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Letters Letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of TAKE 5's contributors or its affiliates. editor@take5.ca

Dissapointed with Ladysmith leaders I am extremely disappointed how Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS) has been ignored, maligned and totally disrespected by the Mayor and Council of Ladysmith.

LMS, manned mostly by volunteers for almost 40 years now, has built a well-respected tourist and community destination and is a valued part of this community.

LMS has stated from the beginning that they would be very happy if the water lease was transferred to the Stz'uminus First Nations (SFN), and with their leadership, manage and expand the Ladysmith Community Marina, employ band members and work together in the true spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.

The mayor and CEO of the Coast Salish Development Corporation (CSDC) seems to want to take the “community” out of the marina.

So much of the Town Council of Ladysmith (TOL) business seems to be done behind closed doors, that a Freedom of Information (FOI) request had to be obtained to find out that the CEO of CSDC has been put on the board of the new Ladysmith Harbour Economic Development Corporation. Why all the secrecy?

This mayor and the CSDC have an agenda, and they seem bound and determined to push it through even if it doesn’t work for their constituents.

Through lack of meaningful engagement and transparency and due to unsubstantiated news releases by the TOL and the CSDC, LMS is left with few options and will have to pursue

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the legal path to assert and defend its right to continue to operate the Ladysmith Community Marina in accordance with its contracts ending in 2029.

This whole mess could have been avoided if local government had engaged openly with LMS from the beginning.

- Dave Wellman and Debbie Kennedy

Delbert Horrocks’s Cat At the risk of being accused of not having a sense of humour, I have to take issue with Delbert Horrocks’s latest, waggy (November) tale regarding his old cat having become a mighty nuisance with ongoing noisy vocalizing and demands for food while getting skinnier. These are classic signs of hyperthyroidism.Please have your poor Minks checked out. Not really funny at all, whether true or not.

As for Mary Deprez’s letter regarding our watery freighter parking lot off our coast — bravo for finally setting the record straight and calling a spade a spade. Previous opinions expressed are now moot, - Siegi Richardson

South Coast Ship Alliance, We Can Change I found the letter regarding the South Coast Ship Watch Alliance highly informative. I have often wondered about the tankers and cargo ships anchored near Ladysmith and what they may be dumping into bay during their lengthy stays. It seems clear from the letter that Canada has forfeited its’ coastal waters to foreign corporations, when there is absolutely no need to and the vast majority of other countries do not allow it. Thank you to the author for providing this information.

In contrast the letter ‘We Can Change’ was nothing but antiChristian, left wing, radical diatribe.

Ironically, the author’s initials are B.S. - Connor Whelan

Ladysmith Little Theatre Thank you for such wonderful coverage of Ladysmith Little Theatre on our 20th Season! The story with Bruce Mason was so spot on and the photos! The Take 5 COVER! We’re truly grateful for the outstanding ongoing support from Take 5 to our community theatre each season. - Susan Carthy

Quinceotica Farm Thank you for the write-up on our farm by Kerith Waddington. There are so many farms in our vicinity, and each one is different and all provide good food to our community.

- Gillian Edwards

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Ladysmith Boat Wright and Historian Awarded

BY MARINA SACHT It was a stellar cast of maritime noteworthiness assembled at Government House on Nov 2, 2023 for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement,” And among the six recipients for this year’s awards was Ladysmith’s Robert Lawson.

“I am delighted for this opportunity to celebrate excellence across all kinds of marine-based industries, and share my gratitude to the Maritime Museum of British Columbia and the Government House Foundation for their support of this important recognition,” said the Honorable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia in the afternoon ceremony honoring the recipients.

This annual award, which replaces the Beaver Award started in 2011, acknowledges individuals and organizations along BC’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests.

“The accolade of the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Marime Achievement is a testament to Robert's unwavering dedication, passion, and tireless commitment to the comprehensive restora-

Robert Lawson accepting his award from Hon. Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Photo submitted.

tion of the sailing yacht "Dorothy." This restoration project, a collaborative initiative between the Maritme Museum of BC and Ladysmith Maritme Society (LMS) has been a shining example of teamwork and shared enthusiasm,” said LMS Executive Director Richard Wiefelspuett.

Recipients were presented with a medallion featuring the artwork of Nusi Ian Reid, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation.

It represents the relationship between First Nations and the people who have come in the last 200 years and in the spirit of reconciliation “acknowledging both the good and the bad, but saying that on the water, we all have a shared history and a shared life,” said Lawson.

After the presentation a reception fol-

lowed with members of the Naden Navy Band playing and “the most spectacular finger food I've ever eaten,” said Lawson who normally would avoid events like this.

Although the award took account of all his accomplishments, Lawson believes if it had not been for the work on the Dorothy that he headed with a team of LMS volunteers, this would not have happened.

“It was so totally unexpected to get that kind of recognition. It was about my whole life on the coast, working on boats, saving old boats, living on boats as well as being part of the maritime community.”

The restoration of the sailboat Dorothy was the icing on the cake.

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“I feel both humble and proud, the humility coming from the fact that [it wouldn’t have happened] if it hadn’t been for the Maritime Museum of BC and the very fine group of LMS volunteers who stuck with me all last fall, winter and spring and brought this project to where it is now and are continuing to do so, dragging themselves out in the cold and down on the dock and crawling around inside the Dorothy, fitting small pieces of wood as we complete the interior. This project involved a wide range of people in the BC maritime community: the board and staff at the Maritime Museum of BC, the board and staff at LMS; the businesses and suppliers of marine goods and services who generously donated goods and services, including Saltair Marine and Ladysmith Maritime Services; and the large number of individuals who showed their interest and support with financial donations large and small, to all of whom I extend my heartfelt thanks.”

Wiefelspuett credits Lawson’s meticulous archival research and invaluable connections with specialized manufacturers for traditional rigging components and boat hardware in having played a crucial role in bringing Dorothy back to life, faithfully preserving her original elegance. The Ladysmith Community Marina showcases the yacht, “gracing Ladysmith Harbour with her characteristic and elegant gaff rig during outings.”

With the Ladysmith Community Marina’s uncertain future, the boat restoration projects may be coming to an end.

The boat restoration work relies on the LMS, a non-profit society whose income from the marina provides funding to pay for the heritage boat supplies, insurance

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and materials necessary to keep them going.

“It’s quite extraordinary that it all came together in the way it did here in Ladysmith,” says Lawson. “And it certainly would not have happened at all if the LMS wasn’t here.”

Lawson plans to mount his award next to the best pre-war car award for his recently sold 1916 Franklin roadster.

“It has been a very affirming experience,” he says.

Storybook Walk Lights Up

BY MARINA SACHT Tanya Reid is all lit up about this year’s Festival of Lights — literally and figuratively. This year, the Storybook Walk has teamed up with the FOL to bring their first “lit” book. This marks the third year for the event in downtown Ladysmith.

“And as much as I loved having the frames in the shop windows, for some of them, you couldn’t necessarily see the story after the sun had gone down.”

Plans are to make 17 or 18 signs. “That’s why I’m covered in paint and primer and whatever else,” she says as she laughs.

“We have snowpeople and ginger people, reindeer; we have Santa; we have elves and gnomes and a snow globe,” she says.

The acrylic frames will be decorated with lights. Ladysmith Secondary Students helped make the cutouts.

LSS Textiles and Art Teacher Kathleen Hall has her students working on painting these boards and bringing the story to life.

“I think there will be this whole other experience where the characters are holding the story. Plus there are lights.”

Reid, who leads the Adventures in Literacy Program at Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, pitched the original Storybook Walk idea three years ago to the Ladysmith Rotary and the Ladysmith & District Credit Union. “The idea originated for a Brown Park Storybook Walk in the fall of 2020, and we were able to get it up and running by early 2021,” she says.

And it has just snowballed from there. “[It has] exceeded my expectations in terms of the number of people and the types of groups that are enjoying it.”

This year’s Storybook Walk starts at High Street and First and then travels southbound until Roberts, across the street at Roberts and circles back within a block radius.

There will just be two stories for the month of December rather than the four in past years. Installation will be completed by December 4 and up until December 30.

“We’re hoping that this Storybook Walk will bring people out during the day. And then we’ve created a photo opportu-

Ladysmith Secondary Student Jozie Lewis working on one of the Storybook Walk cutouts that will be illuminated.

Photo: Kathleen Hall.

nity. It’s going to be a snow globe photo op on the side of the Fox and Hounds.”

Also new this year will be a Santa’s mailbox on the side of the Wild Poppy Market.

“I love hearing about how people are enjoying [the walk].

The store owners are telling me that they loved all the groups of little faces staring in at them.”

Reid welcomes the readers’ feedback. “I’m encouraging people to join our Ladysmith Storybook Walk Facebook group and tell us which character is their favourite. And then they have a chance to win one of the books that are featured on the walk.”

Town Hosting Dinner & Dialogue The Town of Ladysmith is hosting a series of community Dinner & Dialogue events as part of the ongoing CommUNITY Together to End Poverty Hw-nuts’-ulwum (As One) Pover-

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ty Reduction Strategy implementation.

The first of the four events organized by the Town’s Poverty Reduction Task Group of local agencies is scheduled for, December 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Aggie Hall.

Ladysmith and Stz’uminus residents are invited to this free dinner to learn about the Town’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.

“If we keep coming together to fully understand these challenges and can agree on the best way forward, then we can work through the obstacles to make a difference in the lives of those needing it the most,” said Poverty Reduction Task Group Council representative Tricia McKay. The Town received a $49,600 grant from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) in July to carry forward the momentum of the Strategy implementation. This was the third successful application for funding submitted to the Province’s Poverty Reduction Planning and Action program.

Come out to Aggie Hall on December 14 at 5:30 pm and share a meal and join the discussions.

