I was extremely disappointed to read the flippant and disrespectful answer by a Ladysmith Town councillor to the question asked by Ladysmith resident Cathy Gilroy. The question and answer are published in the Letters section of TAKE 5/ JUNE 2024.
This is certainly not the behaviour I would expect of an elected official representing the Town of Ladysmith.
A public apology is required at the very least, and this councillor should be sanctioned and so should any other council member that supported his reply. — Deborah Drew
New City Hall
Rob Johnson asks for more information regarding the proposal for a new town hall. Mr. Johnson has been on town council twice since I arrived in Ladysmith, so I would hope that he can give us some information about how this issue has been dealt with over the years.
Why are we still using a town hall that long ago passed its best-before date? No doubt people are shocked by the cost of a new town hall. It’s too bad we didn’t deal with this when prices were not so high. But if past experience is any guide, our next town hall will need to last until 2095, so let’s take that into account. — Ken Hiebert
Letters do not necessarily represent the opinion of TAKE 5 or its affiliates. This is a open community forum. Send email to editor@take5.ca
Ladysmith Maritime Society: BC government must take responsibility for millions in losses
BY RICHARD WIEFELSPUETT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LADYSMITH MARITIME SOCIETY
The Ladysmith Maritime Society has been a fi xture of Ladysmith’s waterfront for nearly four decades. In addition to successfully operating the community marina, bringing thousands of people together at the waterfront each year for community events, LMS has a history of investing back into the infrastructure that makes maintaining our heritage and providing space to boaters possible.
That is until the Government of British Columbia, supported by the Town of Ladysmith, decided to give away the marina that LMS developed and maintained, along with 90 per cent of the organization’s revenue without compensation, in the name of reconciliation.
We all agree that the aims of reconciliation are important and believe that for a government who appears as committed to this course as the BC NDP are, they would have thought through a fair and sensible approach to ensure they aren’t sinking community organizations and others in their wake.
It is naive to believe that the government can act in a way that takes millions of dollars from a vital community organization like LMS to “create” economic opportunities as part of reconciliation without hurting the cause of reconciliation or creating fear among British Columbians about what further agreements
could mean for them.
The erosion of public trust is in the hands of government ministers who think they can hide from the problems they have created by refusing to engage with non-Indigenous stakeholders whose futures they are negotiating before, during or after such agreements are being made.
LMS supports reconciliation and acknowledges the Crown’s relationship with British Columbia’s Indigenous people has been marked by injustice and has caused trauma and hardship. If we as a society are to move on from the damage of these actions, it is important that the government learn its lessons and not continue to divide communities and cause hardship, now under the banner of reconciliation.
Just last year, the Province was ordered to pay a private hydro electric developer over ten million dollars for a project rejection that was determined by the courts to be a “misfeasance of government representatives,” which is how the court ruling summed up a rejection of a project made for political reasons that aligned with the Province’s reconciliation agenda.
The concerns regarding the Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan and the failed Land Act changes highlight a province that is fearful of how this government is handling these issues.
In our case, after the damage was done, LMS asked the government for compensation for our assets, which they have confiscated and given away. We’ve asked for fi nancial support to enable us to seek a new home on the Ladysmith waterfront, help with permitting and funding to start again, and we’ve asked for help in storing our boathouses and heritage boats in the interim.
We submitted a plan to the government and opposition parties with a path to resolving these issues. Despite months of opportunity, we’ve heard nothing but silence from ministers and the premier. Not one BC NDP MLA has agreed to speak with us.
The BC NDP’s silence on this issue is deafening. As they continue to refuse to hear the voices of those they’ve harmed with their reconciliation policies, they risk not only undermining public support in the process but also losing support to political parties that are willing to engage with all affected stakeholders.
LMS remains committed to working collaboratively towards a just future for all British Columbians, but cannot do that alone. We are calling on the government to live up to its responsibilities and engage with us directly to address the damage caused by their actions.
Ultimately, if the BC NDP chooses to continue to hide, it will be no surprise when concerned citizens across British Columbia stand together to take on this unjust approach as a united front.
Items packed in totes in front of Welcome Centre as the Ladysmith Maritime Society vacates their former marina. Photo: Nick Longo
Cable Bay Update
BY KERITH WADDINGTON
In rural communities, conversations by the mailbox are often how information about local goings-on get shared. As often as not, the story getting told is only partially correct or takes a dizzying array of segues before getting to the truth.
It was conversations such as these that spurred long-time Cedar resident and environmental steward George Creek to reach out to TAKE 5 with what he hopes is some clari fication on where development applications surrounding the beloved local Cable Bay Trail are at.
“There is a lot of misinformation floating around about Cable Bay, so I compiled a summary which I hope provides clarity,” says Creek. “I also wanted to provide people with a way to make their voices heard if this is something they feel passionately about.”
First, some background on the issue, provided by Creek.
The lands roughly bordered by the Duke Point Highway to the west, Harmac to the north, Dodd Narrows to the east, and the City of Nanaimo boundary to the south were originally part of the MacMillan Blodell/Weyhauser forest tenure.
In approximately 2009, these lands were acquired by a Calgary businessman, Wilf Richard, with the intent to do an extensive development encompassing many homes, stacked RV lots, a golf course and spa. It was named Oceanview Golf Resort and Spa Ltd., and an application for a subdivision development was made to the City of Nanaimo.
Residents of Cedar-by-the-Sea opposed the proposed development strongly as access to the large development would be through local roads which were not designed, built or maintained to handle the anticipated traffic volumes.
Other objections included urban sprawl, cost of city services, fi re protection and more.
The development was declined by the city.
Fast forward to 2022, when the land to the west of Cable Bay Trail was sold to Nanaimo Forest Products for some $14 million. This area abuts the Harmac pulp mill (owned by Nanaimo Forest Products) and an industrial land fill.
It is important to note that the trail, which opened in the summer of 1996, is the result of an ongoing legacy project between Nanaimo Forest Products and the city.
Nanaimo Forest Products has applied to the City of Nanaimo to rezone their lands to Industrial, with the idea of subdividing it into smaller lots with five proposed land uses: heavy industrial, industrial, sawmill, manufacturing and warehousing. Proposed daily vehicle traffic in and out of that side is estimated to be 1038.
Meanwhile, on December 19, 2023, a formal application for subdivision of the lands east of the Cable Bay Trail was filed with the City of Nanaimo: the applicants are Cable Bay Estates (85 per cent) and 1127326 Alberta Ltd. (15 per cent). This proposed subdivision is for 34 lots of a minimum of two hectares (some are larger) with access via Nicola and Ivor Roads.
As Creek points out, the application calls for the realignment of Nicola Road to connect with roads within the development area and an access point where Ivor Road abuts the city boundary. There is no mention of any other roads or condition relating to feeder roads or routes.
