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Letters

Dog found after suspected cougar attack, thanks to community help

Just want to share this letter of thanks to the great community of Ladysmith. At 3 in the morning on Wednesday, August 24th, our 14 year old maltipoo, Romeo, who is all of 9 lbs and smaller than our housecat ran outside barking. Although deaf and blind in one eye, he must have smelled something that he wanted out of our yard. After a cacophony of momentary screams, growls and yelps, just as suddenly, scary silence. As fast as we could get ourselves outside with fl ashlights and baseball bat, there was no sign of him, no blood, no tracks, nothing. All we could do was hold each other and mourn the loss of our dear friend and family member. For a variety of reasons we suspected a cougar. We held no hope for his survival. When morning light arrived, I contacted the Township of Ladysmith, the Conser-vation Offi ce and the local veterinarian to let them know of a potential cougar attack. Thank you fi rst to Stuart Bates, our local Conservation Offi cer who arrived so quickly to investi-gate, search and take the time to talk with us. Sorry about the brambles! Thanks to Sue and Kerri-Anne at City Hall who kept checking in with me, connecting me with the right people and making sure they were there. It was one of the worst moments of our lives; telling the children, friends and neighbours that Romeo had gone. When we least expected it, just after noon, we received an exuberant call from city hall letting us know that a woman, another wonderful kind and considerate member of this community called to say that she had a small grey dog curled up on her porch (about 3 km away from us).

Krista, thank you for caring and choosing to call city hall. (Thank goodness for dog licences!) In no time at all, we had Romeo in our arms and on the way to the very attentive Dr. Julia Neer and staff at the Ladysmith Animal Hospital. Romeo was treated quickly and effi ciently.

After being terrorized, exhausted Romeo had arrived with three puncture wounds and his mouth was ripped badly with loose and missing teeth, but he survives. We think it’s a miracle and cried more tears, this time, tears of joy.

We’re not sure it was a cougar (even though we found cougar scat on our property). We fi gure a young cougar, knocked him out and then carried him to his lair, and when Romeo came to, he simply fought and caught the cougar off guard. The Conser-vation Offi cer is still investigating however. We heard cougar

sounds outside our bedroom window when he ran out, but we cannot be positive.

Thank you very much to all those that stepped in so quickly to assist, be kind, caring and courteous to us and thanks to our friends and neighbours in Ladysmith for their support. We are so lucky to be a part of this wonderful community.

- Kirsten and David Smith

Morden MineI would like to send out a huge thank you to the volunteers

who gave up their Saturday to make the Morden Mine/BC Parks celebration last Saturday such a huge success. Special thanks to Jennifer, Gerta, Ted, Donna P, Donna S, Vivian, Lynette, and from SWACA Krista and Barb.

Also, thanks to the directors Frank and Louise and especially Eric and John. Great job!

A great big appreciation to Tom Paterson and Parker Williams for donating their time to give wonderful tours of the site.

And last but defi nitely not least to Dave Forman and the BC Parks crew for putting on this event.

I think we really put Morden on the map!- Ingrid Greenwell

Skatepark UpdateThe Association would like to thank Tamagawa University

for helping us have another successful dinner. A huge bouquet to the businesses and friends: ACME Food Co, Amanda Av-ender, Blue Ginger Restaurant, Cedar Valley Memorial Gar-dens, Crow & Gate Pub, G.G. Creation, JoVic Pottery, Kenn Joubert, Liberty Tax, Linda Turner, Lohmann Gallery, Nicole Hennessey, Port Theatre, Sheryl Robinson, and Thyme 4 Heal-ing for their donations for the live auction. We also owe the Tamagawa Students a big thank you for their generosity in tak-ing the time out from their busy schedules to put on a wonderful show of their culture. You are awesome! The Todo Kai Dojo also came and presented a wonderful demonstration of Iaido,

6 take5.ca SEPT 2011

Romeo recovering from suspected cougar atatck

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with the Japanese sword. With the support of the community we were able to raise $1266.00 towards the Skatepark fund. Thank you to all involved.

Our next fundraiser is a golf tournament at Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., Sept 24. To register please call Vicki at 250 722 3767.

– Vicki Suddaby

Osama bin Laden’s death On the subject of assassinating “murdering” foreign leaders it

doesn’t matter if it’s communists, Islamic groups, socialists: if they are disobedient to corporate interests, the USA will assas-sinate leaders, hire counter-revolutionaries, or invade in order

to install their own self serving puppet AGAINST the interests of the people of that particular country-FOR-so called Ameri-can security interests. The American state operates very much like mafi a. And mainstream media, including the CBC, cow tow to this anti democratic and criminal fascistic reality. I only wish the CBC had the courage to call a spade a spade.

- Mike Gogo

Letters to the Editor are welcome but subject to space and ed-iting. Letters published do not necessarily refl ect the opinion of TAKE 5. Write PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1A1, editor@take5.ca, or post your comments directly at www.take5.ca

8 take5.ca SEPT 2011

Ladysmith Mayor Report:

Slack – Not Slag - Part of our industrial legacyBY ROB HUTCHINS, LADYSMITH MAYOR

The waterfront area, adjacent to the original settlement of the Town of Ladysmith, has been the topic of much discussion, study, assessment, planning, dreams, and speculation since 1985 when TimberWest vacated their log sort operations.

Over the last few months I have been asked numerous times to clarify, “Well, is it ‘Slack Point’ or is it ‘Slag Point’?” Al-though old timers are very clear on the matter, the confusion has been perpetuated as some offi cial maps/charts have continued to use the incorrect name of Slag Point. Adding to the confu-sion is the com-mon perception that Ladysmith, founded on the coal industry, actually had mines within or adjacent to our Town boundar-ies.

In fact, the mines that put Ladysmith on the map were in Ex-tension some 20 km to the north. The ‘slag’ (waste material produced when coal is dug from the ground), or the ‘slag heap’ as it relates to coal mines, was commonly found near the mouth of the coal mine.

For some three decades millions of tons of Extension coal were shipped to Ladysmith by rail. Here, above what is now Transfer Beach Park, the coal was washed, using water diverted from the Holland Creek prior to it being bagged or bulk loaded onto the waiting ships. The waste or slack (very small pieces and dust from the coal) was simply dumped into the harbour.

Before fi ngers are pointed at the coal industry, provincial regulations at the time – and a general lack of understanding about the effects of environmental contamination -- permitted the copper ore smelter operations in the north to release, into the same waters, a heavy metal called cadmium, while the raw sewage from the municipal system poured from a pipe located near what is now the Ladysmith Maritime Society Community Marina.

Eventually the slack deposit covered the harbour fl oor for tens of acres, stretching to Woods Island in the east to just south of the Fisherman’s Wharf in the north. Over time the deposit, of over a million tons of coal pieces and dust fi lled some forty feet of water until it formed what is now called Slack Point and the lot that now holds the Ladysmith Amphitheatre was formed - a

total of some 16 ½ acres or 6.7 hectares on the surface. For approximately fi fty years, from the mid 1930’s to the mid

1980’s, Slack Point acted as breakwater and a foundation for the immense log sort operation immediately to the north.

Today if you walk the perimeter of Slack Point you will see that rising tides have caused signifi cant erosion of the shore-line, depositing more slack into the inner basin and the chan-nel in front of Woods Island. The slack needs to be stabilized (contained) with either sheet piling or rip rap (large rocks) or removed completely.

The coal slack, a provincial responsibility and liability, places this Ladysmith waterfront area on the Ministry of Environ-ment’s Contaminated Sites List. In partnership with the Town, over the past twenty-four months, the Province has undertaken the most comprehensive environmental assessment to date. The result of this assessment is expected to be released this fall. Then, we hope we will have a clear picture of how best to move forward with remediating our industrial legacy.

Mayor Hutchins can be reached at rhutchins@ladysmith.ca or 250 245-6403.

Ladysmith Harbour circa 1940s. Photo: Town of LadysmithLadysmith Wharf. Photo Ladysmith ArchivesSacking Coal. Photo: Ladysmith Archives

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Rooyen who wrote eloquently about her Mom, Sue Bonde, and step-Dad, Guy Wolfe - of their loving bond through life’s ups and downs. Jayse explained: “I want to do something special for them and show them that after all of these years of being the most incredible par-ents my sister, Bryn, and I could ever ask for they are still immensely appreci-ated.”

Allison Crowe is a favourite singer of Jayse and Bryn’s parents and their 13th wedding anniversary is September 1. When a recording project opened a window for Allison to fl y to this coast later this month a surprise concert was arranged. Now the secret is out – and ev-eryone in the Island community is invited to share in the fun. Adding to the festive air, Allison Crowe’s independent music label, Rubenesque Records, reaches the 10-year mark with this show.

Allison Crowe’s live set mixes voice, piano, and guitar – and genres from rock to folk, jazz, pop and soul. Audiences ’round the world thrill to her passionate music. Reviewers describe the experi-ence as “amazing” and “transcendent” – looking to an array of artists - Edith Piaf, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, and Eddie Vedder among them – for comparisons. Still, as tv/radio personality Vicki Gab-ereau says, there is no one else like Al-lison Crowe.

Singularly acclaimed as an original songwriter, and for freshly defi nitive takes on songs by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, The Beatles and everything from traditional aires to classics and grunge. Crowe has just released a double-A-side single, “Arthur”, “Up to the Moun-tain”. Her authentic music videos have an audience of over 11 million viewers

Allison Crowe Autumn Show with Lena Birtwistle – an anniversary celebration and more…

Internationally-acclaimed recording artist Allison Crowe comes to Ladysmith for a special night of music billed as “an Anniversary celebration and more”. She joins Vancouver Island singer-songwrit-er and radio-host Lena Birtwistle in con-cert at Ladysmith First United Church, Friday, September 23 at 8 pm.

