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2 July 2010 • FOCUS July 2010 VOL. 22 NO. 10 FOCUS local food

delivering organic food to your door since 1997 12 26 34 ▲ contents ▲ 8 TALK OF THE TOWN Editor’s Letter 4 The City’s inedible golden apple Sam Williams Letters 6 12 LUNCH WITH JON TUPPER AND EMILY CARR Talk of the Town 8 Just into year number two on the job at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Know where your Jon Tupper discusses his challenges and the new Carr exhibit. Conversations 12 Linda Rogers food comes from! Now 14 24 CONNECTING SCIENCE AND ART Follow the links on our web site to order When the Garry oak meadows of Langford were threatened, Show & Tell 24 naturalist Fran Benton turned to art and politics. 250.595.6729 Brian Grison Coastlines 26 www.shareorganics.bc.ca 26 48°, 26', 14.4" N 123°, 19', 40.6" W Melanie Siebert’s new book navigates Focus 28 the idea of place, both wild and urban. FOR ALL WHO CARE Amy Reiswig My Dream City 36 28 THE ROAD TO HELL Urbanities 38 Three controversial infrastructure projects highlight the need for a better way to decide what projects are most important Rearview Mirror 40 to residents of the region—and which get funding. Katherine Palmer Gordon Natural Relations 44

34 NURTURING ROOTS AND WINGS Finding Balance 46 Bringing people together to create positive change for youth at risk, and others, is the practical, ethical path for Helen Hughes. ON THE COVER: “Big Eagle, (Great Aaren Madden Eagle), Skidigate, BC” by Emily Carr, 36 WOODWYNN FARM 1929, watercolour on paper, 30 x A therapeutic community sows seeds of hope 22.3 inches, from the collection of on farmland “pre-empted” by a Scottish settler. the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Danda Humphreys donated in memory of Dorothy 38 THE PURPOSE OF MEMORY Plaunt Dyde. See story on page 12. about PLANTS, This edited version of a speech given recently to Heritage BC HEALING and the PLANET points to the link between heritage preservation and ecology. Gene Miller aromatic flavourful teas, high-quality essential oils for your scented pleasures, 42 DISTURBING THE PEACE top-quality herbs & tinctures for Caribou and conservation need to be part of your health & well-being the conversation around the Site C dam. Briony Penn SELF-HEAL HERBS 44 SORRY, COMPUTERS ARE NOT “GREEN” Celebrating 34 years Is the world becoming greener, or does it just seem that way? 1106 Blanshard St. Rob Wipond tel: 383-1913 fax: 383-3098 46 HEALING CALLS FOR MORE THAN HOSPITALS best prices mail order available It’s time to return to patient-centred care EXPERIENCED STAFF • R.N. • aromatherapists • herbalists that includes fresh air, sunlight, plants…life! • consultations available Trudy Duivenvoorden Mitic

July 2010 • focusonline.ca 3 ▲ .....editor’s letter ▲

The Briar Hill Group Beau’s story FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE LESLIE CAMPBELL few weeks ago David and I found ourselves in Alert Bay, a community of about 1200 people on Cormorant Island, a 40- Aminute ferry ride from Port McNeill. The Kwakwaka’wakw • determining your culture flourishes in Alert Bay, despite many insults, past and present, real estate needs to their way of life. • Answering your I plan to write about our visit at greater length in the future. But I think questions I am meant to share one of the stories I heard sooner rather than later. Under a carving shed on the beach, we met master carver Beau Dick • putting you in who was working on a memorial pole in honour of Patrick Alfred, a control of your ‘Namgis chief who had died a few years ago in a herring boat accident. real estate decisions Though only roughed in, the pole was impressive already. We could see frog and raven, thunderbird and killer whale. • I specialize in educating Beau is tall and lanky, with long brown hair and a grey beard. He you about real estate wears a rumpled black felt hat with feathers and speaks very thought- fully. Though we didn’t know at the time of our meeting, he is regarded as one of the most creative and versatile Kwakwaka’wakw carvers of Jane Johnston, M.Ed. his generation, with works in many top museums. He’s a chief, an MLS Gold Award Winner 2009 accomplished singer, composer, historian, and an initiated Hamat’sa, MLS Silver Award Winner 2007, 2008 the highest-ranking secret society of the Kwakwaka’wakw. When we started talking with Beau at the beach, competition from Listings and MOMENTUM info at a nearby chain saw proved intense and he suggested we go to his nearby www.BriarHillGroup.com house where he would “give us some information.” Or call Jane at 250-744-0775 That was an understatement. Beau wanted to read us a story he had written, one that has been passed down through generations in his family. He implied that perhaps this was what we were there for, but warned us it might be disturbing. Beau’s house is very modest and well-used. It’s obvious that chop- ping for the wood stove takes place right beside it. Every surface is well occupied, whether by cats, LPs, books, carving tools, stuff. While we were there, the front door opened frequently—to a fellow carver, a wife, a medicine woman—which barely interrupted the flow of Beau’s storytelling or our rapt attention, though each passerby discovered in turn that they couldn’t leave through the front door as the interior doorknob had disappeared. Oh well; they simply headed to the back door and exited that way. As he begins his story, first acknowledging his uncle Jimmy Dawson SALE “who kept the story alive,” Beau crosses his long legs and leans forward: “Going back to the beginning of our story, it is when James Douglas SALE proclaimed British Columbia the new found colony and he hired a man who was a topographer to make maps because Douglas had no idea SALE about the coastline that they were laying claim to. “It should be brought up again, the fact that they were laying claim • comfort clothes to our coastline and they didn’t even know what it consisted of so how can they have any jurisdictional claim at all? Even looking back 150 for the years ago it is a great embarrassment and it probably still is for British sophisticated lady

• natural fibres Editor: Leslie Campbell Publisher: David Broadland tencel ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Phone 250-388-7231 Email [email protected] bamboo EDITORIAL INQUIRIES and letters to the editor: [email protected] quality European linens WEBSITE: www.focusonline.ca MAIL: Box 5310, Victoria, V8R 6S4 Copyright © 2010. No portion of this publication june be reproduced in whole or in part, without written permis- sion of the publishers. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishers of Focus Magazine. Come visit us at 1037 Fort Street  480-5183 Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40051145.

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Columbia when they look in the mirror and see the truth.” Beau told us how his great-grandfather, Kakab, as a young man of high rank, escorted Dawson around his people’s territory and offered him protection “as it was still a pretty wild place.” Kakab and Dawson became very good friends and Dawson taught Kakab how to read and write and do arithmetic on paper, which Kakab appreciated and benefited from. “In their friendship Dawson travelled further north, past Bella Bella making his

PHOTO: DAVID BROADLAND PHOTO: DAVID maps and he always returned to Mimquimlees, Beau Dick the village of my great-grandfather. Whether he was on his way south to Victoria or heading north to continue his map making he would always stop and visit.” Exquisite Indulgences. Fabulous Finds. Beau’s story shifts then, to talk about the Haida of that time, and Everyday Luxuries. how up until the 1860s there were probably 14,000 of them. They would often travel in large flotillas of canoes to Fort Victoria to trade, passing through Kwakwaka’wakw waters. After one mass migra- tion, “Dawson told my great-grandfather to stay away from them when #103-2506 Beacon Avenue, Sidney • 250-654-0424 they returned from Victoria and of course Kakab asked him why. Dawson 285 Fifth Street, Courtenay • 250-334-1887 said they would all be sick and embarrassedly told him that he knew www.tabimports.com first hand that the government he worked for—that James Douglas and the Hudson’s Bay Company were holding hands, as he described it—and they had a plan to distribute smallpox-infested blankets amongst the Haida in the hopes that they would spread this disease to all the Leading edge dentistry other tribes on the coast on their way home. “Why would they want to do that?” asked Beau rhetorically. “The Down to Earth dentists answer is very simple—they wanted to control the resources on our coastline and they were very successful because we know that after this Dr. Benjamin Bell & Dr. SuAnn Ng there were only about 600 Haida left…” • General & cosmetic dentistry When 24 canoes full of sick Haida showed up in Kwakwaka’wakw • Digital Radiography & 3-D imaging territory in 1862, they were escorted, said Beau, “to a place that is now known as Bones Bay, for obvious reasons.” There they had running • In office whitening treatments water, and Kakab’s people made sure they had enough food and dry • Implant placement wood, but direct contact was avoided. “They were left to die there in • Sedation options peace,” said Beau. • Non-invasive laser dentistry “…The Kwakwaka’wakw were so grateful to Dawson for what he had done that my great grandfather took his name when it came to All ages welcome! register with the white people—George Thomas Dawson. That is why my mother’s maiden name is Dawson.” A couple of years ago, Beau hosted a potlatch in honour of the Haida people who died of smallpox in Bones Bay on West Cracroft Island, where a mortuary pole he helped carve was erected. Another stands in the burial grounds in Alert Bay. There were more stories from Beau and others we met in Alert Bay, which I will share another time. As Beau concluded one of his other stories: “Gifts amount to nothing if you don’t share them.” 250-384-8028 www.myvictoriadentist.ca Leslie Campbell plans to return to Alert Bay. She is grateful to Beau Dick, Wayne #220 - 1070 Douglas St Alfred and his brother George, and cousin Bruce Alfred, who generously shared (TD Bank Bldg) their thoughts about art, politics and life during our visit. See www.umista.org, FIRST HOUR FREE PARKING www.haidanation.ca, and Haida Laas, March 2009 at www.haidanation.ca AT CITY OF VICTORIA PARKADES

July 2010 • focusonline.ca 5 ▲ ..... reader’s views ▲

Re: Standing up for Salmon, June 2010 I have just read your editorial on “Standing Up for Salmon” and must write to you before I turn another page of your interesting magazine. I too “your home is your sacred space” attended the Get Out Migration rally and was impressed and moved by the Victoria’s exclusive new design studio diversity of people there—from teenagers to seniors, First Nations repre- sentatives, people from every kind of background and from every part of Inspired fabric creations the Island, Gulf Islands, Mainland and right up to Lillooet. There was such couture bedding unity in that mass of people and I was appalled by the lacklustre media drapes coverage of the event, and the parroting by many reporters of the fish farm blinds industry’s viewpoint. Thank you for your positive report on the rally and your thoughtful editorial. I just wish Focus had BC-wide circulation. Custom Laura Farquharson furniture rugs Editor’s note: Focus is available online at www.focusonline.ca

This is the article that needed to be written about the rally for saving wild salmon and the case for closed containment fish farms. In it, you success- fully convey both the facts and the feeling that has grown out of many voices joining together, across cultures and generations, on behalf of our wild salmon that are struggling to continue their life cycles while running the gauntlet of open-pen fish farms. Alexandra Morton is a fearless champion on behalf of our Pacific salmon. She poignantly reminds us of the salmon’s generosity, constantly returning Karen Silverhawk head designer to feed and sustain an ecosystem. 725 Humboldt Thank you for your generosity, Leslie, capturing both the facts and the 250.380.2011 [email protected] spirit of this issue that is so vital to the health of our province. We need more like you. Val Murray

