Lake Cowichan Gazette, February 03, 2016

31174_November_POP_Window_Poster_ENG

DOCKET #CLIENT

PROJECTDATE

MEDIAAD TYPEREGION

CREATIVE DIRECTORART DIRECTOR

COPYWRITERIMAGE RETOUCHER

MAC ARTISTPRODUCERACCOUNTS

PROOFREADERCLIENT

LIVETRIM

BLEED

COLOUR

H14Q4 _POP_DAA_1174HYUNDAINovember 2014 POPOctober 24, 2014Window Poster - TWO SIDEDENGLISHNational

REV

______ Simon Duffy______ Simon Duffy______ Client______ Steve Rusk______ Natalie P.______ Monica Lima______ Sarah Ramage______ Leah Lepofsky______ Hyundai

____ PDFX1A to Pub____ Collect to Resource Site____ Lo Res PDF____ Revision & New Laser____ Other _____________________ __________________________ __________________________

N/A20" X 30" (40" X 60").5" all around(File built at 1/2 size)

C M Y K

[JOB INFO] [MECHANICAL SPECS] [APPROVALS] [ACTION]

[PUBLICATION INFO]NONE

[FONTS]Arial NarrowUnivers LT

[PRINTED AT]50%

Please contact Monica Lima e: [email protected] t: 647-925-1315 c: 416-806-0468 INNOCEAN WORLDWIDE CANADA, INC. 662 King St. West, Unit 101, Toronto ON M5V 1M7

[SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS]

0% PURCHASE FINANCINGFOR UP TO 96 MONTHS

$7,000GETUP TO

IN TOTAL PRICE ADJUSTMENTSAmount available on the 2014 Veloster Turbo Manual

ON SELECT MODELS

Year End clearance e v e n t

Year EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear EndYear Endclearanceclearanceclearanceclearanceclearanceclearanceclearanceclearanceclearanceclearancee v e n te v e n te v e n te v e n te v e n te v e n t

1174_November_POP_Window_Poster_ENG.indd 4 2014-10-27 2:39 PM


DOCKET #CLIENT

PROJECTDATE

MEDIAAD TYPEREGION




PROOFREADERCLIENT

LIVETRIM

BLEED

COLOUR


REV




C M Y K




[PRINTED AT]50%




$7,000GETUP TO


ON SELECT MODELS

000




DOCKET #CLIENT

PROJECTDATE

MEDIAAD TYPEREGION




PROOFREADERCLIENT

LIVETRIM

BLEED

COLOUR


REV




C M Y K




[PRINTED AT]50%




$7,000GETUP TO


ON SELECT MODELS




DOCKET #CLIENT

PROJECTDATE

MEDIAAD TYPEREGION




PROOFREADERCLIENT

LIVETRIM

BLEED

COLOUR


REV




C M Y K




[PRINTED AT]50%




$7,000GETUP TO


ON SELECT MODELS



Amount available on 2015 Genisis 3.8 GT Coupe

The 2016 Genesis features an all-new breed of advanced technology. Offering standard navigation and available Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability, it carefully manages your speed and distance to reduce driver fatigue. Its smart trunk also automatically opens when you’re behind the vehi-cle for more than three seconds. Discover the crowning achievement of how we challenge everything.

TOMORROW’S ADVANCEMENTS FOR TODAY’S DRIVE.WHEN EQUIPPED WITH AVAILABLE AUTONOMOUSEMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM (AEB) See www.ihs.org for details on the 2015 IIHS TSP+ award.

ALL-NEW 2016 GENESIS

7417302

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | VOL. 20, NO. 5 | $1 + GST | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Dig In: Timing is everything when it comes to planting

Radio play: Lake’s students take radio plays on the air

PAGE 6 PAGE 7

GazetteThe Lake Cowichan

Warm welcome: Welcome Wagon provides friendly faces

PAGE 11

STRONG SHOW ON THE COURTS BY U16 STINGERSKali Mullin, centre, and her teammates had a packed day of volleyball last Sunday when the Lake Cowichan U16 Stingers stung the competition at the Jan. 30 playday tournament, hosted at Lake Cowichan School.In the round robin, teams played two-set matches, rather than the standard three sets. The Stingers defeated the Victoria Volleyball Association (VVA) boys team in both sets. They tied the VVA girls, before going on to best the Comox Valley Strikers in both sets.In the semi-finals the teams played three-set games. The Stingers came close to victory, ultimately being defeated by the Campbell River Crush in the third set — and by a single point no less.“It was a nail-biter,” said Belinda Waller, whose daughter Jordyn is on the team. “They had some really great rallies...It was a great day. It was wonderful to see so many people come to Lake Cowichan for a playday.” [PAUL BRIAN/CITIZEN]

Fight for Team BC starts in Lake CowichanJAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

The top under 18 female hock-ey players from across British Columbia will be coming to Lake Cowichan this year for what could be the most important weekend of their athletic careers to date.

On Jan. 26, BC Hockey revealed Lake Cowichan as the host of its 2016 Female U18 Invitational Selection Camp (formerly known as the U18 BC Cup) — a rigorous five-day training camp where the best of the best will compete for spots at a summer strength and conditioning camp, and ultimate-

ly to be on Team BC, which will participate in the 2016 Women’s U18 National Championship this fall.

“We’re excited to bring our U18 Invitational Selection Camp to Vancouver Island, as we believe Lake Cowichan will be an excel-lent host for this event,” said

Tanya Foley, BC Hockey female high performance coordinator, in a press release. “It’s a place that’s passionate about hockey — from the arena to the community facilities, the top 80 players will be treated well.”

According to BC Hockey, after evaluations during the 2015/16

season, the top 80 female players from across the province will be invited to the camp, which will feature “a very demanding sched-ule, pushing players through games, practices, off-ice technical training, and fitness testing.”

See CAMP, Page 2

2 Wednesday, February 03, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Look for the

Rooster on theroof!THE HOME OF

LOCAL PRODUCE!

at... TRANS CANADA HWYJust South Of Duncan

250-748-7141

OPEN ALL YEAR 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.7 DAYS A WEEK

Check out our website!

www.oldfarmmarket.ca

7403

062 See our weekly specials on our website!

7403

062

7422331

Name: Aime WilksOccupation: server at Jakes at the LakeHometown: DuncanI’ve always wanted to: travel Most people don’t know that I: am an animal loverFavourite food: I’m not picky, everythingBest thing about living here: the scenery and outdoor lifeFavourite activity: riding horses Proudest moment: being a momHow do you define down time: spending time with my familyIf I was stuck on a desert island I would definitely need: my familyFavourite time of day is: I like them allMy guiltiest pleasure is: wineMy go-to wardrobe staple: horse riding clothingIn my car I listen to: country musicIn my fridge you’ll find: fruits and vegetables If I had $1,000,000: buy property

Aime Wilks

COWICHAN LAKE

Smile FILEWith Malcolm Chalmers

Check out our Facebook page:‘Lake Cowichan Gazette’

Find us online at lakecowichangazette.com

The camp will take place from May 18 to 22.

In its press release, the organ-ization said players will be com-peting in an “elite, challenging environment” and also outlined the 2011 renovations to the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena.

Linda Blatchford, manager of Cowichan Lake Recrea-tion, said she and her staff are thrilled by the news their bid for the camp was successful.

“We host different BC Hockey camps. This is the biggest we’ve ever hosted,” she said. “There’s nothing but economic benefit to the community here.”

Blatchford learned about the camp last fall from a minor hockey association volunteer who suggested they apply. She created a bid application pack-age and formed a hosting com-mittee (comprised of recreation staff and hockey association volunteers), which approved her bid package. She applied in October but did not learn of BC Hockey’s decision until the new year.

