Letters
Thank You from Marine Search and Rescue
On behalf of our dedicated volunteers at the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 29 here in Ladysmith and our colleagues at other Stations in British Columbia, I wish to thank you for the article in the APRIL 2025 TAKE 5 edition. This recognition is much appreciated by our crew members who devote an incredible amount of time and effort in training and responding to emergencies 24 hrs per day, year round.
I would like to update readers on our major vessel refit, which is nearing completion. The original estimated costs have increased and now are expected to be in excess of $ 170,000 (before taxes). The Community Spirit has responded to hundreds of marine emergencies over its more than 10 years service and needed complete disassembly and rebuild.
We wish to extend our thanks to the Provincial Gaming Branch, the Canadian Coast Guard, Provincial Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, the CVRD/EMC, the Town of Ladysmith Grant-in-Aid Program, Ladysmith and Chemainus Legions, the Mid-Island Co-op, members of the Ladysmith Yacht Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the La dysmith Lions Club, Chemainus Rotary, Ladysmith Marina (Oak Bay Marine Group), Western Group/SSA Marine, Jones Marine Group, David Stalker Excavating Ltd., FMC Holdings Ltd. and all the individuals, donors and supporters who enable us to keep the program running.
Indeed, the refit has left us tight for operating funds, and we continue to actively fundraise in order to get through the com ing year. Of course, we greatly appreciate contributions and can be contacted through our web site rcmsar29.com — Sue Wisely, Station Leader, RCMSAR 29 Ladysmith
From the Desk of ... Opinion March 2025
Disclaimer: Please note the information below represents the views and opinions of the letter writer and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of TAKE 5 magazine.
Thank you to Francesca Pacchiano (guest columnist, TAKE 5, APRIL 2025) for exposing Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) discriminatory policies towards peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters. VIU president and board members should be ashamed of VIU’s attack on freedom and free speech.
It takes courage to expose the atrocities happening in Palestine and to speak against mainstream media and the state of Israel. That is exactly what those two students did, which is why VIU used all its power to punish them. Kudos to TAKE 5 for publishing this important story. — Denis Hughes
More on the Desk of ... Opinion March 2025
I am writing in response to the article in last month’s TAKE 5 by guest columnist Francesca Pacchiano.
I could not disagree with her more about this issue. Most of the pro-Palestinian protests, or “Goons for Gaza” as I like to call them, were anything but peaceful. Students were harassed and intimidated at their own universities, with many Jewish students feeling unsafe.
These students have absolutely no right to demand anything from VIU. Their immature signs outside of Starbucks mean nothing. How on earth can any adult take these types of protests seriously?
I am very grateful to VIU for getting rid of these protesters. I was sending my child to VIU in September, and I could not in good conscience send her to a school that allowed these types of ill-informed protests to continue. I was also glad that there were consequences for the students who protested. It is high time some younger people learned there are consequences to their actions. The same can be said for Palestine. Don’t attack Israel and then cry victim.
The conclusions made by Pacchiano are ludicrous at best. No one’s free speech was disrespected. I find it dis-
gusting that these protesters think they have a right to protest on other people’s property. I actually laughed out loud at her statement that VIU is not a safe space for the expression of thoughts, beliefs and opinions. What nonsense. VIU is probably one of the safest spots to voice your opinion, but setting up an encampment that supports a terrorist group isn’t a good fit for the campus.
I fail to understand the huge leap made by Pacchiano that somehow VIU is not honouring truth and reconciliation. Quite the opposite is true. VIU has made great strides in working with our First Nations
You are welcome to protest whatever you want, but please keep it off of cam pus. Thank you again to VIU for dis mantling this site and for ensuring there are consequences for these protesters. Welcome to adulthood. — Lynne Smith
(Response from Francesca Pacchiano) Lynne, I appreciate your concern for your child. Any good parent hopes for a safe and informative environment for their children to attend classes, build community, and most importantly, de velop skills in critical thinking.
You are welcome to your own opinion on whether the method the protestors used was the correct one. The signage, as I noted in the oped, was blunt and even as a student and supporter it was hard to reconcile with. The encampment likewise was a measure taken by protestors simply because they were repeatedly being ignored, disrespected, dismissed by the very institution that claims to support its students.
Your claim, however, that they should not have protested at VIU and that protest should be kept off campus is wrong. Universities, as an educational institution in the Canadian democracy, are a place where free speech and the right to assemble are not arbitrary but nec essary for the education of the students.
In
Response to “Tarrifs
Spur Local Shopping, Canadian Unity,” APRIL 2025/TAKE 5
In part three of this well-written arti cle, the author Kerith Waddington gives Dr. Michael MacKenzie, a professor of political studies at VIU a platform for his opinions on Trump and the tariff threats.
Mackenzie is repeating the same tired, ad-hominem attacks that the MSM has brainwashed us with, using Trump to sweep all Canadian responsibilities under the rug.
What an easy and lazy thing to do.
He is not helping but is riding free on the drivel that echoes through the tax-payer-funded CBC.
A truly independent, original approach could have examined the difference between free -market capitalism versus stakeholder capitalism (our version these days), or have given an analysis of why the US Republic was able to withstand a takedown by unelected “New World government” billionaire stakeholders, whereas our Canadian “democracy” and its constitution was rife with the most shocking and blatant abuse.
Dr. Mackenzie, redeem yourself and enlighten us with your knowledge and wisdom next time you speak. You can do better. — Margit Lieder
Voting and Communication
First, I would like to congratulate Mayor (elect as of this writing) Deena Beeston. Secondly, thank you to all of the candidates for mayor. But the miserable voter turnout does not reflect well on our town or our democracy. I suspect this is partly due to communication or not very good communication. Yes, there is much social media flying around and other print media, including this TAKE 5. But on a daily basis, remind me when I drive into town, or even through town on First Ave.
I would like to suggest that some good, prominent and permanent information signs be erected at strategic locations to inform people of ongoing events and important announce -
ments. For example, on voting day, the sign might say, “Voting Today for Mayor at Frank Jamieson.” Also, for example, current watering restrictions, and events at Transfer Beach.
When we were travelling a lot to Arizona in the winter (no more I might add), one of my good neighbours down there said that he never voted because it didn’t matter. I said to him that if you do not vote, you have no right to complain. And if dozens or hundreds or thousands or more think like this, bad things can happen. This certainly applies here in Ladysmith.
A quote from Winston Churchill on Nov 11, 1947, sums it up: “Many forms of government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
This is something to remember when complaining about our less-than-perfect country. — John Rodall
Pi-Man
I just wanted to give Francesca Pacchiano a big thank you for the write-up! It was well written and in before the deadline when I left it so late. — Eric Derksen (Pi-Man)
Letters to the editor are welcomed. This is an open community forum. however letters may be edited for space nad in cases of libel, defamation and misinformation. The letters published here do not necessarily represent the opinion of TAKE 5 or its affiliates. Write to editor@take5.ca or find us on Facebook.
The Rainbow Skiff
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
On Wednesday, March 12th, the Ladysmith Maritime Society handed over the Rainbow Skiff to the Maritime Museum of BC. The exchange took place at the Car Shop and was attended by LMS members, family members, and representatives from the Maritime Museum of BC.
The skiff is a documented part of British Columbia’s coastal history, as seen in a photograph from 1898. It got the name “Rainbow” after being associated with the Rainbow, Canada’s first warship. “It was always known by the locals as Rainbow’s skiff,” said LMS member and historian Robert Lawson.
