Letters
A New Community Wharf for Ladysmith
Since the transfer of the community marina lease from the Town of Ladysmith to the Coast Salish Development Corporation, the marina has effectively been privatized with a profitdriven agenda and unintended consequences for the public. Ladysmith Maritime Society has lost their home and their revenue from the marina that they built, maintained and operated. The heritage boats, events, festivals, harbour tours and restaurants are gone, and the gated entrance is no longer an attraction to the residents of Ladysmith. The benefits of dragon boat and kayak storage have become questionable due to increased costs. The number of visiting boats is visibly down, there are fewer visiting club rendezvous, and the annual Heritage Boat Festival and Kids Pirate Day Festival are cancelled. These events previously brought visiting boats and tourists to support local businesses. The changes at what was a community marina have been a signi ficant loss to the residents and businesses of Ladysmith and a devastating loss to Ladysmith Maritime Society.
The Town of Ladysmith should rethink its Waterfront Plan to once again provide public access to the water through a new community wharf for the people of Ladysmith, Ladysmith Maritime Society, and visiting boaters and tourists.
The Province and the Town of Ladysmith need to acknowledge the value of assets, years of revenue sharing, water lot lease and property tax payments and goodwill that Ladysmith Maritime Society contributed while building the marina so that these assets could be transferred to the Stz’uminus First Nation as part of a reconciliation agreement on behalf of the residents of BC. The Province needs to step up fi nancially to help replace what the community had. After all, the cost of
reconciliation should not be borne by one group; it is a shared responsibility of British Columbia residents.
— Jeff Reichert
New Riding Still Not Understood
With under 65 days until the end of the next Provincial Election (October 19, 2024), it strikes me as bizarre that so many locals in Saltair and Ladysmith do not know that they have now been recon figured by Elections BC into a new riding called LAO or LadysmithOceanside.
Both areas, and even Gabriola Island used to be part of the Nanaimo-North Cowichan riding, but these areas have all been redrawn to include many new addresses.
Nanaimo itself has been restructured to be two ridings: one in the north called NAL or Nanaimo-Lantzville, and the other NAI or Nanaimo-Gabriola Island.
At a recent Open House for the Ladysmith Maritime Society two candidates from up near Qualicum attended, both keenly aware that they will need supporters in Saltair and Ladysmith to win
a seat in the Legislature in this new Ladysmith-Oceanside riding.
Several MLAs are not running again in 2024, which is likely a good thing, but it means that voters are going to have to get on the new bandwagons and figure out who to vote for come October.
The Writ will drop on September 20, and by then, it may be too late to organize All Candidate Meetings and other forums that are held to meet the contenders.
Pop your address into the website to see where you will vote, and please make sure you do: https://elections. bc.ca/resources/maps/2024-provincialelection-maps/.
Every vote counts.— Lia Versaevel
Not Funny
As a big fan of TAKE 5, I was so disappointed with the “Slightly Corked” column in the August edition, I just couldn’t help but express my discomfort with it.
I was hoping that in 2024, we would have moved far past the sexist views on female professionals in the wine industry. Comments on looks, clothing, etc. are unfortunately still far too common for women who studied and worked hard to break their way into this highly male-dominated field. This month’s column, rather than acknowledging how far we’ve come, throws us back in time instead. It makes me sad for the women working in our beautiful Cowichan Valley area who have to read this, and can only hope it doesn’t discourage young women from wanting to work in the industry because we need them.
— Annemarie van Ettekoven
Heritage Is Fading in Ladysmith
Labelling Ladysmith as “Heritage by the Sea” presents a stark contradiction when one considers that its entry gateways to the north and south are dominated by fast food outlets, overshadowing the local charm and historical integrity that could be enhanced. This discrepancy underscores a broader crisis of vision and mismanagement that threatens the very soul of the community. Originally built by visionaries, Ladysmith now suffers from present-day thinking that undermines its historic legacy.
Entities such as the Ladysmith Mari-
time Society, Railway Society and Historical Society stand as custodians of the rich heritage. Unfortunately, their efforts are seemingly being eroded from the town’s identity. The picturesque waterfront, one of Ladysmith’s most valuable assets, remains cut off from the town by a major highway—an issue identi fied over 30 years ago when the local newspaper challenged the community to submit ideas for the town’s expansion and growth. A notable proposal suggested lowering the highway grade a few feet and extending downtown streets directly to the waterfront, envisioning connecting “Old Town Ladysmith” with “New Town Ladysmith.” This vision promised substantial expansion of the tax base and revitalization of the local economy through strategic waterfront developments and a major marina complex owned by the town. Regrettably, this plan was never considered.
Recent civic actions, such as the controversial expenditure on a new City Hall, have rightfully drawn public ire. The spirited stand taken by a group of residents underscores a broader concern: Are the leaders truly representing the best interests of Ladysmith? Clearly, the town requires more than just affable personalities in office; it needs leaders equipped with a clear vision, detailed execution plans, urban development acumen, higher education and a proven track record.
Voters and community members must demand more. Candidates who promise not just to maintain the status quo but to enhance it strategically, transforming “Heritage by the Sea” from a slogan into a living testament to thoughtful growth and community pride, are urgently needed.
It is time for a change. Ladysmith must embrace leaders who can truly guide it towards a prosperous and dynamic future. The residents owe it to themselves and future generations to elevate their standards and expectations. The potential is there; the town just needs the leadership to realize it.
— Lawrence Lambert
This is an open community forum. The letters published here do not necessarily represent the opinion of TAKE 5 or its affiliates.
VI Pinball Expo in Cedar
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
The largest pinball expo in British Columbia is back for its second annual showing and it’s happening in our own backyard. The Vancouver Island Pinball Expo is a three-day extravaganza with tournaments, food trucks and over a hundred pinball machines from the 1960s to present. The event will be held from September 27 to 29 at the Community Hall in Cedar.
Tyler Bates, co-founder of the VIPE, spoke about the tournament. “This year, we will have four different sanctioned IFPA [International Flipper Pinball Association] tournaments; they’re all for world rankings. We have three open and then the women’s tournament. We also have a free play section of 50 games that are available for anyone to play.”
This event and its tournaments draw pinball players from all over the world, some with very high rankings. Bates expects groups from YEGPIN in Edmonton, Canada’s largest pinball and arcade expo, to attend as well as “about ten of the top hundred players in the world.” Last year the VIPE’s main championship was won by Robert Gagno, former world champion.
Tournament passes are $300, with $200 of that going to the event’s prize pool and another portion going to support the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre. Last year, the expo raised $1,500 for the charity, and they hope to surpass that number. “This year, we’re hoping to hit $2,500,” said Bates. If you’re interested in this event and want to help out, volunteering is a great way to do that. “Volunteers would be huge for score keeping, for set up, take down, anything like that. And on our website, we have a full signup Genius site.” There are additional volunteering perks, such as a free play, entrance into a volunteer draw and “if you do enough
hours, you get a T-shirt.”
Bates is a top thousandth player in his own right, and his love of pinballs started as a child. “My parents got one in our basement, so I always had one to play.” But it was his antique shop, Black Diamond Antiques: Collectables, Video Games and Pinball Arcade in Cedar that got him back into the pinball scene. “When I originally opened up, it was more of a picker-style shop with mostly antiques. … I realized that I was doing pretty well on every pinball machine I got. No one around here really repairs them, so I got really deep into repairing them.”
The VIPE originated with Bates and Shawn Orza, owner of Wi ffle Games in Chemainus, when they started the Mid Island Pinball League. “We rotated between our two shops and we thought it’d be a great idea to bring all our games to one location. And that’s how the expo was born.”