Cowichan Lake Recreation will provide BC Hockey exclu-sive use of four rink dressing rooms, accommodations at Centennial Hall and meals for the 80 players plus 38 team staff,

camp staff and officials. BC Hockey will also have access to the rec centre’s gym, multipur-pose room and the little league field for training.

“Eighty girls will be invited to this camp and 80 girls will have families that come with them because they will want to watch what happens over the five days,” said Blatchford. “It’s got huge economic spin-off for the whole Cowichan Lake area.”

Because the camp will be taking place on the May long week, Blatchford anticipates that hotels, bed and breakfasts and even camp sites will book up fast.

Family Heritage Days will also be taking place that week-end, and Blatchford said the Kaatza Art Show, which is normally held in the Centen-nial Hall, will now be hosted in Honeymoon Bay.

While Blatchford emphasized the event’s economic potential, she said the impact on local players will also be enormous.

“It’s a female camp, so it will really inspire the local female minor hockey age group,” she said.

Lake Cowichan Minor Hock-ey Association president Todd Vaughan agreed.

“The girls here they can have

an opportunity to see levels that can be achieved and to strive for that,” he said, adding there are a number of other potential benefits to local players.

“Often times it can be even just creating the contacts. You’re also going to have some of the top coaching, some of the top managing, and to be able to be introduced to these people at a higher elite level of hockey can be a benefit for my group.”

There will also be scouts present.

Vaughan said the work is only just beginning now that the camp has been confirmed, but he has already received offers from volunteers interested in helping out. The association will be holding meetings in the near future to “get the ball rolling.”

“These are going to be the top 80 girls from the entire province that are invited to this try-out. These could possibly even be some of the girls we watch in the next Olympics,” he said.

“To be able to have that elite camp to come here, it’s a good thing for the arena having the ice booked, and for the com-munity and I think it helps to put Lake Cowichan a little on the map, certainly in the hock-ey world.”

FIGHT FOR, From Page 1

Camp will include 80 girls, families

JAMES GOLDIE CITIZEN

Transit users throughout the region were bracing for a strike this week, but an 11th hour ten-tative deal reached Tuesday morning with transit workers in the Cowichan Valley Region-al District averted job action.

Unifor Local 114 — the union representing the region’s tran-sit workers — and employer First Canada had been unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. On Jan. 29, the union issued its 72-hour strike notice.

Jay Brock, spokesperson for First Canada, said Monday he could not provide specific details about negotiations since the strike notice was issued.

“But I can tell you that we’re continuing to negotiate with the union,” he said.

“We have a good relationship with Unifor and we’re continu-ing the discussion,” Brock said.

Stu Shields, national repre-sentative for Unifor, reported Tuesday afternoon that First Canada applied for a Final Offer Vote on a “significantly improved offer.”

“Originally it seemed to me that this was literally nothing more than a delay tactic put-ting off the inevitability of a

strike from tomorrow until Monday of next week,” Shields said, but he was “stunned to learn that the final offer that the employer had tabled last Friday was being amended to include a modified version of the premium that is being paid to BC Transit drivers as a result of the settlement last summer.”

Shields said transit workers know the stakes and “nobody wants to go on strike” but they were not willing to settle for less — in terms of percentages — than the deal Victoria transit workers received last August.

BC Transit contracts First Canada to operate its services in the Valley, and is not dir-ectly involved in negotiations

between the employer and its unionized work force. Mike Russell, media and public rela-tions advisor for BC Transit, emphasized this point when he spoke with the Citizen on Monday.

The new deal being offered is for four years and will see an additional 20 cents per hur in each year of the deal, retro-active to April 1, 2015, Unifor said.

The offer will be put to a vote on Thursday evening, and if accepted, there will be no disruptions in bus service. If rejected, strike action will begin on Monday of next week.

Shields said he believes the deal will be ratified.

New off er parks union’s Valley bus strike plans

[FILE]

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, February 03, 2016 3

Rod’sAUTO GLASS& UPHOLSTERY

250-748-4466#2 - 2986 Boys Road, Duncan

7410241

FAITHDIRECTORY

BAPTISTCowichan LakeBaptist Church8259 Beaver Road

Lake Cowichan250-749-3211

Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Dale Winters

ANGLICANSt. Christopher

and St. Aidan70 Cowichan Ave. W


JANUARY SERVICES:Jan. 3 & 10 at 1 pm

Jan. 17, 24 & 31 at 10:30 am

PENTECOSTALLake Cowichan

Christian Fellowship10 King George St. South


Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Terry Hale

ROMAN CATHOLICSt. Louis

de Montfort60 Fern Road


Mass Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Fr. John Vines7410448

2016 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & AWARDS BANQUET

Elect the new Directors for the Chamber Board Come out and celebrate with us as we present the

2015 Community and Business Awards at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena Curling Lounge

Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 6:00 pm $22.00 per person to attend

RSVP by Thursday, February 18th, 2016 250-749-3244 or email: [email protected]

7420627

JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

An orphan bear cub has been visiting the back yards of Lake Cowichan in recent weeks and unless it is captured soon, it will have to be killed.

“We’ve been trying to catch up to this baby bear. The sooner we catch up to it, the better it is for the bear because we’d like to get it to rehab,” said conservation officer Scott Norris. “But the longer it spends in town the more habituated it gets to garbage and human food sources, that’s not going to be a possibility because the rehab centre doesn’t take habituated bears or cubs.”

Since at least Jan. 12, the bear has been spotted multiple times around the east end of town. Sightings have been reported around Lake Park Road, Neva Road, Beaver Road and Savoy Road. Wildlife experts estimate the bear is less than a year old and weighs between 30 and 60 pounds.

“Generally you’re not going to see a small cub of just a year by themselves,” said Norris.

“Usually they’re going to stick with their mom until next year. So likely something’s happened to mom and that’s why it’s on its own.”

Norris said it is possible the mother bear was hit by a car, killed during hunting season or illegally poached.

According to Norris, it’s impera-tive that the young bear is cap-tured soon because once a bear has developed a taste for human food and garbage, there is no way to reverse this training.

“Even if you relocate them way out in the bush, they often end up in town again. It’s a learned behaviour,” he said.

Denis Martel, coordinator of the Valley Fish and Game Club’s Wil-derness Watch Program, empha-sized this point.

“It’s so important for people right now to keep your garbage [indoors],” he said. “I know a lot of people can’t afford a bear-proof garbage can or encasement

area, but if you…can keep your garbage cans in a basement or a shed or something, and just put it out garbage day morning, that way it’s only exposed for that long. Instead of being outside all week.”

The Valley Fish and Game Club serves as an extra set of eyes and ears for conservation officers. The club does not tranquillize

or capture animals. Instead, Martel and other members will respond to calls and try tracking the reported animal, then phone conservation officers when they have found it.

For this reason, Martel said he urges members of the public to call the Wilderness Watch hot-line with any tips or information about dangerous animal sight-

ings. He only learned about the bear cub two weeks after it was initially spotted.

“Everyone figured I knew about it [already], but I didn’t,” he said, adding that he would prefer to get a call and have to explain he’s already aware of the situa-tion than for people to assume someone else brought it to his attention.

Martel has looked for the cub behind Lake Park Estates and has seen evidence of the bear in the bushes that act as a buffer between the neighbourhood and the highway.

“That bush is just littered with garbage,” he said. “[The bear] is pulling it up there from the households. It’s household garbage.”

Philecia Isaacson knows first-hand the importance of keeping garbage indoors. On the evening of Jan. 20, the bear showed up in her backyard, attracted to the family’s garbage, which didn’t make it out to the curb on collec-tion day that week.