The historical importance of this boat is in three parts, as Lawson noted. “One is the association with BC’s early history to do with the development of Esquimalt Harbour. The second is its association with Rainbow. And the third is [that] it is from the very end of the period when boats like that were almost entirely still hand-built by boat builders contracted by the Royal Navy…it does represent the end of a tradition of lapstrake boats that goes back to the Viking times.”
To preserve this history, the skiff requires restoration, which the LMS can’t afford. “We have very little money, and
the museum was very excited to be offered it. It’s going to stay here…people will continue to work on it and continue with the restoration.”
Since the closure of the marina, the LMS has struggled to find a location to meet and store their possessions. Their parting with the Rainbow Skiff is intended to keep its history alive. “This boat belongs to the people of British Columbia, and to be displayed as part of the Maritime Museum's collection is the appropriate place for it,” said Lawson.
Spring Is Here!
The Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club is hosting a plant sale on May 10, 2025, in the Aggie Hall. The sale includes trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, house plants and more — all grown by the club members. This is the perfect place to find
unique Mother’s Day baskets and gifts. There will also be raffle tickets available.
The event will also be attended by the Cowichan Valley Master Gardeners, who will be happy to answer any of your questions.
If you want to join the LSGC, they meet on the third Thursday of each month, from September to June, in the Eagles Hall. All the money raised at the annual plant sale contributes to an annual bursary given to a local student studying horticulture.
There Is Hope for Small Businesses
The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses noted that the trade war has hit small businesses particularly hard. Confidence in BC is at an all-time
Ladysmith Maritime Society members at the handing-over ceremony of the heritage Rainbow Skiff to the Maritime Museum of B.C. Photo: Bob Burgess.
low. The CFIB’s Business Barometer dropped 22.6 index points to 26.5, well below the historical average.
Despite this drop, there is still hope. “It has been encouraging to see British Columbians step up to shop local,” said Ryan Milton, director of Legislative Affairs for BC. He added, “While consumers do their part to support local stores and services, it is critical that the BC government accelerates efforts to lock in domestic free trade and provide meaningful cost relief, including repealing the provincial carbon tax on small businesses.”
The Water to Earth Month Continues to Make a Splash
The celebrations for the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Water to Earth Month began on March 22, 2025, and activities continue throughout April.
This year’s theme is glacier preservation and the actions residents can take to protect shared water resources. “This year’s Water to Earth Month highlights the importance of glacial meltwater for the environment and in our daily lives, such as providing drinking water and sustaining agriculture, and the need to focus on renewable energy for a sustainable future,” said Vanessa Craig, RDN
Residents are invited to all of the events, including an interpretive walk at Departure Creek, a tour of the Nanaimo River Watershed and Water Treatment Plant, Earth Day celebrations and much
For online activities and a complete list of events, visit www.getinvolved. rdn.ca/team-watersmart.
Mid-Island Fire Departments Receive New Funding
New funding for local volunteer fire departments was announced by BC NDP MLAs Anderson, Malcomson and Higginson. The funding will be used to purchase equipment for service and training purposes, personal protective equipment upgrades and FireSmart structure protection.
“The dedicated volunteer firefighters across Ladysmith-Oceanside should have the best equipment possible when they are saving lives every day,” said Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside.
George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville added that “updated equipment not only improves our emergency response capabilities but also strengthens the health and wellbeing of our first responders.”
The departments receiving funding are the Nanaimo Regional District, Cranberry Improvement District, Extension Volunteer Fire Department, Ladysmith and the North Cedar Improvement District.
Budget Plans for the NRHD
The Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board announced its approved budget and strategy for 2025. The plan includes $57.5 million total, with $20.7 million of that designated for equipment, major and minor projects, administrative expenses and debt servicing, and a reserve of $36.7 million.
The NRHD Board discussed the progress on the five priority capital projects identified in 2022. This list includes the approval of the new high acuity unit, the Nanaimo Cancer Centre, the long-term care facility and the building of a new patient tower and cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
The board expressed their gratitude to the Province for their commitment to improving the healthcare infrastructure but noted that these projects cannot be delayed. “We continue to urge the Province to create a plan and timeline for a new patient tower and cardiac catheterization lab as soon as possible. These two remaining priority projects are essential for residents in our region to get the critical care they need earlier and close to home.”
A Resident Once Again
The Town of Ladysmith was once again host to the comedy drama television series Resident Alien. Filming took place downtown from March 17 to March 19.
Before filming, Acting Mayor Tricia McKay said, “We’re thrilled to welcome the talented cast and crew of Resident Alien to our beautiful town.” McKay went on to note that the film industry both helps support the local economy and showcases Ladysmith to the world.
Crossing the Finish Line
After being delayed by snow in February, the Bastion 12K happened on March 16, 2025. The race followed the familiar Cedar route and drew a crowd of 308 runners from across Vancouver Island.
The club has received a lot of positive feedback and support, including a lady who played “Chariots of Fire” on her French horn to accompany the runners along the route.
“The race in Cedar has been an important part of our club’s history, and we are thankful for how the people of Cedar have given us such a warm welcome over the years,” said Trent Horwood, race director for the Bastion Run Club.
Changes to the RDN’s Bylaw Project
The RDN replaced the Bylaw 500 with Bylaw 2500 in order to make it easier for residents and contractors to access the information they need.
“We are pleased with the updated zoning bylaw that will be more responsive and effective for planning and development in the RDN, particularly given the rapid growth that we anticipate will continue well into the future,” said Vanessa Craig, RDN chair.
The key bylaw changes will affect secondary suites, servicing requirements, minimum setback requirements, shipping containers, building height, zone consolidation and subzones, Horne Lake CD3 Zone and retaining walls.
For information about the specific changes, visit the RDN’s website.
Bastion 12K Run in Cedar. Photo submitted.
It’s Showtime
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
It’s showtime for playwright and director Evan Shumka. His play “Theoxenia”, a hilarious comedy, follows a dysfunctional troupe as their apartment is invaded by a trio of sadistic gods demanding hospitality.
There will be three performances on the second weekend of April: Saturday, April 12, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. The play will be held at the Mike Taugher Studio on VIU’s Nanaimo campus. Tickets are free, but seating is limited; please arrive early.
Shumka is in his final year of study in the creative writing and theatre pro -
grams at Vancouver Island University. He is a multi-genre writer with a special affinity for the stage. “I’m an actor too; it’s where my two passions meet and coincide.”
As a writer, he is interested in “the relationships between people and how those can be revealed [through] dialogue.” Stage plays are almost completely based around dialogue and allow for a unique exploration of human nature and connection.
His writing is also informed by his acting experiences. His professor Leon Potter taught him to value the physicality of acting. “There’s no problem that can’t be solved physically. … When faced with a problem, there is something physical you can do to make it click.”
Acting and writing led naturally into directing for Shumka. Earlier this year, he directed a short play by fellow VIU student Lee Groen in the Satyr Player’s One Act festival. “It was the first time I directed an actual play that was performed in a public event.” That experience gave him the confidence to direct “Theoxenia”.
As a director, he looks for the spark of
ideas. “Lee had [a] scene where the main character gets beaten in the bathroom. And I read that and knew what I wanted it to look like. I felt like no one else was going to do it like that, or I couldn’t count on anyone else to do it like that. I
Playwright & director Evan Shumka.
Photo: Francesca Pacchiano
knew it had to be me who did it.”
The process of directing his own piece presented a challenge. “You’re not coming in with your own interpretation of what someone else has written; you’re just working with what you already have.” Shumka found that directing is more about letting the actors figure out their characters with guidance and inspiration rather than instruction. “The actors bring their own things to it, which is awesome because then it’s collaborative. It becomes something you didn’t expect.”