Ladysmith Prom Class of 2024 seeks donations The Ladysmith Prom Committee is looking for financial support from the community to help Ladysmith grads have a night to remember on June 22, 2024. One way to help would be to donate to their evening's sit-down dinner which ranges from $100 to $1000 depending on package. There are other options to donate such as monitory donations, items to add to 150 ‘swag’ bags, prizes or gift certificates or water or food/snack trays for the beach reception.

If you can help, contact Co-Chairs: Harlene Charley 250-740-0877 or Pam Puska 250-802-7874.

Call For Heritage Awards The Ladysmith & District Historical Society is calling for nominations from the community for the fifth Ladysmith Annual Heritage Awards.

The awards recognize individuals, businesses and societies that have played a key role this past year (2023) through their actions or initiatives toward preserving or promoting local heritage.

“These awards are a way to show appreciation of the role people or organiza-

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chair when Chair Craig is unavailable.

The chair and vice-chair positions are held for a one-year term.

The Board is made up of 19 elected officials who represent four municipalities (City of Nanaimo, District of Lantzville, City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach) and seven electoral areas.

For more information on the RDN’s Board of Directors, visit www.rdn. bc.ca/regional-board. For the board and committee meeting calendar, visit rdn. bc.ca/agendas-minutes-videos.

Ladysmith Town Flag

RDN board chair Vanessa Craig takes on her second term. Photo submitted.

tions play in preserving our heritage, to recognize how this heritage characterizes our community, and to emphasize the importance of this heritage to attracting visitors to our community” says Quentin Goodbody, President of the LDHS. There are two award categories: (i) Restoration of a heritage building, place or artifact, and (ii) Commitment displayed by an individual or organization (society or business) to preserving and promoting local heritage.

Anyone can submit a nomination, including nominating themselves, their business or their society.

Applications are being accepted until December 31, 2023. Award recipients will be announced during February’s BC Heritage Week.

For more information please phone 250-245-0100 or email info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.com

RDN Chair and Vice-Chair The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board elected a chair and vicechair, both by acclamation, at the special board meeting on November 7, 2023.

Provincial legislation requires regional districts to annually elect a chair and a vice-chair at the first meeting of the Board after November 1. Vanessa Craig takes on her second term as RDN board chair and will lead all board meetings.

Stuart McLean takes on his first term as vice-chair and will fulfill the role of

BY ROB JOHNSON At the November meeting the Town of Ladysmith's Committee of the Whole passed a motion to look at redesigning the present Town Flag.

So what do we know about the existing flag? In February of 1985 Mayor Alex Stuart suggested that the Town needed to create a Town Flag to go along with all the work done regarding the revitalization of Ladysmith. It was proposed that citizens of the town would be asked to participate in a Flag Design Competition with $100 to be presented to the winner.

The design had to reflect the history of the town and to have four colours including the mandatory white.

The idea of a community design flag captured the imagination of the residents and the Town received 23 entries.

The winning entry was submitted by Irene Bouthiller and her husband Paul.

It was based on the Canadian Flag; red borders with white in the centre. In the middle is a large blue circle representing the waterfront. On this blue is a sailing ship representing the commerce of the community being shipped around the world.

Located on the sails of the ship are a pair of horseshoes turned skyward representing good fortune. Diagonally, across the white segment is a blue line labeled 49th Parallel denoting our location in the world.

On the red segments are other symbols of community pride. The Dogwood, the official flower of the Province, reminds us of the Ladysmith claim of being the dogwood capital of B.C. The other red segment shows a maple leaf, expressing our pride in being Canadian.

The flag was officially unveiled on

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June 4, 1985, the 81st Birthday of the Town. The ceremony was a grand event with over 300 people attending on the lawn of City Hall. The day was marked with cake and speeches from two Provincial Cabinet Ministers praising the town and the spirit reflected in the new flag. The RCMP detachment in their serge uniform, members of the Canadian Air Force and the school band were also part of the celebration.

In short it was a big deal, so what happened?

Over the past 38 years the flag has rarely been brought out to public events, but it has always been flying in front of City Hall and later at the Amphitheatre. It was in sight all this time, but out of mind to most people.

So how will a new flag be beneficial? Will people take more note of it than the present one? Unless we make more effort to make the public aware of any flag, be it a new one, or keeping the existing one, it will disappear into the background again.

The flag, new or old should be displayed and used as a vehicle for community pride.

Volunteers Applauded for Bandshell Cleanup All the cheering and clapping goes to the performers who take to the Waterwheel Park bandshell stage. But in October a standing ovation was due to a group of Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society volunteers who cleaned, decluttered, primed, painted, and reconfigured the rooms below stage.

The bandshell in Waterwheel Park is such a wonderful venue already and we wanted to give its downstairs rooms a refresh and a more welcoming presence for visiting performers,” said Volunteer Coordinator Brenda Bell.

Remembrance Day 2024 Colour Parade on First Avenue in Ladysmith, heading to cenotaph.

Photo: Bob Burgess.

Hundreds of people came out to honour those who had served their country. Attending was Stan Parker, a vet who wrote a book chronicling his time in the Navy.

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Festive Things To Do!

Ladysmith's Festival Of Lights. Photo: Bob Burgess

BY ELLY SMITH If you are looking for some entertainment to get you into the holiday spirit, check out some of these events. You’ll find more seasonal fare throught the pages of this issue.

Old Time Christmas on December 8, along First Avenue in Ladysmith, will not disappoint with a wonderful array of family festivities to enjoy. CrossFit will be hosting the Christmas Market; Wild Poppy will have crafts for the kids, along with serving up a turkey dinner from 5 to 8 p.m.; Old Town Bakery will have cookies and beverages; the office of Pemberton Holmes will transform into a Guatemalan market with a gift sale of handmade treasures; McNab’s Farm will have horse and carriage rides, and other fun events like candle making and chestnut roasting; and of course, the Mactier Group will host Gingy (Gingerbread person), at the selfie station.

The Ladysmith Museum & Giftshop will be open late during

Old Time Christmas, with a special exhibit — Magic of the Season Chapter 3 — sponsored by the Ladysmith & District Credit Union. There will be an arts and crafts station and live entertainment with the Sunshine Girls Sing-Along 6 to 8 p.m.

Treats as well. Admission is free. For more information, email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca or call 250-245-0100.

The museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but will be expanding hours during evenings and days during the Christmas holidays.

Jingle Bell Shop is offered by participating shops to encourage Friday-night shopping in December. Be sure to enter in the draw to win one of five $200 shopping sprees. Draw date is December 13. Both events are sponsored by the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association (ladysmithdowntown.com).

Ladysmith Christmas Lights Cruise is set for December 9.

For over 40 years, the Christmas Lights Cruise has been sponsored by the Mount Brenton Power and Sail Squadron, and now the Ladysmith Fisherman’s Wharf Association has taken over arranging the boat parade. Watch the parade from the shores of Transfer Beach, starting at 6 p.m., while enjoying hot dogs, hot chocolate, hot cider and a bonfire. Any skippers with boats interested in participating are encouraged to call Barry at 250-741-4269 or email barrymarcotte@gmail.com for details and parade information. The Ladysmith Yacht Club has tie-up space at their club house, with hot chocolate, chili and fun for those who stop by for a cup of cheer.

The Cedar Yellow Point Artisans Tour will be open, welcoming you on Saturday, December 16, for late-night shopping from noon to 8 p.m. Check out their map for details and participating studios at cyartisans.com.

Violet Wild has teamed up with Rural Coordination Centre (RCCbc) and Chemainus Harvest House Food Bank to bring pet holiday photos to our community. Join them December 9 with your pet. Please bring a non-perishable food item or piece of clothing. They are having a winter clothing drive for new or gently used items until Dec. 18. For each item you donate, you will receive a ballot for a draw to be pulled on December 31.

Magic of the Season - Chapter 3 holiday exhibit on now at the Ladysmith Museum. Ladysmith & District Credit Union CEO John de Leeuw, Ladysmith & District Historical Society President Quentin Goodbody, and LDCU Commercial Lines Account Executive Millie Stirling. Photo: Marina Sacht

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The Heart & Soul of Christmas Craft Fairs

BY NADINE WONG With the Christmas craft fair season upon us, bringing together many talented crafters and artisans eager to showcase their creations, let’s look at what it takes for these folks to participate in a fair. For vendors, success at these festive events hinges on the products they produce, the venue they have chosen to show their wares, the price point for their product and, of course, you, the shopper.

I took the time over the past three weeks to visit fairs and markets from Nanaimo to Duncan, including the Cedar

Christmas Chaos (above) and other craft fairs offer vendors to showcase beautiful, handmade items. Photo: Nadine Wong

Yellow Point Tour, the Cedar Farmers Christmas Market, Ladysmith Eagles Hall, Ladysmith First United Church, Carol’s Crafters on Cedar Road and the Christmas Chaos Market in Duncan.

Generally, I don’t shop at craft fairs and markets for myself. I’m looking for gifts that can’t be found in a mall. I’m seeking

a “one-off,” high-quality, unique, handmade and affordable item.

Several local crafters and artisans have shared the joys and pitfalls of preparing for and participating in local Christmas crafts fairs and markets.

Most Christmas markets have the same vendors throughout the year at various

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other markets, but it also draws crafters who prepare throughout the year and participate only at Christmas time. More than one vendor told us that she creates and makes most of her product throughout the year, but three months prior, she will cram season-specific items. Christmas markets also tend to have crafters and artisans who produce large quantities and sell retail, whereby Christmas craft fairs tend to have crafters that prepare only for the Christmas shopper.

Crafters and artisans have a few considerations: picking products that will appeal as gifts and choosing a craft fair that has the potential to recover their costs to participate, which are the booth fee, setup, travel and accommodations (if applicable).