Since 2006, home for the Nanaimo, B.C.- born Crowe is Corner Brook, New-foundland. It’s another, friendly, island community and a comfortable hopping-off point for Europe where the musician regularly tours. Each Christmas season, on Canada’s Atlantic and Pacifi c coasts, Allison Crowe presents her much-loved “Tidings” concert series.

This year serendipity brings Allison Crowe west well before any snow falls. At summer’s outset, Crowe received a message from Ladysmith’s Jayse Van

on YouTube, and, collectively, Allison Crowe’s recordings have been watched, played, streamed and downloaded in num-bers greater than the entire population of Canada.

Lena Birtwistle opens this night of mu-sic with a distinctive set of folk/pop songs tinged with country hues. The singer/songwriter, for whom Ladysmith is home, has been delivering her music and quirky sense of humour to Island audiences for the last six years. Citing such inspirations as Feist, Fleetwood Mac, Eva Cassidy, and Tom Waits, her songs and stories are blended with a touch that’s very much her own. Alongside a focus on solo perfor-mances, Lena Birtwistle works with mu-sician Sid Johnson. The rock/roots based duo released their debut EP, “Empires”, in 2009 and are busy creating new record-ings. Birtwistle is also a familiar voice as the affable host of 89.7 Sun FM’s “Organic Tuneage” – a Sunday night radio program via which Lena shares her love and appre-ciation for the region’s abundant riches in home-grown music talent.

Allison Crowe’s Autumn Show with Lena Birtwistle celebrates love, music, and home – and more! Tickets for this concert at Ladysmith First United Church, a lovely venue with a fi ne piano and acoustics, are available at In the Beantime Café and Sala-mander Books in Ladysmith, Toad Hall Emporium in Chemainus and online alli-soncrowe.com Advance/$20 General/$15 Students and Seniors (Door: $22/$17).

Allison Crowe in concert. Photo: Billie Woods

Jayse Van Rooyen and Lena Birtwistle. Photo: Rob Johnson

www.cedarbodyworks.com

12 take5.ca SEPT 2011

Chemainus Gardens blossom againBY MARINA SACHT

It’s been a bit over a year since new owners of Chemainus Gardens RV Re-sort took over the landmark campground. And what a time it’s been.

The land consists of over 34 acres of which there are six acres of gardens and three acres of ponds. The gardens had fallen into disrepair over the years and weeds grew deep. The ponds were stran-gled with growth and the exotic shrubs and trees that had been planted by avid gardener Doris Guilbride were strug-gling to exist. After years of neglect the buildings were in rough shape. Instead of tearing them down, they restored them.

Today the gardens have regained their beauty and are fl ourishing again under the hand of Mickey Fleming and Len Wansbrourgh.

“We took truckloads of metal, and de-bris to the dump,” says Wansbrourgh, project manager. “The dumping fees alone were over $20,000.

And as load after load was hauled away they un-earthed the beauti-ful garden that was once featured in the Chemainus Garden Tour.

“The ponds have been dredged and have come back to life and are now home to frogs and baby ducks, and is a beautiful place to sit,” he says.

The landmark pavilion formerly owned by Jimmy

The ponds offer a relaxing place to sit and contemplate the gardens.

Clockwise: The old farmhouse was renovated and now serves as a offi ce and bistro lounge area for guests. A spacious deck looks over the new pool under construction. Photo: Marina SachtThe old house prior to renovations.Len Wansbrough, project manager. Photo: Marina Sacht

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Quaint park models offer carefree living. Photo: Marina Sacht

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The Pavilion a local landmark came from Expo 86.

Pattison and featured at Expo 86 is newly renovated. Because of its historic signifi cance, they decided it was worth preserv-ing. The pavilion now has a new roof. With washrooms, show-ers, pantry, and a huge kitchen, it is now heavily used by the community for weddings, anniversaries, and meetings.

The old farmhouse has been remade into a modern offi ce

with large decks that will overlook the pool when completed. A bistro offers comfortable seating, coffee, newspapers and games and a lounge area. A light concession will be available in the future. A community garden is visible from the deck.

Chemainus Gardens RV Resort has a rich history. It was owned by the Yoshida family from 1936-1942 until they lost it during the war. It used to have a Japanese bath house.

Park models look like cottages. Photo: Marina Sacht

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Harold Cripps and his wife took over the property from 1947 where they raised cows and chickens. In the mid eighties it was owned by the Guilbride family. It was during this time that Doris started planting over 6.5 acres of fl owers, shrubs and trees from all over the world. Bud-dhist monks blessed the garden.

With a history like that it was impor-tant to preserve and bring back the gar-

dens, says Wansbrourgh.The Park now features new park

models, and has over 90 per cent of the lands dedicated to green space.

Working within the allowed land use, an opportunity was identified to accommodate long stay resort living in Park Model RV’s similar to parks in Arizona and California. The resort now provides an afford-

able lifestyle. Designed for 215 RV sites, it offers a pool, recreation cen-tre and other resort amenities. It’s pet friendly and there’s even a dog park area.

“We’ll do all the maintenance, mail forwarding, water your fl ower pots.”

Pads rent from $405. Park models range from $79,000-120,000 with a 20 year mortgage available.

With plans over the next few years that include a pool, hot tub, potters studio, tennis court, basketball court, kids zone, gardening club, and a workshop, the work here will continue.

He likes the positive environment and culture that has been created by park models owners within the park.

“The people really appreciate what has been created at Chemainus Gar-den, and are working together to make this community successful.We are working towards making this a 5 star resort.”

Between his busy schedule Wans-brourgh who used to camp here himself years ago, takes time to enjoy the calm of the gardens.

“Everyday is a vacation here.”

Park models just over 500 sq ft offer a surprisingly roomy interior. Photo: Marina Sacht

16 take5.ca SEPT 2011

Congratulations and good luck to local MOMAR racersBY JILL COLLINS

Imagine enduring 4 to 7 hours of phys-ical activity, have no feeling left in your arms, your legs are tired (and if lucky only bruised slightly) all while manag-ing to get lost at least once. It may not sound like fun but adventure racers love it. Voted “Best Adventure Race in West-ern Canada” by Get Out There Magazine readers for the second year in a row, MOMAR (Mind over Mountain Adven-ture Race) claims to test your faculties and prove to be one of your biggest en-durance accomplishments of the year. A statement that could not ring more true after having raced in four events my-self. In teams of 2, 4 or solo, racers are put to the test as they kayak, mountain bike, trail run, orienteer, and trek their way through a challenging Sport course (30km) or Enduro course (50Km).

May 29, 2011 kick started season 12 with the fi rst ever MOMAR held on the mainland, Burnaby to be exact. Racers were rewarded with a picturesque paddle in the Burrard Inlet, epic mountain bike riding on Burnaby Mountain, fi rst class orienteering at SFU, and the best start/fi nish area ever at Barnett Marine Park. Ladysmith and Cedar residents fi nished strong at Burnaby. Joel Collins, Jill Col-lins, and Clay Armstrong from Cedar

along with Glenn Renouf from Qualicum Beach placed third in the Enduro co-ed teams of four with a time of 6:39:17. Shawn O’Toole and Michelle Steel from Ladysmith added yet another fi rst place fi nish in the Enduro co-ed teams of two with an impressive time of 5:21:15.

The next MOMAR takes place in Cumberland on Sept 24, 2011 and from what I have been hearing, sounds like Ladysmith and Cedar will be well repre-sented this time. Good luck to all local residents and I sure hope you trained for the after party because the race does not end when you cross the fi nish line. The MOMAR after-party has also been vot-ed “Best Post Race Party” by Get Out There Magazine readers two years in a row for a reason.

Information on racing, volunteering and MOMAR training clinics avail-able at www.mindovermountain.com/momar/ or call 1-866-912-3331. Yours truly will be trying her hand at volun-teering this time. All volunteers receive an award winning MOMAR T-shirt,

entry to the infamous post-race dinner/party, and experience an unforgettable weekend without the pain!

LDCU launches school savings program

Ladysmith & District Credit Union wants to help kids save money and have fun all while learning fi nancial skills and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Once a week on Wednesdays a volun-teer from the LDCU will be at the Lady-smith schools to take deposits. Each stu-dent will be issued their own passbook to record their savings and will be able to watch their money grow.

For every $2 deposit, the student is rewarded with a stamp. Once they have enough stamps saved, they can be re-deemed for monthly prizes as well as a major prize at the end of the year.

The innovative school savings program started six years ago, says Shelly Rick-ett, coordinator. “We wanted to teach kids about saving, make it fun and give

Finishing 1st in the Enduro coed teams of 2 are Ladysmith residents Shawn O’Toole and Michelle Steel. Photo courtesy of John Crosby

Shelly Rickett, volunteer coodinator of Ladysmith & District Credit Union’s Kids ‘Count shows off some of the prizes available to children participating in their school savings program.Photo: Marina Sacht

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them incentive by offering prizes.” This year they decided to tie in two important things that kids need today: physical activity promoting a healthy lifestyle, and basics of banking habits.

Great prizes make the savings fun. There is a myriad of priz-es that you can redeem stamps from school supplies, athletic equipment, to an annual prize such as a bike package. Activities include kayaking and passes to WildPlay Elements Park, family game nights, movie nights and more.