It's important, he said, to “be interested in what you’re writing.” But it’s also important to understand the process of how a piece comes into the world. Unlike other forms of writing, the playwright’s contribution is just the beginning. “The script is not the finished product. The script is the beginning, and then you get to go make it.”
Ladysmith Little Theatre presents Harvey
The Ladysmith Little Theatre’s last show promises to be a good one. Rehearsals are underway for the comedy “Harvey.”
Elwood’s sister has a real problem with his best friend, Harvey. That might be because Harvey is an invisible six-anda-half-foot tall rabbit. “Harvey” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Mary Chase and is being directed by Alan Holmes and produced by Brenda Birch. Be sure to catch this humorous story about friendship and loyalty.
“Harvey” opens April 24 and runs to May 11, 2025.
Visit ladysmiththeatre.com for tickets.
Yellow Point Choir's Sing Local, Sing Global
The Yellow Point Singers are presenting a spring concert May 4, 2 p.m., at the Cedar Community Hall. This non-auditioned soprano, alto, tenor, and bass community choir is working on a wide variety of musical pieces from around the globe, featuring some Canadian classics.
The public is welcome to relax, enjoy and be rejuvenated by such pieces as “We Rise Again,” “Where’er You Walk,” “Be the Change” and “The Spaces Between Us.” From around the globe are two Malaysian folksongs, the song “Sakura” and the traditional Scottish song “Wild Mountain Thyme.”
“Say it ain’t so,” said director Doug Roszmann when realizing he has been directing this choir for 25 years! The hugely talented Pippa Williams will accompany the choir on the piano with local percussionists to enhance some pieces. Special guest quartet Just Us will complete an entertaining afternoon of music. Tickets are available from choir members.
Yellow Point Singers. Photo submitted.
Gardening
with Purpose: Creating Sustainable, Thriving Gardens
BY MICHAEL ABDELMESSEH
With Earth Day on April 22, it’s a great time to reflect on how our gardens can support the environment. Here in the Cowichan Valley, where we’re surrounded by natural beauty, gardening isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about working with the land to create spaces that truly thrive.
Understanding Your Yard: The Key to a Healthy Garden
Every garden has its own conditions. Whether you’re in a sunny coastal spot or a shaded inland area, knowing your soil, sunlight patterns and wind expo -
sure helps you choose plants that will flourish. The more we observe and work with nature, the more successful and low-maintenance our gardens become.
Softscape Design: Blending Nature with Function
A well-designed garden feels like an extension of the natural landscape. Layering plants — ground covers, shrubs and trees — creates a balanced, biodiverse space that supports pollinators and wildlife. Choosing native plants reduces water use and maintenance while ensuring your garden thrives in our climate.
The Importance of Ongoing Maintenance
Spring is the season of new growth and the perfect time to set your garden up for success. In the Cowichan Valley, our mild winters and dry summers mean that ongoing care is key. Mulching helps retain moisture, pruning keeps plants healthy and maintaining soil quality ensures strong root development. Gardening isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an evolving relationship with the land.
Gardening with Sustainability in Mind
With Earth Day around the corner, it’s
worth considering how we can reduce our gardens’ environmental impact. Planting drought-tolerant species, conserving water and using organic methods all contribute to a healthier ecosys-
Dahlias and bees.
Photo: Into the Garden, Inc.
tem. Simple steps like composting and rainwater collection help gardens thrive while working in harmony with nature.
Gardening as a Community Experience
One of the best parts of gardening in the Cowichan Valley is the sense of connection it fosters. Whether it’s sharing plants with neighbours, swapping tips or simply admiring each other’s gardens, these shared experiences make it even more rewarding. A garden isn’t just a private retreat; it’s part of the broader landscape and community.
As we welcome spring and celebrate Earth Day, it’s the perfect time to invest in our outdoor spaces. A well-cared-for garden is more than just beautiful — it’s a place to connect with nature, enjoy the changing seasons and take pride in your space.
Thoughtful gardening goes a long way in helping you really love your yard.
Michael is a Red Seal Endorsed Landscape Horticulturist (RSE) and Owner/ Operator of Into the Garden Inc. Landscaping Services in Ladysmith, BC. Photo submitted.
One Drop at a Time: Water Catchment
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
Spring has just arrived, but summer is not far away. It’s essential to start considering water conservation early so you're prepared for the long, hot summer months. Collecting rainwater may seem inconsequential, but it offers numerous benefits.
The water collected from gutters and off roofs is free. It’s also naturally soft and great for both plants and, if installed with the appropriate plumbing, can be used for indoor use, such as toilet flushing. Remember, rainwater is untreated and, therefore, not potable, so don’t drink it. This water can be used outside of any regional water restrictions.
The RDN noted on the Rainwater Harvesting Rebates FAQ page that “rainwater harvesting reduces stress on local aquifers and rivers, leaving more water available for communities and environmental needs.” This is especially important given that our summers have been increasingly dry.
The WaterSmart Program recommends rain collections as an emergency protection against fire. Having a cistern that you can connect a sprinkler to in the case of a fire could make a difference for your home’s safety. But perhaps most persuasively,
The Drinking Water and Watershed Protection (DWWP) Program funds the water rebates through a parcel tax applied to residents in the RDN. Lisa Moilanen, spokesperson for the RDN, says that this method is beneficial because it “means we can provide water sustainability rebate programs to residents on a regular basis to continually support stewardship of this shared resource.”
Almost 100 residents of the RDN received this rebate in 2024. Funding is available for 2025, but it’s on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ladysmith resident Russ Barling installed a rainwater catchment system last year, and this year he is expanding his garden. The 5600-gallon tank has been filled three times. With enough hose, he can reach every corner of his yard and the adjacent property. “It's about conserving water that we would otherwise waste, as it just runs off our roof and into the ground,” says Barling. He is not saving money on his water, as it does not exceed the minimum that the Town of Ladysmith charges but it's “something for us, something we thought we had to do.”
He did collect his $75 rebate, but with more incentives such as lowering the minimum amount of water usage billed, more people would likely participate.
The Town of Ladysmith prioritizes rain barrels in their rebate program. Nicholas Pescod, communications and engagement specialist for the Town, noted that “rain barrels are much smaller, cost less and fit on most residential lots easily.”
While large storms can quickly overfill rain barrels, they are still effective at slowing the amount of runoff and can be used
to prevent creek erosion. Despite the small scale, Pescod said, “Rain barrels do a great job of reducing runoff from short duration storms.”
Over the last year, 31 property owners took advantage of the rebate. The Town is unable to specify exactly how much water was saved in rain barrels, but Pescod said, “We have observed for several years that per capita consumption is declining. One of the reasons for that decline is the use of rebates as incentives to reduce water consumption.” For that reason, the program was reinstated for 2025.
The DWWP Program also offers incentives for homeowners with private domestic wells (wells only for the residential use of one home) to ensure the well is properly covered, sealed or closed.
A large portion of RDN residents (42 per cent) rely on groundwater, often through the use of private wells. It’s important to maintain and upgrade any current or old wells in order to protect the quality of the groundwater for all people in the area. The RDN notes on the Wellhead Upgrades FAQ page that “improperly constructed or poorly maintained wells can act as a direct pathway for surface contaminants such as manure, petroleum products and fertilizers to enter the groundwater.”
If you are concerned that your well might be contaminated, there are rebates available to supplement the cost of testing. Don’t wait to get it checked out.