As this is outside the City of Nanaimo urban containment boundary, the city will not provide the usual services of water and sewer. If approved, all dwellings built will require drilled wells and above- ground septic systems. However, the proposed development is within the City of Nanaimo boundary, so fi re protection would be the responsibility of the city fi re department. With no water service or hydrants, all water for fi re fighting will have to be trucked in from a city source via the local roads.
Creek acknowledges that there are many issues making this subdivision/development undesirable from both a local perspective and a Nanaimo point-of-view.
“Our area is quiet and peaceful. The increased traffic on our access roads would impact the quality of our coming and going,” says Creek. “And the Cable Bay lands are more suited for a natural park than a housing development. In fact, the applicant’s own ecological report makes a better case for a park than for housing. At least seven ecologically-sensitive areas are identi fied in the report, and there is concern that other areas — like several Garry oak meadows — were missed altogether. Action is being taken to challenge the accuracy of the report.”
Creek adds that there is no proven water aquifer that would sustain 34 wells in a concentrated area, and that septic systems on rocky, steep sloped grounds adjacent to the ocean are a likely source of pollution.
For those unfamiliar with the trail itself, it provides Cedar residents and visitors with a quiet 1.9-kilometre trek to the ocean through Douglas fi r forests and the afore-mentioned Garry oak subsystems.
Of particular note, it is one of only three places in Canada where Muhlenberg’s centaury, a small red-listed flower, has been found to grow, according to environmental assessments.
With a residential development proposed for one side and industrial development for the other, where does this leave concerned residents?
“With strength in numbers and empowered with knowledge,” says Jackie Wasyluk, who, together with Jain Alcock-White, spearheaded the local, unincorporated Save Cable Bay group four years ago.
Just shy of 3,000 members, the group is challenging the development proposals on environmental and logistical grounds.
The group has an email call out to the mayor and council
Save Cable Bay Group's Jackie Wasyluk and Jain Alcock-White
Photo: Kerith Waddington
to do whatever they need to in order to protect the east side of Cable Bay, with its intact old growth and Garry oak ecosystems, and make it a park.
And while the group doesn’t want to see industrial development on the west side of the trail, they currently have a petition with more than 22,000 signatures to limit development to a minimum of 100 metres and retain the areas where the bu ffer is larger due to environmentally sensitive areas.
Wasyluk encourages people to check out the group’s website at savecablebay. org.
And Creek provides the following contacts for those wanting to take part in the email campaign:
Mayor and Council of Nanaimo: www.nanaimo.ca/your-government/ city-council/contact-mayor-and-council
MOTI Development Services Nanaimo: DevelopmentServices.Nanaimo@ gov.bc.ca
RDN Area A director, Jessica Stanley: Jessica.stanley@rdn.bc.ca
MLA for our area, Doug Routley: douglas.routley.MLA@leg.bc.ca
Individuals who have emailed the City of Nanaimo have to date received the following automated message, abbreviated for length:
These applications are currently under review to con firm compliance with applicable City of Nanaimo policies, bylaws and development permit area guidelines (including for the protection of the natural environment), as well as Provincial and Federal statutes.
…the City recognizes the value of the Cable Bay Trail and intends to enhance buffering to the trail and protect environmentally sensitive features on lands adjacent to the Cable Bay Trail through development of adjacent lands. The City is also working to expand its trail network in the area and to secure improved public access to Joan Point Park through development of these lands.
Alcock-White points out that the City has, to date, agreed to a bu ffer of 30 metres from the trail but up to 100 metres in areas where there are sensitive features. As such, she believes “the response does not adequately recognize the importance of the area.”
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 257 Ladysmith Annual Awards Ceremony
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 257 Ladysmith held their Annual Ceremonial Review Sunday, June 2, 2024, at the Aggie Hall.
The group thanks their reviewing officer, Major Dustin Matheson, C.D., and the Air Cadet League of Canada/ BC Provincial Committee Inspector Mr. Darcy Dean for joining them, along with many dignitaries, community partners, families and friends. Congratulations go out to all Cadets of 257 Squadron. You are a credit to yourselves and your community!
Watch for registration opportunities coming up.
Cedar Community Showcase
BY MARINA SACHT
How well do you really know your neighbours or, for that matter, your community?
You will get a chance to meet some people and discover what’s happening in the Cedar area at the Cedar Community Showcase on Saturday, July 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Cedar Hall.
This free open house for the community will be filled with tables full of information from local clubs and organizations, non-profit groups, service groups and a few Cedar businesses as well.
Getting to know your neighbour down the road isn’t easy in a rural community. That’s why events such as these are so important in building connections.
“That’s a lot of what the focus is. And it also sort of grew out of our Cedar Community Harvest dinner because that’s become a very popular annual event,” says Bobbi-Jean Goldy, director of Community Outreach for the Cedar Community Hall.
You can expect an eclectic mix from independent businesses, from a spa to a
FSgt.
Cpl. R.
Royal Canadian Air Cadets Annual Awards 2024 (L to R)Sgt. K. Hammoud (Citizenship Award, Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence); FSgt. E. Nguyen (Top Senior Cadet); WO2 Y. Hammoud (Leadership Award, Cadet Media Award, Sponsoring Committee Award, Lord Strathcona Medal); WO1 Elliott Kinsey (Captain Karen Peel C.D. Award of Excellence); FSgt. N. Stewart (Most Improved Cadet, Marksmanship Award, Sponsoring Committee Award, Biathlon Team Participant);
J. Derkson (Most Improved Shot, Biathlon Team Participant);
Bouwmeester (Commanding Officers Award); Cpl. D. Colcol (Outstanding First Year Cadet); FCpl. L. Marschall (Top Junior Cadet). Photo: C. Gilroy
yoga instructor to the Wheatsheaf Sportsplex folks. Also coming will be the Yellow Point Ecological Society, and the Save the Cable Bay group will be talking about their concerns.
“We often hear that people want to volunteer but not necessarily serve on a committee. So, to be able to be able to share volunteering opportunities will be great,” she says, but at the heart of this event is bringing the community together.
“It’s exciting to be a part of this group, all working together with other groups within the community to make that happen.”
The Cedar Lions Club will be offering free hot dogs, sponsored by the Cedar branch of Island Savings Credit Union. And there will be an ice cream truck on site as well. So, come on out and stay for a while. Meet up with old friends, make new ones and discover the many ways you can get involved. You may take home not only a door prize but a new perspective on your community.
RDN Taking on the Management of the Cedar Heritage Centre
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) will be managing the day-to-day operations of the Cedar Heritage Centre in Electoral Area A effective July 1, 2024.