The expo is not only an opportunity to compete but also to experience a wide assortment of games. “Me and Sean each bring around 20 to 25 each. And then we have other people who play in our league who are bringing them. John Walker, who owns Walker’s Saw Shop, is going to bring another 15 out. Nitro, from Vancouver, is BC’s largest distributor. They’re bringing a bunch of games out, and they’re the newest games, so
we’re going to have some state-of-art games there.” For tickets and information visit www.vipinballexpo.com.
Ladysmith’s Fire Safety Plan
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
The recent blaze in Jasper is top of mind when considering Ladysmith’s downtown heritage buildings. The late summer storms have dampened some of the signs of drought, but the anxiety around a fi re lingers.
“The aim is to suppress any fire immediately as the earliest and highest priority, along with protecting any exposures [adjacent buildings]. Response is scaled up as the incident grows,” explains Ladysmith Fire Chief Chris Geiger regarding a safety plan around the downtown area.
Geiger said there is a “pre-incident plan in place for several buildings,” which includes consideration of floor plans, safety hazards and potential tactics for addressing any fi res. These plans have not been made for all the buildings downtown, but that project is still underway.
Fire safety is not solely the responsibility of our protective services; there is a due diligence that we all share in minimizing the risk of a blaze. Geiger suggested three key practices that help with safety. “Practising general fi re safety, ensuring smoke alarms are installed and
Tyler Bates in Black Diamond Video Games and Pinball Arcade. He is one of the organizers of Vancouver Island Pinball Expo in Cedar. Photo: Marina Sacht
Ladysmith Fire/Rescue members pose at the Ladysmith Amphitheatre with their trucks. Photo: Chris Geiger
tested frequently and not allowing the accumulation or storage of combustible materials.” He also suggested FireSmart BC as a resource for tips that would help reduce structural fi res and could be implemented at your own home.
Greiger is proud of the dedication and excellence of the paidon-call fi refighters who have responded to 196 calls and garnered 2271 cumulative hours of training to date.
“I get a front-row seat watching these folks make a difference, day after day.”
School District 68 Trustee By-Election
Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District is holding a School Trustee By-Election on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 8 am-8 pm at Ladysmith Secondary School and Cedar Secondary School.
The Advance Voting Day is Monday, September 9, 2024, from 3-7 pm at the Ladysmith Primary Gym.
The candidates are Tim Harris and Joan Brown.
Harris, a native of Stz’uminus First Nations and Ladysmith, has a rich educational background. He began his career as an education assistant, progressed to a classroom teacher, and eventually became a school principal. His academic achievements include a Masters in Educational Leadership from VIU. He currently serves as a Team Lead for Step Up with Kwumut Lelum, a program that supports youth aging out of care. With nearly 20 years of chief and council experience with his Nation, Harris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Brown has experience as a community administrator and as a member of the SD68 food security and environmental program. She is also a member of the Quam Qwum Stuxixwulth co-governance group and has a Master's in Indigenous Languages.
We asked both candidates: What are the most signi ficant issues facing SD 68?
Tim Harris: There are a few areas the district can work on. Those are student support in the classroom, mental health support, aging facilities/schools, and a very limited budget to work with. You can never have enough student support in the classroom for our students. You can also improve the students' mental health by adding much-needed support. To improve these areas, you need to have data collection. This will guide the big decisions we must make as a team. From what I see on the current board, many come from different backgrounds, which is excellent as it allows many different voices to deal with the many issues that we face.
Joan Brown's response was not received by press time.
Mutts dog walk for Myeloma
Dog Walk for Cancer
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
The Myeloma Mutts are hosting a fundraiser march on September 8th, starting at Maffeo Sutton Park, near the bandshell. Everyone is welcome, with or without a dog, to walk in the march. If you are unable to attend, donations of any amount are welcomed and can be made on the Myeloma Mutts page of Myeloma Canada’s site.
Kathy Reilly created the group following her husband, Bill Reilly’s diagnosis with Multiple Myeloma. “This cancer is not curable, but it is treatable thanks to the vast amount of research,” she said.
Myeloma Canada describes the disease as: “the second most common type of blood cancer”. It affects the plasma cell which interferes with the production of healthy blood cells. This interference can present complications throughout the body including in the bones and kidneys. “The cause or causes of myeloma remain relatively unknown but there is increasing research that suggests possible associations between myeloma and a decline in immune function, genetic factors, and the environment.”
Myeloma Canada hosts donation pages for communities all across Canada that will be coming together, this fall, for their national fundraising 5km Multiple Myeloma March. All the funds raised on the site or through the marches are used to support fi nding a cure and preventing the disease, supporting access to care, and improving the lives of Canadians affected by the disease.
For more information or to donate, go to myelomacanada.ca
Myeloma
research. Photo: Kathy Reilly
Back Country Horsemen Ride for Cancer
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
This island of ours is scattered with parks, manicured walkways and welltrodden lookouts—and these are lovely gems—but have you ever considered exploring beyond the curated? The Back Country Horsemen of BC have made it their mission to experience the backcountry and to provide access for their members and the public to explore it too.
The Back Country Horsemen of BC’s Central Vancouver Island chapter is hosting a Ride for Cancer on September 15, 2024. The ride will take place at the Spruston Staging Area, followed by a luncheon, and costs $30 to join. This event is only open to members of the BCHBC and will be capped at 60 people.
Spokesperson for the CVI chapter, Joanne Schneider, mentioned that the inspiration for this event has a personal connection: “A number of our current riders are currently experiencing health issues with cancer and we’ve had mem-
bers who have lost parents in previous years to cancer.”
Donations are welcomed from both members and non-members alike and will be provided with charitable receipts. All proceeds go to the BC Cancer Foundation; to enquire or donate, email the BCHBC at cvi.bchbc@gmail.com.
While the upcoming ride is a fun way to give back and engage with the community, there is still work to be done with the Central Vancouver Island chapter.
Updating the Spruston Map is the next project for the CVI. “We have about 12 new trails that aren’t on the map.” There
are signs on the trailheads, but the next step is to geo-reference the trails. Once they have updated the map, it will be posted to Horse Council BC as well as CalTopo and other hiking apps.
The BCHBC works, through member’s efforts, to preserve and enhance the use of public lands. With the fall approaching, the CVI is looking towards springtime projects: “We do more trail clearing prepping, tidying things up for the fall on some of the local trails. And then when spring hits, we’re really busy after all the snow storms and trees down.”
Schneider said that while the work is rewarding, it wasn’t the main draw for her to join the club. “I’d been riding for many years, but I joined them because they are a good group. They promote trails and they’re a group to ride with. Not only for the trail riding, but the camaraderie.”
That camaraderie is the draw for many people. The organization provides an opportunity for people to make friends and explore the backcountry, rain or shine. “We’ve gone out on rides and been caught in the rain, but we don’t melt.” In addition to projects and rides, the CVI hosts luncheons as a way to bond.
The BCHBC also provides a vital service to rural communities by being present in the wilderness. “We’re the eyes and the ears. If we see something out there, we might be the fi rst ones. We spotted a fi re one time. It was way up towards the top and we got the call out there. It’s good to be out there and it keeps things under control.”
While riding equines in the backcountry is the focus of the group, the trails they work on are open to all. “We always encounter hikers, dog walkers; there’s lots of people out on our trails and we use their trails. It’s our chance to promote equines and show people that
Rodney Vandersypen on mule and Joanne Schneider on Appaloosa. Photo: Bob Burgess
we are out there.”
Many people haven’t experienced close encounters with animals as big as horses, and it can be a scary experience. Pet owners, too, should remember that this may be their dog’s fi rst encounter and the key to a good experience is to remain calm. Horses spook easily and their riders will do their best to steady the equine, but there are a few things you can do to ensure as much safety as possible. First, as stated already, remain calm and try to quiet any pets or children. Second, announce your presence, don’t hide in the bushes, but make yourself known to the rider and the equine. Finally, give as much space as possible. The trails might be narrow and this could be difficult, but allowing for space helps communicate to the equine that you aren’t dangerous.