Students outside of Ladysmith can participate if they are from K-Grade 7 by registering and bringing their savings book into the branch. Check your school newsletter or contact the LDCU at 250-245-2247 or www.ldcu.ca for details.

MISSI Public MeetingMISSI invites you to their Public Meeting to be held at Van-

couver Island University, Sept.22, 7-9pm, bldg. 355, lecture theatre 203. Former Canadian Wildlife Service employee Neil Dawe, will present “Conservation, Sustainability and the Mid Island!” The Mid Island Sustainabilty Stewardship Initiative meeting precedes the larger symposium for International Rivers Day in Nanaimo, focusing on the Nanaimo River and Water-shed, over the weekend of Sept. 23-25, hosted by NALT.

MISSI will provide details on their proposal for the RDN to become the ‘Green Gateway to VI’, suggesting a ‘natural fi t’ exists for a ‘Coastal Communities Biosphere Reserve’ between Nanaimo Harbour and Ladysmith Harbour, along with the pro-posed Gulf Islands federal/provincial National Marine Conser-vation Area, and new local circle route options to link with the Trans Canada Trail on VI and across the Strait. For more info visit http://www.missimidisland.com/

Groundwater Protection Vulnerability Workshop

The BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Op-erations will be presenting a workshop to identify groundwater protection strategies and explain how mapping can be incorpo-rated into the planning and development process. Groundwater vulnerability maps for Vancouver Island have been developed by a multi-agency working group.

For more details or to register email Rachelle Ormond at ra-chelle.ormond@gov.bc.ca or call 250-751-3265.

Black Track TourOn Sunday, September 11, 2011 plan to take a tour of Nanaimo

and area mine sites and early railway lines with historian and author Tom Paterson. Assemble at 10am at Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park .Tour includes South Wellington (Dun-smuir’s Canadian Colleries, Alexandra/Richardson/Fiddick (Pacifi c Coast Coal Mines Ltd. (PCCM); Fiddick’s Junction; No.10 South Wellington (Canadian Collieries); Granby (Gran-by Consolidated Mining, Smelting and Power Co.)

For tickets now 250-714-0377 or email cchristo@shaw.ca or check out www.mordenmine.com. All proceeds go to Friends of Morden Mine to assist in saving existing remains of structures.

Tour De Rock Come out and cheer the Tour De Rock riders on!Riders arrive in Ladysmith at 2 pm on Oct. 3, 2011. Their

route is up First Avenue to Roberts Street where they will be

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piped into the Ladysmith & District Credit Union parking lot by the award winning Cowichan Highland Pipe Band.

Introductions and Head Shaves will be held at the LDCU parking lot, 2pm. Pledge sheets for head shaves are available at the Canadian Cancer Society offi ce, 630 Second Avenue, 250-245-0671. On Oct 3, 6pm is the Red Serge Dinner, Eagles Hall, Tickets: $30 until Sept. 20, after this date $35, available at the Ladysmith Community Policing Station, and the Canadian Cancer Society 250-245-0671. Silent and live auction, door prizes and more.

Judith Ann Whittaker 1942-2011 - Final ShowOn August 10, 2011, a standing –room

only crowd fi lled Ladysmith Little Theatre to bid a fond farewell to Judi Whittaker, co- founder of Lady Smith’s Little Theatre. Judi passed away from pancreatic cancer on August 7. It was an afternoon of tears and laughter, song and dance, poetry and of course, com-edy. Rumour has it that Judi planned the show herself, and auditions were held. Anyone who knew her would believe this to be true. Judi is sadly missed by her family, friends, protégées and most of all her best bloke Terry.

Ladysmith Little Theatre was the dream and vision of Judi and Terry Whittaker.

The Old Diamond School House at 4985 Christie Road, La-dysmith, was transformed and the theatre opened in 2004.

Judi and Terry, Bruce Mason and hundreds of community vol-unteers worked tirelessly over the next fi ve years and success of the theatre steadily grew. The Whittakers retired in 2009. The new Board’s goals have been to continue to produce high caliber productions for Ladysmith and the surrounding com-munities and for the theatre to become an integral part of the Ladysmith community.

Season Opener is The Hollow by Agatha Christie, Sept. 15 – Oct. 2, 2011. To view their 2011-12 Season, visit www.lady-smiththeatre.com.

A green light for Ladysmith museum The Ladysmith & District Historical Society held an Ex-

traordinary General Meeting August 16 2011 where it was unanimously passed to accept the Ladysmith & District Credit Union’s offer of the former Ladysmith Resources Building located on First Avenue as a museum site. President Maureen Martin said “This opportunity which has come our way now, is not without its problems and obstacles; but I believe that work-ing together as a Society and with the Town’s support, that we can succeed.” For more info 250-245-0100.

Arizona Studies art exhibit Alda Saunders, a resident of Cedar-by-the-Sea, is also a visi-

tor to Arizona in some of her winter months. Her exhibit Arizo-na Studies points up certain features of the mixtures of cultures and life in the area. September 10-30, 2011, at Art 10 Gallery in Nanaimo North Town Centre.

Judith Ann Whittaker

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Explore Imagination of Youth Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery presents Emergence, Students’

Show, Sept 2-25, a display of youth art spanning the very early years to university. Opening Gala is Saturday, September 10, 7 to 9pm. Kids welcome and encouraged!

610 Oyster Bay Drive, Open Tues-Sunday, noon to 4pm. 250-245-1252, www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com

Yellow Point Singers seeks members Yellow Point Singers has come a long way since it was the

Yellow Point Glee Club in 1997. It is directed by local musician Doug Roszmann, is accompanied by Sharyn Andruski Collins, and meets weekly at Cedar Secondary School. If you are inter-ested in joining a community choir, new members are welcome for their fall season which begins Wednesday, September 14, 7 pm, at Cedar Secondary School. For more info 250-245-3727.

Demo Day at Jonanco Colwell Centre Come see what Jonaco is all about on Oct. 2, 2011, 11am

to 4pm. You’ll see artisan demonstrations – lapidary, quilting, wirewrapping, woodworking, carving, painting, silversmith-ing, woodturning, wool art, silver casting, stained glass, tatting as well as unique hand crafted items for sale. Free admission. 2745 White Rapids Road at Nanaimo River Road, 5 km south of Cinnabar Valley, or 5 km west of the Bungy Zone.

Dirtbike mannersRon Vanderplas and his wife’s dream property has turned into

a bit of a nightmare due to a small group of dirt bikers who insist on using his private property as a public road.

The property located at the end of Davidson Road is in an area frequented by dirt bikers. Ron isn’t adverse to outdoor fun and even went so far as to build a trail through the blackberries for the bikes, he just wants a little respect. Respect of private property that is.

He has had two confrontations recently and things are get-ting nasty. His property was recently vandalized, slogans spray painted and No Trespassing signs ripped out.

The Ladysmith RCMP is looking into the incident and re-cently sent out a notice to the community concerning dirt bike etiquette.

Ron wants parents to step in and teach their kids to respect property rights. “Slow down and don’t trespass.”

20 take5.ca SEPT 2011

Dragons everywhereI was trying to catch a

couple of fi sh from my fl oat tube at a local lake the other day. The fi shing was lousy...it was the afternoon and too hot but very pleas-ant to drift and cleanse the soul. There was a bird fi sh-ing that does not dive but just sinks when it wants to and chases small bass. I have seen them before but they are shy and I never get close so I don’t know what they are. Very clever though. Maybe they have ballast tanks like a subma-rine.

An occasional turkey vulture checked out the lake overhead but it was very quiet in the heat.

On a day like this the dragon and damsel fl ies provide the entertainment. I am always delighted by the range of colours and shapes of these insects. A three inch darner with electric blue spots will hover in front of me as it tries to fi gure what I am. The tiny brilliant blue damsels perch on my rod tip or sit on my tube. Dragons in black and translucent checked wings, bodies in vivid greens, startling oranges, whites and different blues zigzag by as they hunt for mosquitoes, fl ies and bees. I changed my fl y and tried the nymph pattern of these creatures but the fi sh were not fooled.

The names of these insect fi ghter jets are descriptive; blue or green eyed darners, roseate skimmer, 4 spotted chaser, common hawker. Folk names are skeeter hawk, Devil’s darning needle and ear sewer.

Dragon fl ies live 6 to 8 weeks, mostly around ponds and lakes but we see them everywhere in the summer. During this time they search out a mate and copulate on the wing. The female has species specifi c grooves (no fooling around with some-one of another colour for these dudes) on or near her head into which the male inserts the end of his abdomen. She curves her abdomen to attach to a slot in his second abdominal section where she gathers sperm. They look bizarre as they swoop around the lake together but I’m sure it’s fun. The female de-posits the eggs, one at a time in the water or on sunken objects. As nights get colder and as the dragons get tired, they fall into the lake and are gobbled by fi sh. If I see one struggling in the water, I rescue it and put it on the fl oat tube to dry. Now is the

Dragonfl y Photo: Marina Sacht

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time to get up close and personal. The huge multi faceted eyes observe me as I admire the two pairs of fragile wings, the six legs and the spectacular coloured abdomens. They usually fl y off to live, maybe only for another hour.

I was once fi shing in the late fall in the Shulap mountains and rescued a large blue darner that died on the tube. We were leaving for the coast the next morning so I put the “dead” dragon on the dash of the truck. As we entered the switchback section of the Hurley Pass the next morning, the heat revived the beast and it proceeded to fl y around the inside of the cab. It was nowhere to be found when we stopped for lunch in Pemberton but harassed us all along the Squamish highway, banging from window to win-dow and refusing to be caught. The long haired one has an excellent sense of hu-mor about these things.