The RDN is taking this role over from the Cedar School and Community Enhancement Society (CSCES). The CSCES had a long-standing agreement with the RDN during which the organization has been exemplary in running the centre and serving the Cedar community.
“On behalf of the Regional District of Nanaimo, I want to extend my heart-felt thank you to the Cedar School and Community Enhancement Society and the many volunteers who have made the Cedar Heritage Centre a much-loved and well-used community space,” says Electoral Area A Director Jessica Stanley. “Public spaces such as these are essential for building and connecting community and I look forward to many more years of Cedar residents coming together at the centre.”
The RDN values the contribution the CSCES has made to the community over the past 27 years and the strong partnership between our two organizations. The CSCES was incorporated as a non-profit society in September 1997, with a goal of creating a community school within Electoral Area A that could also be a place where residents could gather. In 2000, the Cedar Secondary School was built and was designated as a community school.
The focus for CSCES then shifted to saving the former North Cedar Elementary School, located on the new Cedar Secondary School lands. The society was again successful in their endeavour and saved the former elementary school building. The RDN took ownership of the building in 2000 and continues to lease the land it is located on from the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (School District 68). It has since served the community as a gathering place known as the Cedar Heritage Centre.
In 2023, CSCES noti fied the RDN that the society intended to dissolve at the end of JULY 2024. The Cedar Heritage Centre will continue to be available for community gatherings and facility rentals, and existing facility rentals will be honoured. For facility rental inquiries, please contact 1-888-8282069 or visit www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.
Historic Harbour Walk
Have you ever wondered what Ladysmith Harbour looked like in its early industrial days? On July 7, 2024, join Quentin Goodbody, president of the Ladysmith & District Historical Society, on a walk and talk along the Ladysmith Harbour shore; he’ll be pointing out traces of Ladysmith’s early days industrial activities, such as mining, logging, sawmills, smelting, etc., and discuss their continuing impact.
Meet at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre at noon. Please register at museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca. Free but donations are appreciated.
Willits Canoe Replica
The Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS) is examining the possibility of introducing a new program aimed at bringing the community closer to maritime heritage. Based on feedback from members and volunteers, boatbuilding courses and woodworking skills emerged as top recommendations during a recent idea-generating session.
The workshop would involve the construction of a replica Willits canoe using the cedar-strip building method. This hands-on course is designed to engage potential boatbuilders in our community, providing a unique opportunity to learn and practise boatbuilding skills on the basis of the cedar-strip building method.
Watch for details or email LMS for more information.
Sharing the Harvest
Do you have extra fruit on trees or veggies in your garden that you could use some help picking?
Each year, an abundance of apples, cherries, plums, pears, grapes and more are grown locally but not always harvested.
Residents within and around Ladysmith and Stz'uminus are invited to sign up with the LRCA if you have fruit trees or gardens that you would like help harvesting, or if you would like to volunteer to pick fruit (or veggies). The LRCA will coordinate between the owners and the volunteer pickers to schedule dates and times to harvest when ready. The collected produce is then shared; one third to the owner, one third to the volunteers, and the last third to the LRCA Food Bank and/ or other partner organizations, who will distribute the fruit within our local communities to those who need it.
Anyone wanting to participate can connect with the LRCA directly at info@lrca.ca or by calling 250-245-3079 or email the Fruit Rescue coordinator Shannon@lrca.ca.
Nanaimo Airport’s Keith Granbois Wins Prestigious Award!
Keith Granbois, CFO & VP Business Development at Nanaimo Airport (YCD) has won the ACI North America Financial Professional of the Year Award in the Small Airport category.
Keith has signi ficantly impacted YCD over the past six
years. He steered the airport through the COVID-19 pandemic, introduced innovative business systems, diversi fied revenue streams and launched Canada’s fi rst airport pollinator garden. Keith also played a key role in bringing Paci fic Coastal Airlines to YCD and revitalizing the airport’s marketing and community engagement.
Keith’s passion for aviation and community service shines through his work and volunteer efforts, including co-founding Technical Evacuation Advanced AeroMedical (TEAAM).
Cowichan Valley Trail Section Closed Since Late 2021 to Be Rebuilt With Secured Funding
Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is proceeding with major repair work to a 40-metre section of the Cowichan Valley Trail (CVT) damaged during an atmospheric rain event in 2021.
Fortunately, in July 2023, the CVRD received con fi rmation that an application for fi nancial assistance to rebuild the regional trail and large culvert over Bings Creek was approved through the BC Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance Program to a maximum of $848,575. The CVRD has awarded a contract to Cutting Edge Enterprises, a local contractor in the Cowichan region, to restore the regional trail.
“The extensive damage to our parks and trails during the signi ficant atmospheric river event in 2021 was unprecedented,” says Aaron Stone, chair of the CVRD Board of Directors. “We thank the public for their patience and look forward to a reopening later this year.”
Ladysmith Celebrations Committee gearing up for Ladysmith Days
From its roots in the mid-1960s as Dogwood Days to today, there have been many changes, but one thing has remained constant—it’s all about having a good time.
This year’s Ladysmith Days Summer Festival is on August 3 and 4, during BC Day Long Weekend. It brings back some of the popular favourites and some new surprises, says Brian Bancroft, Vice President of the Ladysmith Celebrations.
Although there won’t be a parade this year, First Avenue will be closed from Roberts and Buller for activities. Along with the return of the soapbox derby, there’s a skateboard demonstration, live music and a beer garden. “And we're hoping to have other stu ff happen downtown.,” said Bancroft.
On Saturday, downtown events run from 10 to 3 p.m., and events at Transfer Beach run from 11 to 7:30 p.m. There you'll fi nd zucchini races, greasy pole, nail driving and more games. Plus a beer garden at the amphitheatre.
In addition to that, it’s the third iteration of the Ladysmith Days Expo. “This is sort of like a volunteer civic organization and sports fair. There's still spaces open; if you are involved in an arts, culture, sports, reconciliation, just reach out to us.”
The big draw for Saturday evening is the return of the Vancouver Island Professional Wrestling. “They're coming back, and they're going to be doing it bigger and better.”
On Sunday, events start at noon at Transfer Beach Park.
“It’s going to be a bouncing good time,” says Bancroft. Ladysmith & District Credit Union which sponsors the fi reworks also provides many bouncy castles.
“We've got a full slate of entertainers from noon to after sunset. So this means that you'll not just see five bands, but we'll have a bit more of an eclectic bunch.” That includes Latin American music, Flamenco Dancers, and line dancing. Sunset Strip will be bringing in the fi reworks at dark.
The goal of the Ladysmith Celebration Society is to put on a free and fun weekend for everybody.