Belton Turner started Van Isle How important are wild salmon? Apparently, important enough to moti- Jewellers (with his partner, vate thousands of folks to join Alexandra Morton’s Get Out Migration rally at the BC legislature on May 8. “Big Jim” Munro) over sixty But is a one-day rally of two, or three, or four thousand people going to years ago. Everyone who have an impact on the plight of wild salmon? To be sure, the rally raised knows Belton has a “Belton greater awareness in folks that attended…the already converted…but how story” and it’s well known that about those who didn’t attend or those whose main concern is day-to-day his trademark gruffness is just survival, or our politicians who are far removed from the problems of basic a cover for a heart of gold. The survival and see marches like Morton’s as minor irritants? shop is still run by Big Jim’s Deep down Morton knows the answer. This was evident when she asked: family and they carry on the “Do we live in a democracy or not?” If we lived in a democracy, where all tradition of a welcoming and of the facts were clearly laid out, we had an educated and informed public, friendly ‘old-school’ approach and our representatives were truly representative…we wouldn’t be marching. to the jewellery business. The truth is, we live in a corporatocracy where corporations control governments … federal and provincial—and the decisions that impact the • New Jewellery survival of all things living, including salmon. • Redesigns Morton was given a not-too-subtle reminder of this fact when she attended • Full Service Repair Shop an annual general meeting of salmon farmers in Oslo, Norway. When Morton told shareholders, and industry leaders, that their farms need to leave BC because they were breaking the basic laws of the salmon, an industry spokesman responded by saying, “I’m going to have to disappoint you. We are not going to leave Canada.” Are wild salmon important? No doubt; but in order to save salmon we have to do more than protest salmon farms, we have to FOCUS on making democracy a reality, not the hoax we presently endure. When it comes to 250-418-1126 getting our voices heard, the Bangkok Red Shirts and the Greeks have sent 1126 BlanshardStreet us a clear message. Are we listening? www.vanislejewellers.ca Ken Dwernychuk

6 July 2010 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus on your home Brick pavers: affordable, timeless, lasting beauty by Mollie Kaye Re: Showdown at Lime Bay, June 2010 I just started reading the article about the he charming cobblestone streets of ancient Showdown at Lime Bay. Great article so far. I European cities have endured for many centuries. feel a connection to the editorial position and TI ponder this as I stand in front of my Fairfield voice of your magazine. I often find myself off home and behold the non-functional hodgepodge the “popular” grid with my opinions. It’s good of crumbling, patched concrete, scraggly sod, and to know that I am not alone with my ideas and opinions. Maybe it is the cultural creative in me “Unlike asphalt or concrete, brick is thinking that I just might have found some tribe. semi-porous;the sand in the joints lets Thanks again for your fearless words that honour the truth. the water soak into the ground below.” Sue Gentry —Dallas Ruud

Re: Reshaping Victoria’s Economy, June 2010 overgrown side beds we presently call our “driveway.” The panel discussion facilitated by Rob Wipond I’ve long admired brick driveways, so I call Dallas generated interesting ideas regarding transforming Ruud, owner of Rooster Interlocking Brick, to ask Victoria to a sustainable economy. But they either about the costs and benefits of pavers (“modern- require regional co-operation or innovative munic- day cobblestones”) compared to other options like ipal financing. Odds are neither one is likely. asphalt and concrete. Moving to a sustainable economy will not be “I’ve heard nasty rumours about weeds,”I tell him a seamless shift. It will result in conflicts between when he arrives.He shakes his head.“When we install economic, social and environmental interests, the bricks, we start with a six-inch base of gravel all tugging at the skirt of local government which and sand,so nothing will ever grow from underneath. has limited human and financial resources. Like any surface,if dirt builds up,little spores from the Thousands of Victoria residents are employed air can land and grow, so all you need to do is keep in the hundreds of small businesses that are it clean and it will always look like new. If a brick or located in the city. This is our competitive advan- two get stained somehow,they can easily be switched

tage and it is the heart of our economic out with new ones to blend seamlessly.” I’m seeing Photo:Tony Bounsall sustainability. Increasingly, young talented people distinct advantages already. Dallas Ruud with the Richards’ new interlocking brick driveway. are making a lifestyle choice to either move here Drainage is another concern of mine.“Unlike asphalt or stay in Victoria, even though they could do or concrete, brick is semi-porous; the sand in the joints brick.It’s so tidy,and the area really looks larger now!” better financially elsewhere. lets the water soak into the ground below,” Dallas Sheila says she and Geoff figured they would have Rather than chasing after economic smoke- explains. Sounds perfect for our wet climate, and to “wait to win the lottery” before Rooster created stacks, the City of Victoria should focus on what ecologically preferable too.And durability? “Pavers these durable, delicious-looking surfaces, but the it can control in its own backyard. Develop down- are three to four times stronger than poured concrete,” quote came in comparable to replacing the asphalt, town as the cultural cool place in the green capital he adds,“and if you do need to get underneath the and “the quote was the final price.There were no city. Support the development of small business surface for any reason, the bricks can be lifted out extra charges.And I’ve never met such happy guys; in neighbourhood commercial centres through and reassembled.” it was like having four of my kids around doing it. imaginative neighbourhood plans and innova- I’m pretty well convinced, and Rooster’s estimate Such fast, fast workers—the job was complete in just tive zoning. Transform the myriad and often seems extremely reasonable.The final test is to see a six working days! It was a fascinating process; I took disconnected city procedures and bylaws to support Rooster “reveal”—how are the owners liking it? Dallas so many photos.We’re just thoroughly delighted with the goal of becoming a truly sustainable city. sends me to Sheila and Geoff Richards’ utterly charming the whole experience!” The Official Community Plan is just big ideas. home on Oliver Street in Oak Bay.It’s a pristine English I’ve asked Dallas if he can bring his “happy guys” The challenge is to develop a clear and measur- cottage with masonry accents, and the interlocking over to my house to create a gorgeous, ever-lasting able sustainability action plan that is championed brick driveway looks positively stunning.As I slide a driveway for my family to enjoy. I know our invest- by political and business leaders and imple- toe around, admiring the smoothness of the joints, ment in interlocking brick will be returned many fold, mented everyday through decisions made by Sheila comes to greet me. but would it be wise to get another quote? “Don’t everyone from the small business owner to the “Isn’t it just wonderful?”She smiles excitedly.“For look any further,”advises Sheila.“Working with Dallas neighbourhood planner. this particular house—the colours, the stone—it’s gave me faith in young people again.As our neigh- Dennis Carlsen really made it stand out.”I wholeheartedly agree.She bours said after working with him, ’He is a princely beckons and I follow her up the long driveway,admiring man.’ She gestures to the patio beneath us.“We’re the way the bricks have been intricately cut and set to so terribly impressed. It’s a work of art, really.” LETTERS fit perfectly,just like an Italian mosaic.I’m led through Rooster Interlocking Brick Send letters to: [email protected]. a gate to the patio, a seamless continuation of the elegant pattern from the drive.“We had that awful Dallas Ruud, owner Letters that directly address articles asphalt on the driveway, and ugly cracked concrete 250-889-6655 published in Focus will be given preference. here on the patio.I’m so glad we had it all done in the www.roosterbrick.com focusonline.ca • July 2010 7 talk of the town

The City’s inedible golden apple SAM WILLIAMS Has the seismic risk to the Johnson Street Bridge been over-stated? And is the City’s response to that risk an over-reaction?

merican bridge engineer Frank Nelson But is that really the case? Two of the has been asked to travel to Kansas concrete piers supporting the Johnson Street Ain late July to train a group of that Bridge are in turn supported by row upon state’s Department of Transportation engi- row of what are thought to be Douglas fir neers how to correctly compare rehabilitation timbers, probably but not necessarily creosoted and replacement options when they are consid- for protection against marine borers, driven ering the fate of a bridge. This particular to what is believed to be bedrock, and group of engineers were judged to have completely surrounded by clay and marine not given a “creditable evaluation” of reha- silt. These piles are very similar to the ones bilitation while pushing ahead to replace the that still support the Empress Hotel, completed Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge across the in 1908, and the engineering practice of Missouri River. As part of the required reme- using driven timber piles to support concrete diation for removing the bridge, they have foundations is still used around the world. to take Frank’s course. The engineers currently Frank Nelson says that Oregon’s Department considering the fate of the Johnson Street of Transportation has made no moves toward Bridge might want to take notice. replacing timber pilings on its historic bridges, Perhaps you remember Frank Nelson. He’s one of which dates to 1913. The Oregon the bridge expert that johnsonstreetbridge.org invited last fall to coast, where many of the bridges Nelson rehabilitated are located, is look at the Blue Bridge and share his considerable experience of eval- in an area considered as seismically risky as Victoria’s. uating whether a bridge should be replaced or rehabilitated. He’s Normally, there would be no reason to suspect Delcan had not prop- currently working out of Seattle as Senior Supervisory Engineer at erly assessed the seismic capacity of the timber piles. When an engineering Parsons Brinckerhoff, an engineering firm with offices around the firm makes an assessment, the rest of us usually listen and accept what world. But Nelson also spent 14 years managing Oregon’s Department they say as the objective truth. But a close reading of Delcan’s report of Transportation Bridge Preservation Engineering Team, which oversaw reveals two things that are perplexing. the rehabilitation of many aging bridges before he left the ODT in 2007. First, the report actually says different things on different pages I corresponded recently with Nelson on the question of whether the about the seismic capacity of the bridge. On page 4-1 the report states $62,000 condition assessment performed by Delcan Corp in two days “In addition, analysis was carried out to determine what level of earth- back in June 2008 was a strong enough foundation on which to build quake the bridge, in its current configuration, can resist without a case for what has recently become, potentially, a $100 million project. significant damage...this corresponds to a seismic event with a 35 The Johnson Street Bridge Condition Assessment Report, conducted percent chance of exceedance in 50 years.” But in the report’s by Delcan and released last year, found a number of problems with the executive summary, on page E1, it states “Analysis of the bridge in its bridge, many of which are readily fixable. The cost of recoating the existing configuration shows that the bridge will experience failure bridge, renewing it’s electrical system and making mechanical repairs of its foundations and collapse of the counterweight towers under was pegged by Delcan at $4.5 million. The most damning finding was loads from a seismic event with a 35 percent probability of exceedance Delcan’s apparent conclusion that timber piles supporting two of the in 50 years.” bridge’s piers might fail in an earthquake, and that their failure This is not a level of consistency that instills confidence. would quickly lead to the bridge’s collapse. A second issue with the report is that it seems to rely entirely on That original $62,000 study has led to the expenditure of over $2 computer modelling for its prediction about the seismic performance million in various follow-up studies, cost estimates and public engage- of the timber piles. The 232-page report includes not a single mention ment, and now to an updated estimate to replace or fix the bridge that of any physical testing of the bridge that could be used to confirm their many Victorians feel is vastly inflated and a foolish over-reaction. So the seismic modelling. Both Delcan and the City of Victoria were asked to quality of Delcan’s assessment of the expected seismic performance of comment on this but hadn’t done so by press time. the timber piles supporting the bridge is as critical to the foundation of Frank Nelson says that even though all the bridges he worked on all that followed as the piles themselves are to safely supporting the bridge. in Oregon had timber piles—which were next to impossible to inspect For many Victorians, Delcan’s revelation that the immense weight without damaging them—they didn’t rely on computer modelling to of Big Blue’s steel and concrete was supported by wooden posts assess their expected seismic performance. “The problem with computer came as a shock. It was easy to imagine that after 85 years those posts simulations” he said, “is that unless the specific simulation is calibrated would have begun to decompose. And if an earthquake shook the through an actual event at the structure there is considerable room to bridge, well, of course, it would fall down. As Mayor Fortin said at the doubt it’s validity. Not the quality of work, just the lack of applicable time, “Any seismic event will bring it down.” facts. When we do load ratings—a computer analysis method of