The eggs of dragon fl ies hatch in the spring into nymphs. They may remain up to three years in this aquatic stage, depending on the species. They are also carnivores and hunt other insect nymphs and small fi sh but of course larger fi sh love to eat them. When mature, in the

summer, the nymph will crawl out onto a log. A seam along the top of the exoskel-eton splits and very slowly the dragon emerges. It will sit for a couple of hours as the wings and body cure. Then it will do short fl ights to build strength. They are extremely vulnerable during this time and can be eaten, rained on or blown into the water. If they survive, they have a couple of months to zip around and en-tertain us and be a part of our summer.

22 take5.ca SEPT 2011

TAKE 5 take5.ca 23

If you are new to the community, are starting a business or are a entrepreneur veteran, consider yourself fortunate. There are a number of organizations based here that will help you network, give you advice, host workshops and help promote local shop-ping.

When it comes to business, the Ladysmith Chamber of Com-merce with 154 members is the largest organization. It provides an opportunity for the business community to make its opinions known to government representatives on municipal, regional, provincial and federal levels. Through membership feedback, the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce works to provide leader-ship and direction for local business.

Chamber General Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month alternating with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guest speakers cover a number of business and community topics.

Mixers held at host members’ businesses offer networking opportunities in a relaxed social setting.

The Chamber also operates the busy downtown Visitor Centre on behalf of the Town of Ladysmith.

For many visitors to town this is their fi rst stop. Along with dispensing information the VC keeps statistics on visitations. They are required to maintain a 3.0 parties per hour from Tour-ism BC. Total parties visited in the month of July 2011 was 903 and for 2010 there were 1016 parties.

August has been busier with 4.99 parties per hour compared to 4.46 parties per hour in 2010. That is up by 11.9% with still a week to go. Total parties visited in the month of August 2011 was 958 so far and for 2010 there were 1106 parties.

Working at the Visitor Centre has its rewards. You never know who is going to walk in the door. Like when Survivor Thai-land star Jake Billingsley dropped in as he was passing through town. “We chatted for about an hour. It was pretty thrilling as Survivor is my favorite show,” says Melody Smythies.

The current board is President: Rob Waters, Vice President: Rhonda Shirley, Treasurer: Michael Furlot, Secretary: Cyndi Beaulieu, Past President: Bill Eller, Director: Linda Donohue, Nita Grant, Kathy Holmes, Rod MacNeil, Paul Nettleton, Si-mon Warne.

Nita Grant, the longest term director, has seen a lot of chang-es. Grant joined in the mid 70s when she opened Grant Jewelers and has been serving the chamber since. One thing that stays consistent is the campaign to promote shopping locally.

Jacquie Chellew, Barb Gustand Melody Smythies at the Ladysmith Visitor Centre. Photo: Cindy Damphousse

24 take5.ca SEPT 2011

“I’ve always been involved with the chamber. It’s impor-tant to have your fi nger on the pulse of the community.”

“There’s always lots of chal-lenges,” says Rob Waters, pres-ident. He invites the public to get involved. “Volunteers are needed in the Visitor Centre to act as ambassadors.”

With the economy continu-ing to be tough, he is guarded but optimistic about the future. “It’s a beautiful community. There are lots of opportunities on the horizon.”

Next Chamber of Commerce General Meeting is Sept. 20th. Call 250-245-2112.

Ladysmith Chamber president Rob Waters. Photo: Marina Sacht

Lauren and Melody Smythies with Thailand Survivor star Jake Billingsley who dropped into the Ladysmith Visitor Centre.

TAKE 5 take5.ca 25

GNB BUILDERS INC. is a home builder with over 20 years experience in the building industry, specializes in Built Green custom homes and renovations, located in Ladysmith, BC. GNB Build-ers works with clients from Chemainus to Parksville throughout all stages of the project from design concept to comple-tion. GNB Builders excels in communi-cation with detailed design binders and weekly photo updates which works par-ticularly well for those clients who live out of town. Experience and knowledge owners can trust. GNB Builders has certifi ed all new homes in the last years either Built Green Platinum or Gold.

GNB’s Heidi Derhousoff & Greg Bianchini

Face of BusinessBehind every business is a person.

These are some of the people who do business here, they are also your neigh-bours and friends.

Nita Grant, director Ladysmith Chamber. Photo: Marina Sacht.

26 take5.ca SEPT 2011

Greg Bianchini and Heidi Derhousoff partners in life and busi-ness, work closely with clients to ensure their dream home becomes a reality along with four full-time employees, Bernie Jesso, Chase Gamble, Brad Barnes and Ian Chomeczko. Greg and Heidi have known each other since kindergarten. While in high school as very good friends, would drive through the Up-lands in Victoria and other high end developments and play the which house game, “If you could have any house on this road, which one would it be?” Both shared their interest in archi-tecture at an early age. www.gnbbuilders.ca P/250-245-5717 TF/1-877-345-5717 info@gnbbuilders.ca

VAN ISLE TRUCK TECH specializes in RV, pick-up and

heavy truck repair. Their service makes them unique, building relationships with their customers based on trust. Customers feel welcome and comfortable coming to their shop and leave with a properly repaired, safe vehicle. They also specialize in RV chassis repair, with cutomers coming from all over the is-land for this service. Wayne and Debbie Johnston have owned Van Isle Truck Tech for fi ve years. He is a licensed Commercial Transport Mechanic and Heavy Duty Mechanic with twenty years experience Mike is the Service Writer, it will be his smil-ing face that greets you when you bring your vehicle in! Rory is “the new guy”, a journeyman Automotive Mechanic and ap-

prentice Commercial Transport Mechanic. Wayne and Mike are active members of Ladysmith Fire Rescue both holding offi cer ranks. They have a combined service with LFR of over 18 years. www.vitrucktech.com P/250-245-3092 TF/888-545-3092

The guys at Van Isle Truck Ttech. Mike, Rory and Wayne Johnston. Photo: Rob Johnson

27

CONNECT HEARING (formerly Island Hearing Services) The Connect Hearing clinic in Ladysmith offers a full range of services to help adults with hearing problems: Free hear-ing testing and counseling, fi tting of hearing aids if needed, free follow-up services, referrals to local doctors and ear spe-cialists if required. We are authorized to provide services to WorksafeBC clients, Veterans, First Nations and other govern-ment 3rd party clients. They strive to be the best hearing aid

provider on Vancouver Island. Connect Hearing is a friendly, open clinic that understands the specifi c needs of their clients in Ladysmith. Their lovely offi ce at 132-A Roberts Street, is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and is wheelchair ac-cessible. The staff, Gwen Burton, B.ED., BC-HIS, Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner, and Ruth Johnson, Audiomet-ric Technician, are local residents who are knowledgeable about services for the hearing impaired in the region and seniors’ ser-vices in town such as the Lions Club Hearing Program. Coffee and smiles are free. As well as being hearing specialists, Gwen is an avid pickle ball player, golfer, and Mexico traveler while Ruth loves touring on motorcycles, hiking, and taking piano lessons in hopes of becoming a world famous pianist! www.connecthearing.ca P/250.245.8140

GERRY BELTGENS, Independent Realtor, Royal Lepage,

Nanaimo Realty. Gerry brings a unique range of experience and skills to his profession which allows him to work in a variety of situations. Born in Ladysmith, he has lived in several Is-land towns as well as the Lower Mainland for 25 years. Living in different locations, he feels, gives him an insight into how other people perceive the Island and our local communities. Like many Islanders he worked where the economy dictated, in sawmills, on oil rigs, in construction, owned a residential contracting company and fi shed on a commercial boat. He re-turned to school in the 1980s and studied engineering technol-ogy at Camosun College and in 2004 earned a Master of Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University. In

Connect Hearing clinic: Ruth Johnson and Gwen Burton .

28 take5.ca SEPT 2011

THE WINE DENDan Jamieson, owner

of The Wine Den has been a wine maker for 15 years. He started the business from scratch with no clients, mak-ing wine was and still is a hobby. He enjoys the process and now he enjoys the feedback from his customers as to how nice their wine is. Bottling time is his favourite interaction with his customers. When he’s not helping others to make fantas-tic wines, he builds model sailboats and tall ships.

250-324-2215, 9779 Willow Street, Che-mainus.

2000 he set up AG Advisors Group Inc., a consulting company for technical and trades training. Working with owners of large contracting fi rms, politicians and bureaucrats, drafting and implementing proposals for provincial and municipal trades training projects allows him to represent his clients and their properties with confi dence in all environments.