Regardless of where you live, water is important. So invest in a rain barrel or a cistern if you have the space. Visit your local municipality’s website for more information on these and other available rebates.
Ladysmith resident Russ Barling with his rainwater catchment system. Photo: Marina Sacht
Our Green Champion!
BY PAMELA WALKER
Strangely, the famous quote from boxer Muhammad Ali, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” has nothing to do with the natural world. Perhaps it should. Recently, TAKE 5 magazine and the Yellow Point Ecological Society (YES) hooked up to find the local heavyweight contender in the ecological ring. We selected a crackerjack team of judges and then solicited TAKE 5 readers and members of YES to send in nominations to find our champion.
The cast of judges were pretty extraordinary people themselves. They included the woman who initiated and expedited the 45-km North Coast Trail (part of the Cape Scott Trail) and now lives here; the guy who, among other things, got plastic bags banned in Nanaimo; a woman who practically learned to speak Latin fluently just by knowing the genus and species names of so many plants; and our very own regional director of Area H, Mr. Ben Maartman.
But before we reveal the winner, let’s introduce two who deserve honourable mention, although all nominations were hardworking, dedicated souls.
Shirley Blackstaff, a school teacher, designed educational materials for her classroom, for Holland Creek Park, the Ladysmith Marina and other natural spots. She created the Sealife Celebration Festival with the ever popular “touch tank.” Recently, she built a forest trail with signs in both Hul’q’umi’num and English, identifying the flora and fauna on her property. She invites school groups to come and get some outdoor education in this unique way.
Jackie Wasyluk has worked tirelessly since 2012 to safeguard the Cable Bay Trail from development. Walking the trail almost every single day, she has played a critical role in building bridges among local governments, stakeholders, land trusts and nature foundations advocating for the park. Her efforts have garnered massive local and online support, which is shown in a petition that includes 29,000 signatures. She continues the fight round after round after round.
And the winner is Hunter Jarratt. A native of Campbell River, Hunter Jarratt came to Nanaimo to get his Bachelor’s of Natural Resource Protection from
VIU and never returned home. Instead, he starting working at Kiki Farm in Yellow Point as an ecological restoration consultant and jumped into ameliorating the property’s Garry oak forests in order to save the native camas fields. Given the close proximity to Woodley Range Ecological Reserve, this is a plus to the whole community.
In addition, he has established a consulting firm and can advise homeowners about restoring their own properties, planting for pollinators, planting with indigenous plants and removing invasive species. He also works doing manual and mechanical removal of both invasives and native plants, the former for disposal and the latter for protection and reuse in restoration projects.
His advocacy work includes trying to get the City of Nanaimo to pass an Invasive Species Bylaw. Having recently submitted it as a staff report to the Governance of Priorities Committee Meeting, he hopes it will become a city-wide decree soon.
Hunter volunteers with a variety of groups including Maple Mountain,
Friends of Uplands Park Stewardship Program and BroomBusters. As a volunteer with the Harewood Plains Working Group, he works with the Stz’uminus First Nations and NALT (Nanaimo Area Land Trust). At the last AGM, Hunter also became a member of YES.
Currently enrolled in UVic’s Ecological Restoration Certificate program, Hunter Jarratt has 11,500 Instagram and 37,500 TikTok followers and posts regularly about his philosophy on how we can restore nature for all our benefit. He believes, “Every day, you can make a difference by doing something. It’s not enough to recycle. We all need to plant beneficials and get rid of invasives.” At the time of this interview, Jarratt was busy making a cedar vegetable box. He is 24 years old.
In the judges’ opinion, Hunter Jarratt is the Muhammed Ali in Mother Nature’s mitochondrial fairy ring. Your belt is in the mail, Hunter.
In his words: “Diversity is the key. We need patches of habitat everywhere. I highly endorse having a section of ecological reserve in every yard.”
Hunter Jarratt, Green Citizen of the Year. Photo: Bob Burgess.
Local Hero Recognized
BY FRAN PACCHIANO
Mike Fall has served as the chair of Area H’s Advisory Planning Commission for over thirty years. He has made a name for himself as a leader who is fair, thoughtful, and encouraging of others.
The Advisory Planning Commission is a group of local residents who advise the CVRD Board on planning matters specific to their Electoral Area. These matters can include: Official Community Plan Amendments, Rezoning Applications, and Development Permit Applications.
Ben Maartman, the Area H Director, defined the APC’s process like this: “When there's things that come up for zoning or official community plan amendments, that's where the Planning Commission comes in. They look at all of the details that are being proposed and they make a recommendation to the Cowichan Valley Regional District on what they see as the issues or whether
they would recommend it going forward. And those things are listened to very carefully because they are collectively representing the view of a community. It's one that is truly community oriented.”
Mike is grounded in the belief that
people should be stewards of the land and that informs every petition the APC Board sees. “You really don't own land at all, you just borrow it from your children…It's incumbent upon us to look after the land, and that's what the official community plan is all about. It's looking after the land for the future.”
He noted that Area H’s APC has become notorious for protecting the land from developers. “Over the years [land developers] have gotten the message that ‘don’t bother’ trying to rezone anything in Area H because the APC won’t go for it.” While the APC is a formidable force, it doesn’t actually make the final decisions. “The board has been pretty good over the years supporting us…but that’s all we do, we recommend.”
One of the ways the APC has ensured its advice is sound is by listening to the people. All the meetings are open to the public, and while it’s not required, Mike allows members of the public to have input. “I’ve always maintained that… everyone should have the opportunity to speak.”
The APC runs on the assumption that the zone and the community plan are cor-
Mike Fall. Photo: Marina Sacht
rect. However that’s not always true, or in the best interest of the community now. Mike used the example of a residential property beside the highway. “The zone was probably put in place before the highway was widened and made four lanes… nobody wants to live right beside a noisy highway. The APC recommended to the board that they change it to become light industrial. Not heavy, because it’s sitting on the Cassidy aquifer.”
Benefits to the community are the third principal that they follow when changing a zone. Rezoning a property in exchange for part of the land becoming a community park is, as Mike would say, “a major benefit to the community.”
There are environmental concerns that go along with considering the benefits and hazards for Area H. One of the biggest challenges Mike has faced as Chair is trying to protect the Cassidy aquifer. Radius Recycling (previously Schnitzer Steel) operates just south of the Nanaimo Airport and while current reports indicate safe practices, Mike is concerned it’s a matter of time before damage is done. “They’ve got monitoring wells, but by the time the pollutants get into the monitoring wells, they’re into the aquifer and it’s too late.”
The water, he said, is “absolutely unbelievable quality…it’s just pure, clean, tasteful water.” It’s important to protect our water for our generation and for the generations to come. “The only solution is to get them into Duke Point where they will be on solid rock.”
Its issues like these that keep Mike volunteering his time with Area H. “I believe it’s important. It’s incumbent on us to make sure that when we pass it to our children it’s not degraded or destroyed. Land is land. They’re not making any more of it.”
Mike intends to keep volunteering until the Official Community Plan is modernized but encourages new volunteers. “We could use some more people.” He especially encourages young people to take up the initiative and have their say in the new community plan. No prior experience is needed, but it’s preferable to live in the area “and have a desire to protect the community’s values.”
Maartman described Mike as an unsung hero of the community.“We live in a little piece of paradise and I believe that, not in a small part, people like Mike Fall make it that way.”