“We are here to give you an excellent weekend”
So here’s another reason to stick around for the BC Day long weekend. https://www.ladysmithdays.com/
Who is Jackie Sharp or Jackie Elliott? It’s a mystery!
BY NADINE WONG
As Jackie Sharp waited at YVR for her flight to Heathrow, I had the opportunity to catch up with her over the phone. Our schedules had made it di fficult to connect, so this was the perfect opportunity. Jackie, a well-known figure at the nowvacated Ladysmith Community Marina, is set to launch her latest book, Murder at the Marina, later in July.
Jackie’s connection to the marina and community played a signi ficant role in inspiring her new book. When I asked her if the book was based on her past two years with the Ladysmith Maritime Society, she didn’t deny it.
Jackie said, “With everything going on at the community marina, it would have been hard not to be inspired. There are echoes of real life, but the characters are very di fferent. The community around the marina is unique and full of varying personalities and temperaments. This book offers enjoyment without weighty
themes. It’s a cheerful perspective on life within a marina setting, with recognizable and familiar locations.”
I have always wondered how authors develop their characters, and every author is di fferent. Jackie shared, “Most of the characters are not based on one person. They’re composites of different traits. I often eavesdrop on conversations, kind of from the outside looking in. No one in my books is any one person, but rather a collaboration. Most often, my characters come fi rst, and then I build the plot. I rarely know ‘whodunit’ until I’m three-quarters of the way through the book and have been known to change my mind based on the layers of the characters. It can get boring if you are too rigid.”
Jackie is originally from Fernhurst, in West Sussex, a little countryside village about 1.5 hours south of London. She is currently there, helping her mother after a recent knee surgery, which coincides with a writer’s conference she will attend at the end of the month. She looks forward to meeting her publisher and cover designer, whom she met through an online business group ten years ago.
Mystery author Jackie Sharp.
Photo: Bob Elliott
Over a decade ago, Jackie’s plan was to write a historical mystery novel set in wartime London during WWII. When asked about her research process for the book, she said, “Bits and pieces. It was a lot of fun and interesting.” Most of the research for the book was done at the Imperial War Museum in London. But as plans are known to change, A Secret War is in its fi nishing stages and won’t be out until September 2024. In the meantime, Jackie wrote and published West Coast Wild, her fi rst book.
Jackie settled on Vancouver Island in 2004 and met Bob Elliott through a mutual friend at a party. He was cooking seafood. “Of course, I was going to marry him,” she recalls. Bob is a commercial fisherman and accomplished storyteller. Bob was the inspiration for West Coast Wild, which she wrote to record some of Bob’s fishing stories and recipes. She describes it as “more like a family record, a memory book.”
Somewhere around 2015, Jackie started blogging, which resulted in publishing two self-help books: the memoir Sober Ever After (2017) and how-to book How to Quit Drinking (2018) continue to sell well.
Jackie’s first novel Coffin Cove was published in 2021. During the pandemic, Jackie’s father was diagnosed with cancer. She would send chapters of her working novel home through the mail. They would discuss what he liked and didn’t like about the dark, corrupt story that takes place in a small fishing town. Her father passed away shortly after she signed the three-book publishing contract with Joffee Books. Jackie said, “I am the only creative one in my family. My father was in the telecom industry, my brother does something technical, but I’ve never understood what it is that he does, and my sister-in-law is a lawyer.”
Joffe Books has published Hell’s Half Acre, Hope Island, and The Vile Narrows, and Jackie is currently writing the fifth and fi nal book in the Coffin Cove series, House of Lies, out early 2025. Hell’s Half Acre, the second in the series, was shortlisted for a Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence in 2022.
The Coffin Cove series, written under the name Jackie Elliot, features darker themes and more adult content. In contrast, Murder at the Marina and the upcoming Death on the Dock, written under the name Jackie Sharp, are more light-hearted and family-friendly mysteries. According to Jackie, the difference between the series and her most recent Murder at the Marina lies in the tone: “The series is a dark thriller, while the other is a lighter, more accessible mystery, which is why I used di fferent pen names.”
Before ending our conversation, I asked Jackie which book is her favourite. Without hesitation, she said, “Usually, the one I’m currently writing.”
Jackie is launching her Murder at the Marina at In the Beantime in Ladysmith on Thursday, July 25. More information can be found at lmsmarina.ca.
Murder at the Marina will be available at all the online retailers in September, and Jackie hopes that the local bookstores will also stock it. Until then, people can email her directly at jackie@jackieelliottwrites.com or come to the Dine off the Dock event in July.
A Secret War will be available in September, and the Coffin Cove series is available on Amazon right now. To get updates about book launches, sign up to her monthly newsletter, A Perfect Crime: www.subscribepage.com/d4h7t9.
Stephanie Roth: Nurturing the Performing Arts
BY NADINE WONG
It was a delightful morning spent with a cup of tea and the inspiring Stephanie Roth, the driving force behind the Stephanie Roth Performing Arts Studio (SRPAS). With over 36 years in the performing arts, Stephanie has a wealth of experience and a passion for nurturing talent. Originally from Ontario, Stephanie moved to Ladysmith in 2020 with her husband, Kraig Waye, an accomplished actor, musician, music director and music producer from New Brunswick. His career has taken him all over Canada.
Kraig’s journey to the West Coast led him to work at the Chemainus Theatre for several winters, with Stephanie joining him for extended visits. Their frequent trips solidi fied their decision to make Ladysmith their new home. Both have performed at the Chemainus Theatre, strengthening their connection to the area.
Living in Stratford, Ontario, Stephanie and Kraig decided to move west, with their young daughter, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, delaying their plans.
After giving up their home, they spent several months housesitting and staying with friends before they fi nally made the cross-country move in 2021. Stephanie resumed her career by offering online vocal lessons and teaching at Kaleidoscope in Victoria. However, the lengthy commute soon encouraged her to establish her own studio.
In the fall of 2022, Stephanie began offering her classes at the Ladysmith Little Theatre, where she continues to hold classes and camps. That same year, she also started teaching at the Saltair Community Centre, opening the Stephanie Roth Performing Arts Studio, which offers a variety of performing arts classes.
“I fi nd incredible joy encouraging, supporting and celebrating my love of the performing arts with others through voice lessons, performance coaching, workshops and masterclasses.”
Kraig has been instrumental in the studio’s success, contributing as an educator, music director, arranger and producer.
Stephanie also noted, “In collaboration with the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District, I was awarded the New Horizons Grant for Seniors, allowing us to create a free musical theatre program called Vintage and Valuable. It was a huge success, bringing seniors together weekly to sing, dance and act. We hope to continue this program.”