One of the crafters mentioned how communication from the organizers was essential for them to know what to expect before the event. Advertising was mentioned repeatedly, saying that good coverage meant that there would be a good crowd of shoppers. Equally important is the layout of the fair: the placement of their tables (i.e., if the crafter is a potter, they would prefer not to be surrounded by other potters); where the odours and congestion are, which are more significant in the area of edible items, thus those vendors should be placed accordingly; and the space for buyers to navigate and vendors to showcase their work so that it can be appreciated, which is a huge factor.

Everyone I talked to loved preparing and working on their craft/art and enjoyed interacting with those who attended the fairs. They enjoy the feedback and conversation and appreciate being able to tell their story to interested people. Heather Sarchuck said, “It’s about sharing what I love to make. The most rewarding thing about participating in a craft fair is when the

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customer finds the perfect gift for someone special, and the joy on their faces is enough. Sharing my craft with others is very rewarding and keeping the cost affordable is equally important — not to mention the friendships you attain from other vendors that cannot be measured; it is a blessing.”

Another participant, Darrell Giraldeau commented, “I love meeting and talking to new people, and there is a very festive feeling at a Christmas fair. I go home feeling validated as an artist and energized to try new things.” And Donna Bennett from Chemainus told me, “I’m not doing it to prepare for a craft fair, I’m doing it because it expresses who I am. It’s an essential part of my healthy life.”

In conclusion, I hope you and your family have had the time and pleasure to visit some of our lovely local craft fairs and markets and chat with the crafters and artists, who have poured their heart and soul into giving you choices for the holiday season. Every once in a while, I find a gift for my husband to give to me, and as an added bonus, we have shopped locally and supported our community.

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Faces behind the Ladysmith Musical Arts production company: (l-r): Emma Alsop, Katarina Skakun-Ward, and Lindsay Skakun-Ward. Photo: Sarah Abdulkafi .

Who is Ladysmith Musical Arts?

BY NADINE WONG Ladysmith Musical Arts is a production company dedicated to bringing live entertainment to our community and features actors and musicians that call Ladysmith and its surrounding area home. The company is founded by Katarina and Lindsay Skakun-Ward, Emma Alsop, and Sarah Abdulkafi.

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Katarina, Emma and Lindsay have many years’ experience playing in musical theatre productions and musical theatre orchestra pit bands, in such productions as Into the Woods, Hairspray, Mama Mia, We Will Rock You, The Wizard of Oz and more. Sarah Abdulkafi navigates their social media.

They are excited to be partnering with the Ladysmith Little Theatre and are currently fundraising for their first year of business. The funds will go towards covering the costs of theatrical rights for their first show and compensating the talent involved. To achieve their goal, Ladysmith Musical Arts is seeking sponsorship from community members and businesses, which includes complimentary tickets to their shows and advertising opportunities. They hope that ticket sales from their initial shows will contribute to funding future productions.

Full show announcement is expected to be posted on their Facebook page at the beginning of December, with their first show dates scheduled for May. For more information and updates, visit Ladysmith Musical Arts at www.facebook. com/ladysmithmusicalarts.

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Radio Plays, Live!

Next up for the Ladysmith Little Theatre is Radio Plays, Live! Directed by Alan Holmes, the show runs February 15 to March 3, 2024.

Inspired by the golden age of radio, two radio plays are performed live in front of a live audience. The first is The Adventures of Philip Marlow: The Green Flame by Raymond Chandler, a gritty crime drama revolving around a hard-boiled detective, Philip Marlowe, who is investigating a case of libel that quickly turns to intrigue and, possibly, romance. It is followed by Fibber McGee and Molly: Piano Lessons by Don Quinn, a light-hearted comedy about an aspiring pianist with no musical talent whatsoever. Fibber McGee is a teller of tall tales and a braggart, usually to the exasperation of his longsuffering wife, Molly. In this episode, Fibber decides he needs to learn how to play the piano.

For reservations and information, visit www.ladysmiththeatre.com.

Winter Harp The Port Theatre Spotlight Series presents Winter Harp, on December 9, 2023, at 3:30 p.m., with a pre-show chat in the theatre.

One of the most beloved holiday concerts anywhere, Winter Harp returns to take you on a magical journey you will never forget on their 30th Anniversary Tour. Join this world-class ensemble of singers, harps, flute, viola, medieval instruments and percussion for a concert of heartwarming songs and stories

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in celebration of Christmas. The musicians, in rich medieval attire, will whisk you to a land of pure magic.

For three decades, tens of thousands of people have made Winter Harp their annual tradition. For tickets, call 250-7548550 or email tickets@porttheatre.com.

Art Gallery As you plan ahead for the festive season, be sure to make time to visit the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District for their magical December show, “Traditions.” Along with some inspiration, you will find some great gift ideas at the art boutique, which is offering a variety of items and small paintings at their gallery at 32 High Street in Ladysmith.

Little Red Riding Hood Comes to the Stage!

Nanaimo Theatre Group is proud to support Ann McInultyGogo as co-writer and director for this year’s pantomime, Little Red Riding Hood. Ann has choreographed many previous “pantos,” so she is very familiar with the genre.

The story has Red Riding Hood navigating her way through the Bailey Forest. With the help of friends Bisque and Baguette Bickerton, will Ruby avoid the Big Bad Wolf and safely make it to Glamma’s Cottage with the soup and biscuits?

When asked how she wants the audience to feel after seeing the show, Ann said she wants everyone to feel lighthearted, have fun, remember the experience and come back again. A preview supporting the Hospital Foundation is Dec. 10, show runs Dec. 15-31. nanaimotheatregroup.ca or call 250-758-7224.

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts

Transfer Beach Dippers brave the cold for health benefits.

BY MARINA SACHT It’s a grey November day, and the wind is blowing bitterly cold across the ocean, kicking up a mixed chop. It’s 8:30 a.m. on a Sunday, but assembled at the beach are over a dozen people. The water temperature today at Transfer Beach reads eight degrees. They drop their coats and walk into the ocean.

The screams of terror and squeals you’d expect don’t materialize. Instead, there’s the sound of laughter, relaxed conversation between friends.

The swimmers are part of the Transfer Beach Dippers: individuals who have found benefit in cold water immersion.

From health benefits to comradeship, there are many reasons that cold-water dipping has been embraced by the community. There’s 275 members on the

TBD Facebook group, with many others practicing privately.

Maryse Morgan started two months ago. “I really wanted to show myself that I can do hard things. And so that’s what I tell myself the whole time I’m driving down here in my car. Yeah, I can do it. I can do it.” She laughs.

The reward afterwards? “Invigorated.

Alive. Accomplished. I feel great.”

Leesa Poffenroth was inspired a few years ago by Wim Hof, a motivational speaker and extreme athlete known for withstanding low temperatures. “Some of my coldest dips have been around Squamish in the mountains with the icy runoff, and yeah, it’s fresh,” she says.

But after a time, you become acclimatized. “It is so good physiologically, mentally, emotionally.”

Photo: Bob Burgess

Science backs her up with evidence that exposure to cold speeds up metabolism, reduces inflammation, swelling, and sore muscles. Other benefits experienced by dippers include improved quality of sleep, focus, and immune response (www.wimhofmethod.com/).

When Susan Woodhouse’s family said she wouldn’t last a month, she proved them wrong. It’s been over a year. “I come for health benefits and it makes me feel good. Although the other day I was saying to somebody, is it the health or is it just sort of the self-satisfaction of meeting a challenge?”

Shannon Patrick started because a loved one was having severe depression and she’d heard that dipping helped improve mental health. “So, we started coming down here, and then I ran into

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all these ladies and I just have kept doing it,” says Patrick, who has been dipping for two years and has seen improvements in her arthritis and immune system.

And while there are more women in the group, men are embracing the cold as well.

“I’m a sucker for punishment,” laughs Dan Charette, who started about two weeks ago, motivated by the potential health benefits. “The hardest part is the first two minutes in the water and getting out of my bed and driving down here. That’s probably the hardest part,” he says.

Wendy Zacharias suffered from migraines for about 20 years. Since she started three years ago, she hasn’t had one since. “I’m happier and I’m more energetic. And the fellowship with all the gals and guys that come, is really important too,” she adds.

Bill Verchere, at 91 years old, has the distinction of being the eldest in the group. He started several years ago, dipping several times a month.

“It just makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something. I’ve done something very few people do.” He recalls as a teenager diving from the tower of what was the Transfer Beach Wharf, one day doing five dives. “Very few people would do that back then, but I took great pride in doing it. This is the same thing.

Most people are afraid to do it.”

And maybe doing something that others may consider “crazy” isn’t so silly after all. It’s empowering.

Cheryl Mottishaw, a dipper since 2021 had never been one to go in the water unless it was a warm summer day, so this was very foreign to her. “But everyone was so nice and with all sorts of tips on how to survive the cold water.” She dipped 220 consecutive days, once dipping in Kelowna, Vernon and

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the Tsawwassen spit, waiting for a ferry so she wouldn’t miss a day.

“I feel the cold water helps my arthritis and achy joints. I have no plans to stop.”

For Linda Borza, dipping has been a life-changing habit. She had recently been in an MVA and was suffering from significant nerve pain. “Cold water dipping helped reduce my depression and distracted me from the pain; and it continues to make me feel so alive and living in the present.”

For those who are reading this and thinking cold-water immersion is just nuts, or those who may be contemplating taking the plunge, put simply: “It’s free every day of the year. It’s fun! After a minute, you can’t feel your skin, and then you get distracted talking to your buddies, forgetting how long you’ve been in,” says Borza. Recommendation is one minute per degree.

Stephanie Steele started the Transfer Beach Dippers with the goal to improve mental health by dipping, and to help our communities. The group collects for local food banks and has donated $1500 to the Ladysmith Resource Centre towards those suffering from mental health and addictions, as well $3,000 to Stz'uminus First Nations to help with families who were affected by the residential schools.