A background in construction gives him insight into the qual-ity of a home and what sort of work it may require to sell or to buy. Gerry’s in-volvement in the develop-ment of a Strategic Plan for Sustainable Economic Community Development in partnership with the Mu-nicipality of Delta ensures that he is sensitive to the impact of development in his community and the im-portance of development within the context of a com-munity plan and respect for the town’s history.

www.beltgensproperties.ca P/250-245-2252 Gerry Beltgens, Realtor

Dan Jamieson, owner of The Wine Den

TAKE 5 take5.ca 29

September Sep 1-30, 10am, Art Show Alda Saunders, Art 10 Gallery, 4750 Rutherford, NanaimoSep 1, 9am, Resume 101, Employment Navigators, 710 First Ave. 250-245-7134Sep 1, 10am-1pm, School Tour, St. Joseph’s School, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus 250-246-3191Sep 2 – Dec 31 11am-4pm, Women’s Fashions of La Belle Époque, Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way Nanaimo 250-753-1821Sep 2, 8pm, The Brights, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246 Sep 3 Crofton Market, 9am-1pm beside BC Ferry Terminal, 250 246-9871 Sep 3, 8pm, Harpdog Brown & Graham Guest, Dancing Bean Café, 250-246-5050Sep 4, 10am, Zucchini Grand Prix, Crow & Gate PubSep 4, 10am, Carol Craft Fair, North Oyster Community Hall, 13467 Cedar Rd. 250-722-2556Sep 4, 2pm, The Hope King Tour, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246Sep 4, 8pm, Amy Cunningham, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246 Sep 5,12,19,26, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre, 250-246-2111Sep 5, 8pm, Step Twelve, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246Sep 6, 9am, Resume 101, Employment Navigators 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134Sep 6-30, 12pm, Emergence – Student Show, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery, 250-245-1252Sep 6, 7pm, The Nanaimo Glad and Dahlia Society meeting, Paine Horticulture Center E. Wellington Rd., 250-245-4231Sep 7, 9:30am, Microsoft Word – Basics & Beyond, Employment Navigators, 710 1st Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 7, 6:30pm, The Backyardigans, Port Theatre, 250-754-8550Sep 7, 6:30pm, Nanaimo Community Band Rehearsal, Dover Bay Secondary Band Room, 250-245-3088Sep 8, 9am, Crafting Your Cover Letter, Employment Navigators, 710 First Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 8, 8pm, Ryan McMahon, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246Sep 9, Good Food Box Payment Date, Ladysmith Resources Association Centre, 250-245-3079Sep 9, 6pm, British Pub Night Tour de Rock Fundraiser, Eagles Hall, 250-245-0671Sep 9, 7-8:30pm, Doug Thring,49th Café, 250-245-3221Sep 9-Jan 8, 10am, Waterscapes Migration on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo Art Gallery, 250-754-1750

30 take5.ca SEPT 2011

Sep 10, Cedar Village 14th Anniversary, 49th Parallel Grocery Cedar - special celebrations, 250-722-7010Sep 10, 10am, Annual Paint Out Shoot Out, Nanaimo Museum, 250-729-3947Sep 10, 1pm, Cedar Women’s Institute Blackberry Tea, Cedar United Church Hall, 250-245-4016Sep 10, 7pm Dance - The Esquires, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre, 250-246-2111Sep 10, 7pm, Red Green Live: Wit and Wisdom Tour, Port Theatre, 250-754-8550Sep 10, 7pm, Cowichan Folk Guild Coffee House, Duncan United ChurchSep 10, 7:30 PM, Victoria Symphony, Cowichan Theatre, 250-748-7529Sep 10, 8pm, F&M, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246 Sep 11, 10am, Carol Craft Fair, North Oyster Community Hall, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-722-2556Sep 11, 10am, Black Track Tour of Morden Mine and Area, 250-714-0377Sep 11, 2pm, Anna Borch, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246 Sep 11, 3:30pm, Soles Remembering Souls, Port Theatre, 250-754-8550Sep 11, 7 PM, Red Green Live, Cowichan Theatre, 250-748-7529Sep 11, 8pm, Doc MacLean & Big Dave McLean, Duncan Garage Showroom, 250-748-7246Sep 13, 9am, Computer Basics for Beginners, Employment Navigators, 710 First Ave. 250-245-7134Sep 13, 6:15-8pm, Ladysmith Air Cadets Registration/Open House, 1110 First Ave., 250-245-2785Sep 13, 7:30pm, Free Lecture and demonstration: Meditation and Spiritual Development 2011, Baraca Centre, S. Wellington, 250-714-0034Sep 14, Good Food Box Pick Up Date, Ladysmith Resources Association Centre, 250-245-3079Sep 14, 9:30am, 21st Century Job Search, Employment Navigators 710 First Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 14, 6:30pm, 1st Cedar Scouting Registration, Woodbank School, 250-722-0045Sep 14, 6:30pm, Nanaimo Community Band Rehearsal, Dover Bay Secondary Band Room, 250-245-3088Sep 14, 7pm, Yellow Point Singers Rehearsal Night, Cedar Secondary School, 250-245-3727Sep 15, 9am, Resume 101, Employment Navigators 710 First Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 15, Ladysmith Connector Starts Service for sked call 250-893-3418Sep 15-Oct 2, 6pm, The Hollow by Agatha Christie, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-924-0658Sep 15, 7 PM, National Theatre Live: “One Man, Two Guvnors”, Cowichan Theatre, 250-748-7529Sep 15, 7:30pm, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club Meeting, First United Church Hall, 250-245-5080Sep 15, 8pm, Dala, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246 Sep 16, 7-8:30pm, Hearts Ease, The 49th Café, 250-245-3221

Sep 16- Oct 22, Amadeus, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 250-246-9820Sept 17, 10am, Coast Body Paint Championship, VI Conference Centre Nanaimo, www.coastbodypaintchampionship.comSep 17, 12pm, Ladysmith Preschool Open House, 232 High St., 250-245-4712Sep 17, 5pm Pot Luck Birthday Party, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre, 250-246-2111Sep 17, 7:30pm, Thunderstruck, Port Theatre, 250-754-8550Sep 18,10am, Terry Fox Run, FJCC, 250-245-6427Sep 18, 10am, Carol Craft Fair, North Oyster Community Hall, 13467 Cedar Rd. 250-722-2556Sep 18, 1pm, FarmFolkCityFolk’s 14th annual Feast of Fields on Vancouver Island, Marley Farm Saanichton 250-508-5030Sep 18, 8pm, Mark Irving/Brent Tyler, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246Sep 19, 1pm, Preparing for an Interview, Employment Navigators 710 First Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 19, 5:30pm, Chronic Support Group, Ladysmith Health Centre, 1111 Fourth Ave., Room 101Sep 19, Fall Boating Course, evenings for 7 weeks, FJCC 250-245-6424Sep 20, 9am, Resume 101, Employment Navigators 710 First Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 20, 10:30am, Coffee Concert Series Sarah Hagen & Friends, Port Theatre 250-754-8550Sep 20, 7:30pm, Trooper, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529Sep 21, 9:30am, 21st Century Job Search, Employment Navigators 710 First Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 21, 9:30am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre, 250-246-2111Sep 21, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre, 250-246-2111 Sep 21, 9:30am, Probus Club of Ladysmith, Seniors’ Centre, 630 2nd Ave., 250-245-5965Sep 21, 9:30am, Microsoft Word – Basics & Beyond, Employment Navigators 710 First Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 21, 2-4pm, Victorian Fashions, Nanaimo Museum 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, 250-753-1821Sep 21, 6:30pm, Nanaimo Community Band Rehearsal, Dover Bay Secondary Band Room, 250-245-3088Sep 21, 7pm, Yellow Point Singers Rehearsal Night, Cedar Secondary School, 250-245-3727Sep 22, 9am, Crafting Your Cover Letter, Employment Navigators, 710 First Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 23, Deadline for submission for Second Annual Mid-Island Photo Expo, 250-606-7011Sep 23, 8pm, Allison Crowe Concert, Ladysmith First United Church, 250-537-1286Sep 24, 3pm, Cottonwood Golf Tournament in support of Cedar Skate Park, 250-722-3767Sep 24, 7pm, Variety of Entertainment, High Street CoffeehouseSep 24, 7pm Dance – Happy Hans, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre, 250-246-2111

Sep 24, 7:30pm, Double Diamond, Port Theatre, 250-754-8550Sep 24, 8pm, Freedom or Death, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246Sep 25, 9am-3pm, North Oyster & Area Historical Society’s Annual Giant Garage Sale, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-245-2559Sep 25, 10am, Back to Church Sunday, St. Johns Church, 314 Buller St., 250-245-3480 Sep 25, 10am, Carol Craft Fair, North Oyster Community Hall, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-722-2556Sep 25, 8pm, Roxanne Potvin, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246Sep 26, 7pm, Midnight in Paris - Reel Alternatives Film Cowichan Theatre, 250-748-7529Sep 26, 7:30pm, The Ultimate Tribute to the King, Port Theatre 250-754-8550Sep 27, 9am, Computer Basics for Beginners, Employment Navigators, 710 Fist Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 27, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club “Photo-based Art” a multi-media presentation by Doug Gilbert Hardwick Hall, info@LadysmithCameraClub.comSep 28, 6:30pm, Nanaimo Community Band Rehearsal, Dover Bay Secondary Band Room, 250-245-3088Sep 28, 7pm, Yellow Point Singers Rehearsal Night, Cedar Secondary School, 250-245-3727Sep 28, 8pm, Kim Wempe, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246Sep 29, 9am, Resume 101, Employment Navigators 710 First Ave., 250-245-7134Sep 29, 8pm, Garnet Rogers, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246Sep 30, 7:30pm, Matt Anderson, Cowichan Theatre, 250-748-7529Sep 30, 7:30pm, National Ballet of Canada, Port Theatre, 250-754-8550 Sep 30, 8pm, The Mighty River, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246

OctoberOct 1-2, 6pm, The Hollow by Agatha Christie, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-924-0658Oct 1, 11am-3pm, Second Annual Cranberry Reveal Day, Yellow Point CranberriesOct 1-22, Amadeus, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 250-246-9820Oct 1, 7pm, Women in Fish - a multi-media presentation, Cowichan Theatre, 250-748-7529Oct 1, 7:30pm, The Belly for the Beast, Port Theatre, 250-754-8550Oct 2, 10am, Carol Craft Fair, North Oyster Community Hall, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-722-2556Oct 2, 11am, Demo Day, Jonanco Colwell Centre, 2745 White Rapids Rd., Nanaimo, Jonanco@gmail.comOct 2, 2pm, The Hope King Tour, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246