Despite missing their friends in Ontario, Stephanie and Kraig have found their move to BC to be a positive experience. Their daughter attended the Ladysmith Family and Friends (LAFF) organization, which Stephanie praises for building community connectivity with children and families.
Stephanie is excited to return to the stage at the Chemainus Theatre, where she will play Violet Newstead in 9 to 5: The Musical. Her last stage performance was as Donna in Mamma Mia! at the Stanley Theatre in Vancouver in 2018, followed by a performance at the Chemainus Theatre in 2019. Since the COVID pandemic, she has not performed on stage.
Stephanie continues to engage with students and is offering performing arts summer camps at the Ladysmith Little Theatre: “Princesses & Superheroes!” for ages 5 to 8 and “Broadway Beat!” for ages 9 to 16, with special guest appearances from actors in 9 to 5: The Musical and a princess and superhero.
Stephanie and Kraig aspire to build a performing arts centre.
“Why not dream big?” Stephanie says. She envisions a space for dance, theatre and performances, teaching all aspects of theatre production, onstage and behind the scenes. This fall, Stephanie will introduce a class where students can learn what it is like to be in a show lead by industry professionals on the directorial team and share their theatre skills.
On June 2, Stephanie produced a program that allowed student to share their progress and joy. Billed as a sharing for loved ones of SRPAS, “WHERE WE ARE” was an opportunity to witness the incredible courage and creativity of SRPAS students of all ages. “I believe that each person needs the opportunity to be brave and share their creativity and courage by being on stage and learning the skills to be con fident with clarity and expression,” Stephanie states.
As our conversation came to a close, it was clear that Stephanie’s passion for the performing arts and her dedication to fostering a creative community in Ladysmith is boundless. Don’t miss Stephanie’s performance as Violet at the Chemainus Theatre from June 28 to August 2 and keep an eye out for the Cowichan Musical Society’s Legally Blonde, directed by Stephanie. Rehearsal is starting in September.
To fi nd out more, visit www.stephanierothperformingartsstudio.com.
LRCA’s Concerts in the Park
Summer is all about music in our communities. The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) presents their annual Concerts in the Park series at the Ladysmith Amphitheatre.
On July 21, enjoy the Rhythm Kings. Lazy Mike Mallon and Annie Mallon are the father-daughter team behind the award-nominated blues band South Island Rhythm Kings. They carry a bag of old-school, classic electric blues care-
fully curated from the genre’s long and rich history. A performance from the Rhythm Kings is packed with top-shelf renditions of a variety of classic blues songs as well as original material.
And on July 28, it’s the Soul Shakers, one of Vancouver Island’s most popular bands. Bringing high-energy performances to every show! Classic Soul, R&B, Blues and Pop — feel good, get up and dance to music for your soul; that’s what this fun band is all about!
Stephanie Roth. Photo: Nadine Wong
Right: Various performances.
Photos courtesy of Stephanie Roth
40th Annual Islands Folk Festival
The Cowichan Folk Guild is presenting its 40th Annual Islands Folk Festival, July 19 to 21, 2024, at Providence Farm in Duncan. This milestone event promises to be a memorable celebration of music, culture and community, featuring an impressive lineup of local and international artists, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
“We are incredibly excited to mark the 40th anniversary of the Islands Folk Festival,” says Artistic Director Jack Connolly. “Providence Farm has been the perfect backdrop for this event, and we look forward to welcoming both returning and new festival-goers for a weekend of fantastic music, food and camaraderie.”
Highlights of the festival include live performances with featured artists, including folk legends Valdy, James Keelaghan and Eileen McGann, new folk heroes Big Little Lions, Scotland’s Shooglenifty, New Zealand’s Mel Parsons, blues icon Murray Porter and the Sacred Steel Summit Revue, featuring the Lee Boys and Calvin Cooke.
Other notable performers include Firebird, Twin Embers, Clanna Morna, Tai Williams, In fi nite Atom, Ed Peekeekoot, Jenny Allen, Claire Coupland, Shineolas, Hardly Handsome, From the Earth, Luke Wallace, King Cardiac, Eugene Smith, Richard Garvey, Marina Avros, Ghostly Hounds, Desmond Day, Eileen McGann, Dave Gallant, the Tzinquaw Dancers and the Lila Community Choir.
There will also be workshops, including songwriting and storytelling along with a kids Sparkle Zone with crafts, games, interactive performances, a slip ’n’ slide and a kids parade!
Advanced tickets are now available online; kids under 12 are FREE! Camping onsite available.
For more information on the lineup, tickets and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.islandsfolkfestival.ca or contact the festival office at 250-748-3975.
Join us at Providence Farm for a weekend of unforgettable music, community spirit and celebration of folk traditions. See you at the festival!
About Islands Folk Festival: The Islands Folk Festival, held annually at Providence Farm in Duncan, BC, is a premier event that celebrates the rich heritage of folk music. Founded in 1984, the festival has grown into a beloved community event, drawing hundreds of attendees each year for a weekend of music, workshops and family-friendly activities.
Summer in the Valley Arts Fest
BY NADINE WONG
Since Crystal Cornthwaite, a dynamic force in the art scene, announced the upcoming massive Summer in the Valley Arts Fest at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds on August 10 and 11, the excitement has been building.
This vibrant event promises to be a celebration of creativity, featuring a beer garden, live music and food trucks and showcases a diverse array of fi ne arts and crafts from BC and local Vancouver Island artists. It’s a unique opportunity for the community to engage with artists directly and the perfect summer weekend activity for art lovers, foodies, music fans and anyone looking to support local talent and businesses.
Crystal, who has been residing in Ladysmith since November and hopes to make it her permanent home, brings a wealth of experience to this endeavour. With a background in business, development and marketing, she has successfully operated Paci fic Arts Market at 1448 West Broadway for the past five and a half years.
Crystal Cornthwaite planning the Summer in the Valley Arts Festival. Photo submitted.
Crystal is currently eyeing a move for Paci fic Arts Market to Ladysmith. “This would be a signi ficant development for the community, providing dedicated spaces for artists to rent monthly and manage their own displays,” says Crystal. Her business model is beyond just a gallery; it is a community hub where artists can host or participate in openings, workshops, shows, comedy nights and music events, fostering a vibrant art scene.
In addition to the arts fest, Crystal envisions other annual community events, such as an Oktoberfest and a solstice event. Her commitment to the arts is clear, and her plans promise to enrich the community, providing a space where creativity and community spirit can flourish. Crystal says, “I see the arts market as something different than what the current gallery on First Avenue offers. The gallery and arts market will greatly enhance each other.”
As the Summer in the Valley Arts Fest approaches, the anticipation grows. Crystal Cornthwaite’s passion and expertise are sure to make this event a cornerstone of the Mid Island’s cultural calendar, bringing together artists and art lovers in a celebration of creativity and community.