Isaacson said seeing the bear at her patio door took her by sur-prise, especially because their small yard is surrounded by a high fence.

“I know it’s Lake Cowichan,” she said. “I know they climb trees so I don’t know why I didn’t expect it to climb a fence. It was a deer in the headlights moment.”

Isaacson grew up in the Mona-shee Mountain region and has had run-ins with wildlife before, even encountering a cougar once, but said she initially panicked at the sight of the bear. Isaacson has two small children and expressed concern for other families in the area.

“A lot of kids walk home through the trails from school and stuff,” she said. The bear returned to her yard again the next afternoon, just around the time school would have been ending.

“It’s any time of day. It’s not as simple as ‘Don’t go walking after dark.’ No it’s any time,” she said.

Conservation officers like Nor-ris advise members of the pub-lic to immediately report a bear sighting in a residential area, to give the animal lots of space and to never feed it.

“We need to get that message out there,” said Norris. “There’s that old saying, ‘A fed bear is a dead bear,’ and that bear won’t make it to rehab if we don’t keep it wild.”

Conservation trying to catch bear cub

This bear cub has been spotted in several backyards near the entrance to Lake Cowichan. Wildlife experts warn the bear must be captured soon if it is going to be rehabilitated and relocated. [PHILECIA ISAACSON PHOTO]

This time of year the nights in Lake Cowichan are still long and rainy, but the local seniors soci-ety has another event this month to help folks of all ages shake off those wintery blues.

On Feb. 20, the 50 Plus Activity Centre is host-ing its Winter Nights Coffee House, featuring performances by The Goodtime Boys and The Cara McCandless Band. Both groups will be playing music of all genres and attendees are encouraged to have their dancing shoes on.

Doors open at 5:30 and admission is $5. The event is not just for seniors — all are welcome.

February coff ee house


Caycuse • Honeymoon Bay • Lake Cowichan • Mesachie Lake • Youbou

Box 10, Lake Cowichan, British Columbia V0R 2G0Street Address: 170E-Cowichan Lake RoadPhone: 250-749-4383 FAX: 250-749-4385 Classifi eds: 1-855-310-3535 (toll free)EDITORIAL: [email protected]: [email protected] EVERY WEDNESDAY BY BLACK PRESS LTD.Canadian Publication Mail Sales Product Agreement #1090194

We acknowledge the fi nancial support of the Government of Canada through

the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The Lake Cowichan Gazette is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact: [email protected] or 250-748-2666. If you are not satisfi ed with the response and wish to fi le a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

Shirley SkolosPublisher

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $38 Within BC . . . . . . . . . . .$54 National . . . . . . . . . $107 Electronic . . . . . . . . . $38

C A N A D I A NCOMMUNITYNEWSPAPERAWARD 2012

CMCAAUDITED

TO COMMENTWe welcome your original comments on editorials, columns, on

topics in the Lake Cowichan Gazette or any subjects important to you. Only letters that include name, address and day and evening phone numbers and that are veri ed by the Lake Cowichan Gazette can be considered for publication.

Letters to the editor and articles submitted to the Lake Cowichan Gazette may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms and will be edited for clarity, grammar and length. Publication is not guaranteed.

Email your thoughts to [email protected] or fax it to us at 250-749-4385OPINION

Got a news tip? Email us at: [email protected]

It’s a baby, so yes, it’s cute, but it’s also a bear.We cannot emphasize enough how important this

distinction is. There are kittens, puppies, kids (baby goats), lambs and even chicks. Then there are bears, fawns, seals, and elk calfs.

The former group does best when you take them into your home (or barn) and feed and love them. The latter group does best when you leave them alone in their original wild habitat — or leave them alone so that they go back to their original wild habitat.

Far too often people see the little ones (and sometimes even the big ones) and think it’s a cool opportunity to get up close and personal with nature.

What they don’t seem to understand is that their interference is often signing the little one’s death warrant.

Wild animals like deer will leave their fawns alone while they go off and graze, as fawns are naturally protected by giving off no scent for predators to follow. But if you interact with a fawn, the mother will very often reject it after your interference, and it will die. Touch it, and you’re killing it.

Then there are bears, which are a whole other kettle of sh. Black bears, like the ones we have around here, are generally not aggressive, and will leave you alone if you leave them alone.

But they are bears, nonetheless, and there is a potential for serious injury.

That little bear that’s out there right now trying to scavenge food from people’s yards and garbage cans will inevitably grow into a much bigger animal as it matures. It is vitally important that it not become used to getting its food from human sources a it grows.

It will never forget that lesson, and it is almost a sure thing that such behaviour will necessitate it being put down by conservation of cers. A cub going through your garbage, unafraid of you, is one thing. A full grown bear doing the same is quite another situation.

Cowichan Lake is a beautiful spot, and one of the things that can make it so special to residents and visitors alike is that they can get a glimpse of area wildlife. We cannot urge people strongly enough to take all the photos you like, but keep your distance. It’s for your health and the health of all those beautiful, wild creatures.

Don’t feed the bears — even if they’re cute

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Letters to the editor are welcome, but writers are requested to keep their submissions to 350 words or less. Keep it local — letters raised in response to issues raised in our pages get top priority. Letters will be edited for clarity, grammar, length — attack the issue, not the individual. All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be reached during business hours. Thank you letters will not normally be considered for publication. [email protected]

Letters to the editor: YOUR SAY

Aff ordable housing strikes heart of problems

How can it be good news when the costs of a basic human need (shelter) increases by five per cent annually?

Let’s do a little math. Let’s assume the average home today is valued at $300,000 and the average household income is $90,000. If real estate prices rise five per cent each year for the next 25 years (that’s what we want, right?), when your kids are ready to buy, the average home will cost about $1 million; and if wages increase by two per cent per year for 25 years, household income will be about $148,000. Your grandchildren

will be much worse off: after 50 years of five per cent annual increases, an average home will cost about $3.4 million; after 50 years of two per cent annual wage increases, average household income will be about $242,000.

Okay, the example is extreme, but it does illustrate the prob-lem: at some point the price of housing will rise above people’s ability to fill the basic human need of shelter. Housing will be just another investment oppor-tunity for those with the cash.

What can we do? I suggest the following: one, restrict sales of local properties to local buyers — this will curb speculation and ridiculous price increases;

and two, the municipality set aside properties for a local NPO to develop into affordable hous-ing — some units can be rented according to ability to pay.

Suppose that every household could divert just $1,000 per year from the cost of shelter to “dis-posable income”; with 10,000 families in the area, $10 million would be injected into the local economy each year for food security and spending in local shops. We can solve three major problems: homelessness, high unemployment, and rising food prices. If this interests you, con-tact me: [email protected]

Ivan QuinlanNorth Cowichan

Lauri MeanleySales

Andrea RondeauEditor

James GoldieReporter


Street Beat With Malcolm Chalmers

The Gazette asked:

What precautions do you take to make sure bears and other wildlife don’t see your yard as a buff et?

Brad Halldorson“I don’t, I’ve got a good

dog that keeps them out of my yard.”

Christine Pierre“I don’t leave food or any

smelly garbage out, and clean off the fruit trees. We hear bears in the bush-es but they don’t bother us.”

Danielle Cooper“I keep all my garbage

locked up behind the fence. If I’ve got anything like fish I’ll throw it in the freezer and wait until the day before (garbage pick up) to throw it out.”

Shamus Billings“My garbage can is kept

under my deck, my neigh-bours have hound dogs and I have a pit bull.”

Gord Mostad“I don’t keep a compost

close to the house and I make sure my garbage cans aren’t accessible.”

