I thought the TAKE 5 article about Mike Fall was excellent. I have served on the Area H APC for six years now, and we are of like minds regarding such issues as protecting our farmland and aquifers from developers and heavy industry. Mike also has important knowledge regarding the deleterious effects of clear-cut logging on the mountains above us, which, among other ecological sins, reduces the depth of the snow pack and thus encourages summer drought and fire. — John Edwards
Goodbye to the Hudson’s Bay Company
In 1645, Oliver Cromwell defeated Charles I at the Battle of Naseby, marking the birth of parliamentary democracy. In London, May 2, 1670, Charles II authorized the royal charter that created the Hudson’s Bay Company. This was for trading in North America, specifically, beaver pelts were traded for Hudson Bay point blankets made in England.
The beaver is on the Hudson Bay logo. It has been on the first postage stamp, our nickel since 1937, and Canada‘s official symbol since 1975.
The Hudson Bay colours are iconic and recognized world wide. Canadian athletes wore blanket coats to the winter Olympics in 1936, 1960, 1964, and 1968.
For myself, Hudson Bay posts were my stronghold where I worked in Northern Canada as an “Indian Health Nurse”.
Canada has relied on and loved the Hudson's Bay Company for 355 years.
It is a hard and sad goodbye. -Vera
M. Robinson
Op-ed piece on VIU action against student demonstrators
Thank you to Francesca Pacchiano for her opinion piece and her thoughtful response in the April TAKE 5. Like many others, I despair over what is happening in Gaza. There seems little doubt that Israel is committing genocide. The International Criminal Court declared it was a plausible genocide. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, after thorough investigations agreed. The Hamas attack on October 7th was brutal, but it was a response to years of illegal activities by Israel, in defiance of multiple UN resolutions.
The issue that Pacchiano addresses so well is the obstacles faced by students who try to exercise their rights of free speech and assembly to confront our complicity in Israel’s actions. As she points out, even for supporters, the protests can be uncomfortable. Some feelings may be hurt. Does that mean they shouldn’t be allowed? Or that protesters should be arrested and deported, as they are in the US? Should we shoot the mes-
senger if we don’t like the message? There are laws in Canada to respond to harassment and intimidation. If protesters are breaking laws, the police are able to lay charges. If not, free speech is precious and must be defended. For their part, the colleges and universities are perfect places to support discussions about issues that matter to their students, faculties and communities. Why not use their resources to help find truth and work for peace, rather than stifling debate?
— Richard Tarnoff, Ladysmith
A Different Lynne
I always can’t wait to read the TAKE 5 magazine. It is such a link to our local communities.
But today, I noticed that a writer with the same name as mine is included in the April Edition under Letters “More on the Desk of ... Opinion March 2025 — Lynne Smith.” Unfortunately, there is no clarification as to where Lynne Smith lives, etc. I have people asking me if I wrote this letter. Please note that it is not Lynne from Saltair.
— Lynne Smith
Correction:
“Green Champion”
In the story on Green Citizen Hunter Jarratt, a couple of errors were made. The first “Kiki Farm” is called “KiKi Nursery.” Also, the “Stz'uminus First Nation” is not involved with the Harewood Plains Working Group. Instead, there are representatives from the “Snuneymuxw First Nation” at their monthly meetings.
Letters to the editor are welcomed. This is an open community forum. Hate, libel, defamation and misinformation will not be tolerated. The letters published here do not necessarily represent the opinion of TAKE 5 or its affiliates. Write to editor@take5.ca
Donate Those Empties
The Ladysmith Rotary Club is making it a little easier to drop off your empties. And even better yet, proceeds from those empties will be used to support the Ladysmith Rotary Community Projects.
“Hopefully people will start using it,” said Rotarian Ken Greig.
You will find the brightly painted white, yellow and blue C-can by the entrance of Ladysmith’s Country Grocer. The temporary space was provided by the Richmond family, who kept ownership of the property after selling 49th Parallel Grocery Stores to Country Grocer. Plans are to develop the property in the future, said Peter Richmond.
“We’re happy to help the Rotary out,” said Richmond. “They’re one of the
more involved groups in the community, and it’s fantastic to be able to help in a small way.”
Walk for Dog Guides in Ladysmith
The Ladysmith Lions are going to the dogs again. And that’s a good thing.
Following last year’s Walk for Dog Guides, the club is back again with plans to make it even bigger and better.
The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides in Ladysmith is planned for May 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Meet at Ladysmith’s Forrest Field with your four-legged canine
friend (in costume or not) and join in other furry friends for a one-kilometre walk to raise funds for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides’ mission is to empower Canadians with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence by providing dog guides at no cost to them and supporting each pair in their journey together. Dog guides are trained to master specific skills to assist Canadians through the following seven programs: Canine Vision, Hearing, Service, Seizure Response, Autism
Ladysmith Rotary Club setting up new bootle drop off location. Photo: Marina Sacht
Assistance, Diabetic Alert and Facility Support.
Each dog guide costs approximately $35,000 to raise, train, and place, yet they are provided at no cost to qualifying applicants. The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is a national charity that does not receive government funding and relies on donations and fundraising events, such as the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, to fulfill its mission.
As the largest walk of its kind in Canada, the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is held in communities in every province across Canada and is organized by local volunteers. Thanks to our national and local sponsors, all proceeds from the walk go directly to the dog guide programs.
Mañana Lodge Stories Wanted
A history booklet is being planned for the Mañana Resort & Marina, formerly known as Page Point and Raven Point. Recently the marina has returned to its original name under the ownership of FMC.
From the early days of Mañana Lodge in 1948 to when it was sold in 1999, the property is steeped in history and stories waiting to be shared. Mooring your boat at the dock, staying at the lodge, dining in the restaurant — so many wonderful memories abound for Ladysmith locals and visitors.
Did you work on the docks in the summer? Did you have the famous roast beef and Yorkshire dinner? Tell us about the time you went to Mañana Lodge. Graduation? Anniversary? Wedding? A booklet is being complied that will take us down memory lane, and we’d love to hear from you! Send us or drop by the office with any photos to info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca, attention Ed Nicholson.
Timeline Mural Honours LDCU History
Next time you are at the Ladysmith & District Credit Union or the LCU Insurance office, take the stairs. It’s worth it to take in the timeline mural that highlights the LDCU’s history.
“We wanted to do something to liven up the space,” said LDCU Marketing Director Michael Robinson, who worked on the project.
“It was a way to illustrate the connec-
tion to the community, the strength of the community, and all the work and history of the credit union,” he explained.