For more information on the arts fest or to inquire about Paci fic Arts Market, check the website pacificartsmarket.ca or email at artsmarketvancouver@gmail.com.
Art Pop Ups everywhere
Summer is the perfect season for Art Pop-Ups.
Ladysmith Gallery has Art Pop-Ups on Wednesdays and Saturdays, July 3 to July 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy interactive art opportunities and demos in wet felting, pottery, alcohol ink and mixed media. Artists include Megan Arundel, Penny Maday, Frieda Schilling, Shirley White and Linda Greig. The Under the Sea Art Show is the featured exhibit until July 24, followed by the Homebody Collective Art Show, from July 26 to August 4.
The Ladysmith Museum's upstairs gallery features the work of local artists and craftspeople, including First Nations art, on display and for sale. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 to 3 p.m. Free admission to both places.
Chemainus Theatre Festival’s Gallery is presenting select works of the Group of Seven until August 25. On loan to the theatre, this exhibition will showcase eleven works from the Group of Seven and a Samson Matthews silkscreen of a piece from Emily Carr.
In the early decades of the twentieth century, circumstances brought together several artists who were committed to exploring, through art, the unique character of the Canadian landscape. Collectively they agreed: Canada’s rugged wilderness regions needed to be recorded in a distinctive painting style. This style would break from European tradition and reflect an increasingly nationalistic sentiment.
Bad Boss Musical
Head back to the late 1970s at Chemainus Theatre Festival with Dolly Parton’s toe-tapping hit musical 9 to 5: The Musical. Join a trio of working women as they face off against their slimy boss and show him who is really in charge!
“If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical. It’s just as wild, wacky and heartfelt as the original story and includes many iconic scenes, plus more Dolly Parton songs! That woman KNOWS how to write a song,” says Director Julie Tomaino. Joining Tomaino behind the scenes is a dedicated team working hard offstage, including Musical Director Heather Burns, Assistant Director and Choreographer Makayla Moore, Fight Director Simon Fon, Set Designer Hans Saefkow, Costume Designer Patricia Reilly, and Lighting Designer Craig Alfredson. Bonni Baynton, Liz King, Kelsey Cain and Mandy Huang manage the stage.
Getting ready for the Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival
Small Town, Big Festival, Huge Excitement
Raise your glasses and cheer the news that the Chemainus Business Improvement Association (CBIA) is hosting the Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival for its fourth year.
Street, Chemainus).
Official organizer this year is Mindsai Creative, whose director, Brennan Hinchsliff will be the lead, along with coorganizer Nikki Beach of Hops & Vine.
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Doc Lewis Park in Chemainus, the festival will showcase a wide array of Vancouver Island and BC regional breweries, complemented by artisanal food pairings from the Cowichan region.
“We are ecstatic to host an event of this scale in our charming town of Chemainus, which is typically reserved for larger markets like Victoria or Vancouver,” says Krystal Adams, executive director of the CBIA.
The Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival stands out in the Cowichan Valley for its exclusive focus on the craft beer movement, making it the largest event of its kind in the mid-region.
This year, in collaboration with the BC Craft Brewers Guild, the festival is recognized as one of the select few guild-recommended events across British Columbia. Following the success of the 2022 event, this festival is featuring over 30 craft breweries pouring more than 100 beers. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of local food and merchandise vendors from around the valley and the region beyond.
Multiple transportation companies will provide shuttle services to and from Duncan, Crofton, Maple Bay, Cowichan Bay, Ladysmith, Nanaimo and Chemainus, as well as from parking areas in Duncan and Chemainus to the festival venue at Doc Lewis Park (9740 Elm
“As we are only a small organization and the event itself has grown so much over the years, we thought it prudent to bring in a dedicated team to execute the day-to-day and manage the event while we set the overall consistent vision attendees have been accustom to,” notes Adams.
“Our previous festival sold out, with hundreds on the waitlist. We have opened up the tickets this year to allow for everyone to attend,” adds Adams.
“We’re committed to continuing with live music, seating areas, fun activities like big games and a few other surprises. It’s going to be bigger and better than any year before,” says Hinchsliff
Tickets are available online at www. craftbeerandfoodfest.com, with prices starting at $44 for general admission, making it one of the most affordable events of its kind on Vancouver Island. Additionally, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to charity in the name of the Craft Brewers Guild.
Each general entry ticket will allow for entry into the Craft Beer and Food Festival as well as live music on the festival grounds, five tasting tokens, a commemorative keepsake tasting glass and the opportunity to win a prize and more.
VIP tickets are offered this year and allow for early entry with an additional hour of tasting time, double the tokens and other amazing perks.
(l-r) Krystal Adams, Executive Director Chemainus BIA, Brennan Hinchsliff, Event Director, (Mindsai) Nuria Sanchez, Chair Chemainus BIA. Photo: Bob Burgess
Class of ’79 Reunion
Members of the LSS Class of ’79 are holding a 45th Reunion in Ladysmith the evening of July 20, 2024. Anyone who was part of the class any time between 1967–1979 (Grades 1 to 12) is welcome. This includes Davis Road School, the Diamond School, the Catholic School, North Oyster School, and Ladysmith Primary and Intermediate schools. Contact organizers Ming Jang and Shannon Wyndlow for details and to register at LSS79Reunion45@gmail.com.
Back in 1979, classmates from Ladysmith and the surrounding areas attended and graduated from both high schools. Organizers Wyndlow and Jang say that the 1970s was a time of great change in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District, and Ladysmith and area students could choose to attend Grades 11 and 12 at either Ladysmith Secondary or Nanaimo District Senior Secondary, or a mix of both. And kids from Ladysmith did try out NDSS.
In 1977–1978, there were 18 students from Ladysmith and area in the NDSS yearbook, and 12 students in the 1978–1979 yearbook. In June 1979, LSS had 79 grads and NDSS had 660 grads, which included both Shannon and Ming.
The LSS Class of ’79 is fundraising for the LSS Outdoor Education Program’s West Coast Wilderness Studies taught by Kalvin Beuerlein.
Their goal this year is to raise $2079, and their fi nal total will be revealed later this summer. This unique education program includes up to 75 students per year and funds raised will help with equipment, field trip and certi fication costs.
Ladysmith Secondary School and the huge Nanaimo District Secondary School Class of 1979. Photos: Shannon Wyndlow
RDN Area A Cedar, South Wellington, Cassidy & Yellow Point
We received our property tax notices in the mail. The overall tax increase was a shock for some. I have written several “Director’s Notes” on taxation to increase awareness of what your taxes buy and the financial pressures affecting our region.