But most of all, whether you ride horses or a bike or are out for a hike, it’s important to use the trails and support the BCHBC. “People don’t get the chance to get out and see the backcountry,” Scheider said. So, this is your reminder to go beyond the comfortable and experience the beauty of the Island.
Doug Routley looks back on almost 20 Years of political life
BY MARINA SACHT
When New Democratic Party MLA Doug Routley announced last year that he was not seeking another term at the October 19, 2024 election, many in the community were surprised. After all, he has been a local fi xture for nearly 20 years, representing Nanaimo-North Cowichan.
Routley recalls his feelings when he fi rst got elected in 2005.
“The day after the election, I remember driving through the Cowichan Valley and looking at all the institutions, businesses and homes, and thinking, now I’m responsible for representing all of these people in these interests. And then when John Horgan was elected premier, and the NDP formed the government in 2017 was another big moment for sure.” Finally, after 12 years in opposition, the party had the opportunity to apply the principles they were fighting for in policy and make a signi ficant difference in people’s lives.
He remembers attending one of his fi rst public events at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, announcing tuition waivers for people who had been in care in the province. “Virtually everyone was moved to tears, seeing how much that meant to people who have been left out, or who have struggled fi nding opportunity.”
Routley points to the signi ficance of reconciliation in BC, changing the province’s direction. “We’re in a new world now in British Columbia. I see Ladysmith as being early leaders in this effort, citing the efforts of former Ladysmith Mayor Rob Hutchins, and others, to build consensus and partnership with Stz’uminus First Nation.”
So, what made Routley decide to go into politics? “I used to joke and say two words: Gordon Campbell.”
Campbell was the BC Liberal premier from 2001 until 2010, when he resigned after considerable pressure over the selling of BC Rail and opposition to the
Harmonized Sales Tax.
“I felt that the efforts to privatize public services in 2001 were excessive. And so that’s what drove me into politics.”
But now he says there’s a better balance of public-private partnership. “And that is important. And it doesn’t mean one over the other or the other second to another.”
Both his parents, George and Edna, were not political; Routley describes them as strong on ethics. “They would challenge us if we had expressed views. They wouldn’t say, you should think this way, but they would ask questions and force us to justify a position that we’ve taken.” That would play an important role later in his political career. His father passed away in the 1990s from ALS when he was only 57.
“What led me to politics was just following my nose, because when I graduated from high school, we were in quite a recession. I had been tree planting, and the crew I was with spent their winters in Japan teaching English. So, I thought I’d try that. Doug, an avid cyclist, met a frame builder there, and upon returning to Canada, started importing Japanese racing bicycles, and distributing bicycles and bicycle parts in the United States and across Canada.
Coming of age in a recessionary time forced him to do a lot of different jobs, from jobs in forestry and construction to driving a courier van. It was while working at a wholesale bakery that he had a unique experience.
“There were several deaf people;
Doug Routley hits the stride as an avid cyclist. Photo: Kurt Knock
they’d immigrated as bakers. In the bakery, there was always so much flour, dust everywhere, and nobody could hear each other because the machines were so loud. But you could write whatever you wanted to say to somebody. It was one of those unique workplace cultures,” he recalls.
“And so, I think having done a lot of different things has offered me an opportunity to learn to speak the language and understand the culture of different sectors and how each thing that we do in our lives comes with it.”
Health is part of the reason he is retiring.
“I was born with extra nerve pathways in my heart that interfere with the true signal. So, it causes arrhythmia. But I feel super fortunate because most people who have a chronic health problem never really escape it. Mine is like a light switch, on and off. So, when it’s not out of rhythm, everything’s fi ne.” In the last seven years, he has been cardioverted over 30 times. A
procedure that puts the heart back into a normal rhythm.
So, what does retirement look like?
There will be some travelling and lots of cycling for sure. And fi nally, the time to pursue his lifelong hobby.
“My grandfather was a railroad worker and got me interested in railways as a kid. My dad and I built model railways, so I’ve always been a model railroader, although a frustrated model railroader like everyone else who isn’t retired.” He laughs.
But most of all, he is looking forward to just being at home with his partner and family.
“I’m so grateful to Leanne for not only being my life partner, but in politics as well.” Leanne Finlayson is a constituency assistant for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford NDP MP Alistair MacGregor.
“I thank my constituency assistants, Pam, Karen and Sarah, because they have built relationships within ministries that can get things.” He calls them the unsung heroes in the community.
“And then fi nally, I thank every person I’ve had the honour of representing and placed their trust in me.” And for those that did not vote for him, he said he tried to represent them as well. “Political parties are like buses: You get on the bus that gets you closest to your favourite destination. It’s not always going to take you all the way, and you may have to walk a bit and negotiate stops with the other passengers.” However looking back at almost 20 years, Routley says he feels blessed with having the honour and opportunity to represent people.
“We did do what we said we’d do, and we have made a di fference. I feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that. It’s been the most remarkable experience.”
Swearing in ceremony 2022. Photo submitted.
Open Mic coninues monthly
The Ladysmith Maritime Society’s Open Mic Off the Dock is proving to be a great success. “The society has welcomed many musicians from past events at the marina, and now we’re thrilled to see new faces at the Ladysmith Museum,” says Nadine Wong, one of the organizers.
“It’s been a positive collaboration. We’ve had a diverse range of performers, including a magician, keyboardist, trios and duets, guitars, slide guitar, fiddles, mandolin, banjos, mouth harps and a collaboration of written word and song.” The vocal performances have been outstanding, from smooth melodies to powerful belting. “It’s heartening
to see people travel from afar to perform and enjoy the evening indoors and occasionally in the garden,” says Wong. Due to popular demand, the Open Mic Off the Dock will continue on the third Wednesday of each month. Come out and enjoy some tunes, see some magic and maybe hear a new budding poet, at the Ladysmith Museum, 721 First Avenue, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fall line-up at Ladysmith Gallery
Fall comes to the Ladysmith Gallery with their monthly member show “Magic” from September 4 to 18, followed by guest artist show “Water’s Edge” with works by Kathryn Huse and Elissa Anthony from September 20 to 29.
Showcasing Vancouver Island on canvas, this guest show will include daily demos and meet the artists, and a portion of proceeds will be donated
(right) Artist Mitchell Villa will be teaching Mixed Media. Photo submitted.
to Living Oceans. Fall classes and workshops are available for registration, including a special Mixed Media course with professional artist Mitchell Villa from Victoria, BC, starting September 11. For more information, visit www. ladysmitharts.ca.
Ladysmith Little Theatre’s New Season Begins
Ladysmith Little Theatre is kicking off its new season with Now and Then, a romantic comedy/drama of love, time, and starting over by Sean Grennan.
Sometimes, what happens after the last call might change your life. It’s 1981, and one night, just as Jamie is closing the bar where he works, a desperate last-minute customer offers him and his girlfriend Abby $2000 to sit and have a drink with him. Who wouldn’t take it?
Directed by Jim Zurcher, the show runs from September 26 to October 13, 2024. For tickets, call 250-924-0658 or email ladysmiththeatre@gmail.com.
Nanaimo International Jazz Festival
The 2024 Nanaimo International Jazz Festival is back for its eighth year. From September 12 to 15, downtown Nanaimo transforms into a jazz lover’s paradise.
Kick off the festival with “Jazz Me a Note,” on September 6, at the Vancouver Island Sculpting Studio. Then, join them on the Wesley Street Stage in the Old City Quarter for free performances that’ll have your toes tapping and spirits soaring!