8 July 2010 • FOCUS Healthy Living Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Acupuncture / Diet Therapy A SECOND ISSUE WITH THE REPORT IS THAT IT A natural, personal approach to healing seems to rely entirely on computer modelling for its prediction about the seismic performance of the timber piles. The 232-page report includes not a single mention of any physical testing of the bridge that could be used to confirm their seismic modelling. confirming that each component of the bridge can carry its expected loading—on historic bridges, we had typically also done a live load proof test with strain gauges and a heavily loaded truck, with its axles weighed. By measuring strain and deflection we could compare this with load predictions. If the math model predicted this live load closely, then it would predict loading at a higher value to a similar accuracy, by Dr. Fei Yang Dr TCM, Reg. AC extrapolation. Without a connection between math models and real performance, the math model is mostly an indicator of potential concern.” 250.382.9108 | 550 Comerford Street (Emphasis added.) Rejuvenate your health with Dr. Fei Yang Delcan seems not to have done the compex physical testing Nelson would have done, so how else could the physical condition of the Johnson Street Bridge’s timber piles be assessed? Nelson suggested it’s not necessary to physically inspect the piles and in fact it could be harmful. Rather, if there is a problem, there will be symptoms that can be observed: “I would personally trust a precision survey, particu- larly of the railroad bridge, to determine if any movement has occurred since construction,” he said. The railway bridge has experienced much heavier loads—loaded freight trains have crossed it—and would have been more likely to settle or move if there is a problem with the timber piles. Other signs of problematic piles could be found, Nelson says, by “examining the live load shoes for shifts in wear, and align- ment of the armor in the bridge deck joints at the free end of the bridge.” Did Delcan do this work? Again, there’s no indication in their report Agent: Shamus Baier that they did anything beyond visual inspection. The City of Victoria Mission Objectives: has not been able—or willing— to confirm this one way or the other. - Utilize the latest networking And if Delcan’s condition assessment was little more than a visual inspec- technology to sell your tion, the problem is now being compounded. Various of the technical home quickly reports presented to Victoria City Council on June 14 credited Delcan - Always do what I say for providing the seismic modelling data that these various engineering I will do... or MORE firms then ran through their computers and with which they reached, - Make my client’s #1goal not surprisingly, similar (but more expensive) conclusions to Delcan’s. my #1goal By the way, the City has estimated the cost of these various studies to - Live by the “get by giving” be in the neighborhood of $400,000. One has to wonder if the GIGO philosophy factor—garbage in, garbage out—might be at play here. “Potential - Work toward the best result concern” is a long distance from “Any seismic event will bring it down.” and the common good Curious about the extent to which Frank Nelson’s take on computer modelling might be shared by those engineers involved in seismic retro- Shamus Baier fitting of BC bridges, I contacted Sharlie Huffman, Bridge Seismic Engineer for BC’s Ministry of Transportation. I sent Huffman an exact 250.984.7793 quote of what Nelson had said and asked her what she thought. She [email protected] said, “There is a definite skill to modelling although the current programs www.victoriahomesales.ca

July 2010 • focusonline.ca 9 OUTDOOR COOKING have improved a lot over the years. Still, whether it is a complex computer OUTDOOR COOKING model or just a calculator, you need to have an idea what the answer is never tasted so good supposed to be in order to be sure the gizmo is working right and that you have entered everything the way you should. And all struc- tural calculations must be checked. We can do this by running a few hand calculations or using two different computer programs. Of course if you put in the wrong information such as the wrong material prop- erties, then GIGO.” Huffman is a virtual library of information on the subject of the Province’s program of seismic retrofitting of bridges. MoT has been retrofitting provincial bridges for a number of years using as a standard a “design earthquake” with a return period of 475 years. In more familiar terms, this is a seismic event for which “the duration of strong shaking...shall Stylish, award-winning be consistent with earthquakes of approximate magnitude 6.5 to 7.0...” grills from Vermont MoT gives bridges four different “importance” ratings and for each of Castings and Jackson these ratings there is a different performance expectation—which describes the hoped-for outcome after the design earthquake occurs. Grills—all offering Grills—all offering For instance, the highest importance rating is “Lifeline,” and remarkable efficiency and wthin that category the highest performance expectation currently in superior flavour. use (Safety 2) is “collapse prevention” and “repairable damage.” The recent seismic retrofit of Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge was executed GASLIGHT HEAT SERVICES LTD. to this standard. 2531Government Street But that’s a considerably lower standard of seismic performance than 2531Government Street 250-380-0407 the standard Victoria city councillors (excepting Geoff Young) voted Gaslight is also your source for the latest in energy efficient heating technologies: gas furnaces, heat pumps and tankless hot water heaters. for at a June 17 council meeting. Their choice, which would add $10 million to the tab city taxpayers would pay, would see the bridge “open to all traffic after the design earthquake.” But in this case, the “design earthquake” would be a magnitude 8.5 earthquake as compared with the provincial standard of 6.5 to 7.0. So why has Victoria City Council second-guessed the Provincial stan- dard? Critics suspect engineering staff and Council of trying to make the rehabilitation option so unattractive that citizens will vote “yes” to replace the bridge in the November referendum. But the councillors and the mayor would probably say it’s because “The bridge is located in the most seismically active zone in Canada where it is estimated that there is a 30-35 percent probability of experiencing a major earthquake (in the range of M7.0 - M7.9) in the next 50 years.” That claim has appeared in two “Decision Request” documents authored by the bridge project’s Project Manager, Mike Lai. Lai attributes the “30-35 percent probability...” claim to Natural Resources Canada. Focus contacted Dr John Cassidy, Earthquake Seismologist with Natural Resources Canada to see if that was an accurate assessment of the Johnson Street bridge’s seismic risk. Cassidy wrote back and said, “I would probably say ‘One of the most seismically active zones in Canada...’ As for the 30-35 probability—that is correct... but not neces- sarily for a M7.0-7.9. Rather that 30-35percent probability is for intensity VII shaking level. Intensity being the Mercalli Scale.” Dr Cassidy advised those interested in knowing more about the Mercalli Scale and what “Intensity VII” means to visit: http://earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/info- gen/scales-echelles/mercalli-eng.php. You’ll find this line as part of the Intensity VII description: “Damage negligible in buildings of good design and construction, slight to moderate in well-built ordinary build- ings, considerable in poorly built or badly designed buildings, abode houses, old walls (especially where laid up without mortar), spires, etc.” For those worried about the City’s dire prediction, it might be comforting to know that there are five levels above the Intensity VII level. Dr Cassidy added that, “Describing shaking in terms of earthquake magnitude is very challenging, as the shaking level for a

10 July 2010 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus on exploration Set sail for personal growth magnitude 7 earthquake will be very different by Mollie Kaye depending on how far from the earthquake you are... 10 km, 50 km, 100 km.... the strength wenty years ago, a boyfriend of mine said he’d of shaking drops off quickly.” teach me to sail. He chartered a small vessel “Intensity VII” on the Mercalli Scale converts Tand I,a complete novice,eagerly hopped aboard. to roughly M6.0 on the scale that we like to Suddenly, the kind man who had been so laid-back think of as the “Richter” scale but is actually on dry land became critical and belligerent on the boat. the “Moment Magnitude” scale (don’t ask). He barked commands,and I cowered and whimpered. So what the City should be saying is that “There is a 30-35 percent probability of a magnitude “Issues around control, fear,power,commu- 6.0 earthquake occurring somewhere in the nication—it all comes up when sailing. surrounding seismically active zone.” Depending ” —Nathaniel Poole on the distance this earthquake occurs from the bridge, and the actual condition of its I felt overwhelmed, frustrated, and terrified. Oh, timber piles, it may fall down or it may not how I longed to jump overboard and swim to shore. even blush. We never went sailing again, and the relationship That’s not to say the “big one” will never capsized soon after. happen. It’s coming. According to Sharlie “Issues around control, fear, power, communica- Huffman, the current thinking is that a Cascadia tion—it all comes up when sailing,”explains counsellor Subduction Zone earthquake of magnitude and sailing instructor Nathaniel Poole.He and his wife 8.7 to 9.2 has a 14 percent probability of occur- Tracy Koebel, a fellow counsellor, create an atmos- ring in the next 50 years. The epicentre could phere of supportive exploration aboard their 36-foot be anywhere along the 1200 kilometre length sloop,providing individuals and couples with custom- of the fault and the average time between designed self-discovery sailing courses.“You can only events is about 500 years. The shortest interval go so far in the contained, artificial urban environ- is believed to be about 200 years and it’s been ment.Doing physical things in a natural setting brings 310 years since the last “big one.” emotions and long-held,limiting beliefs to the surface.” The other kind of earthquake Victoria expe- As professional counsellors, they gently harness the riences from time to time is called a “crustal” power of those vulnerable,triggering moments to facil-

earthquake. Huffman says these are the “trick- itate self-awareness and positive transformation. Photo:Tony Bounsall iest as we don’t know where the crustals will Sheldon,who was noticing patterns in his relation- Tracy Koebel and Nathaniel Poole hit or if they will be shallow (bad) or deep ships and working life,decided to embark on a journey (like Nisqually).” The Nisqually earthquake, with Nathaniel and Tracy.“I was able to confront fears sails—you constantly have to adapt to the changing a magnitude 6.8 event 18 km northeast of that I’ve carried with me for many, many years.Those environment; at sea you must fully accept and work Olympia, Washington, struck on February irrational fears may have served me as a child, but as with what is,in the moment.We begin to see that this 28, 2002. Many Victorians felt it, but no real an adult,they are not that useful,”he says with a smile. is the truth of our whole lives.” damage was done. The Johnson Street Bridge “I had some limiting beliefs about myself and my place Tracy and Nathaniel take the same supportive, did not fall. Huffman notes the upper limit in the world.The trip was a really good triggering point; personal approach to the sailing lessons they also offer. of this kind of quake was defined by the magni- it opened up that box a little bit to peer in and see where They know that not everyone is comfortable on boats, tude 7.2 earthquake near Strathcona Park in some of this stuff was coming from.” and sailing can be a personal challenge. One of their 1946, another seismic event Big Blue survived. “The concept grew out of our own experience sailing clients recently told them,“You have the ability to make The City’s decision to reach into the stratos- together for over 12 years,”explains Tracy.“Personally, people feel as though they can handle things outside phere for a standard of seismic retrofit for the I struggled at times with anxiety when sailing, and of their comfort zone, and then teach them how.” Johnson Street Bridge that goes far beyond Nathaniel’s support helped me overcome my fears. I I look back at that traumatic sailing experience I had that being applied by the provincial Ministry need to feel comfortable to say if I’m feeling anxious, and feel compassion for both of us.I see how we missed of Transport has earned that option the moniker scared or unsafe.It’s not just women;men have anxiety a rich opportunity for growth and understanding, “Golden Apple” from the City’s critics. That too.We encourage people to talk about it, to under- and have a new reverence for the exciting learning over-reaching, along with unanswered ques- stand where it’s really coming from.” potential of the courses Nathaniel and Tracy offer.I’m tions about the true nature of the bridge’s “There’s something almost magical about the way definitely looking forward to my own journey with them seismic risk, and City Hall’s penchant for sailing reveals personal issues,”Nathaniel continues. so I can finally enjoy the beauty of our island paradise over-stating the bridge’s seismic risk, have “The things that come up are definitely present in from the water,and in the process of learning to sail, done little to improve the probability that other areas of life, but are often hidden or masked. If find more presence, acceptance, patience, and peace. civic politicians will resolve this problem a man is yelling at his partner on a boat, it’s from before the next civic election. Which may anxiety, embarrassment, or loss of control,” adds Discovery Adventure Sailing prove to be the biggest seismic event in each Nathaniel.“Sailing is a perfect time to work through 250-858-4978 of their political careers. some of that, because so many things will be out of your control: the wind, the tide, the bottom surface, [email protected] Sam Williams is a Victoria writer. how many other boats are around, the motor, the www.selfdiscoverysail.com focusonline.ca • July 2010 11 Creative

Coast conversations now show&tell coastlines ▲ 12 14 24 26

Lunch with Jon Tupper and Emily Carr LINDA ROGERS Just into year number two on the job at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Jon Tupper discusses his challenges and the new Carr exhibit.