“I don’t think people realize what a role the credit union has played on not only the Island, but in the country.” For instance, LDCU was the first credit union in the country to have a woman as a president and the first to adopt the hands and globe as their logo.
“We innovated, and we did things differently and better than everyone else. So those are really, big important factors,” said Robinson, whose favourite story was when he found out the LDCU had a walk-up teller. “I was quite surprised to learn that one. Walk-up teller — I mean, that is just wild.” He laughed.
The LDCU history book by Patrick Dunae offers a comprehensive read about the LDCU and is available at the branch. It took a couple months to research the information and bring it all together and then design the mural in a way to convey as much information as possible, highlighting the pivotal moments in the credit union. The mural provides an easy to reference timeline.
The LDCU is celebrating its 81st year. They will be holding an AGM on May 6, at Ladysmith Secondary School multipurpose room. All are invited.
Spin-a-Thon Donation Duel Returns
The Cowichan Life Cyclers will face off against the Comox Valley Cyclepaths in a battle to raise the most funds for Hospice Care on Vancouver Island. The duel is set for Saturday, May 10, from 9am until 4pm, at the Duncan Canadian Tire.
“As a resident of Duncan, I am so appreciative that our community has hospice services through a wonderful team of staff and volunteers,” said Joanna Sofield, team co-captain for the Cowichan Life Cyclers. “They provide much-needed care and support for those living with advancing illness, and those grieving the death of a loved one, and very much rely on donations to help fund their services.”
Donations for the battle must be raised during the seven-hour window that riders are on bikes and can be contributed in person or online.
Plans in motion
The RDN announced funding for the Active Transport Plan in Electoral Area A. The contribution of $50,000 has been approved and will be used to build upon the 2009 Active Transport plan for the area. The goal is to create a comprehensive network with safer and more modern modes of active transportation and infrastructure in the Cedar Village area, and to add connections to the broader regional transportation routes.
“The RDN is grateful for the funding,” said Electoral Area A Director Jessica Stanley. “A well-developed trail system will support the ability for children to walk or ride to school safely, as well as provide a convenient alternative to driving for community members, helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety.”
Interested and affected people and groups will be included throughout the planning process in public engagement activities, which will take place in early fall. A dedicated project page be available to the public when the project is launched.
Water restrictions start May 1
Stage 2 outdoor water conservation comes into effect on May 1st in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Water Service Areas. The only exceptions are the Decourcey Water Service Area and Surfside Water Service area which will remain at Stage 4. Stage 2 water conservation will be in effect until further notice. The guidelines include sprinkling only on even days for even-numbered houses and odd days for odd-numbered houses. Sprinkling is permitted for a maximum of two hours in the morning or evening.
Vegetable garden watering and drip irrigation are exempt from these restrictions.
For tips on water conservation visit teamwatersmart.ca
Michael Robinson, Ladysmith & District Credit Union Marketing Manager in front of the LDCU timeline. Photo: Marina Sacht
Hummingbird art unveiled
BY MARINA SACHT
There’s a hummingbird in the Nanaimo Airport. But don’t open the window. It won’t fit. It’s big. And beautiful.
On April 9, 2025, at a private ceremony, the Nanaimo Airport (YCD) unveiled the 'Hummmer' Panel, a new Coast Salish hummingbird carving, crafted by Stz'uminus artist Jason Harris. The piece, commissioned by the airport, graces the screening area of the airport terminal building, serving as a powerful cultural symbol and a warm welcome to travellers. In attendance were Stz’uminus Nation Chief John Elliott, Cowichan Tribes Chief Cindy Daniels and other dignitaries.
Representing the Nanaimo Airport Commission were President and CEO Dave Devana, Board Chair Colleen Johel, Board Vice Chair Garth Busch and Board Secretary Mark Taylor, who expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to share this moment with the Stz'uminus Nation.
Davena thanked Jason for enhancing the Nanaimo Airport. “This carving is not only a beautiful work of art, but also a symbol of collaboration between the Nanaimo Airport Commission and Stz'uminus First Nation as we work together towards reconciliation goals.”
Traditional singing by Beverly David, Daniella David, and George Harris added to the celebration.
Jason, who was visibly moved, thanked his friend, renowned Coast Salish artist Luke Marston, for his support and guidance in the project. “I never used a router before, and that router was really big and heavy.” He was worried that he’d put a hole in the wood, but “Luke guided me on what to do.”
Jason started work on the hummingbird work two years ago. “I did about three or four designs, and they picked
Stz'uminus artist Jason Harris at Nanaimo Airport unveiling of the 'Hummer' Panel. Photo: Marina Sacht
the one that we’re about to see,” he said.
Jason grew up watching his father carve but had no interest in it until a carving course came up and his dad convinced him to take it with him. It was with the late, master carver, Simon Charlie.
“We thought it was just going to be small carvings. But we started off by making our own knives, and then we started little plaques, and then, the carver says, ‘Your next project is a totem pole.’ Everyone kind of laughed, and we’re like, ‘Yeah, right — a totem pole.’ And he goes, ‘Go outside and pick a log.’ I made about a 12-foot totem pole. So, after that, carving really grew on me.”
The hummingbird is special to Harris, who is well known for his hummingbird designs. “My mother said the hummingbird is God’s gift, God’s messenger.” It brings good news and good luck, he explained.
“This is my first unveiling of my art, and I’m really happy about this because I just got word that two of my designs were selected for the Pattullo Bridge, in New Westminster, this summer.”
And the design they picked? A hummingbird, of course. It seems that there is a hummingbird following him.
“Jason has been an artist in our community for so many years. I still have one his hummingbirds hanging on the mirror in my car. So, you know, he has been doing a lot of his work for a long time,” said Stz'uminus Chief John Elliott.
Demo day at Jonanco
Jonanco Hobby Workshop will be holding Demo Day on May 10 from 10am to 3pm. Jonanco has been a hub of creativity for over 51 years. Originally built by a group of rockhound enthusiasts, the programs have expanded from the lapidary workshop to include quilting and needlework, a woodworking shop and a watercolour and acrylic painting group. There will also be a used tools and bake sale.
Bookstore turns a page
Salamander Books’ Frieda Douglas is retiring after 20 years in business. Douglas is closing the chapter on May 31, and passing the torch to Dana Corbett and Catherine Quaglia of Boundless books. The new bookstore will open July 1.
But while Ladysmith will be saying goodbye to their longstanding new and used bookstore, Salamander, the owners
of Boundless Books plan to turn it into a destination for new books serving both adults and children. Dana and Catherine intend to create a space that will embody the joy and connection that books bring.
Meet Schnoodle
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
Chris Jassmann has always been interested in video editing. “I’ve been editing and making stuff all my life.” He is the creator behind Schnoodle Video, a company that works with musicians to edit their content.
