

club and it’s fantastic!” Heading further north, Tara Rice recommends Trees Diner and Bakery in Parksville.

In the Ladysmith–Cedar area, Jennifer Forster likes The Wheatsheaf Pub. Dave Starrie is a fan of the Timberlands Pub, Dale Mlazgar likes Slice Resto in Cedar and Kelly Frech likes Chakalaka. Zack’s Lounge, Cranberry Pub, Coco Café and In the Beantime also get a thumbs up.

Our taste judge this month has his work cut out for him judging these hefty snacks. Nick Longo has spent most of his life in the culinary world — both in the kitchen and the front end.

• Chakalaka Restaurant, $16 (493g) Triple Threat Club: Loaded with chicken, crispy bacon, smoked ham, cucum-

TAKE 5

take5.ca

bers, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce and herb aioli on three slices of homemade bread, this was hands down the biggest sandwich, weighing in at a hefty 493g. Showing Greek roots were the addition of purple onions and cucumbers.

• Cranberry Pub, $14 Turkey Clubhouse: Oven-roasted turkey, cheddar cheese, bacon, tomato, lettuce, mayo and your choice of three slices of bread, this is one of the few clubhouses that uses turkey instead of chicken. “The bread is good and comes in four choices. Lots of mayo.”

• Coco Café, $14 (250g) Roasted Chicken Club: Chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and cranberry mayo on two slices of bread, this sandwich “has a good flavour reminiscent of my childhood clubs.”

• In the Beantime Café, $11.95 (323g) Clubhouse: Oven-roasted chicken, prosciutto, cheddar, tomato, lettuce and cilantro mayo make up this club. “Slices of thick bread untoasted were soft and buttery and managed to hold the sandwich together. A nice surprise was the prosciutto.”

• Slice Resto, $15.25 (317g) Classic club: This is a toasted triple decker, with grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese. “ A traditional taste with a good-sized chicken breast fillet.”

• Timberlands Pub, $16 (445g): Three layers of chicken, bacon, ham, beef, cheese, tomato, lettuce and mayo are on this club. “Lots of assorted meats and not for the faint-hearted, this sandwich will fill even the hungriest guy. It’s non-traditional, with lots of roast beef.”

• Wheatsheaf Pub, $14.25 (340g): This is a triple decker, with smoked turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato and processed cheese.

“Nice bread, good size, traditional taste.”

• Wild Poppy, $9.75 (257g): This gluten-free club has turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo and cranberry. “The bread was excellent; we didn’t know it was gluten-free. It held the sandwich together. Dark turkey meat was nicely seasoned, and there was a hint of sweet from cranberry and nuts.”

• Zack’s Lounge, $9.95 (413g): This club includes chicken, bacon, lettuce and tomato on three slices of thick bread. This is a big sandwich, but with the lowest price tag, making it a great value.

While the clubhouses came in wide variety of sides, prices and sizes, they had their own merit. For judge Nick, it came to two clubs: Coco Café, for its nostalgic “made-by-mom” flavour; and Wild Poppy Bistro, for its non-traditional twist.

Since taste is subjective, we encourage you to go out and do your own taste test.

Next month, we search for the quintessential chocolate chip cookie. Are you a cookie monster? Email us at editor@take5. ca and tell us where you get yours!

Mahle House Annual Garden Party It’s time to put on your summer best and head out to the annual Mahle House Garden Party, Sunday, July 15. This is one of our favourite summer events and a Mahle House tradition for over 25 years. Meet your neighbours and talk to industry representatives as you sip and savour selections from premium B.C. wineries and Longwood Brewery. Munch on a selection of canapés and appetizers from the Mahle House kitchen and outdoor cooking stations. Beatles tribute band The Deaf Aids will be returning this year to provide live music throughout the

41

Annual Garden Party and Wine Tasting at Mahle House Restaurant is always a popular event. Photo: Nick Longo

afternoon.

Partial proceeds from this event go to support Cedar Opportunities Co-op, who operate the Coco Café. The popular coffee shop was established in 2007 by families in the Cedar area to provide employment, training and socialization opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Tickets are $65. Phone 250-722-3621 or drop by the Mahle House Restaurant for more information.

Dine on the Docks The Ladysmith Maritime Society Dine on the Docks series returns and it’s as mouth-watering as we remember. Chefs from the Oyster Bay Café cater each dinner at the Welcome Centre and on the Social Dock.

Here is the lineup for the month of July. All entrees also offer a vegetarian option.

July 6 it’s Brits on the Dock – Roast beef, roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, Yorkshire pudding. Toasted coconut custard tartlets.

July 27 Southern BBQ: Caesar salad, BBQ chicken thighs, fresh-herb roasted potatoes, southern green beans, corn-onthe-cob. Chocolate chip cookies.