Don’t miss the headliner concert on September 14, at the Port Theatre, featuring the Canadian All Stars Sextet! With awardwinning talents like Phil Dwyer and Cedar’s Christine Jensen, this is a show you won’t want to miss!
There are free and ticketed events of live jazz at local bars and restaurants, plus a New Orleans-style parade at MaffeoSutton Park on September 14.
Visit nanaimojazzfest.ca for all the details.
Ladysmith Little Theatre's Now & Then cast. Ann McInultyGogo, Mike Cooper, Michael “Mich” Partridge, and Alexandra Castro. Photo submitted.
Autumn at the Market
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
Farmers’ markets are a picturesque attraction in summer, but as the season starts to shift into fall, the harvest has only just begun at Cedar Farmers’ Market.
The market is a popular hub, hosting a hundred businesses every week and providing activities and events to give back to the community. The market is partnering with 102.3 The Wave to give away five $100 gift cards throughout the month of September.
A community favourite is the Halloween Market, where vendors, customers and staff dress up in costumes and kids trick or treating around the market. “It’s really fun just having hundreds of people dressed up in costumes,” says Kate Poirier, Cedar Farmers’ Market executive director.
The Cedar Farmers’ Market also provides support for the community through their programs, such as the Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program. “We help over 50 families and seniors with low incomes be able to
get farm foods for free at our market.” Poirier mentioned the exciting news of having received more funding for this program. “I just got surprise funding to
bring ten more seniors into the program. I’m going to be inviting them to come get Free Farm Foods for the remainder of the season.”
Local businesses are the heart and soul of the Cedar Farmers’ Market. But you don’t have to be a professional farmer or entrepreneur to participate as a vendor. The market’s Hatch + Hype gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to have a table and sell produce. “I’m looking for more backyard growers who have an abundance of zucchini or other produce, and who think ‘hey, maybe that’d be fun for a day.’ And we set up a tent and table for them.” The program is designed to bring one new person each week, all year long.
Farmers’ markets are more than just a seasonal attraction—they’re an important part of our economy and our community. Poirier noted that Vancouver Island has the smallest farm sizes in all of BC, and the farmers who grow the produce are also the ones selling it.
“The farmers are really friendly if you want to learn about their growing practices, where their farms are, or if they have farm stands. There’s always time to chat and ask questions to people who are actually growing the food for you.”
More information for all the programs and events can be found at their website: cedarfarmersmarket.org.
Carolyn Hoare of Yellow Point's Ladybug's Mew tests her farm stand business out in Cedar Farmers Market's "Hatch + Hype" business incubation stall.
Photo: BC Farmers' Market & Siska Gremmelprez
Bylaw Battles
BY KERITH WADDINGTON
A couple of area residents are at their wit’s end trying to get answers to and resolutions for what appear to be numerous bylaw infractions by a nearby neighbour.
Chris Solsbury and his wife, Sharon, bought a Yellow Point neighbourhood property four years ago. Since that time, there have been a total of what Chris describes as 11 issues with their neighbour that the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) has, in Chris’s words, either “lied about, provided misinformation for or kept changing their story about.”
“The actions of our neighbour directly affect us and our enjoyment of our property, and after years of correspondence and no resolution we have come to the conclusion that there is some kind of con flict of interest. Our file has now been closed by the CVRD and they no longer respond to us. As public servants, this is completely unacceptable.”
Just what are the issues that have arisen, and what information has Chris been privy to using the Freedom of Information Act?
For starters, Chris indicates that the neighbour had a building constructed out of tires—and originally without a permit —on a riparian area. One of the conditions for the agricultural building permit eventually procured for this structure included the provision of engineer approval prior to completion, which never happened. The building has also, at times, been occupied —also without a permit but with full knowledge of the CVRD.
Chris also claims that the neighbour built a reservoir and dam on his property 3.5 years ago, which is causing major flooding in his orchard. In fact, Chris says the “water bubbles up across our yard constantly and is causing our orchard trees to fall over.” Using the Freedom of Information Act, Chris determined the reservoir and dam were built without permits. The CVRD told Chris both features had been there since the early ’80s. The testimony of other area residents throws this into question.
According to the previous owner of the neighbour’s property, a deep inground pool was dug in 2019 without either a permit or a fence around it to keep people/kids/wildlife safe. The CVRD, according to Chris, says the pool has always been there and it predated the bylaw of 1995.
Again, using the Freedom of Information Act, Chris reports that the neighbour turned a “barn” that had a greenhouse permit into a two-suite house with no building, electrical, plumbing, septic or deck permits. According the Chris, the CVRD was “okay with that.” After two years, the CVRD made the neighbour get a permit calling the barn a utility building. Ordered by the CVRD to not work on the building further or have people stay in it until he got a proper permit, Chris says the neighbour “had people living in it constantly.” When alerted to this repeatedly by Chris and his wife, the CVRD reportedly called the neighbour who denied the claim. The CVRD then communicated to Chris and Sharon that “sta ff was considering the fi le closed and would no longer be responding to us.”
Chris also reports that an illegal septic cistern was dug six feet from his property line (and close to his well), another per-
mit-less building was constructed, and that two RV’s on his neighbour’s property have at different times but for long durations been occupied.
Also concerning to Chris and his wife are the approximately 5000 junk tires on the neighbouring property; they have been buried under the front lawn and used to build retaining walls and property fencing. “They are a potential fi re and environmental hazard, and bylaws clearly state that it’s illegal to accumulate rubbish, including parts of automobiles,” says Chris. He reports that the CVRD don’t see the tires as a hazard, or as being unsightly.
When approached for comment, Rob Harris, manager, Bylaw Enforcement for the CVRD, said he can only speak in generalities regarding bylaw enforcement.
He acknowledges that the purpose of the CVRD Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy is to establish protocol for addressing bylaw-related concerns and working proactively with residents to achieve compliance with the bylaws. As stated in the policy, “the process is intended to be progressive in nature with an initial focus of gaining voluntary compliance.”
The policy states that, when considering a complaint, the bylaw officer will take into consideration the nature of the complaint, the impact of the violation on the community, the impact of the violation on the complainant and public safety and the urgency required.
The policy also indicates that “all complaints will be considered on their own merit to determine the appropriate response. The CVRD will focus on a fair balance between the interests of both the individual making the complaint and those of the broader community.”
Where does this response leave Chris Solsbury and his wife?
“With an orchard that’s flooded eight months of the year and wondering about the point of bylaws if they aren’t being enforced,” says Chris.
Sharon and Chris Solsbury want bylaws enforced.
Photo: Kerith Waddington
Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary celebrates 125
Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary is celebrating its 125th anniversary on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, and everyone is invited to join in celebrating this non-profit group’s success.
The celebrations will take place in two locations.
The Chemainus Thrift Shop will offer refreshments, prizes and specials from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t miss the entertainment by the Sunshine Girls from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Chemainus Valley Museum in Waterwheel Park features a walk through the history of the Auxiliary, including a Barbie diorama. The museum doors open at 10 a.m., and at 5:30 p.m., a cheque presentation will be presented toward the building of the Cowichan Valley Regional Hospital. Meet the Upside Guys of CHEK TV, North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas, and other dignitaries. Enjoy the music of Tropical Mayhem and a slice of anniversary cake made by Chemainus Bakery.
Free horse and carriage rides will run between the museum and the thrift store from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary is the second oldest Auxiliary in B.C.! A typhoid epidemic in Chemainus led a group of 28 caring women to rally to form a Hospital Auxiliary on September 25, 1899. They used a home located on Chemainus Road, just south of the Horseshoe Bay Inn, as a temporary hospital, where the Auxiliary provided bedding, bandages and other essentials until it closed in December 1899.