Tupper is well aware of the difficulties faced by a female artist in colo- nial Victoria. Carr dared to be different, a woman in a man’s world, but she was so much more than that. Outside the inner circle of Canadian art, she nevertheless managed to catch the wave of neo-romantic surre- alism that would become our signature on the global canvas. If the Group of Seven were eight, Emily Carr would be a strong contender. As we walk, we pass by a group of sailors. They might be heading up Fort Street toward the gallery. “Are you enjoying the artistic ambi- ence in Victoria?” I ask the visitors; and it looks as though Jon, who recently survived a controversy about public art in a local newspaper, would like to join our transparent companion. “Do you talk to every- body?” he asks, and follows up with the observation that one quarter of the gallery patrons are in fact “from away.” “The gallery is a big attraction for out-of-towners. Tourists aren’t benefactors but they are supporters. An identifiable artist like Emily Carr is a good draw,” he says as we are seated at a table for lunch. Comfortable with praise, the invisible object of our affection picks up a menu. Surely Jon saw it move. I ask Jon if he thinks the gallery would get even more visitors if it were moved downtown as once seemed the plan. “The reality is that we are operating in a very precarious economic climate. The Art Gallery, like some other arts organizations, is fortu- nate to have endowments, but those investments diminished with the downturn. I have to be realistic and make the most with what we have. Frankly, the time I have been here has been mostly devoted to stabi- lizing the books,” says Tupper, who arrived here after increasingly responsible gigs at Confederation Centre Art Gallery in Charlottetown, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and the Banff Centre for the Arts. The newish executive director is in his second year of gaining perspec- tive on a job which has proven challenging for others (after Pierre Arpin left, the two subsequent EDs lasted six and 21 months, respectively). “The gallery has had several directors over the past few years and I

PHOTO: TONY BOUNSALL think some people are wondering how long it will be before I leave,” The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s Executive Director Jon Tupper laughs Jon. “Don’t hold your breath, people.” Tupper has no imme- diate plans to fold his tent. He likes it here. He likes the job; and by hen I heard the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria was mounting all accounts he is worthy of the critical accolades that preceded him. “I On the Edge of Nowhere, a major Carr installation, I called can’t walk in anyone else’s shoes but the job feels like a good fit. I came WExecutive Director Jon Tupper and asked if we could have to Victoria as a lifestyle move, not a career move, and I am happy.” He lunch at JJ’s Wonton House, a short walk from the gallery. should be. His stir-fried prawns and vegetables smell delicious. Enroute to lunch, I ask him how the Carr show fit his mandate for For now, Mr Tupper says he will be content with upgrading the change at the Art Gallery. current facilities and adding on 5,000 square feet of new gallery space. “Let me ask you a question,” he says. “How many cities in Canada Because of space limitations, and in order to keep the show fresh for have a woman as their highest profile individual? I can think of one other recurring visitors, the Carr exhibition will rotate paintings gleaned from and that is Charlottetown. There are levels of Emily Carr that are rarely its own archives and borrowed from other collections. Sadly, Victorians investigated or appreciated. She has tended to be a caricature and yet didn’t have the foresight to keep much of her work in our community. she had so much character. I want to see the deeper Emily revealed.” “This is a small gallery for a city this size, but my goal is quality. I I think Emily has joined us on our walk to lunch, in this city famous want our gallery to be known, as is, for example, Pacific Opera Victoria, for its hauntings. Does Jon hear a snort from the woman of spirit for its jewel-quality productions.” who, out of necessity, built defenses as impenetrable as her sister’s corsets? I note that Pacific Opera has worked hard at audience develop-

12 July 2010 • FOCUS THE GALLERY HAS HAD SEVERAL DIRECTORS “over the past few years and I think some people are wondering how long it will be before I leave. Don’t hold your breath, people.” —Jon Tupper

ment with the school programs and dress rehearsal club for students. Does Mr Tupper see more outreach to bring young people in as part of the plan? “I have a particular interest in contemporary art and innovative tech- nology and I see development of our web space and shows that are responsive to the curiosity of young people as a priority.” The Carr show has an interesting interactive component. Gallery patrons will be challenged to match pullouts from Carr’s writing with the paintings in the exhibition, which should activate a more complex response to her work. Carr, who painted as eloquently with words as she did with a paint- brush, is a role model for all time. She dared to confront cultural attitudes and social deficits, creating dialogue about human relationships with nature and with one another. It was Klee Wyck who challenged her audience to view First Nations not as a defeated people but as an exem- plary culture, their art and life integrated with the spirit world. For that alone she is worthy of attention and respect. From Dental Office... I have to ask because others have not stayed the course: “How diffi- cult is it to convince your board to take programming risks in modulating to Holistic Healing Centre the identity of the gallery?” The under-painting to this question is, I Dr. Deanna Geddo has recently welcomed other healing admit, how is Jon relating to the fuddy-duddies who often warm seats professionals to her dental office to provide shiatsu massages, on boards and sometimes write big cheques with the expectation that hot stone treatments, individualized personal training, and their views will be reflected in policy? “Well, Linda,” Jon says, pointing his chopsticks at me, “We are yoga-based therapy out of her beautiful downtown space. ❖ the new fuddy-duddies [do I hear Emily laugh?]. They tend to think like you and me. In other words, no problem. I have a very supportive, As a holistic dentist, Dr. Geddo has been advising her very forward-thinking board.” The only problem is keeping the bottom patients for years about healthy nutritional practices, daily line viable. physical activity, and stress management through medita- “Victoria is a great place to live with a healthy artistic community.” tion, yoga, massage, and other healing methods. Tupper hopes to feed the gallery from that positive matrix. ❖ So I ask: “If I were to have lunch with you in five years and all your A yoga/meditation room and the artful reception area are dreams were realized, what would you tell me?” replete with books, art and music to nurture the spirits of “I would be proud to report that the gallery infrastructure had been her patients. Attentive staff provide herbal tea, hot lavender tuned up to resonate all the nuances of a cosmopolitan city, that our towels, kind words, and unconditional acceptance. Hygienist educational outreach was exemplary, and that a kind benefactor had returned one or more Emily Carr paintings to the people of Victoria.” Nataliya Fedoryaka, with a comprehensive medical back- “That seems doable,” I say, as we say our good-byes after lunch at ground, ensures teeth are cleaned and gums healthy. the corner of Fort and Moss Streets. ❖ “I know it is,” Jon says as he returns to work on the edge of some- And now patients and non-patients alike may avail them- where. “Emily will be with us for a long time.” selves of new healing services. Combine them with a dental “She will,” I agree. appointment, or just take a relaxing break in your day.

On The Edge of Nowhere, the Emily Carr show, opens at the Art Dr. Deanna Geddo, DDS • 250-389-0669 Gallery of Greater Victoria on June 30. 404 - 645 Fort St (across from Bay Centre) Emily Carr is a character in Linda Rogers’ historical [email protected] novel The Empress Letters. Its sequel, The Third Day Book, will be released this September. www.integrateddentalstudio.ca

13 Congratulations to Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre for a great upcoming new season

The cast of Good Timber. July 2-August 28 GOOD TIMBER Royal BC Museum DON’T LET THE VENUE FOOL YOU: IF YOU’VE EVER SEEN THE "Morgan’s substantial industry Ecclestons, a local brother-and-sister institution, then you’ll have a good knowledge and sage advice have sense of the high-energy/high-quality musicianship, performance, and steered us through two successful humour that provides the rowdy roots for Good Timber, a home-grown, real estate transactions. His hardy review of BC forestry life in the days before mechanization. consultative approach ensures that Set against a multimedia backdrop of rarely-seen films and photos his clients are fully informed and of old-time logging, Good Timber is inspired by Rhymes of the Western engaged throughout the process. Logger, a compilation of logging camp poetry by Robert E. Swanson. We highly recommend Morgan to Colleen Eccleston, one of the ensemble cast who created the show, says, MORGAN BAKER prospective buyers or sellers." “For lots of people, forestry is identified by what the big companies are Representing —Scott and Wendy Trusler doing; this show gives this whole culture [of logging] a human face.” Sutton Group By turns, doleful airs lilting under thoughtful narratives give way West Coast Realty to rockin’ two-step rhythms and bawdy lyrics, with fiddle, guitar, and 250.361.6520 even rusty saw blades incorporated to provide authentic-to-the-era accompaniment. “Over the past year and a half, we tested the mate- rial in workshops and invited an audience in,” explains Ross Desprez, artistic director of The Other Guys Theatre Company. “Any time we presented anything to the public, the response has just been over- whelming. It seems to really have struck a chord with the community. That doesn’t happen with every show.” Desprez asserts that the idea of the show is to entertain, not educate, and certainly includes no political commentary on the industry as a whole. “A lot of people say, ’Why a show about logging? We hate loggers.’ We’re not denying the bad side of logging; many of the poems allude to their consciousness that they were destroying the forest. It’s not about that as much as it’s giving a nod to these hardworking people and the lives they led. We went in the other day and watched the final video that will be projected behind us, and several members of our company were in tears. It’s quite moving, this stuff.” Interspersed between staged songs is rapid-fire, limerick-style poetry about life in the logging trade, animated rhyming banter that draws not just laughs but the kind of admiration usually reserved for elite athletes. Far from a grade-school presentation about trees and lumber- jacks, this thoughtful and well-honed production is the collaborative, heartfelt effort of several of Victoria’s most seasoned performers. Tobin Stokes, the show’s musical director and composer, notes, “It’s so great that over all those years there was a poem here and a song there. We have the ability to accumulate all this art and put it together to give relevance, and show a new generation what this area was really all about, what it was built on.”

Showtimes: Monday to Saturday at 8pm. Tickets: $15-20 plus tax and service fee, available in person at the Royal BC Museum box office or call 250-721-8480. —Mollie Kaye