Dine on the Dock, runs until August 31. Bar opens at 5:00 p.m. and dinner is usually served at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 at tickets.lmsmarina.ca

take5.ca

JULY 2018 JACLYNN COTTRELL REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY. $100 for one hour; $60 for 30 minutes. Available evenings. Located across from Friesen’s on York Rd. in Cedar. Call 778971-0444.

WANTED FREE rent in exchange for senior homecare for 3 hours per day. Contact 250-245-0014 BUSINESS

TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan., Mondays, at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am–noon, $25/mo., www.nanaimotaichi.org.

Call Sara 250-245-1466.

I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, email editican@gmail.com.

VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from script to screen, ready to post to your website or social media, editor@take5.ca.

CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives.

35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024.

HOME & YARD

BEADS BEADS BEADS, ETC.! 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Best prices on the Island. Follow Facebook@etcinchemainus or call 250-3242227.

TAKE 5 ads work! Ask us about our intro special and save on display ads. 250-245-7015 EXPERIENCED HOUSE SITTER available for summer 2018. References avail. Prefer long stay. www.peaceofmindhousesitting.wordpress.com.

Contact Kathleen kgrcoaching@gmail.com or 250-619-0786.

ROMAX MASONRY. Chimney repairs and rebuilds. Stonework. Patios. Interlocking pavers.

Fireplaces. Slate installs. Minor excavating.

Romaxmasonry.com, romax-bc@shaw.ca or 250-516-7597.

CAREGIVER/ HOUSE CLEANER. I am a qualified and experienced caregiver for elderly people and small children, and I enjoy housecleaning. I am hardworking, conscientious and reliable. Please call 778-968-7221.

EDUCATION COTTAGE PAINT 101. Transform old furniture into AWESOME! Learn the basics plus creative decorative techniques. All supplies included + 15% off Cottage Paint purchase at ANTIQUE ADDICT. Contact now to book at shop@ antiqueaddict.ca or 250-245-6533.

TAKE 5 classified ads work! 250-245-7015.

HEALTH & BEAUT Y HUGS FOR HEALING. A support group for all widows who wish to share their journey. Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month, 2pm–4pm, at The Gales (626 Farrell Rd. Unit 14 , Ladysmith).

Contact Lindy Tungatt at kandlt@hotmail.com or 250-924-0056.

QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 yrs. exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? Curb appeal, re-design or new design, www. islandgardenscapes.ca. 250-802-0461.

ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260.

KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Senior’s discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@gmail.com or 250-714-2738.

GARDEN RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING. Are you thinking of a garden renovation or landscaping project? Excellent quality and knowledge. We are happy to assist you with any landscaping or gardening work you need. Estimates are always free.

Give Sandpiper a call! 250-246-2421.

TAKE 5

RAISED GARDEN BEDS, railings, wheelchair ramps, decks, benches, woodsheds, greenhouses, painting, carpentry, custom shelving. Enhance your enjoyment of the home and yard you love. Namaste Home Improvements, 250-245-2751 (see display ad).

HIGH PERFORMANCE LANDSCAPING locally owned & operated, excavating services, lawn maintenance, hedge, tree & shrub pruning, low maintenance garden design, irrigation installations & servicing, water features, fence, deck & patio construction, mulch & soil delivery, garbage/ dump runs. Call Dave 250-327-5896.

ALL ACRES TREE SERVICE providing all aspects of tree work. Pruning, falling, hedging, dangerous tree removal. Fully insured. Professional work at reasonable rates. Call 250-246-1265.

PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in my home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394.

TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Now three locations: Victoria, Cedar and Comox Valley.

Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws. $7, $14, $18 for sml, md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com.

Call Diana and Kip 250-722-2201.

DOG WALKING/Hiking OFF LEASH!! 2-hour avg. walk, weekly walks year-round, pick up & drop off included, insured & licensed. Contact Paula Plecas for a complimentary meet & greet! See us Facebook and Instagram for fun in action! Tracks Outdoor Adventures INC at walken@shaw.ca or 250-754-TREC(8732).

LEASHED PACK HIKES FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND. Awesome exercise & canine enrichment.

Dogs return home tired & happy. Contact Dee at Little Town Pet Service at littletownpetservice@ gmail.com or call/text 250-246-0252.

SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment.

Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcome. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250245-3391.

FINAL WORD Video messages to your loved ones. Compassionate and friendly service. Video production services, 250-245-7015.

take5.ca

GRANNYS ON THE GO COMPANION SERVICES. Are you looking for someone that can help you with an active senior family member? Well look no further than Janet Bowman at janetmb@shaw.ca or 250-924-1515.

LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, family cookbooks, personal histories, we can help get your project ready to press. Available in print and eBook format.

Professional publishing services for corporate or individuals. Editor@take5.ca or call 250-245-7015.

45