A new ten-bed hospital was opened in May 1900, fully equipped by the Hospital Auxiliary, including all the room furnishings! The Auxiliary also sewed and mended bedding, towels, drapes, nightwear and doctor’s gowns. This was the only hospital between Victoria and Nanaimo until 1911 when the Convalescent Home in Ladysmith opened.
The Auxiliary remained active throughout the early 1900s, with their primary fundraiser being the famous “Hospital Ball,” held annually. It was such an important event that a special train from Victoria brought many dignitaries, including the lieutenant governor.
During WWI, regular meetings were discontinued, but Aux-
Youth volunteers at Chemainus Health Centre. Photo submitted.
iliary members, such as ward maids, janitors, cooks, and even accountants, assisted where needed!
Fundraising methods throughout the 1920s and 1930s included bazaars, concerts, and the ever-popular Strawberry and Ice Cream Festival held on the grounds of the Chemainus Mill Manager’s home.
Card parties were held during the 1940s and 1950s, and holly was picked from the hospital grounds to be sold locally or shipped to various places.
From 1950 to the present day, the Auxiliary has undertaken many forms of raising funds to supply both the Chemainus Health Care Centre and the Cowichan District Hospital with furnish-
ings, equipment and programs. These include barn dances, teas, linen showers, Christmas corsage tag days, fashion shows, baking/plant/craft sales, and a giant garage sale on the street. One fun event during this time was the Hospital Musical Show, which was very popular.
The Auxiliary’s primary source of raising funds is the Chemainus Thrift Shop. It has been in operation in Chemainus since 1958, and the Auxiliary bought the building that currently houses the Thrift Shop in 1981. The thrift store has a reputation for quality goods at reasonable prices. You may fi nd vintage clothes, blankets, games or designer shoes on any given day.
In addition to the Thrift Shop, the Auxiliary has provided many community services over the years, including Well Baby clinics, blood donor clinics, flu clinics, Meals on Wheels sponsors and much more.
The members of the Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary are proud to carry on the work and tradition of their predecessors, able to continue the vital work of those who came before them.
New volunteers are always welcome.
Everyone welcome at Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary's Thrift Store. Photo submitted.
RDN Area A Cedar, South Wellington, Cassidy & Yellow Point
I write these Director’s Notes as the fire at Gun Barrel burns, and we are in another heat warning. Although the impacts of climate change often seem like normal weather variations, it is the change in the overall pattern of weather that is the concern. Local climate change predictions are that we will have increasingly hot and dry summers, among other impacts (e.g., increasing significant rain events and flooding). Given the current reminder of these impacts, I want to share some of the climate change adaptation and mitigation work occurring at the RDN.
The RDN Board will vote on their climate action plan in September following a staff report in July that detailed the work and the costs. The plan identifies five priorities that are within local government jurisdiction and that are viewed as having the greatest impact per dollar spent. These priorities are wildfire resilience, water supply resilience, “climate ready” buildings, climate resilient policy and natural asset management. Much of the plan builds on existing work of the Drinking Water and Water Protection Program, reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with buildings, reducing waste and quantifying the value and system impact of our natural environment.
Regarding GHG emissions reduction, the plan accelerates the adoption of the
BC Energy Step Code to increase energy efficiency in new buildings. Further, the Home Energy Navigator Program (HENP) guides homeowners through the process of retrofitting their homes. The HENP is designed for people who are not sure how to approach improving energy efficiency and provides a local energy expert for a virtual home energy consultation, to share information on available rebates, to review quotes and to prepare a customized retrofit plan. I particularly encourage people on fixed or lower incomes to investigate this program, as there may be significant rebates and overall cost savings. To learn more, visit www.homeenergynav.ca or call 1-866381-9995.
To reduce waste and extend the life of the landfill, the RDN Board recently adopted a source separation bylaw for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. This means that businesses, schools, fire-halls and multi-family buildings will have to separate their recycling, food waste and landfill waste before collection—just like we do at home. The goal is to divert materials that can be recycled or composted from the landfill. Although many would like to see the landfill moved, to do so would be a significant expense for taxpayers.
Increasing wildfire resilience is the only significant addition to the climate action plan. In 2019, the RDN’s Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment rated wildfire as the greatest risk to our com-
munity and noted that this risk is expected to increase as we experience longer, hot and dry summers. This work will identify areas of higher wildfire risk and related impacts (e.g., landslides), including approaching privately managed forest land managers to share fire risk data. Once risk areas and contributing factors are understood, a plan to reduce that risk, particularly near inhabited areas, can be developed. In the meantime, the RDN and local fire departments will continue to support the Fire Smart program.
On a final note, I want to discuss the community response to heat warnings and emergencies—as opposed to the government response. Those of us who are older or have mobility challenges and have uncooled homes are those who are most at-risk during extreme heat events. Most of us can handle higher temperatures, particularly if there is cooling at night, but elevated 24-hour high temperatures can be a significant risk for heatrelated illness or death. If this describes a neighbour or someone in our community, please consider checking in on them during these heat events. Inviting someone to a space that is cooler for a few hours can significantly reduce their risk. Looking out for one another will help us manage these extreme weather events.
As I wrap up this Director’s Notes, I want to thank our volunteer fire departments. Some of you are working on the Gun Barrel fire as I type. I am not sure that words can express how much your community appreciates you.
Please feel free to contact me at jessica. stanley@rdn.bc.ca or 250-268-7359.
CVRD Area H North Oyster/ Diamond
There will be a Director’s Townhall Meeting at 6 p.m., on Thursday, October 3, at the North Oyster Community Centre. Let me know if there are any topics that would be of interest. Please mark your calendar.
There are interesting things that happen in the Diamond/North Oyster. Some are uplifting; some are dismaying. And
sometimes it is the perspective we look at things. Recently, I received a phone call about a swastika that was scratched into a stop sign at the corner of Wagon Wheel and Yellow Point Road. I was dismayed. A sign of fascism here in Area H? How can that be?
Mainroad Contracting and the Ministry of Transport were contacted and quickly fi xed the issue (Thank you!).
The RCMP say they have no other reports in our area and put it down to being a prank. That got me thinking, perhaps this was a just a misunderstood vandalism, and since the swastika was scratched below the STOP, the message was “Stop Fascism.” I do hope so.
The rest of the article this month is a follow-up on August’s article to provide a summary of the projects that the CVRD has on its Plan Your Cowichan website.
Plan Your Cowichan is an online platform dedicated to community planning and development in the Cowichan Valley. It provides residents with information on ongoing projects, planning initiatives and opportunities for public engagement. The website features resources on housing, transportation, environmental sustainability and local infrastructure. Users can participate in surveys, attend virtual events and access detailed reports to stay informed and contribute to the region’s growth and development. The goal is to create a collaborative and transparent planning process that reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.
The following is a summary of what is currently on the website:
• South Cowichan Community Issues Assessment: The CVRD is seeking community input on current issues and concerns around governance and service delivery in the South Cowichan communities of Mill Bay/Malahat, Shawnigan Lake and Cobble Hill (Electoral Areas A, B and C).
• CVRD Budget Survey: Given the complexity of the CVRD budget and the desire to ensure property owners are aware and engaged in this process, the CVRD would like to hear from residents to assist in shaping improvements to the public engagement process in relation to our budget.
• Economic Development Cowichan Strategic Plan: The plan will assess the economic outlook for the region, identify opportunities to further develop traditional and emerging economic sectors, review constraints to development, and identify priorities and defi ne actions that can be undertaken by EDC and others to build a stronger, more resilient regional economy.
• Electoral Areas Local Area Plans:
Vandalized sign. Photo: Ben Maartman
Local Area Plans are planning documents that provide greater detail on growth management for communities that are expected to experience change. These plans help shape growth in a way that contributes to more place-speci fic, well-designed and livable complete communities.