Although the RDN portion of the property tax increased by an average of 8.2 per cent, the overall tax increase is higher and is a result of several other factors. The RDN portion pays for services the RDN provides, such as garbage collection, recreation programs, animal control, transit, parks, bylaw services and emergency planning. You only pay for services that you are eligible to receive. For example, in Area A, we do not pay for the Ravensong Pool, and most of us
do not pay for RDN utility services (e.g., wastewater treatment).
When making decisions about our area’s taxation level, I try to balance the community’s service requests with their affordability concerns. Many have requested more government services and amenities (e.g., park cleanup, fasterpermitting service, more playgrounds, roadside trails, and bylaw enforcement), while others expressed frustration with the increasing costs associated with increased service. Local government can provide many services, but it should be within the community’s means to pay for it. I opposed several increases during this year’s budget process and supported others. Initially, I opposed the budget due to the proposed increase of 16 per cent, but then supported it after finding ways to reduce our area’s tax requisition.
One of the biggest challenges we face
in our region is aging and insufficient infrastructure amidst a growing population and a lack of historical savings set aside to pay for infrastructure replacement. This problem is not unique to our region or to local government (as we can see in our aging road system and local schools), but we are particularly impacted by the costs of maintaining and improving the medical care available through Nanaimo Regional Hospital (NRH).
The tax increase to support our regional hospital was significant. The Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board (which is largely the same as the RDN board) has committed to future increases to fund key hospital improvements necessary to provide medical care (e.g., a new cancer centre and a patient tower). The RDN is required to pay 40 per cent of capital costs (building and equipment) of the regional hospital. Given that the NRH pro-
vides medical care to all Island residents north of the Malahat, being able to provide urgent cardiac care and cancer treatments is viewed as essential rather than having residents travel to Victoria for care. Information about the costs of improving medical care in our area was included with the tax assessment but can also be found at www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/nrhd. Future tax increases are planned to pay for these hospital improvements.
Recently, I attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) AGM. Although the political values of members represent the full spectrum from left to right, all attendees shared their frustration about the increasing costs of aging infrastructure. These costs are passed on to the community via property tax. Local government representatives conveyed that our communities cannot solely bear this financial burden. A new municipal funding agreement with the federal government was requested to address this concern. This proposal notes that local government funding has remained flat in contrast to the revenue for federal and provincial governments that grow as our economy grows. FCM asked for a greater portion of income tax and a funding structure tied to the country’s economy. I hope this negotiation will help alleviate the financial pressure we face at local government level.
Next year’s budget process has already begun. The RDN webpage has information about the current tax requisition and provides an opportunity for feedback on next year’s budget priorities (see www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/rdn-budget-talks). I will again hold public meetings to gather community feedback on what services you want and preferred service levels that you willing to pay for. In my decision-making, I carefully consider the perceived short-term and long-term benefits to the community and the impact of costs. The decisions I make are better when the community communicates their priorities and concerns. Please take the time to share your thoughts via the RDN webpage, contacting me directly or by attending a public meeting. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Email: jessica.stanley@rdn.bc.ca
Phone: 250-268-7359
CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond
First, thank you to all of you who came to the June 6 Town Hall meeting. Thank you for your thoughts and knowledge. There was great information sharing, and hopefully, everyone left with a better understanding of the issues. The next Town Hall will be around the end of September.
Once upon this land, in a time not so far away, a person could
buy a house for a reasonable price and live happily ever after. Homeownership was the way to build equity, which worked sometimes, but certainly not always. Some readers may recall the early 1980s, when the prime rate went over 22 per cent. People had scrambled to get into the housing market as house prices soared, only to fi nd themselves when the property values crashed, holding a mortgage that was larger than the value of their property. People were fi nancially devastated and simply had to walk away from their mortgages. The point is that the past wasn’t always that rosy. And buying a house didn’t always work out to be the hoped-for nest egg investment.
Today, very few people can afford to get into the housing market and take that risk, and even making rent is a challenge. On June 13, 2024, on CHEK TV News, it was reported that the average one-bedroom rental in Nanaimo is $1,776/month. Unbelievable! And vacancy rates are very low; there are simply no vacancies in some places in the CVRD. So, the BC government is enacting new legislation, Bill 44, this year to require local governments to change zoning bylaws to allow for more secondary suites.
Have you ever considered a secondary suite on your property? Or, perhaps, you have rented a secondary suite at some point in your life, or have a friend or family member renting one. Or, maybe you just wondered what is a secondary suite?
Essentially, there are two types of secondary suites: attached and detached. The attached suite is part of the house and (before Bill 44) needed to have a separate entrance. A detached suite is a separate building or part of a separate building on the same property as your house. Interestingly, the square footage of secondary suites is di fferent across electoral areas.
In Area H, an attached suite is limited to 40 per cent of the house up to 90 square metres (that’s about 30 ft by 30 ft). For a detached suite, the maximum floor area is limited to 60 square metres (about 20 ft by 30 ft) or a parcel of land smaller than 0.8 hectare (roughly two acres), and shall not exceed 74 square metres (about 25 ft by 30 ft) for a parcel of land that is 0.8 hectare or greater in area. These limits will be reviewed as zoning bylaws for the Modernized Official Community Plan complete.
Bill 44, Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Act,
directed local government to remove barriers to suite development by eliminating
• any min. site (land) area requirements for an attached suite;
• owner occupancy of dwelling requirement, where those existed; and
• special regulations concerning the access to the suite.
When the CVRD made the required changes to the zoning bylaws to allow for an attached suite, it also updated the wording for a detached suite (see Bylaw 4578). Getting this done has been a real effort by staff, but generally, the zoning bylaws for residential areas will allow for an attached or detached secondary suite subject to adequate water and septic.
Bill 44 will have an impact upon water suppliers. In many cases, these water systems are run by the CVRD (in Area H: Woodley Range, Shellwood and Shell Beach) but, in other cases, by Improvement Districts (Diamond Improvement District). These purveyors are being advised that they may notice an increase in connection requests for suites. Water is a primary concern across the CVRD and in Area H. Added suites, attached or detached, result in increased water use. The concern is being addressed by requiring proof of adequate water for added suites.
In Area H, there are no sewer service providers (we are all on individual septic systems), but adding a secondary suite will create an increase use. The septic system needs to be able to handle this.
The zoning changes to comply with Bill 44 do not require owners to build suites; they simply enable owners to build a suite if they wish to. To encourage owners to build a suite, the Province has launched its Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP), which opened for applications in May 2024. It is a 91-million-dollar initiative over three years. Basically, the Province will provide up to $40,000 as a forgivable loan if the owner invests $80,000 into building a rental suite. The catch is the owner must demonstrate they will rent at below market rent for the next five years. The intention is to encourage more rentals and give those renters a break for five years.