Steele, a registered nurse at Nanaimo Hospital, recalled the stress of working on a designated COVID floor when the pandemic struck in March 2021. “It was the most stressful time of my life.” Worried she’d bring the virus home to her family, and having no one to talk to about her anxiety, she fell into a depression.

One day after a particularly stressful shift, she saw a post of her friend in the ocean. It was February! “She told me it was

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Bill Verchere, 91, dips for the sense of accomplishment.

Photo: Marina Sacht

helping her get through her stressful shifts as an ICU nurse.”

She invited Steele to join her.

“On February 25, 2021, I did my first dip. I went into that cold water at Departure Bay with two ICU nurses and a respiratory therapist, and I think that’s why I did it. I felt if my heart stopped, at least I’d be in good hands. The water was so cold, it actually stung my body getting in. It instantly took my breath away, and I remember gasping for air and thinking I need to get out, but I kept concentrating on slowing my breath. Then I realized I wasn’t as cold anymore, and I remember smiling and

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feeling so alive.” She was hooked.

She started posting about her dipping. “It was a very vulnerable time for me, to post to everyone that I was suffering from depression and that I was struggling, but I thought by posting this, maybe I’d help someone else. The response was overwhelming, and she started the Transfer Beach Dippers Group two days after her first dip. “I dipped consecutively from that first dip for 21 days, then just kept going.”

Fiona Steeves joined Steele, and they met daily and braved the cold water. The group grew from there to 275 members.

Steele finds inspiration in a quote she read: “If we always choose comfort, we never learn the deepest capabilities of our mind and our body.”

“Getting in that water is mentally challenging. Your body feels the cold and your mind tells you, It’s too cold; get out. You can’t do this! But if you tell your mind, I am okay, I am safe and I CAN do this … you absolutely can. I wanted to inspire people to try it, I wanted to help others reap the benefits like I was. You don’t grow in your comfort zone!”

For Steele, dipping wasn’t just about going in the water. “I still hate being cold!” It is about challenging herself every day, to do better, and inspiring others to get out of their heads and finding joy again.

If you decide to try dipping, check with your doctor, listen to your body and always go with a friend. And friends you will find among the Transfer Beach Dippers.

“It’s therapeutic; you’ll get a surge of adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin as well as getting the blue light of the morning sun,” says Borza. “It burns a few calories too, plus you get to meet a bunch of great people, who love water, waves and a good laugh, which we all need!”

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BY AUDREY HASLAM AND ELLY SMITH If you have started your seasonal shopping list, checked it twice, and are still stumped with what to get your special someone there is good news! You don’t have to travel very far to find an amazing assortment of gifts this holiday season.

For the Art lovers on your list, take a short drive down Brenton Page Road to see Josee’s Art Studio in the red barn at JoVic Pottery, or downtown stroll to the Ladysmith Art Gallery’s gift shop to find local artist’s work, ranging from a chic decorative lamp to a sketchbook for your aspiring artist. In need of ornaments? The Ted Jolda Gallery in Cedar boasts over 40 different varieties, all in gorgeous glass. If pottery is on your list, be sure to visit Jane Wolters fine pottery in Chemainus and JoVic Pottery in Ce-

dar to hear fascinating pottery stories by Victor.

On the hunt for something more eclectic? The Purple Pigeon on First Avenue not only has the monopoly on unique and fun ornaments, but also has a little bit of everything, from handmade, upcycled earrings to collectors’ items galore. Go metal this year at Island Metal Arts featuring personalized & customized metal art for home, gates, yard, or office with free shipping on most website orders. For something out of the ordinary and to support a great cause, stop by the Guatemala Fundraiser Gift Sale,

Clockwise: Holiday shopping at local studios and shops offers many options.

Hand-painted shells at Ladysmith Museum. Photo: Audrey Haslam.

Tasty treats from Yellow Point Cranberries. Photo: Bob Burgess.

Stuning glasswork from Jolda Gallery.

Photo: Bob Burgess.

Custom metal art by Island Metal Arts.

Photo submitted.

Opposite page: Variety of unique holiday decor at The Purple Pigeon. Photo: Audrey Haslam.

Herbal-themed gifts from Champagne Hill Botanicals. Photo: Bob Burgess.

Candle ornaments at Ladysmith Health Food Store. Photo: Audrey Haslam.

Books are a perfect fit at Salamander Books. Photo: Audrey Haslam.

one night only, for authentic fabrics and handmade gifts Dec 8 – 5pm to 8pm 516 First Ave, Ladysmith.

Some people appreciate gifts that keep on giving, and what better way to do this than to give the gift of an activity? The Ladysmith Golf Club’s gift of annual green fees are sure to bring a smile to any golfer. For the fitness buff, a membership can be an excellent gift. Jumpstart Outdoor Fitness can help, with new memberships for 2024 at 24% off! Align with Jessica has 15% off on yoga offerings for a limited time. And to soothe

and relax, pick up an herbal themed gift box from Champagne Hill Botanicals. For salt lamps, essential oils, honey candles, soaps, lotions, bath products gift sets and more pop by the Ladysmith Health Food Store on First Ave. Of course, the best go-to gift during the holidays is time well spent with friends and family and for the wine lovers on your list, be sure to stop by Art of Brewing, Ladysmith for gift cards and wine accessories. Need to warm up with all this shopping, the Fox & Hound welcomes you with hot buttered rum, great food and gift cards. Cozy up by the fire with plush robes and blankets from the Ladysmith Pharmasave and have a great read with new & gently used books, local authors, and calendars by local artist Michael Dean, along with gift certificates all available at Salamander Books on First Ave. Stuck for ideas for office staff or co-workers? Stop by 49th Parallel Printers on First Avenue for custom koozies, mouse pads, Christmas cards and letters, photo prints & calendars, canvas gallery wraps, custom mugs & wrapping paper.

Give the gift of live entertainment! Cowichan Performing Arts Centre gift cards are available through the ticket centre and maybe Santa comes early for the 15th annual YellowPoint Christmas Spectacular Dec 12 – 17 at the Port Theatre or purchase a membership to support this wonderful organization.

Become a supporter, join, or buy tickets and help support local theatre! The Ladysmith Little Theatre offers evening shows and matinees, a great stocking stuffer for adults and kiddies.

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Dalby’s Rescues Christmas

BY VIRGINIA PERSSON How do most old-fashioned stories go?

“It was a dark and stormy night ...” This story takes place Christmas Eve 1953, and it was a very dark and stormy night.

My dad had been out of work for at least six months and finally had managed to get hired at Chemainus sawmill. He had not even had one pay cheque yet, so it was to be a meagre Christmas, as we had very little money. Now, our old ’39 Dodge was stalled on the side of the highway.

Sheets of rain and sleet slammed into the side of the car, buffeting and rocking it in the wind. The rain was torrential. It was not the snowy night that I, as a child, had hoped for. I was five years old, and I desperately wished for deep snow so that Santa would be sure to come.

We had only just left my aunt and uncle’s place in Cedar a half hour before.

My little sister and I were having fun with our cousins and weren’t ready to leave, but our parents said that if we were not home in bed by at least 9:00 p.m., Santa would not come. Now all I could think of was that our time was ticking away.

Our old car had just up and died as we pulled onto the highway. Dad walked back in the rain to Johnny’s service to see if someone could help. The lights went out as he approached the building. It was Christmas Eve and people had places to go. He tried flagging cars down in the rain but to no avail. Cars drove by splashing and soaking him. He got back into the car and tried the starter again. Nothing.

Both parents sighed. Things were looking desperate.

My little sister started crying and the windows steamed up. We huddled together to keep warm. No cell phones in those days and very little traffic. Dad

Author Virgina Persson with Bock, her mother holding her little sister.

(Left:) Car with the trouble.

Photos: Virginia Persson

went back onto the highway. No one stopped, and there were even less cars on the road. Finally, Mom insisted she take the old blanket from the back seat to keep her warm and try flagging a car down. She felt someone might stop for a woman. She was quite a sight, her blanket flapping in the wind.

A few more cars passed before a Dalby’s Service truck pulled up behind the car. A man dressed in red got out and asked if he could help. My dad explained that he thought it was the fuel pump.

However, he also explained that he had no money to fix it and it would have to wait until after he got his pay check in January. We had just moved to the Island and lived in a ramshackle rental house on Henry Road. If the gentleman could just take us home to Chemainus, Dad would pay him what he had left in his wallet. “No need for that,” said the jovial fellow. “It is Christmas Eve.” He quickly bundled our family into the truck and we were soon on our way.

I was thrilled. I had never ridden in a big truck or any truck for that matter.

The man asked me my name and I said Virginia and that I was terribly worried that Santa had missed us. He assured me that things would be okay. He said, “I have an in with Santa.” Meanwhile, my dad babbled on about our recent move, our financial predicament and his hope that things would get better. Again, he stated that the car would have to stay where it was until after Christmas.

Once home, Mom put us to bed.

However, I was too upset to sleep and

put my ear to the air vent so I could hear what was going on. I heard my parents discussing Christmas Day. No dinner for us, as we were supposed to go back to my aunt’s house the next day and spend Christmas with the family. Dad would have to walk to the neighbour’s house in the morning to use their phone and let the family know we were not coming. We would eat whatever leftovers were in the house. Without a car, we could not go anywhere. I was just a few weeks short of my sixth birthday, but I knew when my parents were really upset. Things sounded dire. I worried that Santa might have missed us too.

We got up late on Christmas morning.

There were presents under the tree.

Somehow Santa had found us in the night. This made me very happy, but not going to the cousins for dinner and a visit was making me sad. Then we heard a horn outside. Up drove the Dalby’s truck with our old ’39 Dodge, and it was running. Ralph Dalby (alias Santa) had gone back late Christmas Eve, towed the car to the shop and fixed it in time for Christmas morning. By this time, I felt sure he was Santa in disguise. I think my dad did too.

My dad is long gone, so I can tell this story now. He had a lot of pride and would never admit how poor we were.