His career took a few turns before he reached the path he’s now on. He went to film school and worked in the VFX industry, but worked as a mailman in the Tri-Cities for six months while he figured out the next step. “I dipped my toe back in and eventually started working in visual effects again and realized that it wasn’t for me. I started pursuing more of the editorial that I really enjoyed doing.”
Working in editorial was an asset during COVID. “I get to work from home. … I have my clients sending me work over the internet.” The remote aspect of his job allows him to work internationally with many clients in LA.
In 2022, he began working with rapper Jonwayne. “I was cutting him these weekly videos for YouTube.” When Jonwayne’s videos started going viral, he suggested Chris change his business’s name from Schnödle Bug to Schnoodle Video. “He said … you’re not an underground artist anymore.”
Jonwayne also gave Chris credit on his videos, something that not many artists do. “Not a lot of people put their editor in the credits, even on YouTube.” His work is deserving of credit too. Musicians, in order to stay relevant, need to be constantly producing content. Chris takes their self-taped videos and turns them into digestible and entertaining videos that can be posted on various online platforms. “I’m taking up to three-hour live streams and turning them into tenminute, multi-cam episodes.”
Chris finds that having a music background is helpful when working with musicians. He has an “ability to edit with music in mind … where I’m able to speak their language and know what they need in terms of what they’re trying to get across.”
Chris enjoys working with musicians, but as his business grows, he’s looking
for more opportunities to work with the community around him.
Animation is a passion of his, and he had the opportunity to explore animated advertising with Sneaky Weasel.
His interest in animation didn’t start in advertising, though. Three years ago he made an animated film called Roach. It started as an idea shared between him and his friends in film school, but he was the one who took it from a concept into reality. “I realized, ‘I’m going to have to learn how to make this movie by myself if I want to get this out of my system.’ And that’s how I learned to animate.”
Since its debut, Roach has been shown in several places across Canada. The process, Chris said, was intense, but the desire to keep creating is strong. “The idea of making a movie is a little daunting, but it’s something I can’t avoid.”
Chris Jassmann in his studio. Photo submitted.
Harvey and Elwood toast the upcoming opening of Harvey at the Ladysmith Little Theatre, on now until May 11.
Photo: Brenda Birch
Were you one of the
2135 voters who rejected the AAP?
Are you aware that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) passed a motion last month asking the Province to change how local governments can borrow large sums of money for civic projects? This change could reduce or eliminate your opportunity to have a say in how your municipality can commit the community to longterm debt without your approval.
Under the current system, Ladysmith Town Council must seek for your approval before borrowing large sums of money for major projects. Council has two paths to gain your approval. The first is by referendum, and the second is by use of the Alternative Approval Process (AAP).
According to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs in their pamphlet “A Guide for Local Governments in British Columbia,” the AAP “enables local governments to directly engage citizens about a proposed bylaw intended to undertake long-term borrowing, a boundary extension, establish a new regional district service or other matter requiring elector approval.” To be able to do that, they
must give the public notice of their intent to borrow this money. If there is little, or no opposition expressed throughout the notification period (usually 30 days), it is deemed that they have your approval to borrow the required money.
The AAP process requires you to get and sign a rejection form and return it to a designated site to be counted. If you fail or are unwilling to do this, then it is assumed that you are in favour of the borrowing bylaw.
I think this is undemocratic, especially when dealing with controversial projects that require the Town to borrow large sums of money. It appears to me that the AAP is often used in the hopes that the public will not be bothered to take the time to go register their opposition. Therefore, I believe the AAP should only be used on “no-brainer issues” or to test the water to see how much support is out there for the borrowing bylaw.
As much as I dislike the AAP process, it does contain safeguards that allow for public input. This is the 10 per cent rule. The rule says that if more than 10 per cent of registered voters sign a rejection (no vote) form, then the borrowing bylaw fails. If it fails, it must be resubmitted, usually, as a referendum. It is this rule that the motion at the AVICC aims at.
The motion to change the AAP process regarding capital projects reads in part: “borrowing without the requirement of electoral approval.” NO ELECTORAL APPROVAL. Where’s the public input?
What does that mean for you and me? It means that we would lose our ability to have a say on whether we wish to allow our local government to put us and future generations in debt. We would also no longer have a say on whether we want
to take on additional debt or even express our support or dissatisfaction with a proposed project.
Last summer, because of the existing AAP process, we could decide whether or not we supported the Town’s plan to borrow $13.5 million to build the new city hall in the Buller Street Project. If these proposed changes were in effect, it is likely construction would already be underway. The plan was to build a multistory (6 +) building, including City Hall. When the voter had the opportunity to say whether they wanted the project as presented, 2135 residents said no. The 2135 voters who gave a resounding no outnumbered those who voted in the 2022 election.
The residents were able to stop this unpopular project because the existing AAP process was in place.
Let us hope that municipalities take the time before the next UBCM to reconsider the motion and find a way to ensure voters still have a direct say in what projects are undertaken and how they are paid for.
At least that’s as I see it.
Buller Street Project underwent an AAP last year that failed. Photo: Marina Sacht
Sasquatch Crashes Rotary Garden Tour
BY MARINA SACHT
The Briggs will be opening their gates along with seven other gardeners as part of the 25th annual Ladysmith Rotary Tour, happening on Sunday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We have eight fabulous gardens on tour this year in Ladysmith, Cedar and Yellow Point,” said Rotarian Gerry Beltgens. The event is being sponsored by the Ladysmith & District Credit Union again this year.
Wayne and Janice Briggs retired in 2000. The couple moved here from Winnipeg. But Janice calls it more a journey than a move due to the lengthy process of building their home in the south end of Ladysmith.
They bought the lot in 2000, but it took two years to get a permit to build. Then there were delays with COVID. They finally completed their home and, two years ago, began landscaping their yard.
They started with the two side yards and then the backyard. And when they were through landscaping, Wayne made boxwood topiaries — five dolphins and a seahorse.
“These all turn solid blue with flowers,” said Wayne, pointing to the “stream” that the dolphins are “riding.”
You would not know it, but gardening is a new venture for the couple. “It’s something we took up later in retirement. We still feel like novices.” Janice laughed.
While the topiary is impressive, it pales in comparison to the ten-foot sasquatch watching over Colonia Road. At night, Stanley’s eyes glow red. So what inspired Wayne to build a sasquatch?
“Where else would a sasquatch want to be?” he asked. “This must be prime sasquatch territory,” he said, pointing to the trees and mountains. Janice agrees.