Urban drug ghettos not workingCommunities around

B.C. are struggling to cope with the continued

influx of what politicians call “homelessness,” a term that suggests the problem can be solved merely by providing more homes.

Taxpaying citizens see the daily reality behind the sooth-ing euphemisms — mainly transients squatting in parks and “tent cities” blighted by drug abuse and crime, and “homeless” shelters that fill up as soon as they open. They worry that the continued costly supply of supports only invites more arrivals, particu-larly in the gentle climate of southwestern B.C.

Their worries are well found-ed. In Abbotsford, a 40-bed “temporary weather shelter” made from industrial camp trailers opened in December with a $450,000 operating grant from B.C. Housing.

It was full in 10 days. Abbots-ford Police Chief Bob Rich told city council in January that his bike officers don’t recognize most of the shelter occupants from their constant patrols of local tent camps, the largest of which has been on a city-owned roadside site since 2013.

In Maple Ridge, a “low barrier harm reduction” shelter was opened last fall in response to a growing tent camp and accompanying drug dealing, prostitution and petty crime.

One resident noted bitter-ly that a mayor’s task force had identified 42 unsheltered homeless people, then found

places for 77 from the camp, 40 from a closing “temporary” shelter and 40 in a new shelter. “How exactly does one house 157 out of 42?” she asked.

Victoria’s camping popu-lation has gathered in an Occupy-style squat on prov-incial land next to the court-house, after years of uncon-trolled camping in Beacon Hill and other city parks.

The city opened a shelter in a vacant Boys and Girls Club gym, complete with new indoor tents. By the time that was full, the courthouse camp was bigger than ever, with some occupants describing how they came to town for the opportunity. One said Vancou-ver Police gave her a bus ticket to Victoria.

The latest plan by a local agency that runs Victoria shelters is to convert an old, empty seniors’ care home into a 101-bed permanent housing facility. This would also be “low barrier,” a euphemism for allowing drug and alcohol con-sumption in the rooms.

The city has come up with around $1 million for this pro-ject, in a residential area next to a school, but it still needs millions more to renovate and run it.

This would presumably come from B.C. taxpayers via our social housing czar, deputy

premier Rich Coleman.Coleman pioneered this

“housing first” experiment in 2007, buying up 13 century-old “single-room occupancy” hotels in Vancouver’s notori-ous Downtown Eastside. These crumbling bedbug habitats were bought and renovated for a staggering $143 million, plus a 15-year maintenance com-mitment and a cop assigned to each one in an effort to con-tain the chaos inside.

Coleman brags endlessly about the great job he has done, but how is that actual-ly working? A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers provides a more objective assessment.

Tracking 433 mentally ill homeless adults over 10 years, the study found the concen-tration of low-rent accommo-dation, food handouts, street outreach and medical sup-ports resulted in “significant personal decline rather than recovery, as evidenced by their involvement in the criminal justice system, large increases in acute care and prolonged homelessness.”

The rate of people arriving in this service-intensive hellhole has tripled in the last 10 years, a finding similar to studies of concentrated services in New York, Sao Paulo and Osaka.

It’s a cautionary tale for other urban communities where this failed containment model is proposed.

Tom Fletcher is B.C. legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @tomfletcherbc

BC ViewsBy Tom Fletcher

Nuclear power facilities produce no carbon

Perhaps John A. McDonald showing age! Nuclear facilities produce NO carbon from oper-ation. Plutonium half life or life is irrelevant when converted in power reactors. Plutonium is destroyed in conversion to energy. Use reactors to remove plutonium stockpiles and weapons grade plutonium while providing electricity that is eco-nomic, dependable and carbon free!

Nuclear is the only choice in today’s world to eliminate CO2 from power production.

One could wait for fusion react-ors — they were just around the corner when I graduated from uni over 50 years ago — some cor-ner! Geothermal — the same situ-ation. Solar? Produces no power at night and little in winter. But additional batteries — just around the corner, or hydro is the “battery” as Sierra Club pro-

fesses — two systems with one intermittent, economics courses needed here! Wind? Power when wind blowing between certain velocities at varying power lev-els. Hydro? Running out of land — i.e. Site C. Only one option left! Four hundred thirty-seven reactors operating worldwide, 62 under construction currently with China leading building 22 and 40 more planned over next five years. IF one could educate the general population with facts (21st century design) then work with industry and fund it, CO2 elimination from power industry in 20 years is possible! World-Nu-clear.org a place to start.

Eliminate CO2 from electric power production in 10 years in Canada. Pay for it with 1.35 cent per kilowatthr on electricity — nationally. All pay, all benefit! Affordable and not a hardship!

Our choice!

Bob ConibearDuncan

District looking for input on new hospital

The current Cowichan hospi-tal is aging, and now is the time to plan for the region’s future

health care needs. The Cowichan Valley Region-

al District hospital board wants to hear from the community about what comes next.

To that end they’ve developed

a brochure that outlines prog-ress to date and where things are headed.

View the document at www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentCenter/View/68527


Heather Boehmer Heather.boehmer@cowichanvalleycitizen,com

Vi Moffatt [email protected]

Darin Lashman [email protected]

Lauri Meanley [email protected]

Shirley Skolos Publisher/Sales Director [email protected]

Call the COWICHAN VALLEY CITIZEN Offi ce

250-748-2666Monday to Friday 8:30 to 5:00 pm

We’ll be happy to serve your advertising needs!

7400

693

Lots of projects to look forward to in 2016The year is new but

our goals and object-ives remain the same.

Council bases its deci-sion-making on the sole intent of enhancing our community and helping it become a much safer and more desirable place to live in.

The ultimate intent “is to create a vibrant, healthy, sustainable community that exists in harmony with the nat-ural environment, enjoys a balanced economy, supports all generations and provides the opportunities to satisfy diverse social needs”. We are cognisant that not all of our decisions will please everyone and that is under-standable. However we do try our level best to ensure our decisions are based on what we feel will have the most positive impact on our town as a whole.

I am optimistic and excited about the improvements and upgrades we will be undertaking in 2016.

We began the downtown revitaliza-tion in earnest when the re-pavement of Cowichan Lake and South Shore Road were completed together with the Cowichan Lake/North Shore intersection roundabout. That project provided the catalyst for continued improvements and now we expect that Laketown Ranch will be providing an additional stimulus for growth and prosperity.

After the last of our major lumber mills closed we have been frustrated just waiting for another industry to begin rebuilding our economy. Well, almost 20 years have passed without any major industry seeing fit to locate near our community. Statistics reveal, however, that tourism has increased year after year and now Laketown Ranch will be providing us that much needed avenue to speed up the progression towards more economic growth. Promotions like the one pro-vided by Sunfest can help market our community and our diverse landscape and natural assets far beyond any-

thing we could imagine. There is no doubt that social events like Sun-fest are going to have an enormous impact on our community.

We are seeing signs of a positive resurgence now as real estate activ-ities and new building permits appear to be on an upswing in our area. This is a good indicator

for this early in the year. It is said that you only get one chance to make a first impression and it is imperative that the first impression we provide the many new residents and tourists coming to our community is a positive one and an experience they will long remember. Making those who come to our community feel welcome is a good way to start. Let’s embrace our new opportunity because if our resi-dential and business communities are successful, our entire community will prosper as well.

“We can embrace as a possible opportunity for growth or reject with the possibility of missing a great opportunity.” We need to promote our community to its fullest. Early 2016 bookings for Lakeview Campsite and the Cowichan Lake Education Centre are very promising.