RDN Area A Cedar, South Wellington, Cassidy & Yellow Point
I want to start with my contact information in this Director’s note because I discovered that my previous notes were missing the period between my first and last name in my email. It’s jessica. stanley@rdn.bc.ca or you can always call 250-268-7359. Between this and my voicemail not working, I may have been difficult to reach recently. Please know that I want to hear from you and if I don’t respond, I would very much appreciate you trying again. Thanks to Michelle MacLennan for helping me discover this.
Now for this month’s topic: Agriculture and food security.
As someone with a small farm, I have some direct experience of the challenges of local farmers and the value of local
food production. This is one of the perspectives through which I view my work at the RDN and why I happily accepted the role of Chair of the RDN’s Agricultural Advisory Committee. Given that Area A has a large proportion of agricultural land, this perspective also matters when considering economic development and land use issues.
Although I have long advocated for improved food security and increased local food production, recent unneighbourly behaviour by our neighbour to the south has heightened awareness of the importance of this work. Due to this political instability, there is increased interest in purchasing Canadian made products. Before talks of tariffs and sovereignty, the atmospheric river of 2022 made it clear that living on an island with only 3 days (approximately) of fresh food supply is cause for concern.
Thankfully, the Agricultural Advisory Committee has been moving forward with updated work on the RDN’s Agricultural Area Plan (AAP). In February, the updated Implementation Plan for the AAP was approved by the RDN board. This plan is a list of actions that are within the jurisdiction of the RDN that can be undertaken by the RDN in support of local agricultural and food production. The committee reviewed the existing AAP implementation plan and recommended existing items in the plan that were not yet completed or provided slightly modernized actions from the existing 2012 AAP. To be clear, this is not a new Agricultural Area Plan, but rather a review and reinvigoration of the existing plan. The updated AAP action plan identifies five categories of actions:
1) Updates to existing policies, plans and bylaws. For example, this includes
confirming that zoning allows for meat processing, developing an Agricultural Water Plan, updating agricultural related emergency planning, and considering developing an Economic Development Strategy for agriculture.
2) Website update. This includes adding or updating various farming and food production related information on to the RDN website.
3) Education. This aims to increase awareness of agriculture through partnerships (e.g., School District) and farm tours.
4) Data and Research. This involves using data sources to provide local agriculture mapping and data sets.
5) Advocacy. This includes communication at provincial levels about impacts to farming and supporting local agricultural and food groups.
Notably, this is just a plan. In creating this plan, we attempted to include actions that were achievable and requiring few resources. For example, the RDN is already in the process of updating its website, so it is timely to include updated agricultural information. As well, the RDN’s Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Program is already doing great work in assessing and monitoring water levels and trends. So, hopefully adding agricultural concerns in that work will not require a new program of work but rather an incorporation of another perspective. It is also hoped that the recent reinvigoration of food security work (e.g., Nanaimo Food Hub) will present opportunities for the RDN to play a supportive role rather that take on a new service or program. Overall, the committee considered how do we do more with less.
Among the work of the RDN and in the context of concerns about taxation levels, adding new work is a challenge. Although I am pleased with the outcome, I advocated for an updated Agricultural Area Plan rather than just a review of the existing action plan. Afterall, the plan is 13 years old. Concerns about staff time and financial resources resulted in the current course of action. The amount of work of this plan that is completed will partially depend on community interest. As always, it is a balance of concerns. For the bigger items to be realized (e.g., establishing an Agricultural Development Committee or having an Agricultural Support Planner), the community will need to indicate support.
Perhaps the chaos in the south will settle, and our trade relationship will return to being functional and mutually beneficial. Time will tell. In the meantime, the RDN now has an updated potential path forward in support of food security. We could take steps towards achieving this work and reviewing outcome, and then, evaluate if we want to update our Agricultural Area Plan in two years (as recommended by the consultant). I would love to hear your opinion if this work is a priority.
In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge and express gratitude for our local representatives on the Agriculture Advisory Committee: Sabine Blackburn, Kate Porier, and former Cedar resident Mayta Ryn. Their contributions were important and valued.
CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond
Mark Your Calendars!
The Area H Director’s Town Hall is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, at 7:00 PM at the North Oyster Community Center. The focus will be the 2025 Budget, and I hope to see you there!
This month’s update covers two key topics:
1. Three-Stream Curbside Waste Collection
2. The 2025 Budget
Three-Stream Curbside Collection
The March Town Hall was packed, with strong community engagement. Many residents expressed frustration over the three-stream curbside collection program, with concerns falling into two main categories:
• Those who do not want the service
• Those who feel the rollout was unfair
Some residents had issues with both aspects. CVRD staff provided background on waste collection policies and answered numerous questions. I would like to thank staff for their time, expertise and welcoming all questions. While some left with a clearer understanding of how the program came about, many still did not agree. There was a very strong message that communication from the CVRD is lacking and needs to be improved. The discussion on waste collection took up the entire meeting, leaving no time to address the budget. I’ve heard later from residents who wanted to discuss it, and I sincerely apologize. Managing the meeting was challenging, as some questions were preceded by lengthy statements. After reflecting on this, I’ve developed strategies to keep future meetings on track. Meanwhile, to get back on track with the agenda, there will be an April Town Hall to continue the conversation and allow for a comprehensive discussion of the budget.
The week following the Town Hall, at the CVRD Board meeting on March 12, I proposed waiving garbage tipping fees (up to 32 kg) for Area H residents at the Peerless Road facility until the three-stream system is fully implemented. There was some resistance to this motion, and a revised motion to provide two free 32 kg vouchers was approved. Implementation details, including distribution of vouchers, will be announced soon—stay tuned!
Budget 2025
The 2025 budget is now finalized. The process is complex, as Regional Districts must create a balanced budget for each service (function) without shifting funds between them or running a deficit.
Your property tax contributions depend on:
• Which services you receive (varies by location, even within the same electoral area)
• Your property assessment, which changes annually and affects your share of taxes
To compare changes, it's best to look at the amount charged per $100,000 of assessed property value. Keep in mind that CVRD taxes are only a portion of your total property tax—the provincial government is responsible for a significant share. Just a point about requisition versus tax. The CVRD Board determines the requisition required for its budget and sends that to the Province, the Province collects this as a tax.
If your property is within the North Oyster Fire Service Area (NOFD) and Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is deducted: The overall increase for Area H: This year the increase is $8.54 per $100,000 of assessed property value. And the total Area H requisitionis $167.03 per $100,000 of assessed property value.
For transparency here is a breakdown of this year’s changes. It’s not rocket science but you have to keep your eye on the bouncing ball.
1.The starting point is on page 8 of Schedule D on the CVRD Finance website under 2025 Budget. It gives the jurisdictional breakdown per $100,000 of assessed property value for a list of services (functions) for Area H. It provides $134.54 as the 2025 requisition and $122.26 for 2024. Therefore $12.28 is the increase for 2025 from 2024. (134.54 – 122.26)
2. Subtract any functions not controlled by the CVRD. There is one, VIRL, with an increase of $0.71 from $14.68 to 15.39 in 2025:
• $12.28 - $0.71 = $11.57 per $100,000
• New total requisition therefore decreases to $119.15 (134.54 – 15.39)
3. Add in Area H-specific adjustments:
• Fire Service:
* If within the NOFD service area: There was a decrease of $0.03 for 2025 from 2024. (47.88 – 47.91).
*New total increase: $11.54 per $100,000 ($11.57 – 0.03)
*New overall requisition is now $167.03 per $100,000 (119.15 + 47.88)
*If within Ladysmith Fire Service (These are properties in the Diamond): Town of Ladysmith is responsible for this service.