14 July 2010 • FOCUS ▲ ..... now ▲ continuing to July 4 July 3 JAZZFEST GORGE ON ART Various Venues, downtown Gorge Waterway 14th Annual Program guides at all Greater Victoria TD Over 45 artists display their work. Music, and Vancouver Island Serious Coffee locations. food, and refreshments. 11am-4pm, 900 block www.jazzvictoria.ca, 250-388-4423. west. 250-475-3442, www.saanich.ca. Canadian Glass Show continuing to July 4 July 3 Opens July, 2010 AL FRESCOES PLEIN AIR PAINTERS PRIDE IN THE WORD Ambrosia Event Centre Coast Collective Gallery Hosted by the Victoria Pride Society Artists include Keith Hiscock, Ron Wilson, during Gay Pride Week festivities: local Ken Faulks, Deborah Tilby, Jim McFarland, Deb writers will showcase their written prowess. Czernecky. 3221 Heatherbell Road, Colwood, 7pm, 638 Fisgard St. For other events see 250-391-5522, www.coastcollective.ca. www.victoriapridesociety.org/eventlist.html. continuing to July 7 July 3-24 IMKE PEARSON & JOAN TURNER ESSENCE—ITALY AND FRANCE Goward House Winchester Galleries 2495 Arbutus Rd, 250-477-4401, Watercoulours and oils by Sheena Lott. www.gowardhouse.com/artshow. Opening July 3, 1-5pm, 2260-Oak Bay Ave, 250-595-2777, www.winchestergalleriesltd.com. continuing to July 8 SHIP SHAPES July 5 Polychrome Fine Arts GUITAR MUSIC Sid Barron (1917-2006) had a lifelong Wood Recital Hall appreciation of boats, ships and harbour views. The VCM Guitar Academy Faculty and 1113 Fort St, www.polychromefinearts.com, Victoria Guitar Trio perform. 7:30pm, $15/$10. 250-386-5311, www.vcm.bc.ca. 250-382-2787. July 5 continuing to July 10 PIANO MUSIC ILLUSTRATIONS FROM Philip T. Young Recital Hall THE BLUE HAVEN Music from the VCM piano academy faculty. Ted Harrison Studio 7:30pm, 250-386-5311, www.vcm.bc.ca. Illustrations and limited edition serigraph sale. 2004 Oak Bay Ave. 250-592-0561. July 5-September 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERTS continuing to July 10 Centennial Square CHRISTINE REIMER: DIVERSITY ”Summer in the Square” music. Rain or Eclectic Gallery shine, weekdays. www.victoria.ca/cityvibe, Bold, colourful paintings of Canadian land- 250-361-0388. scape, plus mystical gardens and florals, abstracts and collage. 2170 Oak Bay Ave, July 6 250-590-8095, www.eclecticgallery.ca GUITAR CONCERT Wood Recital Hall continuing to July 12 Stephen Lochbaum performs. 12:45- GEORGE LITTLECHILD 1:45pm, $10, 907 Pandora Ave. 250-386-5311, Alcheringa Gallery www.vcm.bc.ca. “Oliver Ever Wanted”“Oliver Ever blown glass by Matt Robertson 665 Fort Street. Online catalogue at July 6 www.alcheringa-gallery.com. 250-383-8224. MUSIC ON THE LAWN Goward House continuing to July 24 Free evening concert featuring The Dixie CONTINUUM Dudes from 6-8pm. Barbeque 4:30-6pm. “A unique exhibition of contemporary Luz Gallery 2495 Arbutus Rd., 250-477-4401. Photos by award-winning Michael Levin. and innovative glass in Canada. 977A Fort St, 250-590-7557, www.luzgallery.com. July 7 A ‘must see’ summer event in Victoria.” GUITAR CONCERT July 1-7 Wood Recital Hall Preview the Exhibition online KIDS’ SELF-PORTRAITS SHOW Janet Grohovac performs. 7:30pm, Community Arts Council Gallery $15/$10. 907 Pandora Ave, 250-386-5311, www.westendgalleryltd.com Works by Victoria Elementary School students. www.vcm.bc.ca. Opening July 2, 5-7pm, G6-1001 Douglas St, July 7-25 250-381-2787, www.cacgv.ca. THE IMPORTANCE WEST END GALLERY OF BEING EARNEST July 2 & 3 Craigdarroch Castle GUTHRIE SWIMS THE LAKE A Giggling Iguana production of Oscar Open Daily 1203 Broad Street Bravo!FACT Presents TV Wilde’s timeless play. $25/$22. Reservations 250-388-0009 Victoria, BC Victoria’s Suddenly Dance Theatre premier. required. Blankets and warm clothing recom- 5pm PT Bravo! both days, and on A Channel, mended. 1050 Joan Crescent. 250-592-5323, Exhibition continues to September 27, 2010 July 3, 6:30pm. www.thecastle.ca.

July 2010 • focusonline.ca 15 ▲ ..... now ▲

▲ “SUNSHINE CANNIKIN” KATHLEEN BLACK, GLASS. “IN THE MIDST” JANET DWYER, SCANNED IMAGE OF POPPIES▲ throughout July throughout July 14TH ANNUAL CANADIAN GLASS SHOW BEYOND THE LENS West End Gallery The Avenue Gallery This outstanding collection of contemporary and innovative glasswork is the only one of its Presenting two fine art photographers: Janet Dwyer, a specialist in photographing works kind in Canada. Headlining lining the exhibition this year are two talented and creative artists of art, does other photographic art utilizing a flatbed scanner as an imaging tool. Her from Ontario. Kyle Brooke Harrison, who captures the beauty of the desert in elegant blown new series uses natural forms, mostly flowers, to create new realities, relationships and forms, and Matt Robertson, whose sense of fun and whimsy is transformed into imaginative surreal combinations. Gillian Lindsay has been exploring abstraction, producing work that glass sculptures. Returning artist Kathleen Black delicately replicates the beauty of nature, in is more about texture, colour and composition and less about representational subject everything from sea urchins to the passing beauty of leaves on water. Nick Chase, Robert Held, matter. For her “Surfaces” series, Gillian sought out industrial sites to shoot rusted metal or Tammy Hudgeon, Tanya Lyons, Nicola Mainville, Paull Rodrigue and David Thai are also returning, weathered wood and distressed paint, artfully documenting how man-made materials, and new artists include David Calles, Heidi Schell and Paul Vandermey. 1203 Broad St, 250- once constructed, begin a never-ending attempt to return to nature. 2184 Oak Bay Ave,

388-0009, www.westendgalleryltd.com. 250-598-2184, www.theavenuegallery.com.

▲ ▲ “NEW WORLD” DONNA ION, 24 X 30 INCHES, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS “LOW TIDE—QUADRA ISLAND” KEITH HISCOCK, 18 X 24 INCHES, EN PLEIN AIR, OIL ON CANVAS July 12-August 28 throughout July DONNA ION: TREESCAPES KEITH HISCOCK Eclectic Gallery Morris Gallery Donna Ion started painting after retiring from teaching elementary school in Victoria. She has Keith Hiscock was known for his minimalist, contemplative artworks of representational been participating in juried and solo shows since 2002. Her fresh contemporary work expresses realism. He had become one of the Island’s most prolific publishers of limited-edition prints (of an abstract interpretative approach to Canadian landscapes, evoking the many moods of more than 50 published, an estimated 12,000 copies and many editions are now sold out). West Coast forests, waters, clouds and seasons. “As my work evolves, I can let my landscape But a few years ago, a desire to spend more time outdoors led him to take up en plein air paintings morph more and more into abstract compositions that have as much to do with colour, painting, shifting from fast-drying acrylics used in his other work, to oils. In all his art, distilla- light, shapes and space as they do with the actual scene.” She cites as inspiration the Group of tion of light and atmosphere are of a very high order. Hiscock is just one of the artists featured Seven to Kandinsky to Miro and Picasso. 2170 Oak Bay Ave, 250-590-8095, www.eclecticgallery.ca. at Morris this month. On Alpha St at 428 Burnside Rd E, 250-388-6652, www.morrisgallery.ca.

16 July 2010 • FOCUS Michael O’Toole

“Remains of Ninstints” 30 x 40 inches, acrylic on canvas

250.655.1282 www.pengal.com

2506 Beacon Avenue, Sidney “Hen Party” 28 x 36 inches, oil on canvas 28 x 36 inches, “Hen Party”

Colours of Summer Exhibition,July 1 - August 31 606 View Street • 250.380.4660 www.madronagallery.com

July 2010 • focusonline.ca 17 July 15-31 ESTELLE CURWEN: THE ART OF ENAMEL Mercurio Gallery

I FIND JEWELLER ESTELLE CURWEN BUSTLING AROUND The brooches, pendants, earrings and necklaces incorporate intri- THE bench in the tiny Le Soleil Jewellers shop on Courtenay Street. cate designs, ranging from bright, primary-coloured abstracts to Wearing wire-rimmed spectacles and with silvering hair caught up lavender-and-green-hued Arts-and-Crafts-style floral subjects. Many in a loose French twist, her twinkly, diminutive presence evokes benev- employ the ancient cloisonne technique, tiny ribbons of wire twined olent fairy godmothers from 19th Century storybooks, especially as into lyric forms creating channels then filled with powdered glass she hovers over one of her students, an established local potter now and baked in a kiln, layer after layer building the enamel’s brilliance expanding into silver- and depth. Curwen has smithing. He tells me he developed a more is learning how to use a “North American” style new torch; I step back- of cloisonne, she tells ward toward the sidewalk. me. “The enamel is not Kym Hill, the shop’s quite flush with the top owner and herself a edge of the silver wire. jeweller, takes me next There’s more texture door to her sister venture, and shading. It’s more Mercurio Gallery, where interesting to me.” Curwen’s original enam- The Montreal-born elwork creations will be Curwen is in her element shown in July. “I’m in the teaching role, and extremely glad to have longs for more space to her working with me. offer classes. As a master Her passion is conta- artisan with decades of gious.” Hill hired Curwen training and experience as a skilled bench jeweller as a jeweller, goldmith, to do fabrication and enamelist, and stone- repairs, and knew nothing setter, she is eager to pass of her artistry with on this skill set to those enamel. “Estelle is so who will carry it forward, modest; I only found out since the ranks are slowly about her enamelwork evaporating. “There used because she would wear to be over 50 jewellers it, and I said, ‘Where did in Victoria,” she tells me, you get that?’” all creating new work The July show at and doing repairs. “Now Mercurio is a first for there are six of us. We’re Curwen, who has never Top left: Estelle Curwen. all very busy.” displayed or sold her own Above: Cloisonne broach, 2.25 x 2 inches As I grow attached to creations. Hill says, “I Right: Necklace, 4 x 1.5 inches, beads of a luminous silver-and- kind of threw her in the enamel and gold foil; cloisonne, amethyst, pearl brooch in the form pool; now she’s going to green garnet, silver. of an abstract peapod, show off whether she Curwen points out that likes it or not. This is an official launch; the work deserves it. It’s her work, quite literally, unfolds in the moment. “I was working with the very unusual, working with the enamels the way she does. It’s like metal, and as I folded it and then pulled the edges apart, I saw that peapod candy. She does some very elaborate pieces, but also pieces that form, and kept going.” She employs a wide range of techniques in any are more accessible—there’s a broad range.” given piece, including pillowing, chasing, repoussé, granulating, Curwen comes into the gallery with several black velvet pouches stamp-rolling, and several styles of enamelling. Far from a production- and begins revealing treasure after treasure, all to be featured in the line approach, Curwen takes pleasure in the little things she is enjoying, show. “I’ve been in the trade 30 years,” she tells me as I ogle the “wear- and sharing them. “If you notice something for a second, that’s my inspi- able paintings.” “Everyone knows me as the French lady with the ration. To catch your attention...that’s the purpose of my artwork.” French twist, and I always work behind the scenes, in the back room. This is the first time I’m ‘out there,’ and it’s a little bit scary. I am very Estelle Curwen: The Art of Enamel, July 15 - 31, artist’s reception appreciative; everyone needs a mentor, and I guess she [Hill] recog- Thursday, July 29 at 5:00 pm. Mercurio Gallery, 602 Courtney St., nized the skill and said, ‘You have to do something with this.’ ‘Why?’ Victoria. Tues-Sun 11am-5pm, Thurs night ’til 8 pm. 250-388-5158 or ‘Because you have to!’” www.mercurio.ca. —Mollie Kaye