Taking a closer look at the handsome beast, you will notice large footprints
leading up to Stanley. A set of smaller ones run off into the bush. Perhaps there will be another smaller sasquatch joining Stanley, one wonders.
Stanley the Sasquatch. Opposite page: Janice and Wayne Briggs. Photos: Bob Burgess
Stanley the Sasquatch has a handsome face and soulful eyes, and very impressive glutes — no doubt from all the hills in Ladysmith.
The lot next door is covered with Scotch broom — the material that Wayne used to weave through the metal frame he welded. “I wanted something brown, and the Scotch broom, after you cut it, turns brown like fur.” That’s the colour of a Sasquatch, and when Stanley’s fur needs replacing, an abundance of broom is available right next door.
It took Wayne six weeks to make Stanley. His face and hands are made of clay, and his eyes are made of blown glass from Germany. Stanley made his debut last Halloween to the delight of most neighbours, though some were surprised that he’s here to stay.
You won’t want to miss Stanley or the other surprises awaiting you at the Rotary Garden Tour this year. Tickets are $25 in advance at local stores or online at www.rotary-club-of-ladysmith.tickit.ca, or $30 on the day of the event in the upper parking lot of Country Grocer, Ladysmith, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Rhodo Show
The Nanaimo Rhododendron Society is hosting their annual Flower Show and Sale on May 10. Held at the Centennial Building in Beban Park, this event brings together gardeners and enthusiasts to enjoy the stunning array of colours, textures and sizes available. Admission is free, and the event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
For more information on the show, visit their website at nanaimorhodos.ca.
Rebates on Home Heating
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
The wait is over. The CVRD has updated their rebate programs for upgrading and removing wood-burning appliances.
The program is designed to help the Cowichan Valley embrace a climate-forward approach to heating appliances and reduce smoke pollution in the air. It is funded by the BC Lung Association, the Ministry of Environment and the Climate Change Strategy.
The BC Lung Association reports that “communities within the Cowichan Valley rank among the 20 worst polluters in British Columbia for [particulate matter] emissions.” These emissions have been a concern of the CVRD for several years. Island Health notes that “hospital admission rates for children with respiratory disease average 70 per cent higher in the Cowichan Valley than in other places in the province.”
The rebate program is similar to previous years, but it’s offering some new incentives.
The most environmentally friendly upgrade is to replace wood-burning appliances with heat pumps. The CVRD is providing a $2,200 incentive, and participating retailers are offering a $150 discount.
Replacing a woodstove or outdoor wood boiler with an EPAcertified pellet stove is eligible for a $1500 incentive from the CVRD and a $50 discount from participating retailers.
While keeping wood-burning appliances is not ideal for reducing emissions, the CVRD still offers a $600 incentive to replace old appliances with newer EPA-certified woodstoves. This comes with a $50 discount offered by participating retailers.
Additionally, the CVRD is offering a separate $300 incentive for removing non-EPA certified wood-burning appliances without installing a new heating appliance.
On the topic of fires, British Columbia FireSmart is now offering rebates for Ladysmith, Duncan, and the CVRD electoral areas. FireSmart wants to support homeowners in “performing Firesmart activities on residential properties.” The goal of this program is to help communities and homeowners reduce damage from wildfires.
Emergency Management Cowichan, on behalf of the CVRD, the Town of Ladysmith, and the City of Duncan, offers free Wildfire Home Assessments.
Ladysmith Fire Chief Chris Geiger said the rebate program “will provide funding to families who want to take steps to
protect their homes from wildfires, making us more resilient in the future.”
Applications for rebates of up to $4,000 depend on completing a free FireSmart Home Assessment.
To apply visit the CVRD’s website.
Get Prepared
Emergency Management Cowichan is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Expo on Saturday May 3rd at Transfer Beach from 10am to 2pm.
This is a great family event to learn about local responders, emergency support organizations, and how to be prepared.
Emergencies can happen in an instant and being prepared makes a difference. Knowing the hazards in your area determines what strategies you can employ. In the Cowichan Valley, the most relevant risks are wildfires, flooding, severe storms, hazardous material releases and earthquakes.
Grab-and-go bags containing emergency supplies, as well as a basic list of necessities, can make leaving quickly easy. Those basics include: non perishable food, bottled water, medication, flashlights, phone chargers, emergency blanks, and a whistle. Other considerations include children, senior members of your family, or pets. Ideally this kit should be able to support your needs for one week.
Having a plan for evacuation routes, meeting points if separated, and sharing important pieces of personal information, can help you and your loved ones stay safe and calm.
For help on how to build an home emergency plan, visit emcowichan.ca.
Fire-resistant Laced up Elder is a firesmart alternative in the yard.
Photo: FireSmartBC
RDN Area A Cedar, South Wellington, Cassidy & Yellow Point Budget
The final Regional District of Nanaimo 2025 budget is now set. Regional district budgets are determined by the combination of services received by the area, including services external to the RDN (e.g., Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL), Southern Community Recreation and the Port Theatre). These budgets must be balanced for each service, and monies collected cannot be transferred between services.
Property taxes
Individual property tax rates result from the services available to that property and the assessed value of the property. The Province collects property taxes for the regional district and other
services like schools, police and hospitals. The Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board (which consists of RDN members) determines tax requisition rates for the contributions that the Province requires for capital projects, which is 40 per cent of capital costs. Most of us in Electoral Area A also receive services from Improvement Districts for our fire protection and, for some, water. The Improvement Districts Board determines these services’ tax rate and is included in your property tax rate. Your overall property tax rate is the combined total for all these services.
I will provide information for only the RDN services and VIRL. Because different areas receive different services, communicating property tax rates is challenging. What is often reported is the general services tax rate, as that applies to most. Services provided to small
groups are reported separately and included in the tax rate for those properties (e.g., Cedar Estates Stormwater service). I will discuss the RDN general services rate in this article.
The “mill rate,” which is the amount charged per $100,000 of assessed property value, is the clearest way to understand and compare changes in property taxes. For Area A, the 2025 RDN mill rate is 0.973 + 0.176 (for VIRL), totaling to the 2025 mill rate of $114.87. The RDN collects a parcel tax of $16 per property to pay for the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Program. This means that for an average valued home in Area A ($791,473), they can expect to pay $909.17 + $16 = $925.17. This is an increase of $10.99 per $100,000 of assessed value or $79 for the average Area A home. The 2024 mill rate was $103.88. If your property is valued lower, then you will pay less. If your property is valued higher, then you will pay more. Another factor influencing what we each pay is how our assessed property value changed relative to the average property. If your property value changed at the same rate of the average Area A home, then this estimate will reflect your tax rate. If your property value increases or decreases more than the average, your tax rate will fluctuate accordingly. Clear as mud, right?