For more events visit us online at www.take5.ca

TAKE 5 take5.ca 31

RDN - Area ABY JOE BURNETT

Regional Agriculture Area Plan The Regional District of Nanaimo Board has approved pro-

ceeding with developing an Agriculture Area Plan (AAP). The RDN has obtained a grant from The Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C to assist with the cost to develop the AAP. The primary objective is to ensure that the agriculture capabil-ity of the region is assessed as part of a secure food supply for the region and identify priority actions and anticipated future changes. To accomplish this, the RDN has contracted with Up-land Consulting who will spearhead the plan. The consulting team has prepared similar plans for Saltspring Island, North Saanich and Denman Island. The RDN staff and the Agricul-tural Advisory Committee will oversee this project. The plan process will involve a land use inventory to be initiated this summer and public open houses and focus group sessions in the fall and winter. Establishing a future vision for agriculture

and food system will be a key outcome of this process. The creation of the AAP will serve as an important tool in achiev-ing the goals of encouraging, protecting and celebrating farm-ing and food production in the region and will align with other plans such as the Regional Growth Strategy and Area OCP’s. Online surveys and social media sites will be dedicated to gath-ering public input and providing timely updates on the project. For more information visit the AAP dedicated website: www.growingourfuture.ca or contact Ione Smith, Uplands Consult-ing @ 778-999-2149 or email ione@uplandsconsulting.ca or RDN staff contact Lainya Rowett @ 250-390-6510 Develop-ment Services department, email lrowett@rdn.bc.ca

Area ‘A’ Hazard Vulnerability Risk AnalysisThe RDN Board has approved proceeding with the public

consultation phase of the HVRA for Area ‘A’. An HVRA can encompass the entire region, however it would involve far more cost and signifi cantly more staff time. The objective of a HVRA is to investigate prominent natural and human-caused hazard events and to identify any threats that may require a timely and

32 take5.ca SEPT 2011

coordinated response to protect lives prop-erty and to reduce economic lose.

The HVRA provides critical information necessary to update the Emergency Plan, al-locate resources for risk mitigation, enhance community preparedness and to prepare a cost effective budget. In 2010 the RDN ap-plied for and received approval for Federal Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) funding to undertake the next step in the HVRA process- the public consultation plan (PCP). A consultant has been retained to facilitate the project. A critical compo-nent of the PCP is the formation of a work-ing group that will bring together a cross-section of community members, experts and other stake-holders. While experts are highly trained to understand various haz-ards, they may not have an understanding of local conditions. In the area of emergerncy management, consultation with local resi-dents is crucial. In many cases, it is the local residents rather than scientists and experts who are truly knowledgeable of the local environment. There are various advantages to focus on an area that has recently under-gone an OCP Review. The OCP process provides an understanding of community values and characteristics which provides a synergistic framework for learning about hazards, risks, vulnerabilities and mitiga-tion options. While all Electoral Areas have hazard vulnerabilities Electoral Area ‘A’ has 3 of the RDN’s most signifi cant hazards:

-Wildland-Urban Interface Fires (WUI). Wildland urban interface is the term used to describe fi res that have the potential to involve buildings and adjacent wildlands fuel or vegetation simultaneously.

According to Ministry of Forest (Protec-tion Branch) Strategic Threat Analysis Data, the area has signifi cant portions rated as be-ing “extreme” or “high” risk for WUI fi res.

-Seasonal Flooding (Major and Minor) of the Nanaimo River. Flooding along portions of the Nanaimo River occurs an-nually, and the Emergency Program has responded to four fl ooding events and 3 evacuations.

-Hazardous Material Events (in situ or in transit). The risk of hazardous materials release at industrial operations or in transit or on the highway transportation corridor is the most likely.

HVRA/Cedar Main Street DesignRDN Development Services (Long

Range Planning) is commencing work on the “Cedar Main Street”

TAKE 5 take5.ca 33

Project, an outgrowth of the Area ‘A’ OCP review process. A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) will be formed using an online forum for stakeholder meetings. Many of the same stakehold-ers could be involved in both the Cedar Main Street TAG and the HVRA public consultation process therefore an opportunity exists to share information and in some cases involvement in joint meetings. By incorporating input from stakeholders and the public, the RDN will have a much clearer understanding of our hazards, level of risk, vulnerabilities and mitigation op-tions. The public consultation and community profi le phase of the HVRA will tie resilience indicators to high hazard areas which will be critical components in future emergency planning and development in the area. For more information contact Jani Drew, RDN Emergency Co-ordinator 250-390-6530 or jdrew@rdn.bc.ca .Stay safe and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Joe Burnett, 250-722-2656; email: quaillanding@shaw.ca

CVRD - Area HBY MARY MARCOTTE

New Fire HallsAs mentioned in last month’s TAKE 5, the neighbourhood

meeting opinion poll results indicated that there was a majority of public support to move forward with the referendum to bor-row funds for the construction of two new fi re halls. Majority support was also indicated for parcel based taxation.

The next step in the process was to draft a resolution for con-sideration at the August 3 CVRD Board meeting.

Summary of Resolution A detailed resolution was considered and adopted at the Au-

gust Board meeting. A brief summary of the resolution includes the following points: 1. that the bylaws be considered for three readings and following Provincial and voter approval be adopt-ed; 2. that Bylaws #3542 (North Oyster Fire Protection Service Debt Repayment Bylaw) and #3543 (North Oyster Fire Protec-tion Service Loan Authorization Bylaw) and a 30 day legislated quashing period, staff prepare a parcel tax roll Bylaw; 3. that the referendum be held on Saturday Nov. 19, 2011.

Summary of Referendum QuestionA synopsis of the question that will appear on the ballot will

include the following points: that the bylaws provide for the establishing of a service to create a debt repayment area (the boundaries for the current Fire Protection Area), for the bor-rowing of up to $3,030,000 for a 20 year period and for annu-ally requisitioning up to $240,000 per year, which corresponds to an annual parcel tax of no more than 248.96. The referendum will require a simple “yes” or “no” response.

Next StepsIf the above mentioned Bylaws receive Provincial approval,

one or more public meetings will be scheduled in late Septem-ber or October. I will keep you informed once the meeting dates are set.

Please write Referendum Day – Saturday, Nov. 19 - in your calendars; this will be your opportunity to make your voice count. There are also two advance polls for those who may have commitments on the 19 – one on Wednesday, November 9 and one on Tuesday, November 15. Please write those dates down as well.

CVRD - AREA G

BY MEL DOREYTwo months ago Saltair residents were surprised to learn

that a 45 metre tall communications tower was proposed on Hutchison’s farm on Olsen Road to improve cell coverage in the area. Residents called on Rogers Communications to lo-cate it in a different less obtrusive place where people didn’t have to look out at this mega structure when they wanted to enjoy their property. People realize that cell towers are a reality of the modern world and they are springing up every-where. What the people of Saltair were saying was that there must be another location in a non-residential neighbourhood that is just as effective.

The CVRD does not have any rules, regulations, policies or bylaws to govern the placement of communications towers. Therefore, in absence of these policies we have to defer to the federal government’s regulations put in place by Indus-try Canada. The one saving grace to the federal regulations is that the communications companies must consult with the public and they must get some sort of concurrence from the local government.

Many local residents circulated petitions in the neighbour-hood and 340 people signed up saying that they did not want the cell tower located in that location on Olsen Road across from Princess Diana Park. The results were sent off to Indus-try Canada and the Agriculture Land Commission opposing the site location. Edna Widenmaier, a Saltair resident, made a presentation to the CVRD and the CVRD passed a resolution saying that they did not concur with the chosen site as well. At another meeting Lynne Smith made a presentation to the CVRD preceding a presentation by the Rogers Communica-tion representative. Lynne quoted from Saltair’s OCP which states; “Saltair residents place a very high value on rural am-bience and wish to ensure that the peaceful, rural nature of the community is protected.”

“To preserve the natural, treed, rural setting of Saltair and thus ensure that Saltair continues to be attractive, liveable rural residential community that provides a scenic greenbelt between the urban centers of Chemainus and Ladysmith.”

Rogers Communications has now agreed to work with the community to fi nd a better more appropriate site for their communications tower.

Getting soaked by sprinklers

It’s enough to make you buy a condo. On a summer day perfect for goofi ng off, you’ll be settled in your lawn chair, beer in one hand, sports page in the other, bony knees fl apping in the wind, when your wife comes storming up and blurts out, “I’m fed up with watering, sick and tired of it. I spend half my life with a hose in my hand while you just sit there. Don’t you want this place to look nice?”

Offer commiseration. Do not under any circumstance say, “if you don’t like watering, why’d you plant all that stuff?” Accept the fact that your life has changed because you have now been forced to enter the treacherous world of

irrigation where you will learn, in stag-es, that sprinklers have artifi cial intelli-gence, enough to outsmart the average home handyman. You will also learn that getting involved with sprinklers is like invading Iraq. Although you may win the opening round, the battle is never ending.

You start by dragging out the hoses, rounding up the sprinklers, only to learn that the guy who invented the hose con-nection previously invented the colan-der so it should come as no surprise that when your hose leaks likes like a sieve, the apple has fallen underneath the tree.

But really, must they? Doesn’t it seem strange the society that created the I-Phone can’t come up with a hose con-nection that doesn’t leak? For heavens sakes, didn’t we put a man on the moon? Everyone my age remembers that incred-ible day when Buzz Aldrin got out of the spacecraft, looked around, then happily reported back to earth, “Hey guys, great news, nothing grows here. We can leave the sprinklers in the mother ship.”