I am encouraged to hear from some of our newer residents who are look-ing for ways they can help serve their community as volunteers. It is such a pleasure when I receive emails from those who speak of how they are invested in Lake Cowichan and how they love their new community and want to make it the best place to live. In the past we have had trouble finding members to serve on certain committees and now we are being approached by those asking if there are any openings available. This is another positive indicator for the town’s future. Many of our newer citizens have such diverse knowledge, resources, and different experiences and them coming forward and want-ing to share their fresh ideas with us

is most appreciated.Lake Cowichan Forest Co-op and

Pacheedaht First Nation are hosting the Annual General Meeting of The BC Community Forest Association May 26-28. More than 100 delegates from all over B.C. are expected to attend this event. The three-day AGM event will be centred in community facilities in Lake Cowichan and will provide a big boost to local business. Lake Cowichan Forest Co-op has contributed a lot to our community and this will be the time to show our appreciation by supporting this big endeavour. Let’s demonstrate what a welcoming community we are and assist our guests to the best of our capabilities in making them feel at home.

Thirty-five people attended the recent meeting regarding plans for a Senior’s Care Facility. Enthusiasm was high as discussions for attracting such a facility into our midst began. After most of the hands in the room were raised on wanting to participate on a committee for this initiative it was decided to form a smaller interim steering committee (five members and facilitator) for an initial structuring meeting. The purpose of this meeting will be to craft a committee structure and the terms under which the com-mittee is to operate and to enable it in the identification of talent/skill needs and effective volunteer task-ing. Thank you to everyone who has shown their support to get this project started. The dialogue at the large meeting certainly recognizes the want and the need for a care facility and the absolute importance of support from the entire community to bring this initiative to fruition.

I would also like to recognize and welcome Buzzcuts Multimedia who are using locations in Lake Cowichan for shooting a horror-thriller movie called Dashcam. This movie is shoot-ing on Vancouver Island during Janu-ary and is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2016. Hoping your movie is a success and thank you for including Lake Cowichan in your film.

Mayor’s reportBy Ross Forrest

Timing is every-thing. I used to follow the vege-

table planting guide in the West Coast Seeds Catalogue, but when I recorded daily temper-atures here in Mesachie Lake I found we get 36 more frost free days. I suspect Youbou and Lake Cowichan get even more. Our last frost in 2015 was March 5, three weeks earlier than the guide date, so we can get a big jump on the season. Each micro-climate is different though, so you should take your own temperatures as it may already be time to grow.

I like to sow several crops in flats, kept on a set of shelves over which I suspend fluorescent lights I can move up or down to accommodate growing seedlings. Since the plants require a period of darkness, the lights are plugged into a timer set to go on for 14 hours a day. I cover the whole works with plastic to keep it warm and moist. To keep out crawling insects I staple a strip of sandpaper to each leg, and to keep out flying insects I lay a piece of remay over each flat of seeds and tuck in the sides.

My seed table is in the unheated greenhouse but seedlings can be grown anywhere: inside a south-facing window or on a shelf under any kind of light, just keep the seedlings two inches away from the light as they grow. In the house you won’t need to cover them with plas-tic as it will be warm enough.

I’ve tried all kinds of pots, newspaper circles and soil block-makers to start the seeds off in but the easiest I’ve found are the plastic flats that sections of plastic cells conveniently nes-tle in. Whatever kinds of pots you use, fill them with damp potting mix, sprinkle on the seeds, pat them down to restore capillarity then light-ly sprinkle more potting mix over the surface. This light topping won’t inhibit tender seed-lings and will keep the surface a bit drier and help prevent damping-off disease. It’s best to water from the bottom so as not to disturb the seeds. Once they’re up, watering from above is fine too.

Most potting mixes I’ve tried work well, including commercial bags, but my favourite is Steve Solomon’s mix and if you’d like the reci-pe send your email to me at [email protected]. This year I’ll use his revised fertilizer mix to make it with and I can send that recipe to you, too.

Your GardenBy Mary Lowther

When is key to successful seeds

Seed table. [MARY LOWTHER PHOTO]

Grade 5 student Mayson Calihoo listens carefully to instructions from the director.

Kaylen Andersson, left, and classmates Ally Devlin, Elyssa Sahulka and Sydney Johnson learn how to “smile through your voice” before their rehearsal begins. [PHOTOS BY JAMES GOLDIE/GAZETTE]

Students take radio plays to airJAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

Listeners of Radio Cowichan are in for a treat later this month when local stu-dents take to the airwaves in two upcom-ing radio plays.

Grade 4 and 5 students at Lake Cowic-han School recently spent some time at the community radio station practising and recording Bob the Snowman and Snowflake Bentley, two seasonal radio plays chosen by their teacher Lindsay Hartshorn.

“I think it’s important for them to have some experience with public speaking and feeling more confident with speak-ing out loud in front of an audience,” she said.

The class has been rehearsing the two plays since December as part of their language arts and drama classes. Hartshorn said her students have been enthusiastic about the project since the beginning, and that getting to go on the air eventually “took it to a whole new level” for the students.

“Doing it in the classroom is one thing, they were loving it then, but when I told them they were going to get to go to the radio station and people like their parents and grandparents would get to hear it, and even people out of province could tune in to it online, they were very excited.”

The children who didn’t feel comfort-able being recorded while speaking were in charge of sound effects.

“Nobody didn’t want to be involved at all. Everybody wanted to do something,” said Hartshorn.

Michael Bishop, director of the Cow-ichan Valley Community Radio Society, gave students a tour of the radio station and provided direction on how to use the microphones and perform for radio.

An air date for the productions has not been set, but Hartshorn said she will inform parents through the school’s weekly newsletter.

Listeners can find Radio Cowichan at 97.5 FM stereo.

The sound effects team use their voices to replicate sounds like birds tweeting. Front, from left: Owen Sharrow, Casey Nickel, and Dillon Lees. Back: Lara Court and Michael Marshall.

Tyler St. James-Balmeceda voices the lead character in the Grade 4 group’s play Bob the Snowman.

Elly Hamilton’s star shines bright with speaking roles in both seasonally themed radio plays.


IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BLACK PRESS COMMUNITY NEWS MEDIA

Take your first step to the international stage!Applications now being accepted for Miss Teen BC, Miss BC & Mrs BC!

To apply visit your community newspaper website and click on contests.


7427577

NEW LISTINGS WANTED • RENTAL PROPERTIES WANTED

WATERFRONT LOTStart your dream here! Beautiful water front lot located in the prestigious Creekside Estate on the sunny south facing shores of Lake Cowichan. Incredible views of the Lake and Mountains! Minutes from the Town of Lake Cowichan, close to trails and plenty of nature and recreation. This property boasts 14,124 sq ft and is ready to build on. Add your own private dock or walk on the waterfront beach. Call to view today!

Lot 34 Creekside $309,000

PICTURE PERFECTThe perfect picture in this very cute bungalow. From the moment you open the door you will be amazed at the openness of the design, 3 big skylights accent the vaulted ceilings, 3 bedrooms, master with a full 4 pc bath. What a beautiful area to live in. Good neighbours make the difference. Call to view today

191 Johnson Place $285,000

1200 sq ft shop with two bays for all your toys. This3 bedroom home is situated on a roomy .32 acre lot. The back yard is large and private. Located close to all town amenities.196 Neva Road $296,900

PRETTY AS A PICTUREThis lot is ideally suited to build your dream home in charming Mesachie Lake. The flat lot is close to swimming, golfing, hiking and camping. The lot includes a car port and a newer 200 sq ft shed which is wired, plumbed including a bathroom and is insulated. The lot is fully fenced & has mature trees adding to the tranquility and privacy you will feel.