He would not take charity from anyone.

He apologized for the fact that he had no money to pay for the repairs. Mr. Dalby told him not to worry; just to pay when he could if he could. Of course, Dad did.

But he never forgot the kindness that he received from Dalby’s Service Station when he was most in need. For the rest of his life, he told this story at Christmas. He also took his business to Dalby’s Service Station.

Dalby’s repairing the car on Christmas Eve also gave my dad another gift. He had been going through a period of really bad luck. Ralph Dalby restored his faith in the goodness of people. Sometimes, one small act can make such a big difference in a person’s life. We had a Merry Christmas.

P.S: Years later, I was in high school and started dating a young man from Ladysmith. As usual, my dad did the “third degree” and discovered that Russ (my first husband) was a gas jockey at Dalby’s Service Station. That was good enough for him. He declared the young man must be okay.

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RDN Area A Cedar, South Wellington, Cassidy & Yellow Point The bridge over the Nanaimo River to connect the Morden Colliery Regional Trail to the Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park was recently voted on by the Board (again). Given that this project has mixed support, I wanted to explain my decision-making process and provide information about this project.

The question before the Board was to choose which type of bridge would be constructed: truss or suspension. The question about whether to build the bridge has been discussed for over 20 years, when the first feasibility study was conducted. The decision to proceed with the project was made in 2014 and then modified in 2016 to include access for equestrians, cyclists and wheelchairs. At that time, the Area A com-

Morden Colliery Regional Trail to Nanaimo River. Photo: RDN Parks Staff

munity was consulted through an open house and a survey that indicated community support for the project.

The Morden Colliery Regional Trail, including the bridge, is a regional project. That means that the decisions about the project are made by the entire region and it is paid for by the entire region.

Area A will pay approximately four to five per cent of the costs. So, if the final

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cost is $5.2 million, Area A will pay approximately $234,000. Accordingly, it would be approximately a $4,966,000 investment in our community from the region. Some have asked that a referendum be conducted. However, since this is a regional project, the referendum would need to be across the entire RDN. Not only would that be very expensive to conduct, but if that was our decision-making process, it is likely that only larger communities would ever get funding for regional projects (because they have more votes).

Others have stated that the money should be spent elsewhere — particularly roads. Although I would love to see road improvements, roads are entirely in the jurisdiction of Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, whose budget is controlled by the provincial government and is separate from the RDN. When the RDN collects taxes, those funds are earmarked for specific services areas (e.g., solid waste, parks, transit) and cannot be moved from one area to another. Although the RDN could reduce spending on community and regional parks, what we are hearing from across the region and locally is that people want more access to parks and trails.

The current trail is well used. I hope that the extension of the trail will increase usage and that the bridge will provide easier access to the South Wellington Community Centre for Cedar residents (once it is opened). Although Cedar already has the Cedar Heritage Centre and Cedar Hall, the South Wellington Community Centre will likely offer different types of recreational experiences. I think it is important that Cedar has improved access to that facility.

As well, the trail will provide an active transportation corridor for community members, for kids riding to school and for neighbouring communities to access Cedar businesses (e.g., the Crow and Gate, the Mahle House, the Cedar Farmers Market, and the Wheaty) while (hopefully) lessening the impact of cars.

The trail follows the route of the for-

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mer railway that carried coal from the Fiddick Slopes area of Pacific Coast Coal Mines in South Wellington to the ships in Boat Harbour. The Fiddicks are also known for building Nanaimo’s first “fire-proof” brick hotel for $8,000, at the corner of Selby and Fitzwilliam. You may recognize this as the Oxy, which continues to stand there today. Currently, the trail route is owned by MoTI and will be leased by the RDN. Many hope that the trail will be extended down to Boat Harbour in recognition of its original entire path (although there are no current plans for that).

Regarding the recent board vote, I supported the truss model for several reasons: (1) that was the model preferred by the Area A Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee; (2) previous community consultation supported improved accessibility; (3) I wanted to ensure eligibility for active transportation funding (which is quite considerable right now) as a cost cutting measure; (4) it was more consistent with the historical origins of the project (the coal railway and Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park); and (5) there was potential cost escalation concerns with the suspension bridge noted in the engineer report.

Some are excited by this project. A supportive community member donated $200,000 to support the bridge following recent news reports. Some are not in favour. I know I cannot please all in this situation, but at least I can explain my reasoning and my considerations.

To wrap up, I want to wish everyone the very best for the holiday season. I hope it is merry and bright. To connect with me: jessica.stanley@rdn.bc.ca or 250-268-7359.

CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond There is a lot to cover in this month’s article. The CVRD has recently held workshops on the Local Area Plan (LAP), and the community engagement survey is ongoing for the Yellow Point Park, CVRD strategic planning is near completion and budget deliberations are in progress — and, of course, the pending report for the Schnitzer’s rezoning application. Also, please mark your calendar for the next Director’s Townhall Meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at North Oyster Community Centre.

Two Local Area Plan workshops were held on November 5, 2023, at the North Oyster Community Centre. I believe I counted about 50 people in total. The focus was a visioning exercise on what the next couple of decades might look like for two specific places in Area H: the Diamond and a particular part of North Oyster around the Chuckwagon Store and up Aho Road. The different use of the word “area” might have created some confusion. Go to www.planyourcowichan.ca (Local Area Plans) if you want to look at the specific parts that were being targeted. CVRD staff will collect all the information received from the community and report back to the community in 2024. Local Area Plan workshops play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a community.

These workshops serve as platforms where residents come together to discuss, envision and plan the development of their neighbourhood through inclusive dialogue, a shared vision for the future emerges, guiding subsequent zoning decisions and development initiatives.

Yellow Point Park’s lease is up for renewal from the province in 2024. Part of the process is to provide the province with a

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management plan for the duration of the next lease. CVRD staff were at Yellow Point Park on October 21, 2023, and interviewed folks using the park. I missed including it in the November TAKE 5.

However, there is still time if you would like to provide input through an online survey, simply google “Yellow Point Park Survey 2023.” A renewed lease that reflects the shared values of the community and the province will contribute to the long-term sustainability of Yellow Point Park.

The Regional Active Transportation Plan (ATP) reviews the active transportation routes throughout the entire Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD), including Electoral Area H – North Oyster/Diamond. The public’s input was sought throughout the development of the ATP to help prioritize the most important routes for development.

The ATP identifies both the Cedar Road (3.7 km, TCH to RDN) and Yellow Point Road (7.9 km, Cedar Road to RDN) as high priority project locations for a roadside pathway.

A feasibility study for the Yellow Point Trail was been completed, and Phase 1 has initiated with federal gas tax awarded to the project. The CVRD has procured an engineering fi rm to determine and design exactly where Phase 1 of the path will go in consultation with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). It is estimated that Phase 1 will go from the Chuckwagon Market Store towards the North Oyster Fire Hall.

Strategic planning and budgeting is underway. Strategic planning is the compass guiding the course of local governments, ensuring effective governance and community well-being.

Here is a “down on the farm” analogy: Strategic planning and budgeting, akin to managing a herd of cows, demand careful consideration. Each cow represents a project or initiative, and choosing the right ones (strategic planning) ensures a productive year. Budgeting is like distributing feed: allocating resources wisely, ensuring every cow gets enough without overfeeding. Regularly assessing the cows’ health, symbolizing project performance, catches potential issues early. Think of financial adjustments as guiding cows through different pastures—redirecting resources as

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needed. Finally, just as a rancher aims for a healthy, thriving herd, effective strategic planning and budgeting lead to a robust business landscape with contented, well-fed cows and a successful year. Tough economic times with cows is akin to weathering a financial storm on the farm. While the entire herd represents all the initiatives, each cow is a critical aspect of the business. Tightening the budget is like rationing feed during a drought: resources must be distributed wisely to sustain the herd.

Assessing the cows’ health regularly, mirroring constant project evaluation, ensures efficiency. In challenging times, the farmer needs to consider culling less productive cows (scaling back initiatives to preserve resources). Adaptability is key, like rotating pastures to find greener fields. Effective strategic planning helps the herd weather economic storms and emerge stronger.

Next month, I’ll have more to report on how things are progressing. However, please let me know of any ideas of how the CVRD could be more efficient or effective with taxes they collect.

Regarding the Schnitzer application: As I write this in mid-November, the application has not made it onto the Electoral Areas Services Committee (EASC) agenda. So, watch for the EASC meetings in December, which are held on the sixth and twentieth. Agendas and meeting materials are made public the Friday before the meeting.

In closing, I want to wish the very best of the holidays for you and your loved ones. I hope you have time to cherish those people important in your life, and if you are able, reach out and help someone in need.

In service, Ben Maartman, 250-5105930; ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca

CVRD Area G Saltair/Thetis Island Gratitude - I just got back from hiking the Juan de Fuca trail. Once or twice a year, typically when I start complaining too often, I head out on a solo three- or four-day hike into the backcountry with nothing more than a tent, sleeping bag, cooking pot and a bag of steel-cut oats.

If I don’t make a fire, I don’t eat. I purposely go when it’s cold, dark and generally miserable. There’s nothing like a few days of heavy walking and hard sleeping

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to quickly and persistently remind me of what I’m grateful for.

Over the last few months, we’ve had several community meetings and events, facilitating many one-on-one conversations. A lot is going on in our quiet community: record-setting Halloween bonfire and fireworks attendance, a strong turnout for the CVRD run Future Visioning Idea’s Fair, a Remembrance Day that would make our grandparents proud and an informative Community Conversation focusing on water safety and security the next day. I’m grateful for all the comments, questions, encouragement and understanding.