How did I represent our community in the budget process? Overall, this was a tough budget for the Board, with much debate about affordability and service levels. I put forward two motions to consider cutting two proposed staff positions — one in parks and the other in admin — as I argued that this may be a way to lower the budget without significantly impacting service levels. The Board voted to include those positions in the budget. In the hospital budget debate, I made a motion to consider lowering the rate of tax increase for the hospital capital projects. In this debate, I argued that the projects are important and need to be funded, but are unlikely
to proceed within the current schedule, thus allowing us to decrease the tax rate while still ensuring that we have the funds necessary to support the hospital projects (e.g., cancer clinic and patient tower). In this debate, the NRHD Board decided to reduce the planned tax increase from 28 per cent to 21 per cent. Some wanted more; some wanted less. There were other items in the budget that I voted against that were supported by the Board. Ultimately, I voted to approve the budget because the process was fair, even though I did not win every debate.
Other decisions during the year that impacted the budget include community parks decisions. This was the area of the biggest percentage increase for Area A, giving me cause for reflection on these decisions. Although unexpected opportunities allowed these projects to move forward sooner than planned — thereby increasing this year’s costs — I believe they are good decisions for the community. For example, the Parks Committee received an offer to build a pump track near the Cedar skate park as a donation. However, this required some area upgrades and sped up ongoing planning for a playground in the area. I certainly did not want to turn down this excellent opportunity for our community, even though it increased our parks budget this year. Similarly, the land acquisition for the Cassidy Park was not planned for this year’s budget, but a suitable property in a good location became available, and I did not want to lose the opportunity for the community. Thankfully, much of the costs for these projects are covered through grants and reserve funds, but the staff work on these projects must be covered in the 2025 budget. Given that Cassidy has no community park, I believe it will be a great contribution to building community in the area. To compare with other electoral areas, Area A has the fifth highest community parks funding levels out of the seven areas, with the third highest population.
When comparing RDN taxation levels to other RDN electoral areas, Area A has the fifth highest average taxation amount across the seven electoral areas (or third lowest, depending on how you look at it). Although the areas receive different services, making comparison challenging, I thought it would be useful to understand our area’s taxation levels compared to other RDN areas.
Town Hall Meeting
I will be holding a town hall meeting at the Cedar Heritage Centre on Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. I hope to see you there. You can also reach me at jessica.stanley@rdn.bc.ca or 250268-7359 to share any thoughts or ideas.
CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond
Public Information Session
Mark your calendars! There will be a Public Information Session on the Draft Modernized OCP (MOCP) for the electoral areas, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., on May 27, at the Heritage Hall, Cowichan Community Centre, in Duncan. The Local Area Plans will be available as well as the draft MOCP. This is your chance to review it before the next steps of a public hearing and the adoption of the MOCP later this year.
There will also be a Director’s Town Hall, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., on June 12, at the North Oyster Community Centre. Come meet your neighbours and talk about concerns. The main agenda topic is the Regional Growth Strategy.
What is a CVRD Regional Growth Strategy?
Think of the CVRD Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) as a farm plan for the entire Cowichan Valley. Imagine each community in the valley is like a different field on one big, shared farm. Area H — North Oyster and Diamond — is one of those fields. Every field is different: some grow crops, some have animals, and some are left wild. But they all rely on the same water sources, roads, weather and markets. If one field overuses water, it can affect the others. If one field overgrows without planning, it might ruin the soil for years to come.
So, the RGS is like a master farm plan that helps the whole operation run smoothly. It doesn’t plant the seeds for you or tell you what kind of tractor to buy. But it gives guidelines — like how to rotate crops, when to irrigate and where to build fences — so that the land stays healthy and productive in the long run.
For the Cowichan Valley, this plan looks at things like:
• Where homes and businesses should grow (like deciding which fields get new barns)
• How to protect natural areas and farmland (like keeping good pastures from being paved over)
• How to manage water, roads, and waste (like deciding how the irrigation system works)
• How to reduce pollution and prepare for climate changes (like planning for dry summers or wet winters)
It’s not about controlling every decision — it’s about coordinating so the whole “farm” (the Cowichan Valley) grows in a smart, healthy way.
What does this mean for Area H?
Now picture Area H as a field near the edge of the big farm. It’s got some houses, some old barns, some thick woods and maybe a creek or two running through. People here have worked the land carefully. They value peace, space, and the rural way of life.
The RGS helps make sure Area H isn’t accidentally overgrazed, bulldozed or turned into a strip mall just because someone somewhere else wants more growth. It gives Area H a voice in how the whole “farm” grows while helping the community plan for the future — so there’s room for young families, new barns (businesses) and safe roads, without ruining the land.
Pros of the RGS for Area H (the good crops)
1. Protects the “soil” (land and lifestyle): The RGS might help keep the rural charm of Area H safe from overdevelopment. It’s like protecting your best topsoil — you don’t want it stripped away.
2. Keeps the fences strong (boundaries clear): It draws clear
lines about where growth should go. This helps prevent sprawl and keeps farmland from being turned into suburbs.
3. Shares tools and water (regional services): Area H might benefit from regional planning for things like transportation, water systems, and waste — just like shared irrigation helps everyone.
4. Prepares for the next season (long-term thinking): The RGS doesn’t just look at today — it thinks about the next 20plus years. It plans for future roads, homes, and natural disasters like droughts or floods.
5. Encourages healthy crops (balanced growth): It promotes growth that fits the land. Instead of cramming in houses wherever there’s space, it supports smart development.
6. Gives everyone a say at the table: During the RGS planning process, communities like Area H can speak up. It’s like a farm meeting where every field has a voice.
Cons of the RGS for Area H (the weeds in the field)
1. Can feel distant or top-down: Sometimes the “big farm plan” doesn’t reflect the unique needs of a small field like Area H. People here may feel like decisions are made far away.
2. Limits some options: The RGS might prevent certain types of development — even if someone thinks it would be good for business or housing. It might feel like being told you can’t plant a certain crop.
3. Slower to act: With more coordination comes more paperwork and time. Planning under the RGS might feel like waiting for rain when the crops are dry.
4. Funding isn’t always there: Even if the plan has good ideas, there’s not always enough money or resources to make them happen — like wanting a new fence but not affording the posts.
5. Balancing different views: Some folks want more growth, others want none. The RGS tries to keep everyone happy, but that often means compromise.
6. Requires teamwork: For the RGS to work, everyone has to stay on the same page—from the smallest field to the biggest. If one area doesn’t cooperate, the whole system suffers.
In the end ...