• Draft Official Community Plan for the Electoral Areas: The OCP sets out a vision for the electoral areas over the next five to ten years.
• New Provincial Short-term Rental Legislation (Bill 35). This provincial legislation has been enacted as a response to the current housing crisis, with shortage of all forms of attainable housing, including long-term rentals.
• New Provincial Housing Legislation (Bill 44): This provincial legislation aims to facilitate an increase in housing supply in communities throughout B.C.
• Housing Needs Report: The Housing Needs Assessment Report update will build upon the CVRD’s last report completed in 2021 to help the CVRD understand what has changed, how to respond to and implement recent provincial housing legislation, and what types of housing units are most needed in our region’s communities now and in the future. Understanding these will help inform the Official Community Plan for the electoral area’s land uses, growth containment boundaries and housing policies.
• First Nations Engagement: Updates on engagement and consultation with First Nations are found here as well as links to websites of all First Nations in the CVRD.
• Island Rail Corridor: The CVRD is facilitating a shared vision for the CVRD portion of the Island Rail Corridor in col-
laboration with First Nations and local governments impacted and/or bisected by the Island Corridor.
• Old Baldy Mountain Park Management Plan
• Shawnigan Lake Waterworks Proposal
• Waste Reduction through Three-Stream Curbside Collection: This includes the project’s history and rollout.
• Workforce Housing Strategy: This includes actions for increasing housing availability and affordability for the labour force.
• Cowichan Internet and Cellular Connectivity Strategy
• Comprehensive Land Use Bylaw and Marine Zoning Bylaw: The CVRD is consolidating all of its electoral area zoning bylaws into a region-wide Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw (CZB).
• Lower Chemainus Watershed Flood Management Plan
• World’ Largest Hockey Stick
• CVRD Regional Referendum – Regional Recreation Funding Services
• OCP Stats Update
• A ffordability and Population Projections
• Development Applications/Major Development Application or Rezoning Applications: Give feedback on development applications from the comfort of your home.
In service, Ben Maartman, at 250-510-5930 and ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca
CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands
CVRD Area G Director Jesse McClinton's article was not available by presstime.
Heritage Boats in Action
BY NADINE WONG
The LMS Car Shop has dedicated much of the spring and summer preparing the heritage boats Saravan, Kirkegaard, SV Dorothy and her ski ff to display at boat festivals on the coast.
This past weekend Saravan set sail Friday, August 23, for the 21st Annual Richmond Maritime Festival, held Saturday and Sunday. Owen Pallot and Dave Wellman, the stewards of the Saravan, left Telegraph Harbour, Thetis Island and motored to Steveston Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. There,
their efforts were rewarded as thousands of visitors flocked to view the beautifully restored wooden boats and ships over the weekend and partake in many maritime programs, demonstrations and music organized by the festival.
Labour Day weekend, the Saravan and Kirkegaard will journey from Thetis to Victoria Harbour for the Victoria Classic Boat Festival, sponsored by the Maritime Museum of B.C. Over the course of this three-day event, more than 100 boats will be showcased, and thousands of guests are expected to visit the docks. The Saravan, once again steered by Pallot and Wellman, and the Kirkegaard, managed by Rod MacNeil and Ernie Voegeli, will welcome guests aboard.
Organizers from the Victoria Classic Boat Festival said that they are so happy to hear the Saravan is returning, and the Richmond Maritime Festival commented, “We are over the moon to have the Saravan return. We can’t wait to see her there!”
Additionally, the Car Shop’s recently restored SV Dorothy, the Maritime Museum of BC’s 1897 heritage sailboat, and her ski ff, a 13-foot lapstrake ski ff
donated by John Marston, which was built on the same mold as Dorothy’s original skiff, will join them in Victoria. This summer the Dorothy attended Cowichan Bay Wooden Boat Festival; sailed one evening in Cowichan Bay with the recently restored yacht Tally Ho, built in 1910, and the 72-foot motor yacht Argonaut II in the Cowichan Bay outer harbour; and raced in the Cowichan Bay annual race weekend, competing in the vintage class and placing second both days.
Leading up to the Victoria Classic Boat Show, Dorothy participated in several events, including a kids’ sailing event in Maple Bay, a classic boat rendezvous in Ganges, a professional photoshoot and an event for junior sailors at Cadboro Bay. She will arrive in Victoria for the boat show, where she and her ski ff will be featured alongside the Saravan and Kirkegaard, showcasing the skills and efforts of the Ladysmith Maritime Society volunteers.
Below: The LMS owned C.A. Kirkegaard and the S.V. Dorothy owned by BC Maritime Museum. Photos submitted.
Summer Eye Care
BY ELLY SMITH
With summer almost behind us, our eyes feel the effects of the hotter, drier days. Itchy, red, watering eyes are the hallmark symptoms of eye allergies. There are also conditions such as dry eye, a grainy or sandy sensation in the eye; a stye, a clogged oil gland and staph bacteria living right on the skin’s surface; and pink eye, one of the most prevalent contagious eye conditions, which can be passed on to others through direct contact or the sharing of objects.
Ultraviolet exposure is a signi ficant risk we must be keenly mindful of. Dr. Anita Voisin, owner and optometrist at Cowichan Eyecare points out that “the cumulative effect of UV exposure over time contributes to cataract, macular degeneration, abnormal growths on the eye (pterygium) and cancer. Children’s eyes are particularly susceptible to internal exposure because the crystal-line lens inside the eye does not filter UV as well as the adult lens. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of a person’s lifetime exposure to damaging UV radiation occurs before age 18.”
For mild cases of ocular allergies, Dr. Voisin recommends using cool compresses and lubricant eye drops (preservative-free will be best). A prescription eye drop that combines an antihistamine with a mast cell stabilizer is a great way to provide immediate relief and help prevent further allergy symptoms. Steroid drops may be prescribed to help calm significant inflammation.
Supplements to aid in your better vision and eye health:
• Beta carotene is the primary source of vitamin A in the human diet, a key to eye health. Beta carotene is a plant pigment that the body converts into vitamin A. It exists in many colourful fruits and vegetables. Suggested foods: sweet potato, carrots, red pepper, pumpkin and squash.
• Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which damage proteins within the eye. Suggested foods: almonds, sun flower seeds, peanuts, safflower oil, soybean, corn, wheat germ oil and asparagus.
• Vitamin C protects against UV light damage and oxidative damage, a key factor in age-related cataracts. Suggested foods:
oranges and orange juice, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, blackberries and grapefruit juice.
• Vitamin B family is essential for your eye health: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nia-cin), B6 (Pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin).
• Zinc helps maintain the health of the retina, cell membranes and protein structure of the eye. Zinc allows vitamin A to travel from the liver to the retina to produce melanin, which protects the eyes from UV light. Vitamin A supports the function of the cornea. Suggested foods: oysters, crab, lobster, turkey, beans, chickpeas, nuts, pumpkin seeds, whole grains, milk and fortified cereals.
• Omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. Suggested foods: oily fish, such as sardines, tuna, and herring, flaxseed, walnuts and chia seeds.
Dr Voisin suggests these things to consider for your next pair of sunglasses:
• Choose sunglasses that block out 99–100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation.
• Choose larger frames and/or wrapped styles for increased coverage.
• Lens colour is often a personal preference: grey-tinted lenses reduce light intensity equally to provide the most natural-coloured vision, while brown-tinted lenses can enhance contrast and depth perception by blocking out more blue light.
• Consider polarized lenses to filter out light glare, which is helpful in high-glare settings such as driving and water activities.
• Inexpensive sunglasses can provide some protection, but poor-quality lenses may cause distortion and eyestrain. Your eyes require the same attention and care as any other part of your body, and probably more during the summer months. Remember to have regular eye exams: ages 20 to 39, every five years; ages 40 to 54, every two to four years; ages 55 to 64, every one to three years. Here’s looking at you!