• North Oyster Recreation (All properties in Area H):
*Decrease of $3.00 per $100,000 due to the phasing out of this function as Regional Recreation is phased in. Difference from 2025 to 2024 is -3.00 (0.00 – 3.00)
*Final total increase: $8.54 per $100,000
($11.54 - $3.00)
*Final overall requisition is now $167.03 per $100,000 ($167.03 – 0.00)
Property Assessments & Final Impact
The actual final tax impact depends on how your 2025 property assessment compares to the Area H average.
• If your property’s assessed value increases at the same rate as the Area H average, the change in your CVRD taxes will match the amounts above.
• If your property’s value increases or decreases more than the average, your tax impact will be proportionally different.
The budget result required some difficult decisions and cuts to minimize increases. If Regional Recreation (+$8.04) (a line item in Schedule D) and the offsetting reduction in North Oyster Recreation (-$3.00) is excluded, the net increase for the CVRD budget for Area H is $3.50 per $100,000 (8.548.04+3.00). And, yes, there is the $345 fee for three-stream garbage collection. However, to be transparent this is an increase of $307 as $38.00 was the 2024 fee for recycling. However, this is not part of property tax and is paid to the CVRD. An invoice should be received in June.
I encourage everyone with questions to attend the April 10 Town Hall—I look forward to the discussion!
In Service, Ben Maartman 250-510-5930
ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca
CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands
CVRD Area G Director Notes were not available at presstime. Please check next issue of TAKE 5.
Meet the Mayor
“We were blessed to be of the generation where we were allowed to grab our towel and our flip flops and walk down the hill, cross the highway and go to the beach. We would spend the whole day down there. Dad would come home from work, pack up Mom — she’d have the hot dogs and potato salad ready and the hibachi — and they’d drive down, set it up and we’d have dinner down there.”
For Deena, Ladysmith is a place to come home to. In her early adult life, she moved to Alberta with her then husband. She ran a travel agency and made a point of travelling herself . “I was young [and] didn’t have a family yet, so I took advantage of pretty much every opportunity to go someplace new.”
trips. It was a really good career choice as a young mother.”
Community participation has been a big part of how Deena has lived her life in Ladysmith. “I’ve always been a volunteer in the community.” The connections she built with the people she worked with have lasted well beyond her time volunteering for any event or organization. She regularly meets with the friends she made for tea or a walk along the beach. She has a great admiration for all the work the volunteers do, particularly around Light Up. The celebration is an important event for her family, who often find it easier to get together for Light Up than for Christmas . “Even with all the years of living away, we’ve only missed three Light Ups.”
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
Deena Beeston has called Ladysmith home for most of her life. She spent many summer days down at Transfer Beach as a child and now enjoys walking around the town with her daughter.
But when it came time to raise a family, there was no better spot than right here on the Island. “I moved back here and decided to start a family. … I went back to school and became a medical radiation technologist.” Her work in the medical field gave her the freedom to work a job she found interesting and participate in her daughter’s early life. “It gave me a lot of opportunities to be available to [volunteer] at the school and [go] on field
Her goal for her term as mayor is heavily influenced by the people of Ladysmith. She wants to ensure their voices are heard and plans to bring them in as much as possible. She will be hosting office hours at City Hall, hoping to talk with people there. “Our community was built by the people who live here. It wasn’t built by the government. … It was built by the people who love this town.”
Ladysmith Mayor Deena Beeston
Women Mayors
On March 18, 2025 Deena Beeston was sworn in as the second woman ever to serve as mayor of Ladysmith. This is a milestone, as it has been 60 years since Ladysmith first elected a woman as mayor (1965–1977). That woman, Kay Grouhel, is considered by many to be the town’s best mayor in its rich 120year history. So, who was Kay Grouhel, and what made her special?
She was a woman who wanted change, and she made it happen. Kay wasn’t born in Ladysmith; she was born near Edmonton in 1919. In 1944, she met and married Joe Grouhel from Ladysmith, who, at that time, was an Air Force mechanic. After the war, she and Joe moved to Ladysmith. Joe’s family was one of the earliest Ladysmith families. He worked for his dad in their garage and gas station on First Avenue (now Big O Tires). In those early years in Ladysmith, she showed little interest in politics, aside from wanting the muddy sidewalks on French Street improved. But over time, her concerns grew beyond just muddy sidewalks.
Things changed for her in the early 1960s. During this time, there was more and more talk about expanding the town's boundaries further south from its
southern boundary of Methuen Street, which included the Bayview Road and Davis Road area, where she lived. She felt that the area was ready for expansion, as the area south of Methuen was growing, and so was the demand for services. The key concern was expanding the water and sewer services, which she hoped for.
At the urging of a friend, she ran for Council in 1962 and was successful. As a member of Council, she became aware of the funding available to municipalities for sewer improvements. The council applied, and a grant was approved. In 1965, frustrated by a lack of vision, she ran for mayor and was elected with a strong mandate. Now, as mayor, she faced the question of how to pay for a new sewer system and treatment plant. The answer
was to expand the town boundaries and share the costs with the new residents. When the expansion of the town’s boundaries was put to the vote, the people of Ladysmith agreed, and the town’s council and the area almost doubled in size. The new sewer system to meet the town’s needs was approved.
While in office, she became aware of Canadian Collieries plans to sell 14 acres of what is now Transfer Beach Park. Knowing of the importance of the beach and swimming area to the people of Ladysmith, she took steps to purchase the area. After successfully negotiating a good deal for the town, she set her eyes on making it a park. The problem was that CPR owned the wharf and four acres of the land near the wharf, and their subsidiary Pacific Logging was planning to use the wharf as a log dump and convert the surrounding waters for log booming.
The Town (the mayor and Council) started rezoning the area to stop this plan. This rezoning effectively stalled the process until the Town was able to pass the Ladysmith Harbour Protection Bylaw. This bylaw effectively stopped CPR’s plans, as the area was now designated as recreation only. As a result, CPR sold the land to the Town for $12,000, after being whittled down from the original $14,000. In addition, she got CPR to remove the wharf at their expense, as the existing wharf was considered unsafe.
Now that she and the Council had accrued all this land, the plan was to build a public park. The Town could not afford to do the work to achieve this goal. As a result, Mayor Grouhel contacted Malaspina College, which is now part of Vancouver Island University, to help clean up the site. She suggested that the students enrolled in the heavy-duty equipment course might like to practise by reshaping the land in the new park area. Instructors came down and looked at the property and enthusiastically agreed. In a short time, classes arrived with front-end loaders and graders, and other earth-moving equipment. One record suggests that the value of all this work was in excess of $70,000 — and she got it all for nothing.
With all the heavy work done, there was still plenty of work left to achieve her vision. She looked to the community for help. She called for volunteers and
Ladysmith Mayor Kathleen Grouhel, 1965-1977. Photo: Ladysmith Archives.
asked residents to come down to the park with their rakes, shovels, and wheelbarrows. In the evenings, townspeople would smooth out and clean up the area, which was then planted with grass. She also marked all the trees in the area to be saved.
In 1967, Ladysmith decided that Transfer Beach Park would be its centennial project. So, on July 1, 1967, the people of Ladysmith and beyond partied. It was a bash that may never be equalled. People came from miles around to enjoy the activities at the beach. After the formal events ended, many visitors and locals went up to First Avenue, filling all the local drinking establishments.
Four years later, Transfer Beach Park was the site of a Royal occasion. Ladysmith and Transfer Beach Park were chosen as one of the two stops on Vancouver Island for the Queen’s visit to BC.