The CVRD’s Regional Growth Strategy is like planning the future of the valley as if it were one big farm. Done right it should help each part — like Area H — grow in a way that respects the land, the people and the long-term health of the region.
Just like good farmers plan their crops, rotate their fields, and protect their water, the RGS might help our communities grow wisely. It’s not perfect, but with care and cooperation, it could help keep Area H strong, green and rooted in what makes it special.
I admit, the analogy is not perfect — some fields might like to expand their boundaries; other fields might want to amalgamate. And there may be other concerns. However, the decision for an RGS has been postponed until the MOCP has been adopted (end of 2025). Let’s use that time to have a conversation about the RGS. Let me know your thoughts.
In service, Ben Maartman ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca 250-510-5930
CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands
CVRD Area G Director Jesse McClinton's Notes were not available at presstime.
Markets & music
The month of May marks the return of the Wednesday Market. The market runs weekly from May 28th through the end of September. With vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and crafted items, there’s something for everyone. The market is open from 10am to 3pm in Waterwheel Park.
Springtime is the perfect time to take yourself on a self-guided tour exploring the artistic expression of the murals and the whimsical garden designs throughout Chemainus. This artisan village is known for its stunning murals, beautiful residential gardens, and a plethora of galleries and shops.
Don’t forget to stop in at the newly reopened Chemainus Valley Museum to learn the history of the area. Operated by the Chemainus Valley Historical Society, the museum is designed to preserve the records and rich cultural history of Chemainus.
Looking for a thrill? The Chemainus Theatre presents Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.” This retelling of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale is sure to delight and intrigue you. The show runs from May 2nd through June 1st. Grab your tickets soon before they sell out!
Wednesday Market in the Waterwheel Park Parking lot returns end of month. Photo: visitchemainus.ca
The Chemainus Legion is hosting a Saturday afternoon Open Mic on May 3rd. You’re invited to come have fun performing (up to three songs) or just listen to the music. The open-mic will be happening along with the regularly scheduled meat draw. The music starts at 3pm and goes until 6pm.
This month the Sunday Jazz at the Osborne Bay Pub is host to two unforgettable performances:
On May 11th, Arrowsmith Big Band takes the stage. With eighteen members, the ABB has an abundance of top notch musicians. This band has been a staple in the island’s music scene for decades and is known for having some of the best jazz players on the Central Island.
On May 25th, KC and the Tomcats are returning after their packedhouse performance last year. This quartet mixes Phil Newns’ piano with KC’s sultry vocals. With fun-loving sass, this band is entertainment you won’t want to miss.
A Bigger and Better Sailpast for May
BY MARINA SACHT
The Ladysmith Sailpast is the traditional start to the boating season, giving boaters as chance to be blessed for fair seas and favourable winds and reconnect with fellow boaters.
But you don’t have to be a boater to enjoy Sailpast. The past few years, Ladysmith Yacht Club has been turning this time-steeped tradition into a community affair. And this year promises to be bigger than ever before.
The Sailpast including the traditional blessing of the boats will be held at Transfer Beach Park on May 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year is extra special, as the LYC celebrates its 40th anniversary, said David Franz, vice commodore.
“The big change is that the blessings of the boats will be happening out in the front of the public. It’s an expanded event. There are more activities this year down at the park than there was in the past years.”
Starting at 10:30 a.m., the Copper Canyon will kick off the festivities, with the official opening ceremony at 11 a.m.
There will be food and entertainment for the whole family, with food trucks, an artisan fair, community booths, live music, and a chance to win five $100 gift certificates from Country Grocer.
A piper will start the celebrations attended by Ladysmith-Oceanside MLA Stephanie Higginson and Ladysmith Mayor Deena Beeston, along with other local dignitaries.
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, Lady Smith Maritime Society, the Dragon Boaters, and all of the local marinas will be present, including Oak Bay Marine Group’s Ladysmith Marina, a sponsor of the event.
The Sailpast is rooted in deep tradi-
tion, going back thousands of years, with one of the earliest references in Homer’s Iliad, said Franz. Fleets, especially navies, would often display their boats, proving their readiness and capability for battle.
“So, we show our boats in front of Commodore Paul Tellier.” Tellier will be positioned near the shore, allowing spectators a close look at the boat parade, and former commodore Diane Charles will be introducing the boats as they go by. Following the Sailpast, the yacht club members and guests will meet up at the marina for a BBQ.
This area has long been prized as a gateway to some of the best boating in the world.
“If you go to the marinas, you’ll see licence plates from many provinces. Many people from the interior BC come out here to boat.” That translates to an economic benefit for the business community.
“We have probably 800 to 900 boats parked here, year-round, plus many boats that are in driveways.” Additionally, many people that come here to boat, end up moving here when they retire. “And so, it really is an important part of community.”
And despite currently being without a clubhouse, the LYC is a vibrant, active voice of the maritime community. The club holds regular rendezvous and offers members opportunities for boating education and networking, along with reciprocating moorage at other clubs.
Sailpast is a way to celebrate our boating community, and that boating is a integral part of our Ladysmith experience, says Franz. For information, contact info@ladysmithyc.bc.ca.
National Safe Boating Awareness Week, May 17–23
BY RCMSAR
The RCMSAR Station 29–Ladysmith station members will be set up to answer questions and schedule “Pleasure Craft Safety Checks” (PCSC) at two community events in May, both at Transfer Beach:
The Emergency Preparedness Expo, Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The LYC Sailpast, Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
As well the RCMSAR KDF kiosks are all stocked for this boating season, and we encourage families to borrow kids’ PFDs as needed on the water or on the docks.
If you’re heading out on the water, remember these cardinal safety tips to help avoid putting yourself and your loved ones at risk:
- Wear a life-jacket, always! You and your family.
- Call for Help immediately: Use channel 16 on VHF marine radio, or call *16, #727, or simply dial 9-1-1 on your cell.
- Familiarize yourself with the area you visit; note commercial traffic zones and remote areas that lack cellular coverage.
- Boat sober.
- Bring required safety equipment: Test equipment prior to departure; replace expired items.
- Review and carry a local marine chart to be aware of underwater dangers, and watch for logs or deadheads, as strikes can damage a boat’s hull or motor, which can result in injury or death.
- Leave a sail plan with loved ones and check the weather and tides before departing.
Spectators at Transfer Beach Park watching the Sailpast, 2024. This year will see an expanded event. Photo: Bob Burgess
Ladysmith Maritime Society celebrates 40 years
BY JACKIE ELLIOTT, LMS PRESIDENT
Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Despite the ups and downs during its long tenure in the community, the future looks bright for our organization, which is dedicated to preserving our rich maritime heritage.