Eye Care
Shabnam Rana of Ladysmith Wholehealth Pharmacy offers these suggestions. Don’t ignore pink eyes; they could be caused by a bacterial, viral, or allergic infection. The same goes for dry eyes as they increase your risk of eye infections and other complications.
Protecting Communities and Nature with a New Forest Act
BY GUY DAUNCEY
One winter afternoon in 2021, after a big winter storm, Carolyn and I were enjoying some time off at Cowichan Bay. As we strolled down the dock, expecting to see the sea lions, we saw instead something that astonished us. The entire sea had turned brown — murky brown. The sea lions had fled, along with any transient sailors. The fish and ducks had surely fled too. “It happens every year,” we were told.
It wasn’t the Cowichan River that was producing the muddy water. It was the Koksilah River, Xwulqw'selu Sta'lo', that flows across the traditional territories of the Quw’utsun’, Malahat and other First Nations. Clearcut loggers had stripped the mountainsides of their trees, exposing the soil, and the downpour had done
the rest, washing the fi ner topsoil soil off the mountains, into hundreds of logging roads and ditches, into the Koksilah River and into the sea, gone forever. It took twelve thousand years to build that soil.
In summer, the opposite happens. Without the forest to hold the water, the gradual seepage of rain into forest, soil and river has weakened, creating exceptionally low summer flows, which threaten the survival of the salmon and other fish, and the livelihoods of the
farmers who depend on the water.
Why do we allow such logging? It creates profits for Mosaic Forest Management, which manages the land for TimberWest and Island Timberlands, but it creates so much harm to nature and local communities.
A similar thing happened in Grand Forks, where Jennifer Houghton was flooded out of her home not once but three times in the four years she lived there. She is really clear that it’s negligent clearcutting that is causing the dev-
Photo: Koksilah logging. Arcas Media. Opposite page:cedar tree. Photo submitted.
astating floods.
After burying themselves in BC’s forestry laws, the members of the Boundary Forest Watershed Stewardship Society have come to a clear conclusion. The laws have to go, to be replaced by a New Forest Act that will ensure that forest management on public land focuses on the interests of communities and nature as well as the owners and licence holders, rather than only the interests of the logging companies and their investors. Under the new proposed legislation, the primary objective of forest management would be to maintain the ecological integrity of forest ecosystems. It’s known to professional foresters as nature-directed stewardship.
To build support, they have created a roadshow titled the Power of Forests, and it’s coming to the Beban Park Social Centre in Nanaimo on Saturday September 14, from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Under the current legislation, tenures held by private corporations are protected. “Professional reliance” is written into policies and regulations, allowing corporations to monitor themselves while making short-term profits their primary objective. There are no negative consequences for companies that degrade the land or eliminate local jobs. This gives the tenure holders no reason to switch to an ecological paradigm. Chipping away at the current legislation one policy at a time would take forever, and meanwhile, the forest destruction would continue.
The proposed New Forest Act would
phase out the current forest tenures and “professional reliance.” It would decentralize decision-making to local communities and First Nations through Community Forest Boards. A new ministry, jointly managed by the government and First Nations, would administer the new legislation and policies, and an independent non-partisan Office of the Forester General would report to the legislature and the public on forest management. Local Ranger Stations would be reinstated, ensuring that monitoring and compliance were public functions. Watershed boundaries would become forest management boundaries.
The existing Forest Act would be gradually repealed, along with the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Private Managed Forest Land Act, which governs the Mosaic lands on the east coast of the Island (the old E&N landgrant). The Water Sustainability Act
would remain and be fully implemented. All existing licences would be dissolved when their five-year renewal comes up, permitting a gradual transition to the New Forest Act and the new system of community licencing. This would give the forest industry and communities time to adjust.
The Private Managed Forest Lands are our biggest concern locally. They are only five per cent of BC’s forest land base, but their governance is even more ecologically exploitative than it is for public land. There are two proposals to change the way these lands are managed. The fi rst is wording in the New Forest Act that would apply the same nature-directed stewardship principles to the Private Managed Forest Land Act. The second is being developed by Daniel Arbour, regional director for Baynes Sound, Denman and Hornby in the Comox Valley Regional District. He wants the province to devolve powers to the regional districts and First Nations, giving them zoning and regulatory powers to govern how the forest is managed. The ministry has shown no interest in modernizing the Private Managed Forest Land Act to include ecosystem-based management.
If you are free, come join us on September 14. Tickets are free at https:// boundaryforest.org/problem-solution/. That total browning of the sea at Cowichan Bay was an ecological disaster. If we don’t change our forest policies, it will happen again and again and again, until there is no soil left.
The Life-giving Element
BY ALEXANDER SMITH
EIS NATURALIST
Another hot August day comes to a close as I make my way into the forest, seeking the cooler shade of our wetland to escape the heat. The stream, still trickling, winds its way through a dense array of skunk cabbage, salmonberry and alder trees before reaching the lake. The water here is vibrant and clear, a stark contrast to the last few stagnant puddles left in our forest pools at the top of Wildwood. But why is there such a di fference?
As water falls from the sky or flows through a watershed, it undergoes natural fi ltration and puri fication processes, especially in old-growth forests. The moment the fi rst droplets permeate the forest floor, they are absorbed by a natural sponge composed of moss, fallen leaves and decomposing wood. This thick, organic layer absorbs rainfall and snowmelt, allowing water to percolate slowly into the soil. This slow release of water into streams and rivers helps maintain a steady flow throughout the year, even during dry periods throughout summer. The roots of oldgrowth trees play a crucial role in this
process by holding the soil in place, preventing erosion and the subsequent runoff of sediments into water bodies. Without this natural fi ltration system, water would flow more rapidly across the landscape, carrying with it soil, nutrients and pollutants that would otherwise be fi ltered out by the forest.
Furthermore, the microorganisms in old-growth forests are key players in water puri fication. These tiny organisms, found in the soil and decaying wood, break down organic matter and neutralize harmful substances such as heavy metals and excess nutrients. Mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, are particularly effective in this regard. These fungi bind to heavy metals in the soil, immobilizing them and preventing their entry into water sources. The extensive mycorrhizal networks present in ancient and established forests have developed over thousands of years, creating a complex and efficient system of water puri fication. This natural fi ltration process helps protect the water quality of our rivers, lakes and oceans, safeguarding life-giving organisms like salmon and steelhead trout.
When old-growth forests are clear-cut or deforested, these essential ecological functions are lost. The removal of trees and vegetation exposes the soil to the elements, leading to increased erosion and sedimentation in nearby water bodies. This sediment can smother aquatic habitats, reducing the availability of clean, oxygen-rich water for fish and other organisms. The loss of root systems also means that water is no longer absorbed and fi ltered effectively, resulting in more frequent and severe flood-
ing during heavy rains and droughts during dry seasons. Moreover, the absence of microorganisms and fungi that break down pollutants exacerbates the contamination of water sources, making it more di fficult to maintain water quality.
For the last 80 years, selective harvesting practices such as ecoforestry here at Wildwood have ensured that water puri fication from both the forest layers and mycorrhizal activity is actively preserved alongside our lumber harvests. This balanced approach allows us to sustain the forest’s vital ecological functions while responsibly managing its resources and preserving the health of our waterways and the species that depend on them.
Fungi break down pollutants.
Photo: Alexander Smith
Two .38s and a gun
I admit I’m no English major. English was always my worst subject in high school (not that there were many good subjects). Now, the only books I bring home from the library are mysteries, chosen mainly for back cover testimonials from fellow writers who might have read the book but maybe not. Their strategy? You flog my book, and I’ll flog yours. If you’re going to judge a book by its cover, make it the front cover with the picture.