18 July 2010 • FOCUS ▲ ..... now ▲

July 7-21 July 11 ART JAM 2010 PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHER Various Venues BOB ST CYR A cultural exchange festival featuring artists Legacy Art Gallery and Café from Ome, Japan in a series of collaborative Join Bob St Cyr, local artist, photogra- exhibitions with artists in Victoria, Ladysmith pher and UVic lecturer for an introduction and Metchosin. Opening Reception July 9, 7- to pinhole photography from 2-3:30pm. 9pm, Community Arts Centre Gallery, G6-1001 Free. 630 Yates St. Douglas St, (250) 381-2787, www.cacgv.ca. July 11 July 8-October AFTERNOON OF JEWISH MUSIC COLLECTION SERIES Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue Art Gallery of Greater Victoria The Jewish Community Choir and guests Artist Sybil Andrews (1898-1992) is consid- perform. By donation. 2pm, 1461 Blanshard ered one of the most significant Canadian St, www.congregation-emanu-el.org. 250- printmakers of the 20th century. 1040 Moss St, 382-0615. www.aggv.bc.ca. July 11-August 26 July 9-August 4 HOBNOB 2 A BRUSH WITH FRIENDS Polychrome Fine Arts Goward House Group show of gallery artists. 1113 Fort St, Art show and sale by Ron Boyle and 250-382-2787, www.polychromefinearts.com. Bill Hawker. Artists’ reception July 11, 1:30- 3:00pm. www.gowardhouse.com/artshow. July 20-August 14 250-477-4401. BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR July 10 Belfry Theatre POETRY READING An acclaimed new production about the Graduate Student Centre, UVic World War 1 flying ace. 1291 Gladstone at Award-winning poet Heather Spears reads. Fernwood, 250-385-6815, www.belfry.bc.ca. 2-4pm, 250-595-7519. July 22-28 eclecticArt • Artisan • Jewellery FOCUS ON HAINAN DAO PRC July 10 2170 Oak Bay Avenue • 250.590.8095 • www.eclecticgallery.ca VERSA: CD RELEASE CONCERT Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria. Alix Goolden Hall Opening reception July 23, 7pm, G6-1001 With special guests. $10, 7:30pm, 907 Douglas St, 250-381-2787, www.cacgv.ca. Pandora Ave., www.vcm.bc.ca. July 24 July 10 VICTORIA PHILHARMONIC CHOIR WATER GARDEN TOUR Church of St John the Divine Local Gardens The choir closes their season with a summer Self-guided tour of 11 of Victoria’s finest concert featuring works accompanied by organ. water gardens presented by the Love of Africa $20, children 12 and under, free. www.vpchoir.ca. Society. 10am-4pm. Reception follows 4pm- 6pm. $25. www.fortheloveofafrica.org. July 24-August 2 250-891-0762. SOOKE FINE ARTS SHOW Seapac Leisure Complex July 10 & 17 Popular annual juried show with over 350 DANCE FOR THE CAMERA pieces of artwork. Music, demonstrations, and Open Space more. Purchasers’ preview July 22, 7-10pm. Screenings and presentations of dance 2168 Phillips Rd. www.sookefinearts.com, films and how these two different disciplines 250-642-7256. have become wonderfully enmeshed. Special guest, Bob Lockyer. 7pm, doors at 6:15pm. July 24-August 26 By donation. 510 Fort St. 250-381-4428, PORTALS www.media-net.bc.ca. Martin Batchelor Gallery An exhibition of print and print-based works. July 10-18 Opening July 24 7-9pm, 712 Cormorant St, MUSIC BY THE SEA 250-385-7919, www.groundzeroprint.com. Bamfield Eleven concerts of jazz, classical and solo July 26-30 chamber music and alternative music. ARCHANGEL MARKETPLACE $55/$80. Festival packages also available. Michele Pujol Room, SUB Plaza, UVIC 1-250-888-7772, www.musicbythesea.ca. Arts, crafts, books, and more. Free. 12- 7pm every day. www.archangelmarket.com. July 11 FLUTE MUSIC July 29-August 4 Wood Recital Hall MAJI LAVERGNE & LINDA KIRBY The VCM Flute Academy presents Music Community Arts Council Gallery for a Midsummer’s Night IV. 7:30pm, 250- Opening July 29, 7-9pm, G6-1001 Douglas 386-5311, www.vcm.bc.ca. St, 250-381-2787, www.cacgv.ca.

July 2010 • focusonline.ca 19 ▲ ..... now ▲

▲ “yOURS” lessLIE (COAST SALISH), LIMITED EDITION SERIGRAPH PRINT July 22-August 18 GARAMUTS, TIFA, AND TAMBOURINES: DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC RIM Alcheringa Gallery Drums are used in ceremony and for communication among indigenous people of the Pacific “CHOCK-A-BLOCK SKETCH” GRAHAM FORSYTHE, 16 X 12, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS ▲ Northwest. The remarkable carving and painting of these functional works also make them throughout July stunning art objects. This exhibit features drums from different regions of the Northwest Coast COLOURS OF SUMMER EXHIBITION of Canada, including Kwakwaka’wakw design by Tony Hunt Jr, and works from Coast Salish Madrona Gallery artists Maynard Johnny Jr, lessLIE, and Chris Paul. Papua New Guinean works are from Gogodala, This vibrant West-Coast themed exhibition at a new downtown gallery features new work the Sepik River, and the Asmat and Sentani regions of West Papua. Opening July 22, 6-8pm. from Canadian masters Nicholas Bott, John Lennard and Sean Yelland, as well as local Online catalogue at www.alcheringa-gallery.com. 665 Fort Street, 250-383-8224. artists Graham Forsythe, Corrinne Wolcoski, Leslie Redhead and Patricia Hindmarch-

Watson. Bott’s iconic Canadian landscapes have earned him an international base of collectors, ▲ “ENSLAVED IN TECHNOLOGY, A RETURN TO SIMPLER VALUES” JEAN JACQUES ANDRÉ, 11 X 14 INCHES, PHOTOMONTAGE while Corrinne Wolcoski’s atmospheric seascapes continue to receive critical acclaim. 606 July 14-August 8 View St. 250-380 4660, www.madronagallery.com.

ART BEYOND BEAUTY Legacy Gallery “NIGHT AT THE HARBOUR” RICHARD MRAVIK, 16 X 24 INCHES, OIL ON CANVAS ▲ Local artists working in different media present thought-provoking artworks inspired by throughout July the theme “Hope in the 21st Century.” This exhibition is an affirmation and recognition of the RICHARD MRAVIK role that artists play in society. It aims to reclaim the potential of art to communicate and Peninsula Gallery provoke critical thinking, to challenge us to pay attention to the concerns and relevant Richard Mravik paints what he loves. One of his collectors encouraged him to emigrate to issues currently in our society. Artists include: Isa Sevrain, Delayne Corbett, Matt Brouwer, Canada from Slovakia in 1999. He lived in Ontario for a few years before travelling west to see Karen Lancey, Bill Message, Dan Kahan, Yvette André, Joan André, Jac André, Miko the country. Mravik found the islands, mountains, harbours and beaches of BC spark his creativity Betanzo and Jim Poole. 630 Yates St. 250-381-7670. and he settled in Courtenay. He enjoys combining different elements to create his work. With the use of oil as a medium and only six colours (white, yellow, red, brown, blue and black), the colours are mixed into desired shades to bring his subjects to life. See more of Mravik’s paint- ings at www.pengal.com, or 2506 Beacon Ave, Sidney, 250-655-1282.

July 2010 • FOCUS MORRIS GALLERY Original local artwork “NOVA” 18 x 22 inches, a photograph by Gillian Lindsay “NOVA”

“Turbulent Skies” Desiree Bond, 24 x 30 inches, watercolour “Turbulent BEYOND THE LENS Desiree Bond & Michelle Lan An Exhibition of Photography July 2 - 31 by Gillian Lindsay and Janet Dwyer July 9 - 23 On Alpha Street at 428 Burnside Road E. 2184 OAK BAY AVENUE VICTORIA 250-388-6652 • www.morrisgallery.ca www.theavenuegallery.com 250-598-2184

July 2010 • focusonline.ca 21 Marie-Josée Lord July 24-August 5 VICTORIA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, UVic THE VICTORIA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL ROSE FROM THE ashes of the Victoria International Festival in 1996, when the tragic death of its founder and main patron, J.J. Johannesen, put the original format of the festival in jeopardy. Now celebrating its fifteenth season, the streamlined VSMF takes place over five evenings in midsummer, and provides Victorians with high-calibre music performed by distin- guished chamber musicians. The festival’s artistic director, Arthur Rowe, has his finger on the pulse of the current chamber music scene. Says festival board member and former CBC Radio producer, Marilyn Dalzell, “He’s really up on who’s up-and-coming and who’s going to be interesting for us to hear.” Interesting is the key word here. While audiences can expect to hear music by conventionally accepted composers, such as Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, they can also expect to hear works by some not-so- expected composers, like Prokofiev and Poulenc. Dalzell confirms that it’s all “with an eye to having variety. It’s with an eye to what these performers do really well. It’s with an eye to what will stretch our audi- ence, but also what will our audience be comfortable with…It’s familiar and unfamiliar, giving people a chance to kind of stretch, but within Linda Skalenda a trusted kind of zone.” There will also be some old and some new in the selection of artists. The popular “Basses Loaded” concert is a mainstay of the festival, and Dalzell jokes that “everybody counts on that. I think people would die if that didn’t happen!” It’s always a sold-out affair featuring renowned bassist, Gary Karr, and the talented young musicians from his summer double-bass academy, KarrKamp 2010. The sheer spectacle and raw power of as many as 20 basses performing simultaneously in stereo will energize an audience and blow them away! (July 27) On Friday, July 30, Baroque music makes its debut at the festival this year, with Quebecois early music stars Isabelle Bozzini (cello), Grégoire Jeay (Baroque flute), and Luc Beauséjour (harpsichord). Soprano Marie- Josée Lord, who’s better known for her sensational operatic work in La Belle Provence, will challenge herself by performing early chamber music with these seasoned Baroque specialists. Dalzell enthuses that “everyone in Quebec is just head-over-heels excited about her talent.” This is a special opportunity for Victorians to catch her in a very intimate setting. The series ends on Thursday, August 5 with The Freshwater Trio (violin, cello, piano), one of Australia’s finest performing ensembles, known for its bold, innovative approach.

“LULU IN THE LAVENDER” LINDA SKALENDA, 24 X INCHES, OIL ON CANVAS IN THE LAVENDER” “LULU Though the festival has changed from Johannesen’s original vision, For a list of galleries and upcoming shows view website it has evolved into something that Victorians can enjoy with great pride.

www.lindaskalenda.com All concerts take place at 7:30 pm in the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, Please visit Linda at the Moss Street Paint-In School of Music, UVic. Tickets ($25) can be purchased at www.vsmf.org, Ivy’s Books, and some at door. Series subscription is $110. Reservations: July 17, 2010 250-727-3229. —Lisa Szeker-Madden

22 July 2010 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus on health ..... now ■ Do something wonderful for yourself and your health July 31-August 30 by Mollie Kaye SIDNEY PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT Beacon Park, Sidney here’s this sense of duty I ships with our clients,” says Jeremy Painters working in any medium are invited. Real-time painting, followed by brunch at Theo’s, awards and presen- feel when I go to the gym; Cordle, Esteem owner and ther- tation. Robert Genn is the juror. 9am-4pm. Paintings will be Tit’s not necessarily enjoyable, apist. “This is important to us, on display at the Mary Winspear Centre until August 30. 250- but I want to do the “right”thing because wellness is a very personal 655-8278, www.odettelarochegallery.com. to serve my health. Sometimes experience.We started out with throughout July spending a whole hour there is body toning and cellulite treat- EMILY CARR: ON THE EDGE OF NOWHERE difficult to fit into my schedule,so ments in 2005 and expanded into This new exhibition displays a historical survey of artwork I end up skipping workouts when wellness a year later because we in all media and styles in which Emily Carr worked. SMASH I’m feeling stressed,overwhelmed, understood that our clients needed Contemporary and traditional woven artwork of the Coast or overextended—exactly the days more.”While others may offer Salish, Mi’kmaq, Southwest and Alaskan First Nations. when I probably need it the most! similar treatments, the whole THE TRIUMPH OF MISCHIEF Kent Monkman draws inspiration from the histories depicted After talking with several clients experience at Esteem is “exclu- in 19th-century art, including colonial portrayals of Aboriginal of Victoria’s own original gym/spa sive” because of their personalized peoples and cinematic genres such as classic Hollywood west-