In 1985, a small group of sea-loving citizens came together with the dream of building a tall ship for the 1986 Expo. Although that project was unsuccessful, the group turned to restoring heritage vessels, operating the successful Ladysmith Community Marina and hosting popular maritime-themed events. This year, we look forward to honouring the past volunteers and members who started the society and made it what it is today.
John Trottier, one of our current board members, eloquently captured the essence of LMS at our recent AGM: “The very best part of being involved with the Ladysmith Maritime Society was watching a child row one of our heritage row boats for the very first time, or holding a crab, or just having fun making crafts on the dock.”
Despite the drastically changed circumstances, our mission remains the same. We are still very much dedicated to providing access to the ocean, sea-life education, and maritime history for the community and the thousands of visitors we welcome yearly.
LMS and many other non-profit organizations in Ladysmith have generated economic wealth for the town and support for our small businesses by attracting tourists. We maintain a large database of visitors from all over the world who remain friends of LMS. Now, more than ever, our tourist trade is vital for our town’s economic success. This year, LMS will be at the forefront of efforts to ensure that Ladysmith remains a premier destination for vacationers. Tourism is tariff-free!
We are grateful to the Telegraph Harbour Marina, Thetis Island team, for providing moorage for two of our heritage vessels and helping us relaunch our popular harbour tour. Our Sea Life Centre has been relocated to Telegraph Harbour Marina, where LMS will join forces to provide sea-life education programs. Our iconic Sea Life Festival will take place at Transfer Beach on August 17, but the Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour will be open throughout the tourist season.
Ann Eriksson, volunteer executive director of the Thetis Island Nature Conservancy (ThINC), said, “We’re thrilled to have the Sea Life Centre here at the Telegraph Harbour Marina and to partner with the Marina, the Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS) and our local dive group, Thetis Island Marine Explorers (TIME), to deliver marine education to locals and the visiting public.”
ThINC has been offering art and science-based nature education programs on Thetis Island for over a decade. A big draw every year is the Seaquarium and touch tank, which will move from ThINC’s Nature House to the Sea Life Centre this season. Visitors can look forward to dive demos, the annual sea star count, expert talks about ocean life and stewardship and low-tide beach walks with marine biologist and Thetis resident, Andy Lamb, author of the iconic book Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest. LMS is delighted to have this opportunity to build on our mission to provide marine life experiences and education for all ages.
We are immensely grateful to every private individual, business and organization that has either donated to LMS or awarded us grants to continue our work. A full list of our supporters will be available on our website soon.
If you would like to support LMS, please become a member! Visit www.lmsmarina.ca/membership to join us today.
Saravan relocating the Sea Life Centre from Oyster Bay Marina to Thetis Island, its new home. Photo: Ken Brownlow.
Biological warfare
BY PAMELA WALKER
Biological warfare is an unusual topic for an ecological society to address. But if the warfare is being conducted in the confines of a greenhouse or a garden and the biologicals are beneficial insects, then it’s probably a good news story. And it is.
The new manager of Holden Lake Farm and Garden on Yellow Point Road has a fantastic “spidey sense” when it comes to pest infestation. Being a thirdgeneration greenhouse grower with over 35 years in the business, Brad Vandermey can walk past the rows and rows of bedding and vegetable plants that have
been seeded and cared for by his crew, and still stop — dead in his tracks — to turn and look at the one plant that’s become lunch for a colony of unwanted crawlies. It’s uncanny.
Garden tips
Instead of reaching for the DDT, Raid or Captan, he uses the “little grey cells” of his bursting brain. You can do the same in your garden with his tips. Brad suggests you monitor your plants to look for damage often, draw clues from what you observe and then decide on what strategy will work the best:
1) What is happening and who is doing it? Is something eating your plants? If the leaves are being chewed from the edges, it’s probably caterpillars. If there’s a sticky substance on the surface, it’s probably aphids. If you can see holes on the leaves, think thrips — the everso-tiny winged insects. If you see black dots, that might be bugs or insect poo! Another clue can be found by determining what the bugs are chewing. If it’s a strawberry plant, that’s the choice meal of broad mites and speckle mites. If it’s a Verbena, Calibrachoa (mini petunia) or
Nothing beats a basket of food.
Photo: Sophie Walker.
Ipomoea (potato vine), chances are you have thrips. If it’s leafy greens, it’s probably slugs.
2) What stage of metamorphosis is the infestation? Are you dealing with eggs, larvae, pupae or adults? Each stage can be dealt with differently.
3) What can be done? Brad depends on
biologicals a lot. In fact, he used to sell beneficial insects for the greenhouse industry. If you purchase a basket or a planter from Holden Lake, chances are you will see a little paper envelope on a popsicle stick amongst the foliage. Close examination reveals a tiny hole on one side of the sachet. Each sachet contains some beneficial insects and some food. The bugs eat the food then crawl out the hole looking for dessert. Dessert may be fungus gnats or aphids. Job done.
Armed and ready
In your own garden, use an escalating arsenal:
a) Attract your own biologicals without having to buy popsicle sticks. Beneficial insects love not only herbs such as mint, dill, fennel and oregano but also flowers like marigolds, alyssum and calendula. Plant these in abundance. Make earwig houses out of damp, rolled-up corrugated cardboard inserted into a paper towel tube. Earwigs love aphids!
b) Resort to DIY methods. Squish aphids with your fingers or wash them off with a spray of water. Offer the last sip of your beer to slugs or use copper wire or egg shells around your plants. Not (sub)urban legends, these tricks really work. Spray aphids and spider mites with water and dish soap at 40:1 ratio. Put wood ashes on tomatoes and potatoes to get rid of flea beetles. Are wireworms eating the roots of your garlic, onions and leeks? Get rid of them by doing in their parents, the click beetles. Place pieces of wood or cardboard near the garden. Check underneath regularly. If they’re there, act quickly as they are fast to lie on their backs, feigning death. Suddenly, before you realize it, they’ve propelled themselves into the air with a decisive click! What fun.
c) Only as a last resort, consider harsher measures. Pyrethrins, made from chrysanthemum flowers, actually bind to the proteins on the nerves, making the poor bug twitch to death. Yikes.
Diatomaceous earth, made of silica skeletons of ancient diatoms, act as glass shards on little feet and lung tissue. Ouch. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), which is found on some leaves and in some caterpillars, can bind to the bug’s tummy after consumption and ruptures their guts. Not fun. Monsanto, who won the “Worst Company in the World” award in 2011, is making GMO corn, cotton and tomato seeds with Bt in their DNA. This is not good.
As all of these solutions have the potential to cause collateral damage, killing the good as well as the bad and the ugly. They are best avoided.