6624 Forestry Rd. $119,000

SPANISH VILLAThis 3 or 4 bedroom home radiates hospitality & charm from the marble & Boeing bathtub to the vaulted ceilings. The living room has a cozy terra cotta fireplace & downstairs is a cold room for your wine or preserves. The home boasts unique tiles, intercom system, built in vacuum and a fully finished detached workshop with over height double carport for your RV or Boat. Motivated Seller, call to view today!

87 Park Road $325,000

EASY LIVINGImmaculate double wide mobile in a small adult park with only 10 units. This 2 bed/2 bath home has been meticulously maintained including paint, flooring, appliances, new propane fireplace, kitchen, bathroom and the list goes on and on. A great home and wonderful location to don’t miss your chance to live here!

#1-8697 North Shore Rd $121,000

REVENUE PROPERTY This large home features 3 bedrooms upstairs with a huge living room, country kitchen and laundry room. There is a 1 bed suite downstairs which will provide extra revenue if needed or simply use as a big home. There is a big easy access wired shop that would be great for projects or storage. Call to view today!

147 MacDonald Road $220,000

WATERFRONT LIVING Sunny Youbou waterfront on .29 acre. Live in a waterfront home with 3 bedrooms & 2 baths, beautiful birch floors and open concept living/dining area. The 2nd residence is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home which is currently being rented. Why not own a price of paradise!10552 Coon Creek $575,000

This home features 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens and plenty of storage. There is a 560 sq ft double garage to store those summer toys. This big home sits on an extra large 0.37 acre lot with fenced garden area and lots of room for building that dream car garage. Huge properties within the Lake Cowichan boundaries like this are becoming quite rare. You won’t want to miss this one!

197 Grants Lake Road $230,000

AFFORDABLE TOWNHOUSECentrally located to shopping and all amenities. Level entry with main floor living including an attached storage area and private patio in the back where you can enjoy the wooded area and flowing creek. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms, 4 piece bath and the master has a walk in closet. Could be a great starter home for a young family, great investment or perfect for retirement. Call to view today!

#3-215 Madill $115,000

E-mail: [email protected]

Keith Nelson Countrywide

250.749.6660 24 hours

1.800.729.3246 www.lkc.caBuying or Selling... Keith’s Your Man

Tracy Forrest

E-mail: [email protected]

Village Realty®

FABULOUS LAKE FRONT LOTBeautiful waterfront lot on one of the nicest spots on Cowichan Lake. This is an undivided ½ interest as Joint Tenants with a Co-Ownership Agreement in place. Cute cabin on the property with two bedrooms, includes a hot tub and dock. Enjoy the beach for swimming & boating and spectacular views of the Mountains and Lake. Call to view today!

9166 Meades Creek $245,000

LOTS • LOTS • LOTS

MAKE THIS YOUR HOLIDAY GET-A-AWAY!Lovely recreational lot located in Paradise Village RV Park on 12 acres in Honeymoon Bay. Share interest In a waterfront development boasting 4 acres of play fields, private marina, boatlaunch & sandy beaches.

$102,000

INVESTORS ALERTPossible development potential! This property provides several options including building a duplex or renovating the existing home. Lot size is approx 290 ft deep by 105 ft wide. Due to main road location, re-zoning to commercial may be a possibility. Vendor financing may also be available. Centrally located and close to all amenities. Lake Cowichan is a growing community only 20 minutes west of Duncan.

250 South Shore $199,000

REDUCEDPENDING

NEW LISTING

GREAT OPPORTUNITYConveniently located in the heart of Lake Cowichan. Fully fenced, flat backyard for easy maintenance with a detached shop/garage and brand new deck. The home features 3 bedrooms & a big cozy fireplace. Needs minor TLC and is Priced to sell! 83 Wellington $169,900

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE

This is a mostly level, easy to build on lot located on a no thru road in Lake Cowichan. Build your dream home on this nicely treed property that is just a few minutes walk to the spectacular Cowichan River.

189 Quamichan Ave

$69,900

LAKE VIEWSGently sloping lot with views of the mountains and Cowichan Lake to build that duplex or dream home on. Situated among fine newer homes and within walking distance to the boat launch, weir and all town amenities.

245 North Shore

$69,900

NEW LISTING

IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATIONAlmost in the heart of Lake Cowichan & across from the River. It’s only a few minutes to anywhere in town. There are up to 4 bedrooms depending on what layout you want. The lot is over 14,000 sq feet and includes a huge double carport, large double garage and storage shed. Call to view today!

10 Riverside Drive $269,999

NEW LISTING

FIRST TIME BUYERSWhere else can you buy something for less than $18,000 This mobile needs some work but the potential is great. Located in a lakefront mobile home park. Summers at the beach are a bonus.

#5-9041 Meades Creek $17,900

NEW LISTING

SOLD

PENDING

PENDING

SPECTACULAR VIEWSYou can see for miles & miles on this spectacular south facing 0.28 acre lot. Located high on the hill in the “Cottages at Marble Bay”. There are panoramic views of the mountains, beautiful Cowichan Lake & Honeymoon Bay! There is lake access with wharfs and beach front. They don’t come any better than this so make this your weekend destination get-a-way or for full time living!

17 Kestrel Drive $99,900

NEW LISTING


At the Youbou Community Association’s annual general meeting last week, mem-bers discussed a range of initiatives for the area, including possible redevelopment of the former Yount Elementary School.

“The Yount school is something that we’ve been looking at whether or not there’s enough community interest and drive to actually maybe acquire it through the association,” said association chair-person Chris Leischner.

The school building is currently owned by BC School District 69, and according to Leischner, since its closure in 2006 there have been a number of ideas for how to repurpose the space for community use.

Alison Nicholson, Area E director for the CVRD and one of the driving forces behind the Hub at Cowichan Station, gave an hour-long presentation at the AGM after touring Yount School. She explained how the Hub, a blend of business and commun-ity space that grew out of the former Cow-ichan Station School, was formed.

“I went through what I thought the important factors for success were for Cowichan Station,” said Nicholson, add-ing that her community’s situation is dif-ferent than Youbou’s because it has a more central location. She also noted the Yount School is a bigger space than the Hub.

“[There are] lots of classrooms, lots of opportunities to do different things. But a bigger space is also more expensive to run,” she said. “It’s a real challenge but I also said: If you want to do it, I always believe you can get it done.”

Nicholson told Leischner and the Youbou association that having a business model is key to maintaining a fiscally sustainable location. She invited anyone to come to vis-it the Hub for a tour and to get a sense of how they operate.

Leischner said the talk was inspiring.“We would like to follow a model similar

to the Hub where we get a couple of anchor businesses,” she said. “There’s an individ-

ual in the community who runs a day care who’s interested. There’s been a few artist groups that would like to have access to some space.”

Leischner said her association’s goal is to “regenerate and revive and connect Youbounians and Youbouites” and she and her fellow board members hope to find someone from the community who will champion this project and “take [it] on with a passion.”

Area I director Klaus Kuhn plans to hold a town hall meeting in February and dis-cussion of a Yount School revival will be one of the items on his agenda.

Other topics at the Youbou Community Association’s AGM included fundraising plans for the coming year, preliminary research on a community boat launch and more “speed watch” days (during which community members clock traffic speeds).

The association’s board members are all staying on in their positions for another, and the board also welcomed the addition of two new directors, Duncan Hume and Don Beldessi.

The board also announced the Youbou Welcomes You sign will be repainted this spring. “Just to get things smartened up and give people pride in the community, that kind of thing,” said Leischner, noting there are a number of talented artists in Youbou, one of whom has volunteered to repaint the sign.

Leischner said her group is also looking into the possibility of painting some of the telephone poles going into Youbou as well in anticipation of the added visitors with Sunfest this year.