The Town was given the honour of planning and providing entertainment for the event. A program with logger sports was the obvious choice. Art Williams (not the drug dealer) was well known for his tree-climbing shows at the time, as were “Copper Canyon Sue” and others. Crown Zellerbach donated a second climbing pole and paid for all the performances and entertainment. The day was a success and thoroughly enjoyed by the Royal party.
After the Pacific Logging Company had been blocked from dumping logs at Transfer Beach, they purchased 60 acres of the old Smelter Beach, north of Fisherman’s Wharf. They also applied and were granted a 60-acre water lot lease. This site became the Ladysmith Forest Products sawmill. In 1969, Herb Doman specially designed the mill to handle local small logs. A few years later, Pacific Logging Company built a second sawmill near the Smelter Beach site, called the Saltair Lumber Company. These mills became a significant source of tax revenue for the Town, with their combined value well over $2.8 million—more than the total for the rest of Ladysmith.
In 1966, under Kay’s direction, the Council decided to subdivide some of the very attractive lots at the north end of Davis Road to meet the increased demand for local housing, opening the area for population growth. However, this meant that the bridge over Holland Creek, which had been removed in the 30s, needed to be replaced, and the town’s dump located at the bridge side had to be removed.
That same year, Kay had 45 dogwood trees planted on the west side of the main highway through Ladysmith and planned to plant more below First Ave. The planting of these trees ignited protests, as many wondered why the Town would plant trees when millions already lined the hillsides. Eventually, everyone accepted them, and Ladysmith became known as the dogwood capital, with the dogwood becoming the town’s official tree.
As Ladysmith grew, the sidewalk between Roberts Street and
High Street badly needed replacement, as it had become too narrow and unsafe for pedestrians. When the new sidewalks were completed, the Town decided to enhance First Avenue—not only making it more beautiful but also reducing the dangers of parking on its steep slopes. Cars would often roll downhill and crash into buildings. After reconstruction, tourists and residents alike found Ladysmith a much more beautiful place. The community felt proud and nicknamed the mayor “Concrete Kay.”
In 1971, Mayor Grouhel and Council approved a plan to develop residential homes on the south bank of Holland Creek, taking full advantage of the ocean view. At that time, the entire area was assessed at a value of $823,000 — the cost of one home there today.
Some of her other achievements included building the fire hall and the public works building, as well as acquiring Ladysmith’s first fire truck. She served as mayor for 12 years, and during that time, she was recognized by her fellow mayors across the province. In 1974, she became the first woman president of the Union of BC Municipalities. She was also the first woman to be made a life member of this distinguished organization. After her husband died in 1990, she retired to Victoria, where she lived until she passed away 20 years later, leaving an enduring mark on our community forever.
Deena has shown many of the same traits as Kay. Deena, like Kay, is taking the job seriously by studying our town’s bylaws, Official Community Plan, and best practices regarding open meetings. I have high hopes for her success in steering Ladysmith towards many successful projects and actions in the best interest of most of our citizens. At least that's as I see it.
Transfer Beach under construction. Photo: Ladysmith Archives
Valley Roots Run Deep
BY KERITH WADDINGTON
Jordan and Bri Dirom have deep roots in the Cowichan Valley, and they are planting even more.
That’s because this dynamic and entrepreneurial farming couple, whose families have long-resided in the area, have re-opened what used to be Russell Farm Market, on the highway just north of Duncan. Through hard work, help from family and friends and a vision for the future, the Diroms are breathing new life into what is now the Valley Roots Farm Market and Garden Centre. This long-popular destination, which re-opened on March 8 of this year, features organic and specialty food items and fresh local produce from area farms, including the Dirom’s own.
Jordan and Bri hope their endeavour “provides future generations with as much potential for success as possible. And that potential comes from the soil.”
Indeed, soil health is a major focus of the Diroms, who started their original farm on leased land in south Duncan in 2020. “Our growing practices are done with a focus on long-term sustainable production viability, ecological resilience and crop health, including the nutrition and well-being aspects of high-quality produce,” said Jordan. “We
are not certified organic but follow many of the same principles, such as not using chemicals and synthetics. We even go a step further by having a major focus on soil health. Healthy soil can reduce or even eliminate many factors involved in some conventional agriculture operations such as pests, disease, poor yield or quality.”
Although neither Jordan or Bri come from a farming background, and their first few years tending the land were “full of learning curves and growing pains,” the couple developed a passion for the mental and physical health farming provided and “decided to give it a shot.”
It has certainly paid off. Five years later, the Diroms are growing enough produce for dozens of families. But they began to wonder how to expand the business and create a more sustainable future for themselves and the farm. That’s when they heard the market was for sale. “We didn’t take it very seriously at first, as we thought it would just be wishful thinking or a pipe dream that is too good to be true,” said Jordan. “Unbelievably, Farm Credit Canada was so supportive, they funded us for the purchase of the entire property, which includes the market, garden centre and adjacent land, as well as the land and house on the other side of the highway.”
While the garden centre aspect of the business is on hold for a hard launch next year, there will be a range of garden starts, growing products, soils and growing media in the Valley Roots Farm Market this spring.
There is also a cozy interior market café, where shoppers and neighbours can enjoy a homemade breakfast, soups and sandwiches, or purchase an assortment of baked goods, home food items and specialty coffees.
The next few years will be extremely busy for the Diroms as they continue production on their already-established farm in Duncan and prepare to grow on their newly acquired land.
Jordan is eager to put his knowledge of soil health into practice.
“The soil ecosystem is meant to function naturally with minimal intervention,” he said. “Microbiology influences nutrient cycling, pest/pathogen balance and overall soil fertility. Too much soil disturbance, tillage, over application of synthetic fertilizers, herbicide and other chemicals affect the microbial ecosystem negatively and create a domino effect of having to continue to use those products and practices because the natural system has been disrupted.”
He is excited to see that soil health principles such as these are becoming more mainstream, even by conventional farmers. “Bri and I are privileged to have been able to start in that direction, and we look forward to learning more and finding better ways of growing.”
The Diroms grow a vast variety of crops on their “Root Bound Farm” throughout the year, including greens, berries, root crops, storage crops, melons, shallots and squash. Consumers will find all that and more at Valley Roots.
“Our focus will be on supplying our own produce whenever certain items are in season,” said Jordan. “When or if we don’t have any from our own, priority to supply will be given to Cowichan Valley farms, then the rest of the Island, then BC. Certain common items such as bananas and oranges have to be imported, of course, and when common vegetable items such as celery or broccoli are out of season locally, we will bring in from out of province or country. We want to maintain the service to our local community, who depend on local grocery supply without having to go into town to visit commercial grocery stores.”
Jordan admitted that although he and Bri are taking a major leap in production capacity with the acquisition of new farmland, “we firmly believe we can achieve our goals with our current growing practices.
Bri and Jordan Dirom of Valley Roots Farm Market and Garden Centre. Photo: Kerith Waddington
BioBlitz 2025
BY PAMELA WALKER
I was chuffed last year when it was reported that the Yellow Point Ecological Society’s annual BioBlitz had garnered so much interest. During its four days duration, local enthusiasts recorded more than 2000 observations and identified more than 600 different species, using the iNaturalist app.
But, of course, this year, we want even more! More citizen scientists. More photos. More observations. More peerreviewed identifications. More fun.