Acknowledgements - I want to thank all those who selflessly donated their time to planning and organizing the Saltair Centennial Halloween bonfire and fireworks, specifically, Janet and Tim Evans, Dave Key, Saltair District Residents Association, Saltair Community Society, local business sponsors and the monetary donations from Saltair residents. Many thanks to CVRD Coralee Breen and her team, which hosts the OCP Ideas Fairs. They have patiently and diligently worked with our communities for many years, modernizing our Official Community Plan and multiple Local Area Plans. I want to thank Kerry McIntyre (SDRA) for moderating our Community Conversations series and the Saltair Community Centre Society for providing the setup/takedown, plus snacks and beverages.

Many thanks to Director Maatmen from Area H for speaking at our last Community Conversation, and finally, our CVRD Water manager Todd Etherington, who gave a fantastic presentation on all things water at the same event. For those who missed it, you can find a link on my website to his PowerPoint presentation detailing the pipe replacement schedule (nearly done), the next steps for our water filtration and the status of the Stocking Lake Dam. Balance - When I was campaigning and going from home to home, knocking on doors, housing was on everyone’s tongue.

As many of you know, the Province recently passed short-term rental (STR) legislation. I suspect housing and land use will remain at the fore in Area G, as several zoning and housing-related topics (e.g., consolidating B&B and STR regulations and accessory dwellings, aka carriage homes) are being referred to the Area G Advisory Planning Committee.

Clearly, the Province wants all local governments to increase housing stock and expedite permitting. Still, as their true intentions filter to the surface, they are primarily focused on increasing density around major transit hubs. In addition, they have indicated STRs within a primary residence fine; it’s the second, third and fourth homes, etc., that they want to return to the long-term rental stock.

As we collectively discuss maintaining our rural look and feel while providing families more flexibility with their properties, I encourage you to think local and remain engaged. I welcome your feedback, and if you’re interested, I have much more to say about these topics on my website (www.jessemcclinton.com).

2024 - Please save the date: Our next Community Conversation features the CVRD Board chair and mayor of Ladysmith, Aaron Stone, on Sunday, January 21, at 2 p.m., at the Saltair Community Centre. Subscribe to the newsletter on my website to get more information as we get closer to the date.

If you ever want to talk to me on any matters and concerns call me at 250-252-6525.

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Back to Business

BY ELLY SMITH

Look Who Is Celebrating 20 Years!

Art Lindala, owner of Art of Brewing Ladysmith, started making wine in the early 1980s, trying out various home wine-making kits (to the immense enjoyment of his family and friends).

Those early experiments eventually blossomed into his first “garage winery” at his Nanaimo home in 1993. His passion, and his business, has been growing ever since, to its current incarnation as a state-of-the-“Art” micro-winery. Art has been a fixture of the mid-Vancouver Island wine lovers’ community since his first commercial venture at the “Olde Nanaimo Brewery” in 2001.

Art and his rapidly growing collection of awards relocated to Ladysmith 2010, in search of larger premises and a more central location so he could serve wine lovers from Nanaimo to Duncan. Check out their website or Facebook for more information (www.artofbrewingvanisle.

Art Lindala, owner of Art of Brewing.

Photo submitted.

ca). Drop in to place your order, talk about wine and take in some Art history!

Stay wild, stay you!

Violet Wild Cannabis Co wins “Independent Retailer of the Year” at the 2023

Violet Wild Cannabis Co wins “Independent Retailer of the Year” at the 2023 Grow Up Conference and Expo.

Photo submitted.

Grow Up Conference and Expo, and owner Sonja Riddle is thrilled. “We’re grateful to our hardworking staff, the community of Chemainus, the dedicated cannabis cultivators and the legacy growers for their undying support. This

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award signifies more than just recognition. For us, it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment, our passion and the unique bond we share as sisters navigating the world of business together.”

Get Your Kicks And Save 66 While the 12th annual BC Buy Local Week sponsored by LOCO BC and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) may have ended, it’s a good reminder to keep shopping local throughout the year and not just the holiday season.

CFIB’s Small Business, Big Impact: Small Retailers’ Local Contributions report shows that for every dollar spent at a local independent retailer, 66 cents stay within the local economy. Conversely, only 11 cents of every dollar spent stay in the community when consumers shop at a large multinational business and just eight cents stay local when the purchase is made at an online giant like Amazon.

Research for the report was inspired by a 2019 study completed by LOCO BC. “Even a small change in spending habits will have a positive impact on local economies,” says Emily Boston, a policy analyst at CFIB. “My first recommendation when talking about smart and safe holiday shopping is to recommend that people shop local first,” says Rosalind Scott, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island. “We find there are significantly fewer issues reported when people do business with reputable, local companies in their communities.” If you need to shop online to find that hard to find gift, then she recommends shoppers do their research, look for BBB Accredited Businesses, read reviews and go to BBB.org to research the company.

“Only buy from reputable, trusted companies, with clear refund and exchange policies,” says Scott.

Cash, Johnny Cash, Please Fees now being charged to the merchants for accepting credit cards run as much as 10 per cent of the charge, depending on the brand of card and the amount, and that is on the total charge including taxes, plus tips if it’s a restaurant charge. This is a big expense for small businesses. Their profit margins are tight already, and this is a direct reduction in their income. Go for the cash!

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Bonus Time “When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back.

Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.” - Rick Warren Dear Santa, Now that I have the #1 item on my list (a horse), I’ve been finding that although I want for basically nothing (except, of course, world peace, the end of hunger, environmental salvation and one of those mermaid costumes), there is something at this very moment that I think I need. It would be oh-so helpful … either a third functional hand or a Dictaphone.

Your big bushy white eyebrows rise I see, but please let me explain. It seems that with everything in my life, there is this pattern. In a nutshell, I wait till the last moment to complete the task. Like for example having my monthly blitherings for the TAKE 5 ready and out by the 15th. Here, it is the 16th, and I’ve got my pad and pen on the kitchen island, along with all the trappings for a marathon goodie bake for the Women's Institute table at the Cedar Country Christmas Tour and the 50th wedding anniversary

Jackie Moad, multi-tasking. Photo: L Waugh

soiree for Betty and George Benson.

Time out: microwave beeping, butter melted, time to add the berry sugar, blend and sift in the flour.

So, Santa, that Dictaphone. I’ve noticed that several times this month, I’ve thought about the special issue of the TAKE 5 — the one that spans two months — and my possible story verbal meandering. A focus on Christmas? New Year’s resolutions?

The upcoming leap year? Rabbie Burns birthday in January? The possibilities are mind-boggling. If I had that Dictaphone, it would be almost instant thoughts to paper.

As the deadline gets closer, I could transcribe my ramblings and bing-bang-boom — next submission done!

Then I wouldn’t be here multitasking, or at least trying to multitask. In my past life as an RN, I was pretty good at that art/necessity. But I guess after six years of retirement, I’m a bit rusty. I AM ambidextrous, but that’s just writing with both hands, not writing and baking at the same time.

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Time out: dough formed and stuffed into empty paper towel rolls and into the fridge for one hour.

So today, maybe for the last time, Santa, depending on what I find under my tree on December 25, I’m hoping to write and finish my submission in this next hour. And then cut the cooled shortbread dough “logs” into 30 beauty cookies. Perhaps the February edition will beat the deadline.

Word crunch alert: I’ve only got about 100 words left, and I’ve decided on what to say to all you wonderful readers out there besides a seasoned greetings and wish for a stress-free joyous holiday. I only get to do this once every four years, so here goes.

February 29 is a freebee, an extra day, a free day, that only comes every one thousand four hundred and sixty days. A whole 24 hours of free time! So, here’s my suggestion.

Give it away. Donate it to a cause of your choice. Heaven knows there are enough of them out there, enough folks or animals or environments that could use a boost. And you don’t have to give the whole day away. Save some for yourself. Maybe just follow the RAK principle and do a couple of acts of random kindness. Go ahead. It actually makes you feel really good too. Honest. Take the leap.

Jackie Moad wishes all the TAKE 5 readers a peaceful, happy, healthy Christmas season. Eager for that gift of extra time in February, she continues to farm that 20-acre organic slice of Paradise in Cedar, ever looking forward, with local solutions for global challenges in mind.

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then took the other slipper to the boot tray. Because we have exercised his brain, he can figure things out for himself.

We can all increase the bond with our dogs by working together to learn new things.

Start with getting your dog to target.

Place a treat between the fingers of your hand and ask the dog to “touch.” The scent of the treat will likely entice him to touch. When he touches your hand with his nose, give him a treat from the opposite hand. Do not reward if he licks or nibbles at your hand. Practice five to

Dogs Need Mental Exercise As Well As Physical Exercise

BY KATHY RILEY Many dogs are never taught anything but the rudimentary commands like Tila “sit,” “down” and “heel.”

Dogs’ needs are sadly neglected even in a very loving, caring family. They may get a walk once or twice a day and are fed regularly. They may have toys to play with, but what they really need is interaction with another dog and with their handlers.

My pup, Tila, is ten months old. He knows 25 words for obedience behaviour and tricks. His vocabulary is growing daily. He and I have fun learning new things. He also teaches me. In two sessions, I taught him to bring my walking shoes from the boot tray. His big reward is a walk, one of his favourite activities.

One day, I sat down and took my slippers off and asked for a shoe. He went immediately to the boot tray, picked out the correct shoe and brought it to me.

Then he picked up a slipper. I said, “No, not the slipper; get me the other shoe.”

He looked at me with a scornful expression, as if to say, “I know what I’m doing,” and took the slipper and put it in the boot tray, brought back the shoe and Puppy Tila. Photo: Kathy Riley

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ten times a few times a day, and you will be rewarded with a dog who comes alive and looks forward to working with you.

Once you have taught him to target, you can use your target hand to get him to jump up, jump down, follow, twirl and any number of other activities.

Books on trick training are available new or used. You and your dog will be greatly rewarded by working together to learn new things -- and have fun!

Kathy Riley has over 20 years experience taining and operates the Life of Riley doggy day care.

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Nature’s Ancient Lineage

BY GUY DAUNCEY What is it that makes you love nature?