The next general meeting of the Youbou Community Association will be in ear-ly April, although the board meets on a monthly basis. Leischner said the associ-ation is always looking for new members.

“We are a group that loves anything Youbou,” she said. “If you have a passion, if you have an idea then come to us. We really just want to see Youbou grow and thrive.”

Yount front, centre at Youbou AGM

The former Yount School was a big topic of discussion at the Youbou Community Association’s AGM, as residents debate what the building might become. [GAZETTE FILE]


The Town of Lake Cowichan has approved Catalyst Paper Corporation’s request to be exempt from the local noise bylaw should the company install water pumps on the lake’s weir for use during periods of dangerously low water levels in the Cowichan River.

At the town’s regular monthly council meeting on Jan. 26, municipal represent-atives discussed Catalyst’s application for Relief of Noise Bylaw, which laid out proposed plans to use 20 low velocity pumps to transfer lake water over the weir near the boat lock.

The pumps would be powered by 10 “low noise/low emissions” diesel generators.

According to the pump project’s environmental management plan, one generator emits 70 decibels at a distance of 20 feet and they would have to run 24 hours a day.

“While the generators are considered amongst the quietest in use, we antici-pate potential violation of the bylaw given the 24 hour day service,” said Cata-lyst vice-president and mill manager Har-old Norlund in a letter to the town.

Catalyst’s proposal to pump water from the lake is pending approval from the B.C. government.

The environmental management plan for the project (which was also submit-ted to town council) has some conflict-ing information about the location of the pumps’ generators. The document states

that the generators “will be situated on lands either north of the boat lock or to the south of the floodgates,” but later that they will be placed on the northern shore near the boat lock.

Mayor Ross Forrest confirmed this location and emphasized the necessity of measures like the pumping system.

“We’re hoping that we will have more snow back this year and we get through the river fine but there’s no guarantee,” he said. “Nobody wants to do it. Catalyst doesn’t want to do it, but there isn’t going to be a choice if it gets down to that level. It’s up to us if we’re going to hold back the flow of the river because of noise. And there will be noise. There’s no doubt about that.”

Coun. Tim McGonigle said he supports the plan to pump from the lake despite the noise, but did want to know exactly how much noise the process would cause when all 10 generators are running. He requested town staff report back with this information.

In an email to the Gazette, Catalyst’s director of communications Eduarda Hodgins said the company wants to answer the newspaper’s questions about the projected total sound impact of the pumps and their generators, but could not do so by press time.

Council voted unanimously in favour of exempting Catalyst from its Control of Noise bylaw. This bylaw does not stipu-late a specific decibel level that people are prohibited from exceeding.

Catalyst’s water pumps exempt from noise bylaw


7420624

10 Wednesday, February 03, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.comA10 www.lakecowichangazette.com Wed, Feb 3, 2016, Lake Cowichan Gazette

Legion Branch #210

COMING UP!

DROP-IN DARTS EVERY MONDAY AT 7PM

DOUBLES CRIB EVERY THURSDAY AT 7PM

MEAT DRAW EVERY SATURDAY-FIRST DRAW AT 3PM

FROSTBITE TROUT DERBYSATURDAY, MARCH 4TH DETAILS TO FOLLOW!!

SUPER BOWL PARTYSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH AT 3PM

PRIZES! DOOR PRIZE! HAMBURGERS $5.00/EACHEER FOR YOUR TEAM!!!Donna Ruth Riddler

Sept 1939 – Dec 2015

A Celebration of Donna’s Life will be held in the Arbor Reception Centre at Sands Funeral Chapel, 187 Trunk Road in Duncan on Saturday, February 6, 2016 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. In keeping with Donna’s wishes, please wear any colour other than black, Donna’s favourite colour was red. For the full obituary and service details go to www.sandsduncan.ca

SANDS of DUNCAN250-746-5212

DEATHS

LAKE COWICHANDC519816 – 56 papers

Comiaken Ave Pine St 54-59 Satlam Ave 40-164DC519836 - 65 papers

North Shore Rd 3-134 Wilson Rd Park RdDC519846 - 56 papers

Berar Rd Fern Rd Sall Rd South Shore Rd 232-350

HONEYMOON BAYDC 519880 - 63 papers

Beach Dr March Rd Paul’s Dr South Shore Rd First St Second St Charles Pl

RESPONSIBLE CARRIERS WANTED

& P/T OR ON-CALL CARRIERS (for emergency situations)

WANTEDFOR MORE INFORMATION

PLEASE CALL: 250-715-7783

Come grow with us, apply with resume to: [email protected]

www.qualityfoods.com

Blossom

into a New Career• Florists

• Gift Shop/HomeDecor Retail

Clerks100% Company Paid Benefi ts, Bonus Plan and Group RSP

Communities in Bloom

Annual General Meeting/Regular Meeting

February 4, 2016 - 12 noonCountry Grocer Meeting Room

Everyone Welcome

Woods Foreman/Handyman

Bear Lake Logging Co. Ltd. is seeking an experi-enced west coast logger for the position of Woods Fore-man/ Handyman to support the Operations Manager with planning and supervi-sion of a safe, effi cient re-mote camp logging opera-tion working in the Mid-Coast area. This full-time, year-round position is suit-ed for a candidate with practical logging experience and interest in developing their management and su-pervisory skills within a me-dium sized, non-union com-pany. Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to safety and production are critical, as is experience op-erating a variety of logging equipment. Fly-in / fl y out from Campbell River. Rota-tion is 14 days on / 7 days off.

Submit your cover letter and resume to

fax 250-248-5467 or email [email protected]

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

INFORMATION

CANADA BENEFIT GrouP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canada benefi t.ca/free-assessment

Denied Long-TermDisability Benefi ts or

other insurance?If YES, call or email for

FREE initial legal consultation and protect

your right to compensation.778-588-7049

[email protected]

HIP OR Knee replacement? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dress-ing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For As-sistance: 1-844-453-5372.

TRAVEL

GETAWAYS

LONG BEACH - Ucluelet - Deluxe waterfront cabin,

sleeps 6, BBQ. Winter Special. 2 nights $239 or 3 nights $299Pets Okay. Rick 604-306-0891

TIMESHARE

CANCEL YOUR timeshare. No risk program. Stop mort-gage and maintenance pay-ments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consul-tation. Call us now, we can help! 1-888-356-5248.

COMING EVENTS

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

SEE POLAR Bears, Walrus and Whales on our Arctic Ex-plorer Voyage next summer. Save 15% with our winter sale for a limited time. Call toll-free: 1-800-363-7566 or visit:www.adventurecanada.com (TICO#04001400)

HELP WANTED

COMING EVENTS

DEATHS

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

HEALTHCARE DOCUMEN-TATION Specialists are in huge demand. Employers want CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Train with Canada’s best-rated program. Enroll today.www.canscribe.com 1-800-466-1535. [email protected].

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT SCHOOL. Hands-On Tasks. Start Weekly. GPS Training!

Funding & Housing Avail! Job Aid! Already a HEO?

Get certifi cation proof.Call 1-866-399-3853 or go to:

iheschool.com

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit today: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career!

START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Infor-mation Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765.

PERSONAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

LARGE FUNDBorrowers Wanted

Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime1-800-639-2274 or

604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

ACCOUNTING/TAX/BOOKKEEPING

PETER NJENGA Chartered Professional Accountant - Ac-cepting new clients. 604-593-5447. [email protected]

COMING EVENTSCOMING EVENTS

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

PLUMBING

A SERVICE PLUMBER. Li-cence, Insured. Drains, HWT, Reno’s, Repairs. Senior Dis-counts. After Hour Service. Call Coval Plumbing, 250-709-5103.