To get more of everything, we are upping the volume. We have invited a number of riveting experts to offer a
day, April 26, Day 2 of the BioBlitz, we have planned a walk on the Holland Creek Trail. Although some of the top trail has been decimated by development and invasive species, much that is precious remains. Join a biologist to find out the interesting, rare and red-listed species are to be found here.
You might even find a sharp-tailed snake. Although one has not been recorded in this area, I know someone who knows someone who has seen one. This tiny, indigenous but endangered creature looks more like a big worm than a snake. It would be great if we could put ourselves on the map for this alone. Another rare species that might be here is the three-leaved foamflower. It’s been found at Victoria Airport and in Powell River. It must be here too. But where? And what if you were the one to find a Vancouver Island beggartick? This rare but oddly named yellow flower grows in silty loam soil in boggy areas.
Oyster Bay: Also at 10 a.m., on Saturday, April 26, the tide will be low enough to see creatures that exist nowhere else in Canada but here, in the bay, by the Kiwi Cove Lodge. What is it about this environment that sustains them? An expert in marine biology will join us to point them out and explain this phenomenon.
Cable Bay: At 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, Day 3 of the BioBlitz, you are invited to walk the threatened, sensitive areas of the lands that have been called “the gem of Nanaimo.” A plant expert and an owl specialist will be your guides.
What is the latest in the debate between the City of Nanaimo, the developers and members of the Save Cable Bay committee? Will the western side of the trail really be turned into an industrial park and the eastern side into a subdivision? The guides will be able to answer all your questions, about both the politics and the plants. They will also be able to show you why it is such a special place, and why it deserves to be saved. And, if any endangered or red-listed species are found and documented using the iNaturalist app, it may stall or stop
the development plans.
What are we looking for? Evidence of the federally protected pileated woodpecker, such as its nest. This could protect the tree for a period of three years after it has been vacated! A burrowing owl would also be cool to hear. Brought back from near extinction, there are still only about 1,000 pairs in the whole of Canada. Recording their song would be wild, indeed. For details on the BioBlitz and walks, call 250-245-9155. I hope to see you (or code name) in the iNaturalist page for the 2025 Yellow Point BioBlitz. See bit.ly/YESBioBlitz2025.
Clockwise: Vancouver Island beggartick (Val George); sharptailed snake; hooded merganser (Island light); BioBlitz keener.
Into the Sky Garden
BY ALEXANDER SMITH
EIS NATURALIST
As another early spring windstorm sweeps through Wildwood, I take my routine walk along the paths and creeks to check for fallen trees. Much as I had suspected, on the banks of our lower forested wetland, a large Douglas-fir — a towering giant that had stood for centuries — has toppled. Walking its length, I reach its crown, where a magical kingdom has emerged. At ground level, I am struck by the vibrant contrast between the tree’s bark and the lush life now coating its branches. Mosses, ferns and
lichens cover the limbs, creating a selfsustaining world high above the earth — a sky garden, vibrant and teeming with life.
In the Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem, towering, centuries-old trees are more than just the foundation of the forest; they support hidden ecosystems in their treetops. These sky gardens, teeming with mosses, lichens, ferns and decaying plant matter, are rare, found only in well-established old-growth forests. They take centuries to develop, offering shelter and food to a wide variety of species, from seabirds to squirrels. Despite their importance, sky gardens remain little understood, often only revealed when the host tree is felled. This lack of recognition has hindered our understanding of their ecological value and prevented effective conservation efforts.
Old-growth trees like this Douglas-fir are uniquely suited to support sky gardens due to their immense size, age and structural complexity. Unlike younger trees with thin branches that shed debris, ancient trees grow massive limbs that act as platforms for plant life. These branches collect fallen needles, bark
and decaying leaves, creating pockets of canopy soil — a rare phenomenon where organic material accumulates in the treetops, mimicking forest-floor conditions. This accumulation creates a nutrient-rich environment where mosses like Oregon beaked moss, ragged-moss and electrified cat’s-tail moss thrive. Over time, branches become coated in spongy layers of plant life, forming a self-sustaining ecosystem high above the ground.
One of the most fascinating species to rely on these sky gardens is the marbled murrelet, a seabird that nests exclusively in the canopy of old-growth trees. Unlike most birds, murrelets lay a single egg directly onto thick moss mats in the treetops. These elevated nurseries provide insulation and camouflage, protecting the egg from predators like ravens and owls. Unfortunately, widespread logging of old-growth forests has limited the murrelet’s nesting habitat, causing its population to decline. Since sky gardens take centuries to develop, younger forests cannot replicate these conditions, making conservation efforts even more critical.
Sky gardens also support a thriving population of insects and invertebrates, such as beetles, spiders and springtails, which form the foundation of the food web. These tiny creatures feed birds, bats and other canopy-dwelling animals, further enriching these ecosystems.
At Wildwood, our practice of ecoforestry and selective logging helps maintain the complexity of sky gardens. By carefully removing select trees and allowing others to grow old, we preserve these treetop ecosystems. This approach ensures that these fragile habitats continue to thrive while promoting forest health and biodiversity. Protecting sky gardens depends on balancing human activity with the preservation of oldgrowth forests, which we strive to uphold with every step of our stewardship. Sky gardens are more than just collections of moss and ferns — they are living islands suspended in the heights of ancient trees. Their survival depends on the protection of old-growth forests, ensuring that these treetop communities endure for generations to come.
Sky Garden. Photo: Alexander Smith
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
There is a newness in the air. Spring is here, birds are singing, leaves are bursting and it’s the perfect time to get out into the woods and the Junior Forest Wardens are doing just that. From camping, to kayaking, to archery, to wilderness survival training, the Junior Forest Wardens are ready for adventure. The club is an opportunity for kids, ages six to seventeen, and their families to explore the great outdoors and learn important skills along the way.
Samantha Davidson, the club’s director, said that there’s no experience needed. “We start from the beginning, fire safety and how to build a fire, we teach everything.” She also said that the trips the Junior Forest Wardens take are sometimes the first time for the parent’s as well as the kids. “When we went to the caves, a lot of the parents had never been.”
The club prioritizes mental health and getting kids outside. Davidson said that being outside and letting kids explore and be curious helps them be more alert and want to be outside. “The kids are getting out, they're playing in the forest. They're touching all the things and feeling all the things…it’s a huge mental health thing.”
The adventures also teach the kids to be self-reliant and safe when in the woods, but it’s more than just safety, it’s about having fun. The survival training is a highlight of the season for Davidson and the kids alike.“We went over a suspension bridge and hiked for about 30
Junior Forest Wardens Club
minutes. And then all the kids buddied up with a partner and they all built their own tarp shelters and made little fires and slept out there overnight and it was really fun.”
Davidson’s interest in the club started first with her own time as a girl guide leader, and then learning about the Ju nior Forest Wardens through her hus band, Matthew’s experience with them when he was a Junior Forest Warden. “I thought that the sound of the club sound ed really amazing, so I decided to just start opening it up.”
The club used to be a part of the Lady smith community under the guidance of Ray Knight, but after he passed away in 2003, the club was forgotten. Since reopening the club again, Davidson said that the community has been very sup portive. “There [are] so many older people in town that stop and say, when we're doing a fundraiser, ‘I used to be in Forest Wardens and this is so cool. Thank you for opening it’” The community continues to be supportive of the club through donation letters and organizations, like the Sportsman’s Club which lets the Junior Forest Wardens use the Fish Hatchery to host their meetings.
The club has closed its registration for the year and events will run from October through June. If you’re interested in the club you can follow along with their social media. Registration for next season will open in August 2025.
Members of Junior Forest Wardens Club. Photo: Samantha Davidson.