hybrid, Esteem Treatments, I’m Photo:Tony Bounsall service and great value—providing erns. IVORY: CHINESE & JAPANESE MASTERPIECES feeling inspired to try it out,because A personalized workout in the gym the best possible solutions for More than 100 Chinese and Japanese ivory carvings these people are thrilled.They love with Esteem owner Jeremy Cordle. each client at an unbeatable price. will be on display. going.They look forward to it. Alana, Jeremy’s partner at Art Gallery of Greater Victoria 1040 Moss St, 250-384-4101, www.aggv.bc.ca. Harnessing the power of the Wave Vertical Vibration Esteem,offers a wide array of carefully-chosen,profes- machine,they’re increasing bone density and getting sional treatments to improve both appearance and throughout July more health benefits in less time.And they’re enjoying well-being.Innovative,proven,non-invasive cellulite SUMMER SALON View Art Gallery relaxing,beneficial treatments,personalized support, reduction,including Eurowave,firm and tone the body The exhibition features an eclectic mix of contemporary an encouraging environment,and a “bargain-at-twice- and improve toxin release.“We take pride in the fact paintings by 24 artists and will continue to September 25th. the-price” feeling about the value. that our clients want to continue with us long-term,” 104-860 View Street, 250-213-1162, www.viewartgallery.ca Brenda Simmons, a self-professed skeptic, had a says Alana.“Building personal relationships is what throughout July work colleague who raved about Esteem, and how drives our business, and the first impression is every MULTZROMANTA PART 2 her sessions there had helped alleviate the pain of bit as important to us as the result.” Dales Gallery her arthritis. “I went into it pretty skeptical, even Esteem Treatments just added the Island’s very first Michelle Miller, Lyle Schultz, and Glenn Romasanta display their unique and different styles of abstract painting. Reception with the recommendation,” Brenda admits.“I didn’t “multi-pollar” radio frequency skin-tightening unit. July 8. 537 Fisgard St, 250-383-1552, www.dalesgallery.ca. expect to still be going over a year later! Now I “For a long time our clients have been asking what wouldn’t give it up.” they can do about loose skin, and we can now offer throughout July BEHIND THE SCENES “The benefits have been amazing,” she continues the latest skin-tightening technology,”Alana adds Royal BC Museum emphatically.“I have arthritis;there has been a signif- excitedly.“There are many mono- or bi-pollar units Exhibition focuses on the museum’s natural history staff, icant reduction in pain,and an increase in mobility and on the Island, but we have the first tri-pollar unit.” research and collections. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. flexibility. I’ve lost weight, and I’m able to do every- Laura Corfield has been going to Esteem since she throughout July thing more easily.” She attributes all of this to the moved here from Kelowna.“There’s been a huge trans- A NIGHT AT THE OPERA personalized workout and therapeutic treatment program formation for me in the way my body works;I get way Out of the Mist Gallery developed specifically for her at Esteem Treatments. more results in half the workout time.” She and her An exhibition of the Chinese opera collection of Jack and Bessie Tang—costumes and accessories and other historical “What makes the difference is the combination of the sister Sara have regular weekly sessions together with items. 716 View St. 250-480-4930. exercises, vibration equipment, and expertise.” Jeremy.“You can tell he really enjoys what he does; “We enjoy building very personal, close relation- the whole environment is so friendly.They have a good Sundays in July FOLK MUSIC combo with both the workouts and the treatments, Norway House Client receiving radio frequency skin tightening which are designed for relaxation and self-care.” July 4: Sarah Tradewell with Victoria Anthony and Cheryl treatment in the spa. “We will stay indefinitely,” chimes in Sara, who Tradewell. July 11: Linda McRae. July 18: Doug and Telisha Williams. July 25: Willie Blizzard. All starts with open mic at initially came to Esteem for the Eurowave (her mother 7:30pm, 1110 Hillside. $5. also continues to enjoy treatments as well).“Everyone is so supportive,and there is an overall atmosphere of Fridays throughout Summer wanting to help you find ways to live a healthier life. CONCERTS IN THE PARK Beacon Hill Park It’s such a great combination of treatments and options, Musicians perform each Fri, Sat, Sun, 1:30-3:20pm at the and always a great price for everything we’re getting.” Cameron Bandshell. Rain or shine. www.victoria.ca/cityvibe. Esteem Treatments Send ARTS-RELATED listings for the NOW arts calendar to Suite 350-1105 Pandora (at Cook Street) [email protected] Free Parking by the 10th of the month previous to the month of your event. 250-384-TONE (8663) Placement cannot be guaranteed. www.esteemtreatments.com Photo:Tony Bounsall focusonline.ca • July 2010 23 ▲ .....show & tell ▲

Connecting science and art BRIAN GRISON When the Garry oak meadows of Langford were threatened, naturalist Fran Benton turned to art and politics. PHOTO: TONY BOUNSALL Benton’s “Roving Meadows” project. Fran Benton

onsidering that she is an artist, it is interesting that Fran Benton’s In the early 1990s, Fran Benton and her husband moved from Saanich first passion is natural history, a branch of science. With a degree to their “first real home” in Langford, at the time, as she describes it, Cin biology and geography from the University of Victoria, her “a scruffy but charming suburb of Victoria with lots of beautiful wild original career was field biology and park-naturalist. As a matter of fact, areas.” Unfortunately, not long after their arrival in Langford, the Fran Benton “discovered” art through the necessity to improve her recently-elected mayor embarked on huge land development projects drawing skills for her scientific research. As she explains: that destroyed virtually all the beautiful and rare local Garry oak “Almost all field biologists have a bit of art training, as we often need meadows; almost none of it was preserved as parks, bird sanctuaries to draw the plants, geography, and animals we work with. Because I or other natural spaces. Garry oak woodlands that had been cultivated already did a lot of fun art stuff as a kid, I enjoyed drawing for my field- by local First Nations people, as well as their spiritual sites, were bull- work....[For a time I had] a job at the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. dozed and replaced by all those “big box” stores surrounded by acres Since we had no illustrations in the nature centre, I started to make of parking lots that Langford is now infamous for. drawings and paintings for the centre.” But with no art training, she Interestingly, but sadly, Fran Benton’s attempts to stop this destruc- says she found her work “unsatisfactory.” tion displayed the naiveté of the scientist who believes that simple Thinking like a scientist, and without a conscious decision to pursue rational argument must naturally change the mind of even the most an artistic practice, Fran Benton changed her work schedule so she crass politicians and developers. Thinking this was a “one-off kind of could attend the two-year art program at Camosun College, to learn thing,” she organized presentations to council and the mayor. However, to draw plants properly. Even though Camosun College did not have these government officials and politicians were “unconcerned with botanical illustration courses, she says, “after two weeks I was hooked...I the voices of their constituents to slow down the development.” She knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” then put up posters to educate her neighbours about the loss of wild After completing the Camosun College program, she earned a places and natural landscape, trees, flowers and local animals in their Batchelor of Fine Arts degree at the Emily Carr College of Art and a community. Finally, because she realized that her mission was slowly Masters in Fine Arts degree at UVic. She now teaches full-time in the driving her to despair, she turned to art as a more gentle tool of Art and Design Department of Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. positive propaganda. While in a formal sense Fran Benton is no longer a field researcher in She developed projects to express and release her from the anguish natural science, the spirit and intention of her art practice are the equiv- she felt on behalf of the land where she lived. In one project she alent, and every bit as valuable to society and the local natural landscape. made little bags containing tiny ceramic claws as talismans accompa-

24 July 2010 • FOCUS SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, when the shopping mall was complete, she drove the trailer-cum-planter to the exact spot where it had grown before the new parking lot smoth- ered everything natural. nied by thank-you notes that she hung in trees she knew would soon be cut down. In the notes she explained to the trees that their services were no longer needed in the municipality of Langford; the tiny claws were the equiva- lent of the gold watch, that cheap symbol of forced retirement and arbitrary dismissal. In another project, “Roving Meadows,” Benton set out to save some of the beau- tiful local plants. As an experienced and dedicated plant salvager and propagator— both as scientist and gardener—she had noted all the camas lilies and other plants in a 30- acre Garry oak meadow near her house that was being surveyed for a shopping mall. She received permission to explore the meadows. She was seeking a small plot that she could remove as a single block of earth, with all the flowers and plants in place. Once she found it, she carefully transplanted the whole block on a four-by-eight-foot trailer. Several months later, when the shopping mall was complete, she drove the trailer-cum- planter to the exact spot where it had grown before the new parking lot smothered every- thing natural. She spent an afternoon giving away plants and cuttings, and handing out pamphlets that explained the necessity to save a small section of that meadow in a giant flower box. Later, the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary agreed to plant the little section of homeless meadow in its own beautiful park. Eventually Langford became so unwel- coming that Fran Benton and her husband sold their house and moved to a quiet street in a beautiful, naturally-landscaped neighbour- hood in Mill Bay. Her whole high-ceilinged basement is a busy art and study centre where she continues to make art that honours both the beauty of the natural world and her scientific/political advocacy for it.

Brian Grison is a Victoria- based artist, art teacher and writer.

25 ▲ .....coastlines ▲

48°, 26', 14.4" N says, “sort of love letters to those places. You could go to that exact spot and see if the poem 123°, 19', 40.6" W is any good,” she laughs. AMY REISWIG But as a writing teacher at UVic, Siebert is Melanie Siebert’s new book navigates the idea of place, both wild and urban. very aware of certain poetic hazards inherent in writing about the natural world. “The poems could fall off into sentimentality, which negates what is, trivializes the places and their history,” she tells me. “Or they could fall into despair and anger, become didactic rants.” One of the effects of travelling Canada’s northern rivers, including what she calls industrial rivers, “the rivers we don’t care for,” is a sense of loss. Of the North Saskatchewan River she offers the simple, factual lament: “You can’t drink this water./You can’t drink this water.” These are not easy, breezy nature lyrics. Siebert’s use of language, like the rivers them- selves, is surprising, challenging, and the poems cultivate a tension between precise location and what she calls the “crazy, wobbly reading of the places.” From description of “the river’s leggy colt-gleam” and the “water’s big-winged glide” to interpretations of riverine behav- iour—“The river sticks a coin behind its ear, pulls two from its wrist”—I felt both oriented PHOTO: ROB SKELLY and disoriented at the same time, recalling the LANGUAGE IS VERY RIVER-LIKE. It can be slow and gather, then pour rapidly over book’s introductory explanation of a deep- a little ledge, then form a still pool, but it always has forward momentum. There water vee: “dark, glassy water that points “ downstream, indicating a deep channel…these is a sinuous connectedness but that is constantly changing.” —Melanie Siebert fast, sometimes narrow chutes can be hard to see and tricky to navigate. Threading from V arrying a book in a Ziploc bag is a sure Alaska—what many of us would consider to V is often part instinct, part gamble, part sign that you are very used to getting forbidding territory. “From the time you wake yielding to the water.” One might say the same Cwet. It is also a sign of wanting to protect up to the time you go to bed, you’re just in of (th)reading from poem to poem. what is important to you. It’s appropriate, contact with wind, sky, water, the weather. “Language is very river-like,” Siebert says, then, that writer and former river guide Melanie You slowly become more and more perme- gesturing towards the creek. “It can be slow Siebert has brought her new book of poems, able to it,” she says, explaining why she loves and gather, then pour rapidly over a little ledge, Deepwater Vee, so bagged, since the collec- the remote outdoors. As she puts it in the poem then form a still pool, but it always has forward tion is all about honouring and protecting “Bellanca Esker,” “The heart that sprawls/ momentum. There is a sinuous connectedness what she loves. horizon to horizon is the good roof.” but that is constantly changing.” Published by McClelland & Stewart in As a poet and as a person, Siebert is passionate “I see the book as a whole as dealing with March, Deepwater Vee is Siebert’s first book and meditative. While working on Deepwater woundedness and lostness,” she says, and not and centres largely on her experience of Vee, Siebert was writer-in-residence at UVic’s just in nature. Surprisingly, almost half of the Canada’s northern rivers. Specific rivers refer- Centre for Studies in Religion and Society and poems are focused not on rivers, but on people: enced in the book include the Burnside, Alsek, she explains her spiritual outlook as “thinking a busker, grandmother, the 18th century Athabasca, Clearwater, North Saskatchewan, about contemplation as a way of relating to explorer Alexander Mackenzie and, through Churchill, South Nahanni, and Thelon. “They place. The path I’m interested in,” she says after imagined letters, Mackenzie’s relationship become branded on you,” she explains reflec- a pensive pause, “is letting go of dogma and with his wife, Kitty. tively, as we sit on her yoga mat in the grass just paying attention.” In perfect illustration, In all of these, Siebert explores issues of next to our own local—if less impressive— she points out a crayfish crawling out onto the navigating and inhabiting place, whether urban waterway of Bowker Creek. waving grass in front of us, as if to listen. or wild, past or present. “I was interested in a Siebert grew up in Mennonite country near Paying attention and then giving voice to more complex evocation of what wilderness the North Saskatchewan River and worked place informs Siebert’s poetic project. What is,” she explains, “how we experience that in as a wilderness river guide in Saskatchewan, she calls “the GPS poems”—introduced with our bodies and in our minds.” For example, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and latitude and longitude coordinates—are, she what she found most intriguing in Mackenzie’s