Is it the silence of the forest? The call of an eagle? The lush abundance of soft green moss on a maple tree? A tiny treefrog, so small and vulnerable?

For me, it’s also the sheer ancientness of nature. Take that tiny tree frog. Dr. Jeff Streicher, senior curator of reptiles and amphibians at Britain’s Natural History Museum, is a member of a phylogeny study group that calculated that the original “Eve-frog” began her evolutionary split into today’s 7,635 species of frog around 180 million years ago. For

Beautiful bluebird.

Photo courtesy of Cowichan Bring Back the Bluebird Project.

each of those years, the tree frogs have successfully mated and laid their eggs.

Us humans? We’re total newcomers.

Fourteen thousand years ago, here on Vancouver Island, the land we think of

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as “home” lay under two kilometres of ice. Only the sharp peaks of Mount Arrowsmith saw the sun. All other mountain tops were rough-and-tumbled under the ice, becoming rounded and smooth.

On the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, research by Chris Hebda and his colleagues in the Hakai Institute suggests that 18,000 years ago, the coastal area south of Cape Scott remained icefree, a cold tundra with willows, grasses, sedges, heathers, sagebrush and wild berries. The Quatsino people’s traditional stories tell how the Quatsino were warned by their protector, the thunderbird, that the ice was coming, and that they survived it by going to Klaskino, an ancient village on the Brooks Peninsula. The West Shore in Colwood was ice-free too. Fifty years ago, the tooth of a mammoth was found there, estimated to be 18,000 years old.

By 16,000 years ago, pine, alder and ferns were creating cool, dry, open forests. As the ice melted, grizzly bears and salmon arrived. By 12,000 years ago, most of the ice had gone, and the area we call home had become a mixed coni-

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fer forest of pine, western hemlock and alder. The mammoths did not survive, but over the next 12,000 years, the plants, trees and creatures we are familiar with today settled into rich entangled ecosystems. Nature’s myriad species have been here far, far longer than we have. They are our neighbours in nature — but do we really know them?

If you wander the trails of Yellow Point Park or Wildwood, you will meet your neighbours the mosses, ferns and salal, the mushrooms, the lichens. The fir and cedar trees are slowly recovering from the clearcuts that happened in the 1930s and ’40s. If we protect what remains in the parks and on private lands, over the years, the forests we love will once again become old-growth forests.

Or take the bats. They have been around for some 60 million years. They’ve had a colony at North Oyster Hall for a hundred years, but before that, for thousands of years they would have roosted in the forest, taking off each night to feast on insects.

If you enjoy a summer evening with very few mozzies around, you should raise a toast to them.

Now ponder the herring. If you wander the seashore in spring, you might see them spawning, providing food for the salmon, and hence for seals and orca whales. Their evolution began 530 million years ago. Coast Salish peoples feasted on their massive abundance for thousands of years until the money-hungry fishing boats arrived, almost wiping them out. We have so much to learn.

Finally, think about the western bluebirds. They date their ancestry back to the Mesozoic Era, which began some 250 million years ago. For all those years, they have known the delight of flight. Until recently, they were locally extinct, driven out by us settlers with our chainsaws, bulldozers and pesticides.

But now, thanks to volunteers like Genevieve Singleton in the Cowichan Bring Back the Bluebird Project, they have established local breeding territories, where they are finding mates and raising their young. Beginning in 2012, volunteers brought bluebird family units from a large population in Washington State, and with support from seventy nature-loving landowners in the Quamichan and Somenos Lake area, they built nesting boxes in Garry oak meadow habitats.

If we are careful with this planet we live on, if we build partnerships of respect, like the Bluebird Project, and if we don’t destroy ourselves through our selfish stupidity, these ancient lineages of nature will continue. In a thousand years, our descendants will be able to experience the same love of nature that we do, and the same gratitude.

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Winter Frost

BY ALEXANDER SMITH, EIS NATURALIST As children scuttle back on their bus for home, another day draws to a close here at Wildwood. A day in the forest with orange and red leaves crunching underfoot, dodging puddles and looking for mushrooms — fall in our little woodland is truly magical. In fact, for us naturalists, the worst thing about fall on Vancouver Island is that it simply doesn’t last long enough. As we creep into winter and overnight temperatures drop, the fresh, dew-laden landscapes become gripped with something entirely new: frost.

For many, including myself, frost

Frosty morning on the Cowichan River.

Photo: A. Smith

Frost crystals forming on glass.

Photo: A. Smith

brings an inescapable element of finality to life in the forest. Once it touches the forest, any new life sprouting from the ground is seemingly halted in its tracks until spring.

So, what is frost? At its core, frost is a manifestation of water vapour in the air freezing on surfaces, covering them in a thin layer of ice. If you’ve seen frost before, it often suddenly transforms the forest into a festive wonderland. In forests such as Wildwood, this process is particularly captivating, as the intricate architecture of tree branches, leaves and even the forest floor itself becomes a canvas of sparkle, with every crystal more unique than the last.

But why is frost so interesting? Is it good or bad? The truth is, the coming of frost is a very important and fundamental part of life in the forest. Here on Vancouver Island, some of our plants ac-

tually need the presence of frost to come and go in order to start their germination in the spring. This process, known as cold stratification, greatly improves the germination rate of plant seeds such as the arbutus (Arbutus menziesii). Research suggests that seeds exposed to frost increase their chance of bursting into life by up to 80 per cent compared to seeds that have been kept warm.

When you think of mosquitoes, there’s a reason that you only see them in warmer months. Frost is also an effective way of keeping pest populations in check during the winter. This not only gives us and other forest animals a break from being eaten by swarms of summer mosquitoes, but also provides the chance for small saplings to grow without the presence of harmful caterpillars and other parasites. The cold also affects the rate at which things rot and decom-

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Melting icicles in the forest. Photo: A. Smith

pose in the forest. As frost lands on a rotting log, it slows down the microbes in the wood and soil, reducing the decomposition rate. This, in turn, preserves potential food for the forest throughout winter, which it can then use in the spring as the frozen ground thaws.

In fact, even as the frost melts in the spring, it breathes life back into the forest. This influx of early water is used by young plants as they grow and push up through the soil. So, whether it’s keeping flies out of your hair or maintaining the forest’s balance until the arrival of spring, let’s express our gratitude to our winter guardian, Frost!

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Sport with Champagne For a waiter, Champagne can be fun.

Like the time, forty years ago, at someone else’s restaurant, when I was waiting on six ill-mannered, high-maintenance realtors who ordered Dom Perignon, even though their double rye and cokes, second in a series of many, had just arrived.

Despite their … lack of charm, I remained professional, which meant not embedding the cork in the rotund realtor’s forehead. Instead, I opened the bottle properly, at a 45-degree angle, twisting the bottle, not the cork. The reward was a soft “phffft” sound, like what you would expect from a small fur-bearing animal passing wind.

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I was tediously pouring the wine - damn bubbles! - when the whining started. “You don’t know how to open Champagne. It’s supposed to pop. Get another bottle; we’ll show you how to do it properly.”

One learning experience, coming up. I schlepped over to the bar for the second bottle. There, I ensured the formation of bubbles by shaking the bottle, but for no more than five or ten minutes. Shortly afterwards, the realtors’ booth looked as if it had been waterbombed. Which leads us to Champagne Rule #1: Never leave your overpriced bottle of bubbly unattended in the hands of a malicious waiter.

Rule #2: Champagne, like any explosive, is highly susceptible to heat, and should be treated with the same respect as a WW2 vintage bomb discovered nestling between the rhododendrons in your backyard. The restraining wire around its neck, much like the muzzle on a pit bull, should be released cautiously. Do not assume, as I once did, that two hours in a lukewarm fridge is sufficient to placate the Gods of Effervescence.

We were at a friend’s. No sooner was the wire off than it was “Take cover folks!” The cork launched with the thrust-

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ing power of a Saturn rocket. DO NOT, in this situation, attempt to stop the flow of liquid by putting your thumb over the top of the bottle. This will only increase the rate of flow and change the distribution pattern to encompass not just the ceiling, but all four walls and everyone within a 15-foot radius.

Fact: Champagne used to be so unstable that cellar workers wore heavy iron masks and protective clothing to prevent injury from exploding bottles. Once one bottle went off, the shock would routinely set off the whole cellar. Those looking for a stable work environment were advised to try the munitions plant down the road instead.

Exploding corks are not the only problem. Champagne’s northern location in France pushes the envelope of grape growing to the limit, often leaving wines with little sugar and what can only be described as bracing acidity, a term usually reserved for high concentrations of hydrochloric acid.

To combat these and other shortcomings, Champagne has relied on brilliant marketing - smashing Champagne against the hull of a boat, for instance. Most winemakers don’t see launching boats as

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a good use for their product: “Instead of using my wine to launch your boat,” they would say, “why don’t we use your head?”

Not the Champagne producers - no such qualms. “Excellent!” they say. “Why don’t you take ten cases in the event the boat gets stuck? Maybe you have large rocks that need christening.”

For a look at Champagne’s exciting history, and to see where these marketing ideas are developed, let’s pay a visit to the region’s top-secret, underground marketing headquarters which look like a cross between Q’s laboratory and a shrine for Lawrence Welk.

Here, dedicated scientists laboured for decades on the problem of corks popping off prematurely, say when you’re walking out of the liquor store. Finally, they were forced to wire the corks to the bottle. Inelegant, but at least you could get the wine home without taking out the eye of a fellow shopper.

History was made when one of the scientists saw a clip of the rock group Who destroying guitars. “If the Brits can destroy guitars,” he said, “we can destroy Champagne. There’s no rule saying it must be drunk? A sale is a sale, right?”

This change in concept rapidly opened new markets. The first was Formula One racing, where winning race car drivers were encouraged to spray as much Champagne around as possible.