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

REFORESTATION NURSERYseedlings of hardy trees, shrubs and berries for shelter-belts or landscaping. Spruce and Pine from $.99/tree. Free shipping. Replacement guar-antee. 1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397. Make money & save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

REAL ESTATE

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

M&M Meat Shops Franchise for sale in Cranbrook, BC. Own-ers retiring. Busy main streetlocation. Call Kathy Hosseini@ 1-519-895-2580 ext. [email protected]

RENTALS

COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL

1800 SQ.FT. Commercial/Light industrial unit in modernstrata complex with HighwayExposure in Duncan area. Call 1(250)658-4336.

HALLS

LIONS’ CLUB HALL for rent $75. Deposit required. CallEileen 250-749-3345.

To advertise in print:Call: 1-855-310-3535 Email: [email protected]

Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

Browse more at:

A division of

$30GET IT RENTED!BUY ONE WEEK, GET SECOND WEEK FREE!*

SELL IT IN 3 OR IT RUNS FOR FREE!*

*Private party only, cannot be combined with other discounts.

Place your private party automotive ad with us in your community paper for the next 3 weeks for only $30. If your vehicle does not sell, call us and we'll run it again at NO CHARGE!

AGREEMENTIt is agreed by any display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

Used.ca cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition.

Used.ca reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Used.ca Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORYLEGISLATIONAdvertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHTCopyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of Used.ca. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

ON THE WEB:

INDEX IN BRIEFFAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRAVEL

EMPLOYMENT

BUSINESS SERVICES

PETS & LIVESTOCK

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

RENTALS

AUTOMOTIVE

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

LEGAL NOTICES

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTSFAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS


Cowichan LakeSERVICE DIRECTORY

20+ years experience

250-749-4997250-709-5103

COVAL PLUMBING

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

After Hour Service | Seniors’ Discounts Renovations | New Construction | RepairsHot Water Tanks | Drain CleaningSeptic Design & InstallationWater Services

INDEPENDENTCRAFTSMAN

QUALITY COMES FIRST.• RENOVATIONS • INSTALLATIONS • FRAMING

• ALL FINISHING CARPENTRY • CUSTOM KITCHENS • LAMINATE FLOORING • DECKS • FENCES

• SHEDS • ADDITIONS • WINDOWS & DOORS

JOHN PORTELANCE

[email protected]

FINISHING CARPENTER WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. • Fish • Pet food/supplies

• Otter Co-op Livestock Feed • Wood Pellets • Grooming

MONTHLY VET CLINICwith Dr. Nancy Holling 170A Cowichan Lake Rd.250-749–4454

Cowichan PetEmporium (1996)

TO BOOK ADVERTISING SPACE AND EXCELLENT

SERVICE CALL

[email protected]

1059D Canada Ave, Duncanwww.sofaandchair.ca 250-748-4446

- North of Beverly

SOFA Chairand

Do You have Saggy, Old, Tired Furniture??Come In and See Our Extensive Selection

of Quality Canadian Leather and FabricFurniture at Great Prices!

On Sale Now!

Welcome Wagon provides friendly facesJAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

Newcomers to Lake Cowic-han — whether they’ve recently moved here or were recently born here — have at least one com-munity member who’s already waiting to meet them.

Maureen Loebus, coordinator of Welcome Wagon Canada’s local chapter, distributes free gift bas-kets to recent arrivals to the com-munity and to families already here who have newborn babies.

“It’s the first personal welcome they get,” said Loebus.

The baskets contain a variety of gifts donated by local businesses, with items ranging from candy to water bottles to toothbrushes, and lots of gift cards and special coupons. The baskets for people new to town also includes infor-mation from the tourist centre, from civic organizations and community groups.

“This is a really important wel-come to a community because of all the different things that are in the basket,” said Loebus. “For somebody to go to all of these individual businesses and then tourist info centre, the town hall, the police, the fire department — it would take them forever. They’d never do it. But here they get the whole kit and caboodle all in one fell swoop.”

The baby basket contains copies of Island Parent magazine, toys and information pamphlets about

local resources.“My friends who say they didn’t

get a welcome basket when they moved in, I tell them, ‘Well have a baby and I’ll bring you the baby basket,’” Loebus said jokingly.

While the Welcome Wagon pro-gram has been active in Lake Cowichan for more than 20 years, Loebus has been on the job since

October and said it’s not uncom-mon for newcomers to get missed. She said after being in town for a year and a half, a person or family is no longer eligible for a basket.

Nicole Lalonde, who moved to Lake Cowichan just over a year ago from Fort St. John, was recently contacted by Loebus about receiving a basket.

Lalonde said she appreciates the gesture and it only under-scores what a nice community she now calls home.

“It’s great,” she said. “It’s a beautiful town.”

And while new citizens benefit from the basket program, par-ticipating businesss do as well according to Loebus.

“It’s open to anyone. We have realtors, small businesses, big businesses. Anyone who would benefit from an introduction to new people coming in,” she said, urging potentially interested local business to give her a call. “I’d be happy to explain how it works. It’s very inexpensive advertising.”

Lindy Harrigan, co-owner of the Shaker Mill Restaurant, is get-ting her establishment involved.

“I think it’s a good way to get new people to know that we’re here,” she said. “Some people miss us, they don’t even know we exist.”

She said the program is also a way to promote the live music nights at the restaurant every Friday.

Doug Fast, manager of Home Hardware, has also signed his business up.

“We believe it’s important to support our community and new people coming,” he said. “Because I’m new to the community, when I got my basket I wanted to know, ‘Well how can we get our store involved?’”

Lindy Hannigan, left, co-owner of The Shaker Mill restaurant, is joining the Welcome Wagon program for new comers to town. Beside her, Nicole Loebus receives a basket of products and information from local businesses delivered by program coordinator Maureen Loebus. [JAMES GOLDIE/CITIZEN]

“It’s open to anyone. We have realtors, small businesses, big businesses.”

MAUREEN LOEBUS, Welcome Wagon


197EACH

All items while stocks last.

Midweek SpecialsWed. thru Sat.

February 3 - 6, 2016

297EACH

Imported

Extra Large Cantaloupes

FOR21000

Authentic Frozen

Chicken Wings

BBQ, Buffalo or Honey Garlic454 g

700EACH

Whole Frozen

Sockeye Salmon Fillets

Approx. 454 g

197EACH

Raisin Bread

454 g

In our Bakery...

297EACH

Reg.6.69

Saputo Canadian

Bocconcini Cheese

200 g

In our Deli...

477EACHLIMIT 3 Total

Faith Farms

CheeseApprox. 400 g

Offers valid at Lake Cowichan and Cobble Hill Country Grocer locations only1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cobble Hill • Open Daily 8 am - 9 pm83 Cowichan Lk. Rd, Lake Cowichan • Open Daily 7 am - 9 pmWATCH FOR OUR

FLYERTHIS FRIDAY

in the Citizen Newspaper

You’ll Feel Like Family.Proud to be serving the

Cowichan Valley since 1985

Pepsi & Assorted Flavours

LIMIT 3 Total

.97EACH

In our Deli… Fletcher’s

Honey Ham

Mexican Premium Quality

Long English Cucumbers

6x710 ml

.97100 g

FAMILY DAY GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!ENTER IN-STORE AT ANY COUNTRY GROCER LOCATION (JANUARY 22ND — FEBRUARY 7 TH ) ONE WINNER PER STORE

DRAW DATE: FEBRUARY 8TH

AWAAYYAYAAYA ! ) ONE WINNER PER STORE ) ONE WINNER PER STORE

ATE: FEBRUATE: FEBRUARY 8TH

Documents

Lake Cowichan Gazette, February 03, 2016