4) What else can be done? Accept the fact that you are providing a bit of food to the birds, bees and bugs. After all, it’s not such a terrible thing, is it? We all have to eat, and we all have to get along. And scientists are developing innovative, better ways to combat these issues. Our use of chemical pesticides has not worked well, but one big idea is to use mycelium. When observing zombie ants that have naturally been infected with mushroom spores, scientists have observed them sporting tiny mushroom hats that are growing out of their brains. Gosh. But what if we can get the spruce budworm or the pine beetle to eat a toadstool that would turn them into a kind of risotto for beneficial insects? They would stop killing our trees. Research continues, but Brad says he’ll wait until it becomes cost-effective before he starts using them in his greenhouses.
Spring Returns to Wildwood
BY ALEXANDER SMITH EIS NATURALIST
At 4 a.m., I was jolted awake by what I first thought was someone pounding on the side of the house. It turned out to be a red-breasted sapsucker, drumming furiously on the metal rain barrel just outside my window. After my heart rate returned to normal, I lay there listening, thinking about alarm clocks — mine still silent on the nightstand, while nature’s was already in full swing. Spring had arrived, and the forest was wide awake.
Spring in the forest is all about awakenings. After the quiet of winter, every layer of the forest comes back to life — slowly, then all at once. Buds swell, birds return, frogs sing, and native plants push up through the soil. From the tallest tree canopy to the smallest forest pool, life stretches, stirs and begins again.
In the upper canopy, bigleaf maples are among the first to wake. Their bright yellow-green flowers bloom before the leaves, feeding insects and offering vital nectar to early pollinators. This timing is perfect for rufous hummingbirds, who arrive from as far away as Mexico and depend on these early blossoms for fuel. While Douglas-firs stay evergreen and don’t bloom like maples, they host another kind of awakening — the return of nesting birds like owls, woodpeckers and songbirds preparing for the season ahead.
The midstory — the zone of shrubs and small trees — also comes alive. Salmonberry is a spring star, with vivid pink blossoms appearing just as the days lengthen. These flowers are an essential food source for hummingbirds, bumblebees and butterflies. As the season
goes on, the berries will feed thrushes, wrens, and even black bears. Red-flowering currant is another early bloomer, creating pink clouds in the underbrush and offering shelter for nesting birds. On the forest floor, the smallest and most delicate awakenings begin. Trilliums push through the duff and leaf litter, opening three-petaled white flowers that slowly turn purple as they age. Calypso orchids — rare and sensitive to disturbance — bloom briefly, their soft pink blossoms tucked in the moss.
Anna's Hummingbird. Photo: Bob Burgess
Yellow wood violets add warmth and brightness to shaded ground, attracting native bees and other insects just beginning to emerge from dormancy.
Vernal pools, formed from spring rain and snowmelt, are temporary but essential. Though they often dry up by summer, they host intense bursts of life. Frogs, salamanders, and aquatic insects all rely on these pools for breeding and feeding. Water parsley blooms along the edges, attracting insects and offering refuge to young amphibians. These wetlands are also used by migratory birds looking for rest stops and feeding grounds as they journey north.
This layered response to spring — from tree to shrub to soil to water — is what makes our coastal forests so resilient and vibrant. Each part plays a role in waking the others. The flowers feed the insects, the insects feed the birds, and the pools protect the amphibians. It’s a cycle of renewal that’s been repeating for thousands of years.
At Wildwood, ecoforestry practices help protect this natural rhythm. By allowing trees to grow to maturity, maintaining healthy understories and safeguarding wetlands, we ensure that these awakenings continue year after year. Rather than halting the cycle, we work within it — allowing the forest to breathe, grow and wake up on its own terms.
Pink Calypso Orchid.
Photo: Alexander Smith
Spring to Summer
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”
- Cicero, 43 BC
Well, we’re halfway through Spring and heading at breakneck speed into summer. At least that’s the case for most of Canada. Here on our Pacific Island paradise, most bulbous flowers like snowdrops, daffodils, and tulips are long gone, and my hands are just itching to start getting all my veggie garden seeds in the warm earth, regardless of the age-old rule of waiting for Victoria Day. That’s for the rest of this country.
I know I should have been concentrating earlier on pruning the grape vines, and as I ramble into the orchard, that goes for the bloomin' plum, cherry & peach trees too.
A brief aside here: almost a month ago as I stood there doing a 360, I had a profound revelation – all the trees heavy with blossoms (the plums smelling the sweetest) were stone fruit! It has only taken me 20 years to figure this out.
I should have done the deed with my trusty magic electric pruners two months ago—weeded out all those creeping, ankle-biting, foot-tripping wild blackberries. But as a very wise woman once told me, don’t do it on yourself.
So I give a big shrug and play catch-up as best I can. The apple trees can still get a good tidy-up, and I’ll just have to do a major fruit thinning on all the rest of the fruit. Maybe.
Of course, I have a multitude of reasons why the farm’s horticulture areas were pretty much neglected this spring. When it comes to priorities, it’s Creatures First. Having a retirement farm for animals involves special care, food, meds, and lots and lots of lovin'. Just like our elderly human folk need. But my ‘animal farm’ submission comes later. The beasts are my excuse and I’m
Jackie with her new gal Nova underneath the unpruned 'witch's broom' apple tree. On the right, blossoms of the cherry tree. Photo submitted.
sticking to it.
As my buddy Daphne says, ‘focus on what did get done’, like weeding the garlic and the rhubarb patch and getting the mason bee lodges prepped and per fectly placed (Yippee, already a couple of tubes filled).
It’s the story of my life: get it all orga nized and started then… the proverbial poop hits the fan. Happens all the time. I’m getting used to it, almost ready for it. Almost. The trick is to keep my head down when walking from the sheep cor ral to the horse palace. Like right now, springing up wherever I look – lemon balm, flowering Silver Dollars, comfrey (both kinds), horseradish, loopy lupins. I make a detour into the wee forest – ev ergreen salal, Oregon grape, wild gin ger… hmmmm.
Methinks I have one of those sharethe-wealth ideas. With May 10th not that far away, the day that the Cedar Wom en’s Institute has their Plant & Book sale (Cedar United Church Hall, 10-2), my friend Jan and I (and a zillion plant pots) have our work cut out for us. Hey, maybe cut some fresh rhubarb and bag up some primo horse manure (the resi dent worms are free). Get everybody ea ger and ready for their planting season, which is soon. Read a good book and watch your garden grow. Whadda plan! Cicero would approve.
Jackie Moad continues to try her hand(s) at juggling several tasks through the racing seasons, all the while staying happy & mellow on that heavenly 20acre farm in Cedar.