The initial idea came from American driver Dan Gurney, a light beer drinker prone to heartburn, who figured out that the more he sprayed, the less he had to drink. As his tortured gastro-intestinal tract informed him, it was either that or stop winning races.

Newer ideas include the Champagne Fire Truck, with a prototype nearing completion. The truck has no hoses and is, basically, a wine rack on wheels. As Dom Senior puts it, “Because

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of Champagne’s fine bubble structure and dense spray pattern, it makes an excellent fire extinguisher, perfect for putting out spot fires. Just grab a few bottles off the truck, give the CO2 a wake-up shake or two along the way - ask Delbert, he’ll show you - point, pop, and shoot. Whoa! House fires have never been so much fun.”

Showing even greater potential is the modern version of sabering: the ancient practice of knocking the top off a Champagne bottle with a sword. The problem is a lack of swords. In the old days, you could always count on someone carrying a sword, so opening wine or carving the roast just wasn’t a problem.

But these days, especially to the south of us, people are packing guns, not swords. That’s why Champagne marketing experts have developed the Texas Hold ‘Em campaign: a Democrat, preferably one in a Hillary t-shirt, is tied to a chair and a bottle of Champagne placed on his head. The challenge is to open the bottle with your handgun, bullets supplied by the National Rifle Association in a cross-promotional arrangement.

But that idea pales in comparison to the latest promo - Bowling for Bubbles - where Champagne bottles are substituted for bowling pins. Unfortunately, all the exploding glass jams up the automatic pin-setting equipment so research continues at Champagne.

Wine Pick If you are looking for a nice sparkling wine that isn’t champagne but is perfect to pop your cork, try Célébration - Charme De L’ile, from Enrico Winery just south of here for about $26.50. Happy New Year!.

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CONCRETE RESULTS. Foundations, retaining walls, patios, driveways, walks and stairs. Full forming and finishing. 40 years’ experience. Email Gord at concreteresults@ live.com.

FOR SALE FISH FISH FISH. Buy direct from the guy who caught it! High-quality salmon, lingcod, rockfish. All fish blast frozen at sea. Satisfaction guaranteed! Contact Jim at oceandancer. wallace@gmail.com or 250-245-5957/250-7391123.

HELP WANTED LADYSMITH TAXI DRIVER NEEDED. Class 4 licence is required. Ladysmith Taxi will pay if licence is needed; 3 to 4 days a week. Call Barry 250-739-4498.

FARM FRESH EMPRESS ACRES LITTLE FARM STORE. Pasture-raised turkeys, pork & eggs; Christmas hams, pork variety & barbecue boxes, specialty sausages, end cuts; organically certified EA produce; open 7 days/wk; 2974 Haslam Rd.; see Fresh Sheet for regular updates on what’s available on website: www.empressacres.ca; for pork & turkeys, email Marlene at marlene@ empressacres.ca or call/text 250-889-1343.

HEALTH & WELLNESS CAREGIVER AVAILABLE. Are you needing assistance with personal activities? Experienced, reliable, trustworthy caregiver. Personal care, companionship, driving to/making appts., shopping, etc. References available. Call Janice 250-701-2909.

COMPANION WITH HEALTH-CARE AIDE EXPERIENCE. Part-time in-home HCA/ companion for elderly adults. Meal preparation, light housekeeping and grocery services.

Provides medication reminders and administers medication. BC Care Aide, Valid Food Safe, CRC Emergency First Aid and CPR/AED level A, WHMIS certifications. Please call 250-722-4775.

TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner class Monday mornings. Ongoing class every Wednesday morning. For class time and location and more information, visit www.taichinanaimo. org or call Sara 250-245-1466.

HOME & GARDEN

EVERY SUNDAY CAROL’S ARTISANS: wood turned pens, quilting, woodworking, amazing sewing and knitting, interchangeable jewelry, hats, pottery, preserves, jams and MORE; 13467 Cedar Road, 10am–3pm. New vendors welcome. Contact petespensandmore@ shaw.ca.

DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 35 years’ experience, certified journeyman carpenter; renovations. For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823.

TAKE 5 ADS work! ads@take5.ca

HEART LAKE ROOFING for all your roofing repairs, 250-668-9195.

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

WHAT'S HAPPENING Nanaimo’s Winterfest is evolving to be a multidate event. From Dec. 2 to Dec. 21, Winterfest will bring late-night shopping to Commercial Street.

Food trucks and entertainment on Thursday evenings starting on December 7 and a two-day Winterfest Artisan Market on Dec. 13 and 14, Details at downtownnanaimo.ca.

TAKE 5 ads work. 250-245-7015.

ARTS & CR AFT FAIRS

SCRAPBOOK ENTHUSIASTS: Creative Memories. Great deals on new and like-new albums, pages, page protectors, papers, decorative papers, tools, storage organizers, totes, pens, stickers. For details and prices, call Nadine 604-885-8379.

DEC/JAN 2024

KB HANDYMAN AND YARD WORKS. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, power washing, tree pruning, yard cleanup, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Seniors discount.

Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@ gmail.com or 250-714-2738.

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

Happy New Year! TAKE 5 returns in late January with the February 2024 issue.

Lights on the water. Photo: Bob Burgess

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LMS and the Harbour In this article, I am expressing my thoughts and attempting to convey some historical background on the transfer of water lots in Ladysmith Harbour to Stz'uminus First Nation (SFN). The views expressed here are my own.

There has been a lot of concern regarding the Town of Ladysmith giving up its lease on the water lot that it had leased from the Province and then subleased to the Ladysmith Maritime Society. The LMS has built a multi-milliondollar community marina that attracts tourism, supports local businesses and enhances our community with its many festivals and events.

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During the negotiations between Coast Salish Development Corp (CSDC), the Stz'uminus First Nations economic arm, and the Province, the water lot known as DL 2016, where the marina is located, was part of the negotiations.

Under Section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982, Stz'uminus First Nation has the right to lay claim to crown lands, including water lots within Ladysmith Harbour, which they have done. They also have the right under the Reconciliation Agreement with the Province, signed in March 2022, to “cultural and economic and social development” under the same section of the Act. Indigenous peoples have occupied the areas surrounding Ladysmith Harbour for millennia. Their oral history tells of summer camps around the area now known as Transfer Beach Park, and of cultural activities around the outflow of the local creeks that feed the harbour. Today, there are 1400 plus members of Stz’uminus with 770 living on their reserves.

So, what is so special about this site?

This part of the bay and its shoreline isn’t the pristine body of water that it was 200 years ago. Today, it is likely the most contaminated part of Ladysmith’s harbour. The damage started in the 1880s when industrialization of the area began. First, it was the construction of the rail transfer wharf at what is now Transfer Beach Park, then came the coal wharves. Slag, the byproduct of washing the coal, was dumped into the ocean south of the site, creating a landfill area going out into the bay some 1200 feet (known as Slack Point today.). Next came the copper smelter, which dumped its smelting process byproducts in the water to the north of the site. This went on for 30-plus years. In 1935, Comox

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Logging and Railroad built a booming ground on the Ladysmith Community Marina site, where hundreds of thousands of logs were offloaded, resulting in an ocean bottom covered with bark and other debris. Additionally, the Town of Ladysmith discharged its raw sewage into waters at the same location up until the creation of the Town’s first sewage treatment plant in the early 1960s.

History shows this site’s past of industrial use, and consequently associated environmental problems.One wonders why this site would be chosen over some other location in the harbour.

CSDC’s current plans are to rename the Ladysmith Community Marina to Oyster Bay Marina and create a mini Grandville Island concept in this location. In an announcement, they stated they planned to accommodate approximately 1200 boat houses, slips, moorage and commercial/retail space. The announcement then goes on to say, “This development is aligned with the Town’s current waterfront area plan.”

But is that what the SFN and the residents want? Or is this just a for-profit venture? It is important to distinguish between the Stz'uminus people and the developer. Let’s face it, corporations do not often add “community” into their bottom line. But people do.

All this could be premature. A senior public affairs officer and media relations at the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship on November 20, 2023, confirmed that “no provincial decision has been made on the issuance of a lease to Stz'uminus First Nation.” A previous email states: “The implementation of these plans still requires the necessary approvals.” It went on to say “… the parcel is not being considered

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currently for fee simple transfer. Leases are commonly issued for a period of 30 years: however, terms of leases vary and may be for a term of anywhere from 2 to 60 years.”

The takeover of the marina will be a major additional income source for CSDC. Figures for the company are not available, but according to the band’s financial statements, as posted on the First Nation Transparency Act website, the band had revenue in 2022 of $23.7 million and expenses of $18.9 million, with an annual surplus of $4.7 million and an accumulated surplus year over year of $71.6 million.

If and when CSDC does get the lease for DL 2016, they will be able to take advantage of an existing well-used marina, with assets valued at over $5 million acquired through work done by the volunteers that they are evicting.

The lack of open dialogue and consultation with the community and the LMS around the planned transfer of the water lot has raised concerns throughout the boating community. The Council of BC Yacht Clubs, with some 15,000 members, wrote in a letter sent to Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, on June 17, 2023: “It is of great concern to our members and boating stakeholders that under the guise of reconciliation hardcore business interests of the Town of Ladysmith and the Coast Salish Development Corporations are prioritized over the wider community interest on both sides of the harbour.” They went on to say “the LMS has a legally binding agreements in place until at least 2029. Forcing the Society to litigate in defence of these rights or transferring lease rights to the CSD without consideration of the Ladysmith Maritime Society’s rights set a precedent for water lot transfers not only in BC but all across Canada.”

I am hopeful a fair and cooperative agreement with CSDC can be reached that would allow for a partnership between them and LMS that satisfies the CSDC economic needs with both the community’s wishes and that of the community marina, with all the events and activities that volunteers provide.

The last thing I want to see is this situation drag on for years in the courts, costing all parties a ton of goodwill and for us, taxpayers, money.

At least, that’s as I see it.

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