I return 80% of these books after reading only the fi rst two chapters because, when it comes to detective fiction, I
want action, and I want it now. Instant grati fication comes none too soon. Don’t bore me with a lengthy description of the victim’s garden, and keep the family history to yourself. And please, no artsy visits into the killer’s brain, where the author uses his superior vocabulary to prove your reading comprehension falls between a pound of butter and a glazed donut.
No, I want a dead body, and I want it by page 3. Sure, give the detective time to go home, change his socks, load his gun, and feed the cat. But by chapter two, I want him on the road, wisecracking and pistol-whipping his way across town.
This morning, for example, I woke up at 3:30, annoyed with the newest library book I was struggling through. According to the back cover, the protagonist is “a classic hard-boiled private detective, more than worthy of a place among the great creations of Chandler and Hammett.”
Oh yeah? How come I’m on page 45, and not one punch has been thrown, one shot fi red, or one bra removed? We’ve
heard all about the detective’s young daughter switching over from Mom’s homemade oatmeal breakfast to sugarriddled Frosted Flakes, his wife holding forth on the di fficulties of being a working mom, getting the kids off to school, whining about clients at work. Luckily, nothing so far about the family dog, but he’ll soon need a walk. Meanwhile, the murderer, not that he’s killed anyone yet, continues to walk free in the community, with me wishing the library’s return slot was above my toilet.
If you must write about these things, at the very least, issue a warning: “Those not interested in the protagonist’s family might fi nd chapters 2 to 10 a little boring.” So boring, I might add, you might be tempted to borrow the detective’s pistol and use it on yourself.
The publisher should insert a note following chapter 10: “Congratulations, you made it through the fi rst ten chapters, four chapters more than most. Our editorial team will be taking a short break now to discuss a more interesting book. This might be a good time to take the dog for a walk. What little action re-
mains will resume in chapter 12.”
Why is the detective married and with kids in the fi rst place? His profession is dangerous (at least as practiced in novels), and being married only makes him look like a dick when lusting after women in distress or ogling the Dragon Lady’s chest. What’s the point of getting smacked around every second chapter without the perks?
If the story is described as a mystery, or a whodunit, written by a 60-year-old British ex-postmistress with a name like Priscilla Dankworth (Bunny to her friends), you have only yourself to blame if you fi nd yourself bogged down in the reproductive habits of the split-leaf philodendron. But, if the jacket cover contains the two words “private detective,” whether the cooking method is hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or oven-roasted with root vegetables and a mélange of fi ne herbs, there should be action - someone should be stabbed, shot, strangled, or made to walk the plank over bubbling sewage while strapped into concrete Birkenstocks. At the very least, the detective should be verbally abusing a bad man or playing hard to get with a babe who has slipped into something more comfortable.
I suppose wandering off the storyline is meant to round out the protagonist, to create a real person. Well, Chandler’s and Hammett’s characters got by without being rounded out. They didn’t even stop to eat, let alone cook and change diapers. If you feel characterization is needed, give the detective a quirky hobby. Have him collect antique, blood-stained blackjacks or brass knuckles. Give him politically incorrect wisecracks and double entendres about body parts.
Not that Chandler and Hammett were perfect. They tended to use excessively complex and complicated plots, sometimes requiring copious notes and a trail of breadcrumbs so you could back your way out. But when the trench coat fits so well, we’ll let a lot go.
If it’s perfection you want, for my money - and there’s not much of that - no one does the detective genre better than Robert Parker with his Spenser series of novels. Spenser was not only tough - I’d put him up against de Niro’s Scarface - but he had the best wisecracks this side of Dave Barry. He didn’t have a blackjack collection, but he did teach the fiction world’s detectives how to cook. Using words as if he were paying for them out of his own pocket, with just enough plot to move towards the payoff, Parker set the standard.
That’s why I’m taking up a collection to bring Parker back to life. I’m sure the technology is out there somewhere, and if we all throw ten bucks into the pot, we’ll have enough for
a resurrection. Of course, Spenser is getting long in the tooth now, so we might have to change his name from Spenser to Pensioner. To celebrate Parker’s expertise, let’s reprise a scene with a young femme fatale, where our detective uses the best line in hard-boiled fiction: “She had two .38s and a gun on me.” Top that if you can.
Wine pick of the month BY ADRIAN POLO, CAREFREE WINE TOURS
If you are looking for a wine to accompany the cooling down temperatures in September, while paying homage to the harvest season, check out Summerhill Pyramid Winery’s organic Gewurztraminer. It has lots of bright acidity with apple notes, and a good vibe at $23.
Summerhill is known for ts organically and biodynamically grown grapes from the Okanagan Valley, and fi nishing the wines in their Pyramid Cellar that they say brings a harmony to the wine. Take a sip and fi nd out for yourself.
Harvest Hands
“Idle hands are the Devil’s playground.”
- St. Jerome, Proverbs 16:27
Well, I’m not sure if it’s the Devil’s playground, playthings, tools or perhaps workshop. But whatever the case, it’s all the same meaning about doin’ nothin’. My mom used to quote this, and it must have sunk into the old brainola because although there’s always something to do here, down on the farm, harvest season is by far the busiest time of year.
Harvest season is an exceptionally long one for me. It starts in early April with rhubarb; May is asparagus and still more rhubarb, and the black currants start to come on strong; then the cherries start to compete with the currants by June, and that rhubarb just keeps on comin’. Last year, I got a whole two cherries as the starving birds and squirrels cleaned me out when I wasn’t looking. This year, every tree was loaded, and I had to get pretty inventive with what to do with these delectable nuggets. But I digress, where was I? Cherries through
Canada Day and beyond; July was a yellow plum month (along with digging up and hanging the garlic for curing); peaches and Bartlet pears through August, to round up the month with prune and Italian plums.
As I write this, we’re halfway through August and just about to begin the BIG harvest. But fi rst a tester: my crab-apple tree. Never liked them except as a kid, throwing them at my sisters (Mom called me “dead-eye Dick”). I was told years ago that you need at least one crab-apple tree for awesome fruit pollination. But it’s loaded, and when they fall to the ground, the bears will smell them for miles! Enter my new friend, Lindsay, looking for said wee apples for jelly. So, I said, “Fill yer boots.” And she did. The proof is in the pudding, well, actually in the jelly (picture provided!).
September? This is where the REAL fun begins! The soft melody of various fruit endeavours rises to a deafening crescendo of APPLEMANIA. Fresh stored apples, dried apples, apple sauce, apple pie filling and, drumroll please, apple juice.
There is another famous saying about hands, very appropriate at this point. It goes like this: “Many hands make light work.” Yes, indeedy! Now with my handy fruit-picker, I can collect by myself (whilst keeping my feet fi rmly planted on the ground — see last year’s TAKE 5 entry about my ten-foot fall from grace), but it’s much more fun with friends. So, I have a somewhat devious plan this year. Shhh, don’t tell the editor, Marina, about it. I want to get her out here and show her how my nifty antique
apple press works. After we do my load, she will undoubtedly be totally enthusiastic about juicing hers. Bring it on, sista! Hee-hee. Mum’s the word.
Of course, there will still be winter pear, quince and grape harvesting in October, but the lioness share of harvesting will be over. Whew!
But wait! I smell blackberries, ripe for the picking and just in time for the Cedar Women’s Institute Blackberry Tea on the seventh (see how sneaky I am plugging my favourite organization’s events). Time to don some bullet-proof gloves and get busy.
Jackie Moad is making her way through those harvest months and, as one of her favourite Beatles songs says, getting by with a little help from her friends, as she continues to farm that 20-acre organic slice of Paradise in Cedar.
Thirty-four jars of crabapple jelly made from the tree pictured on opposite page.
Phot: Linsday Howden and Jackie Moad.