Sprinklers aren’t designed much better than hoses. Take for example the basic

rotating sprinkler, the three arm things known in technical circles as “whirly m’gigs.” These devices, like all sprin-klers, are designed to work off water pressure. And they do, for a little while, then one day, usually in a hot spell, they just stop turning. “Not enough water pressure,” they say, even though you live at the base of the Grand Coulee Dam.

Next we have impact sprinklers, the ones that make that ack-ack sound and slowly scribe arcs around your yard. Though their sound may bring comfort, these are the most treacherous of sprin-klers. For one thing, they’re impossible to set up. Too much water pressure and they shoot over your garden, watering instead your neighbour’s convertible.

Too little and they just stop moving, but only after you’ve turned your back, and only when they’ve located a plant that is already drowning from overwatering. The exception to this rule is when the shut off valve is within sprinkler range, in which case they’ll direct a steady stream of water there, making it impos-sible to turn the valve off without feeling you’ve vacationed on the Titanic.

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The term “I’ve been hosed” is of course a garden term. It means: What happens setting up a sprinkler when wearing good clothes.

For physical conditioning, however, you can’t beat a sprinkler. If you’ve ever stormed a machine gun nest, you’ll understand. The myriad of little levers used for adjustment are never as straight forward as they appear, causing the arc you’re watering to be either too long or too short. Despite your intelligence lev-el, you fi nd yourself sprinting out from behind a rhododendron, dashing toward

the sprinkler, moving the little lever an eight of an inch (usually the wrong way) then dashing back to cover, only to get hit from behind with what feels like a bucket of water.

Nothing gets a sprinter out of the blocks quicker than an icy dose of cold water, which explains why the Canadian Foot-ball League uses lawn sprinkling as a training technique, but only in the winter. I mention this just in case you’ve wondered why those playing fi elds are so green.

But with irrigation, when the going gets tough, the tough get going; usually to Home Depot where a king’s ransom in spent on sprinkling equipment. There the home handyman stocks up on rigid pipe, timers, pop up heads, and pipe glue which is for sniffi ng on days when leaks are abundant.

Like wars, irrigation is broken down into two parts, the “air war”, which utilizes overhead sprinklers, and the “ground war.” To get under the foliage - and you must because plants are de-signed like little umbrellas with leaves which prevent water from getting to the

roots - you enter the intricate world of drip irrigation. Here, we fi nd countless types of tiny sprinkler heads or emitters, none of which seem to do the job. Nu-merous hours are frittered away provid-ing each and every plant with its very own emitter, which give the plants a wonderful feeling of self worth but not much water.

Finally the job is complete, every square inch of your yard can now be watered. A job well done, you wipe the sweat off your brow, look out proudly over your yard and… oh no… there’s your wife, still watering by hand. Ahhhh!

If there’s any money left after Home Depot, here’s an excellent $20 Ital-ian red, Langhe Rosso from Batasiolo. Mostly likely you’ll have to order it, the SKU number is 163162.

Delbert Horrocks is co-proprietor at the Mahle House Restaurant in Cedar. For more reading try Delbert’s blog, Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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Kayaking around Thetis BY PAUL GREY

There are a number of ways to reach Thetis Island. You can paddle from Eve-ning Cove located at the end of Brenton Page Road, Transfer Beach or the boat ramp in Ladysmith or launch from Kin Hut Park in Chemainus. The paddling requires the crossing of Stuart Channel. In good weather the paddle from Eve-ning Cove will take around an hour or more. If a stiff wind is forecasted or you feel like visiting a quaint island a ferry leaves Chemainus, regularly. The cheap-est method is to roll your kayak onto the ferry and launch in Preedy Harbour. A trail is accessible approximately 20 me-tres up the hill from the ferry dock. Or a launch site is available at the end of Sun-rise Point Road opposite Leech Island. Keep to the left leaving the ferry. Go right on Pilkey Point Road. It’s a short drive to Sunrise.

I usually launch from Sunrise Point Road beach and circumnavigate Thetis Island counter clockwise using the typi-cal light current. I also check the tides. The cut between Thetis and Penelakut (formerly Kuper Island) is fairly shallow and best accessed in a mid-ranged tide or higher. Sometimes I travel in the oppo-site direction to the currents if the winds are blowing reasonably hard from the northwest. The circumnavigation takes 3½ hours. On a more leisurely day, add an hour.

You can park overnight up the hill from Sunrise Point beach. There’s room for about 6 or 7 vehicles. Several islands are readily accessible from here including the Secretary Islands and Wallace Island Marine Park, where kayak camping is available. There are B&B’s on Thetis Is-land where you can rent kayaks or from Sealegs Kayaking at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith.

On one trip I stopped on the Vancou-ver Island side of Thetis to have a short

break with a family of raccoons—mom, dad and two kits. While I ate my bagel they scrounged for bits of sea life like small crabs and barnacles.

Thetis Island is apparently home to the largest arbutus tree in the world. The is-land habitat of exposed rock and rocky soil creates ideal conditions for this unique tree. The rufous hummingbird and bees are attracted to the fl owers and its berries provide food for birds such as the woodpecker and robin. According to Salish legend the arbutus tree was used as an anchor during the Great Flood. The circumference of this behemoth arbutus

is 6.64 metres at breast height and 35.54 m. tall with a crown spreading 25 m. wide. It is possible the roots of the tree, holds Thetis Island together!

I asked a Penelakut Islander where the tree was but he had never heard of it, but according to BC’s big tree registry it’s on Thetis. If you can’t fi nd the tree you can head to the Thetis Island Marine Pub and restaurant. The restaurant is noted for its warm brioche (bree-osh), made from a unique dough mix.

If the paddling doesn’t attract you to Thetis perhaps a brioche and freshly brewed coffee will.

Paul Grey kayaks at Thetis Island. Photo: Lyle Wilkinson.

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LMS celebrates Brooke memorialGuy Brooke, creator of the Ladysmith Log Dump diorama on

display at the Ladysmith Maritime Museum was honoured with a memorial plaque on August 21, 2011. The diorama, which depicts the logging operations of Crown Zellerbach in Ladys-mith Harbour, is admired by hundreds of visitors to the museum every year. Guy passed away on August 21, 2010.

Fire at dogpatchThe Spud Queen goes up in fl ames in Ladysmith Harbour’s

dogpatch. It was a sad ending to a unique boat built by a wood carver. The once beautiful boat had fallen into disrepair. Arson is suspected. Photo: Paul Notte

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LMS Citizen of the YearDoug Bell, Betty Pearson and Dave Ehrismann of the Ladysmith Maritime Society with the Citizen of the Year 2011 award presented by the Ladysmith Celebrations Society. Doug Bell, LMS President received the award on behalf of all members and volunteers and commented: “to be recognized as the 2011 Citizen of the Year is a great honour for the Ladysmith Maritime Society. Over the past 26 years, volunteers have truly been the lifeblood of the society and it is through our remarkable volunteers that LMS delivers to the community our programs and initiatives.”Photo: Cindy Damphousse

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CLASSIFIED ADSPAINT & SAVE OPTION: Do it yourself, with a little help from a pro together we can make your job more affordable and accomplish a great look. Making the world a brighter place over 25 years. Call Harvey 250-245-2174

DRIVING LESSONS: Approaching Road Test time? Need an evaluation of your driving skills? Also available: Collision Avoidance Training. Great prices on Road Test Packages. 49th Parallel Driving School 250-416-1606 or 250-619-2713

FOR RENT - 1 bdrm, furnished, with shared kitchen, living room in home in North Oyster. Fenced yard. All utilities included. Pets ok on approval. Non-smoker. Non-partier. $450 month. 250-245-0030.

AJ’S PLUMBING & GAS Licensed-Bonded-Insured-Journeyman with 12 years experience. Quality workmanship, prompt service. John Wood Water heater installed $ 650 + tax. Includes 8 year tank warranty and old tank disposal. 250-802-7123

LIGHTWORKS WINDOW WASHING and gutter cleaning. Careful and considerate. Call David 250-722-3599

FREE SOFA and chair. Photo available. 250-245-9165.

LADIES 7 speed bike, $200, 250-245-9165

BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. For information and appointments call 250-245-7738. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com

GOT GRANITE? Have your Granite and Marble Countertops professionally sealed and buffed. Kitchens starting at $75. We do tile as well! SealTech Specialties. Call Stuart at 250-734-2681 www.sealtechspecialties.com

PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE: Leash ‘em & walk ‘em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! 250-246-3394.

HOME BUDDIES PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kindhearted, experienced and reliable care for all pets. Pet First Aid and CPR Certifi ed. Certifi ed Security Professional through Westguard Security. When loving care and security are essential, Peggy Wildsmith 250-245-0151

BOBBY S MINIHOE & CLEANUP Landscaping, lot clearing, debris removal, excavating, small deliveries with dump trailer, mulch, lawn soil, garden soil, driveway chip, serving Nanaimo, Cedar, Ladysmith and area call Bobby 250-713-4970

OFFICE SPACES -Downtown Ladysmith, modern, ac, renovated, wired, reasonable rent or lease. 250-245-3395

THE HAPPY GARDENER, weeding, digging, raking, etc. Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250-722-3599

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? Perhaps ready for a fresher look in your existing home? The affordable design services provided by Rooms n Blooms can help. Call Shar at 250-245-0548 or email shar@roomsnblooms.ca

DO YOU HAVE MOLD? Algae? Moss? Seicoat has products that will remove and prevent. Ten year warranties offered on select products. Technology is what we do.www.seicoat.com Call 250-816-5002

SEMI RETIRED MASSAGE THERAPIST working in Cedar By The Sea. $65 an hour session. 250-722-2669

OVERCOAT PAINTING - Professional - Reliable - Reasonable. Operating 6 years in Ladysmith. No job too small. Will do minor painting repairs. Special senior rates. Call Heather McIntosh for a free estimate. 250-245-5557

FALL MAINTAINENCE Programs on now any size yard, 36” commercial walk behind mower available. We trim hedges & remove yard waste. Call 250-618-6660. Dunn Lawn & Garden. Fully Insured.