The housing crisis is just one of our generation's challenges. These initiatives, Bill 35, Bill 44, and the SSIP, are small steps in a much larger journey to affordability. Every step matters. It
will be interesting to see how much of a step these changes actually bring.
Email: ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca
Phone: 250-510-5930
CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands
Detached suites (carriage homes) have been reintroduced to Saltair for the fi rst time in over 20 years.
Saltair has already complied with Bill 44; however, our bylaws need amendment updates. As we were only on track to permit accessory dwellings sometime in 2026 through the Local Area Plan process, we used the Bill 44 amendment bylaw process to expedite the permission of detached suites in Saltair.
Saltair is on a CVRD water system, meaning detached suites will be more easily established than properties in other electoral areas using private water sources (i.e., wells), which cannot be shared. The maximum floor area for detached suites in Saltair is 85 square metres (915 square feet), and only one attached or detached suite is permitted, not both. Setbacks and septic regulations will apply; however, no minimum lot size requirements exist.
Your active participation and conversations on doorsteps during the campaign or at our community meetings made it clear that you desire more flexibility with your properties. The new regulations, a direct result of your feedback, now offer our seniors the opportunity to age in place and provide mortgage helpers for young families.
Growing up in Saltair in the 1990s, I remember our community filled with families of all types and sizes. These changes are a step towards a more inclusive and supportive community.
If you have any questions or need more information about the permitted uses on your property, please don’t hesitate to contact Development Services at ds@cvrd.bc.ca.
Finally, I have a favour. Please go to the following link and complete the Housing Needs Assessment Online Survey, which will inform us of our current housing needs: www.planyourcowichan. ca/housing-needs-assessment. Upon completion, CVRD staff will present a report to the directors.
Email areag@jessemcclinton.com
Phone: 250-252-6525.
The ecological importance of snags
BY ALEXANDER SMITH EIS NATURALIST
The forest here at Wildwood is always quiet in the late afternoon, a brief hiatus from the business of songbirds and the scuttling of woodland creatures as they wait for the cool of dusk, and it’s my favourite time to take a moment before I head home. Above me, a sapsucker, one of the more charismatic of our woodpecker species, cheerfully chirps as it makes its way slowly up an adjacent trunk. Like the sound of a ticking clock, the sapsucker meticulously pecks around the trunk, prying open cracks in the bark, looking for unsuspecting termites.
We have lots of beautiful, lush and vibrant trees here at Wildwood, but this one is not. Long since dead, its gnarled and crooked trunk shoots into the sky like a jagged rod. Its bark curls and skirts at its edges, leaving its sap wood pale and cracked in the sunlight. But for those that know, don’t be fooled — despite its lifeless appearance, it plays a vital role in forest ecosystems.
In very general terms, two things happen to a tree after it dies: it becomes smaller as pieces of the trunk and branches break off, and it becomes softer as the wood rots. Decomposition is often caused by the effects of insects, fungi, bacteria and fluctuations in weather. The rate of decay depends primarily on the species and size of the tree. Cedar trees, for example, will often decay internally first, as specialised fungi attack the heartwood. Douglas firs, on the other hand, often decay from the outside with processes targeting the outer bark and sapwood.
Time, combined with all these other factors, makes each snag an ever-changing entity. Dead trees are often divided into two broad categories: soft snags and hard snags. Soft snags make the best wildlife trees for cavity users because they are the easiest in which to excavate or enlarge holes. Hard snags, which usu-
ally still have branches, provide good hunting perches for predatory birds. In turn, both cavity-nesting birds, who are primarily insectivorous, and large raptors who prey on rodents keep the young trees free from damage and disease.
When a snag falls, it becomes what is known as a “nurse log,” offering saplings an elevated position off the forest floor with more protection and nutrients. As the log decomposes, it enriches the soil, fostering a new generation of forest life for years to come. Merv Wilkinson, who stewarded Wildwood on an ecoforestry basis for many years, learned that leaving coarse woody debris on the forest floor provided habitat for fungi, insects, small mammals and the like, adding to the circle of life within the forest. Forest management as it is currently practised in British Columbia negatively impacts the abundance, density and distribution of wildlife trees in all forest ecosystems. The great loss of wildlife trees occurs during timber harvesting, mainly because snags must be felled to comply with safety regulations and clearing room for replanting. Furthermore, as technology has changed in the industry, deteriorating live trees that would have previously been left standing are now taken. This results in a signi ficant reduction of available habitats for numerous species, highlighting the need for revised management practices such as eco-forestry that prioritize ecological balance alongside timber production.
Every stage of a tree has purpose. Photo submitted.
Dog safety in the woods
BY KATHY REILLY
Being out in the forest makes us all feel free. Dogs love the freedom too. However, there are a great many hazards in the woods. Most of us are familiar with the tick hazard. Protect your dog with a flea and tick prevention product. And check them from ear to tail when you come home from a walk, even if they only venture into tall grass. Use a proper tick removal tool available at any pet store. Otherwise, you may break the tick in half and the head stays in requiring a vet visit.
Please do not allow your dog to run free unless he returns instantly to you when called every time and will walk calmly by your side when necessary. Bear in mind that a rabbit or squirrel
may just allow prey drive to overrule your recall.
There are many prey animals in our surrounding forests and even in our urban neighbourhoods. Eagles are everywhere and don’t know the di fference between your little Yorkie and a rabbit. It is not a silly rumour that eagles will swoop down and take a dog or cat. I have four clients who witnessed this and were helpless to prevent or rescue the little one. A tree in Nanoose held an eagles’ nest and when it fell, there were numerous dog and cat collars in it.
So please don’t let your little dogs run free in a field where they can become victims of eagles, hawks, owls and even ravens. Keep them on leash and scope out the sky and tree tops. A 20 foot leash gives your dog some freedom.
The other hazard that many people may not think about is the danger of sharp branches in the brush. A friend’s large breed dog was dashing into the bush when he suddenly let out a sharp yelp. He had been impaled on a pointed branch sticking out of a downed tree. It luckily missed vital organs but required surgery to remove it.
And of course, we have bears and cougars. Check out the B C Government Ministry of the Environment Safety
Guide for Cougars and the Parks Canada Safe Travel in Bear Country.
Some of the recommendations that apply to both are to travel in groups of 4 or more and make lots of noise. Carry a sturdy walking stick. Watch for tracks or scat. Stick to marked trails and carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Lastly, be careful around still water if your dog is a swimmer. Sometimes the water has parasites that get into your dog’s skin and cause in flammation and itch. One of my dogs got it from the river at Bowen Park when the water level was very low and shallow ponds were created. Great fun until the itch started. Have a wonderful, safe summer with your fur buddies.