AGILE HOME REPAIR & IMPROVEMENT For all your carpentry and home repair needs. From repairing/replacing siding, decks, fences to interior fi nishing including home ventilation FULLY INSURED call IAN 250-714-8800

HANDCRAFTED GEMSTONE NECKLACES. Jade, garnet, lapis, aventurine and more! $20 each. See jewelry table at Campers Corner Saturday fl ea market, 8am-3pm. 250-245-3829

QUALITY RENOVATIONS, big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For a free estimate call Lars 250-616-1800

SEPTIC SERVICE BY ReQuest Holdings Ltd. A local family owned business. Waste bins - commercial and residential. Emergency callouts welcomed. Mention this ad for a 10% discount. 250-740-7742 mikesoder@telus.net

CERTIFIED RCA with 20 years experience. Available for personal, respite and palliative care, housekeeping, transportation and errands. Personalized care that fi ts your schedule. Trusted, reliable and affordable. Call Sheila 250-245-5662

ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR - Get Lean & Healthy Fast - Less than $5/ meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! No Gluten, Wheat, Barley or Trans Fat. Suzanne Deveau 250-245-8407

TIMBERBUILDER-Post & beam, farm buildings, new constuction, concrete, custom beam work, gazebos, decks, fi nishing. All General Contracting needs 250-924-5436 Timberbuilder@shaw.ca

KAREN’S INDUSTRIAL SEWING alterations and repairs, from Grad and Wedding to heavy work clothes and accessories. Can also do Manufacturing and Prototypes. Second Avenue, Ladysmith. For appointment call Karen 250-245-7945

M MCNEIL CONTRACTING. Doing it Right the fi rst time and on Budget!! Excavating / Demolition /Hoe Pack and Breaker. / Lot Leveling Hitachi 135 – Linkbelt 75 – Bobcat – Dump Truck Call or email Mike today for a free quote! 250-714-9125 mmcneil@telus.net

LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME: High Quality Personalized Care. Warm caring environment, great food and snacks, family events, couples and pets welcomed, ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. 250-245-3391 www.lynnsseniorcare.com

WANT TO FEEL GOOD? Brighten up your home with a new ____ Fix that broken ____. Haul off that ____ you don’t want in the front yard. Call Dan 250-667-6223

DOGGIE DAY CARE. Retired Senior will give your Dog PERSONAL CARE. Pick up and deliver. Call Dan 250-667-6223

CLEAN YOUR SEPTIC TODAY Mention this ad, save 10%. Other services include: waste bins, fl at deck, topsoil and gravel. Locally owned business. 250-740-7742

UP TO 1000 SQ. FT. WAREHOUSE/RETAIL space for rent inside existing store in Ladysmith with private entrance and dock. Utilities included. Contact Hans or Kevin 250-245-0002 hans.perdersen@shaw.ca

CLAIRVOYANT HEALER Kalavati Gloria Yates, Spiritual Counselor, Healing Facilitator. Meditation and Spiritual Development. 2011 Free lecture Sept. 13, 7:30pm., 8 week course begins Tues. Sept. 20 7-9:30pm. Baraca Centre, S. Wellington www.kalavati.ca 250-714-0034

OUR TOWN CLEANING SERVICES Thorough cleaning for both residential and commercial clients. Respectful of your privacy and treasures. Veteran Affairs Cards now accepted. Call Jacquie at 250-245-2455

NEW 2 BEDROOM HOME FOR RENT in Rocky Creek Village. Adult oriented. Available September 1st. $1000.00 per month. NS, pets allowed on approval. Phone 250-245-7583 or 250-713-7555, email dsneudorf@shaw.ca

PHOTOGRAPHER, 250-245-9165

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ATTENTION BRIDGE PLAYERS. Tune up your bridge playing with the popular Audrey Grant Method. Contact number below for dates and time. Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 MacMillan Rd, Cedar. coffee/tea/laughs/fun. 250-722-2656, 250-722-3399, 250-753-7857. We would offer a beginners/refresher class if there is enough interest. Please call asap if interested.

CEDAR HERITAGE DUPLICATE BRIDGE 1644 MacMillan Rd, Cedar, Commencing Tues.Sept. 27, 1:30pm Six Excellent lessons by Rosemary Spratt starts Oct.11 (Intermediate/advanced). coffee/laughs/fun. 250-722-2656, 250-716-1245, 250-722-2692, 250-722-2813

ECHO SERVICES Senior? Disabled? Recovering from an accident? Driving to Appointments / Homemaking / Cleaning / Organizing /Everyday chores / Painting / Small projects. Insured and Bonded $25/ hour. Call Suzanne today at 250-245-8407 info@taketimetoday.com

LEARN A LANGUAGE Small groups, conversational approach, excellent teachers.French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin and more. Register for Fall Sessions. WENTWORTH COURT LANGUAGE CENTRE, 517 Wentworth, Nanaimo 250-716-1603

LADYSMITH KYOKUSHIN KARATE Traditional Japanese Karate. Adult classes 12yrs and up. Beginners always welcome. Start anytime. call Brad @ 250 245-1352

WANTED: ISLAND MADE PRODUCTS for new online store. For more info call editor@take5.ca

The Heretics of Sustainable Development

“A heretic is a man who sees with his own eyes.” - Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

I’m gonna claim confused heretic sta-tus. I’m thinking I see the same things, right here, as the Club o’ Rome did when they looked around the world in the sev-enties. But they weren’t confused.

Ostracized yes, for questioning as-sumptions that fi nite resources could be used endlessly. But pretty darn clear that the train carrying humanity’s future was hurtling down a crumbling one-way track if we didn’t change our ways.

Turns out, back then, it was a sin to question what we do with the wealth of resources, lands and ingenuity we were born with. Great to make money, and promises of building for the future, but don’t ask if humanity’s on the right track. Growth is good, limits to growth are bad. Development is good. Questions about the sustainability of development are bad. Profi ts are good, asking how much they’ll cost the taxpayer, is bad.

Speaking against failed models of urban sprawl, self-serving promises, neglectful and single-minded hand-in-

the-taxpayers-pocket development and growth, is bad. Yes? No.

Working for the big picture, long-term benefi ts, our children and our common future, is good. Right?And so I’m look-ing around the neighbourhood, Lady-smith to Nanaimo, and I’m wondering where I was when the train pulled out of the station without me? Who’s mak-ing the plans that are ripping the heart out of the rural countryside, green lands and blue waters of this coastal commu-nity; and why, just for profi t? What about all those lofty-sounding goals of work-ing for sustainable development, for the benefi t of humankind; and balancing ev-eryone’s interest for the common good? When do we start seeing some action around those sustainability and steward-ship promises?

How can there suddenly be announce-ments, by local governments, in support of 10,000 new homes in the area ...about 35-40,000 new people in these narrow coastal lands bordering the sea? Won’t that mean huge costs to taxpayers for new roads, water and sewage, and so on, and so on?

What will happen to the farms and for-ests, the spaces and species, and wonder-ful quality of life we now have? What will happen to that delicate balance? And how responsible is this type of mega-development in times of climate change, peak oil, food security issues, and the looming global realities that will soon face all of us?

Heck, all you have to do is ask about where the water’s going to come from around here? Last I heard the Cassidy aquifer was threatened and vulnerable, and the Yellowpoint aquifer failing to re-charge. And yet this is where these

10,000 new homes are to be built, where they’re saying they’ll get their drinking water from - whilst sprinkling new golf courses and country club lawns quite lib-erally, I’ll bet.

Island Timberlands wants to re-zone forest lands for 2400 new homes in Phoenix Way, near Duke Point. Ocean-view’s right next to them with 2500 in Cable Bay; and Timber West says they can match that if Ladysmith will just annex more rural resource lands to the north; and the Snuneymuw have the Sandstone’s massive residential, mall and commercial plans already approved for South Wellington.

Oh yeah, and the airport wants to build, unhampered by any level of government, sovereign-nation like, only metres above the Cassidy aquifer ...which all these de-velopments, and the City of Nanaimo, Town of Ladysmith and the Harmac pulp mill, claim as their future source of water.

Sorry, but I can’t see all this being sus-tainable, or community-minded, or bal-anced. And I certainly think the public interest is being twisted and bent out of shape by the process, to the point that the democracy I was taught to believe in is virtually unrecognizable.

I thought the golden rule for a demo-cratic society, for smart growth, would be the precautionary principle - that we know the track’s in good shape before we send the train hurtling down the E&N right-of-way?

Who gave our local governments the right to decide that whoever has the gold rules? I don’t remember voting on that, or voting for anyone who would give away my rights.

But I am thinking about who, and what developments, I will be voting for in this fall’s local elections. And I’ll be think-ing about where we live, whose interests are being served, and what’s happening around the world when I do.

Laurie Gourlay has worked with envi-ronmental groups for thirty years, farms 20 acres organically on Vancouver Is-land with life-partner Jackie Moad, and with a heretics eye runs Thistle Consult-ing Services – actively seeking local so-lutions to global challenges.

46 take5.ca SEPT 2011

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