26 July 2010 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus on family

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omehow, the ancient family or share online—your digital insur- album has ended up in my ance, while the originals are Shands. Paper pages, brown preserved safely.” and crumbly,are deteriorating,along Scanned, resuscitated, and up with the fading faces of those in the on the computer screen, the scale photos glued to them. Decades of of what was a tiny image is changed exposure to air,light and fingers have in an instant. Enlarged to many taken their toll, and the images of times its original size,suddenly the my mother,father,great-grand and expressive faces,items clutched in grandparents, uncles, cousins and a hand or set on a table, a ring on aunts are now dimming,losing their a finger,or furnishings in the back- clarity,and more recent transfers to ground—details once too small to

a “magnetic”album have seriously Photo:Tony Bounsall discern—are revealed.Like buried compromised their safety.These Anne Allen treasure, they bring depths of fragile pieces of family history,captured emotion, a sense of family conti- otherwise dry journals and letters were refer- on paper generations ago, are, sadly, not immortal. nuity.“This work is so intrinsically satisfying,”Anne ences to his sense of depression and I bring the album to Anne Allen, a digital photo says as we gaze in wonder at the screen.“To bring disorientation. One of Siebert’s six poems enti- archivist.“I have a passion for old photographs, the these images from dim and damaged to clear and crisp, tled “Letter to Kitty, Never Written” consists way they reveal the intimate details of peoples lives,” the joy and excitement of discovery and detection; it of the single line “I drowned long ago. I drowned she says as I settle onto a comfortable sofa in her beau- is profoundly moving.” in that country.” tiful, spacious studio.“Written words are often our “Anne opened up a whole new world for me!” Similarly, there are seven poems each simply most vital connection to the past,and a picture is worth says her client Lori.“I can now see close-ups of my entitled “Busker.” These are more urban poems, a thousand words.I am constantly amazed at the fine great-grandparents in Russia, and where my high and they are introduced with location details resolution of early film, and how digital technology cheekbones come from.I feel I know them,and some- such as “8th Ave./Centre St.” or “Heading east allows me to make those images visible in a way they’ve thing of their lives.I can take the luxury of examining on 9th”—position markers comparable to the never been seen before.” details: the hand-carved, scalloped fascia board on GPS poems. “I was interested in tracking the “You need to protect and preserve your originals,” the roof edge of the farmhouse my grandfather built, busker in the same way as I was interested in she admonishes kindly, her gloved hands carefully the name of the town on the big milk jug,the women’s tracking the river,” Siebert says, and in these removing a photo of an 1880s-era “Hungarian mystery jewelry and dresses. Now I can have these images poems she continues as guide through unfa- woman”from the brutal glue of the album.She scans printed and framed. I can’t thank her enough for miliar territory: “He walks, flares a flame it at high resolution, then slips it into a clear, mylar the priceless treasures she has given me.” cauldron, 50-gigajoules/hr gas-mind at the top envelope and stores it in a black,light-tight box.“Now “Lori’s pictures were very exciting,with a photo story of the Calgary Tower, its sway to the alley jazz I can create enhanced,repaired images for you to print that began in the middle of the Russian revolution,” club, alley for alice, alice in under-land, under- says Anne with warm enthusiasm.“I just had the honour The mother of the bride is in the back row, second band playing a bargain-basement remand.” of meeting her aunt, who was visiting in Victoria. She “I’m as interested in the busker as much from right.The bottom image is a digital scan, came up here to the studio and it was magical for me as the river,” Siebert explains. “They both have revealing previously hidden details of the mother. to have somebody looking at these photographs a kind of beauty, fragility, vulnerability and with first-hand experience—each new image on the permeability. The book tries to recognize that screen triggered another memory, another story.” there is great loss everywhere you look, but The next day,Anne emails me the scan of the “mystery there is also great beauty that coexists in a way woman” which I forward to my father in Ohio. He that can still take your breath away.” responds that it must be his great-aunt Charlotte,sister For Siebert, one of the natural consequences of his beloved Hungarian paternal grandmother,Anna. of paying attention is taking action. “I write He wonders if his brother Nick, who died tragically in letters to Stephen Harper on a regular basis,” his 20s,named his daughters after Charlotte and Anna. she says with a mischievous smile, and she has “Now I’ll have a good cry,”he adds in closing.My own also travelled with Keepers of the Athabasca eyes brim over as I savour this intimate moment,made and attended conferences relating to the protec- possible by Anne’s efforts.We all have old slides and tion of the Arctic watershed. photos hidden somewhere that can create this sense of living, loving connection—revive those images, Amy Reiswig’s reviews share them, and enjoy the gifts they bring. and other non-fiction Sundance Photo Archive Services have appeared in the Danforth Review, Quill 250-479-0820 & Quire, The Malahat [email protected] Review and The Walrus. www.photoarchivevictoria.ca

27 focus the frontlines of cultural change

The road to hell KATHERINE PALMER GORDON Three controversial infrastructure projects highlight the need for a better way to decide what projects are most important to residents of the region—and which get funding. H

Left to right: Langford’s “Bridge to Nowhere”; Victoria’s embatttled Blue Bridge; McTavish Road Interchange plan.

ebruary, 2008: Dozens of RCMP, some armed with assault rifles, When Langford decided to support the building of the Spencer Road swarm a campsite in Langford and arrest six unarmed citizens, Interchange, it cited traffic congestion at the existing lights, along- Fcharging them with mischief. As many as 300 police officers side the vital need to provide access to the Trans Canada Highway surround a nearby neighbourhood for several days afterwards, ques- for residents of the ever-expanding Bear Mountain development and tioning local residents as they travel to and from their homes. proposed adjacent subdivisions. Mayor Stew Young also stated at the The campers have been occupying the proposed construction site time that failure to build the interchange would “kill” not only the for the Bear Mountain interchange at Spencer Road and the Trans Langford economy, but the Victoria economy. Canada Highway, protesting Langford Council’s plans to build the The project was supposed to be paid for by a combination of interchange and help finance it. developers’ contributions and provincial infrastructure funding: a After being removed from the construction site, the protesters are freebie for Langford taxpayers. But so wedded to the new develop- threatened by the mayor of Langford with a lawsuit to pay for the ments and their backers was Langford Council that they even agreed costs of the police action. Civil liberties groups across the country to carry the developers’ financing for the balance of the cost. react with outrage, defending the rights of citizens to engage in civil That decision flew in the face of a number of facts. Despite Young’s disobedience. The mayor backs off, and Langford taxpayers bear claims about “traffic backing halfway up the Malahat,” the reality is the undisclosed expense. that there was, and still is, very little traffic trickling down the road Another astonishing scene is played out a few days after the from Bear Mountain. In addition, Langford’s own OCP identifies arrests, at the next public Langford Council meeting. Keen to get its congestion at the McKenzie intersection—not Spencer Road—as its hands on close to $5 million of provincial government funding, Langford most pressing transportation issue. bypassed public calls for a referendum and rushed through a decision The McKenzie Road intersection on Highway 1—the main culprit to support the interchange at a hastily-called meeting just two days after behind the infamous Colwood Crawl—was identified in both regional Christmas 2007. Then, in another meeting in late February 2008, and provincial government plans ten years ago as a top priority for the room is packed with pro-development advocates cheek-by-jowl action to relieve traffic congestion. Yet it remains untouched while other with infuriated opponents of the interchange. In complete chaos, the less pressing projects have jumped the regional priority queue. meeting is adjourned, but not before Councillor Denise Blackwell is Even if there were congestion at Spencer Road, the OCP states caught on film raising her middle finger to the crowd of protesters. that the solution is not simply to build new road infrastructure, but Does that sound like part of a normal, reasonable and objective munic- to increase urban density and provide sustainable alternatives such as ipal decision-making process about road infrastructure priorities? commuter rail: “Any increases in the number of automobile focused roadways will attract people away from transit. Building more road- Case no. 1: The Spencer Road decision ways will only encourage people to live in single family units.” Here’s part of the problem: There’s no binding regional transporta- This did not however appear to be among the criteria applied to tion plan in the CRD that sets out clear priorities for spending on Langford’s decision-making, which seemed to be less about traffic regional road infrastructure and to which individual municipalities like congestion, as opponents suggested, than it was about meeting the Langford can be held accountable. wishes of the Bear Mountain developers. Zoe Blunt of the Vancouver

28 July 2010 • FOCUS THE ROOM IS PACKED with pro-development advocates cheek-by-jowl with infuriated opponents of the interchange. In complete chaos, the meeting is adjourned, but not before Councillor Denise Blackwell is caught on film raising her middle finger to the crowd DESIGN of protesters. Does that sound like part of a normal, reasonable and objective municipal decision-making process about road infrastructure priorities? SOURCE

Island Community Forest Action Network, who is now suing Langford on alleged abuses of public process, says unequivocally: “Langford WarehouseHOME AND GARDEN Council ignored public input, due process and democratic principles. The people of Langford are being abused by the people who are supposed to represent them.” At the height of the protests against Langford Council, respondents in various media surveys and in talk-back media were calling Langford’s approach “a blind rush to develop and destroy”; “ a lack of true democ- racy”; “corrupt”; and a “shut-out” of public participation. One caller into a CFAX radio show said bluntly: “This council seems to be accountable only to developers and their friends.” In the meantime, as anyone who has travelled under the Spencer Road overpass recently will know, construction on what has been dubbed “the Bridge to Nowhere” has stalled. In March, the heavily debt-laden Bear Mountain Master Partnership was placed under cred- itor protection for defaulting on some of its payments, and the overseer has now has been given the go-ahead for bankruptcy. Langford Council agreed to defer payment by the Partnership of interest on the $7.5 million Council borrowed on its behalf. Is this really how a major road intersection on the Trans Canada should have been dealt with? Stew Young, who was certain in the devel- opment’s early days that it would be good for the economy, is now shrugging his shoulders and claiming that no one could have predicted what the economy has done. But Gordon Denford, an experienced local developer, told the Times Colonist that many other developers questioned the risk behind the project right from the beginning: “Most of us felt the Victoria economy wasn’t big enough to handle it.” In the meantime, Langford treasurer Steve Ternent told the same paper in late March that the interchange will proceed “when the market warrants it.” Hang on. Weren’t we told that the interchange was crit- ical for the economy—not the other way around? Oh, and yes—wasn’t it vital to ease traffic pressure on the Millstream Road Connector? Is that no longer the case? Clearly, the Spencer Road decision-making process leaves much to be desired. Contradictions abound, and the consequences of trying to have it both ways seem to have become painfully clear.

Case no. 2: The Johnson Street Bridge decision After a 2009 engineering report suggested the 86-year-old Johnson 553 Hillside Ave Street Bridge needed seismic and other upgrades, Victoria Council, (between Bridge and Rock Bay) in a dash to obtain federal and provincial stimulus funding, decided to 10 am - 5 pm Tues - Sat borrow $42 million to replace the bridge, forgoing public consultation (except on the three replacement designs) on the biggest infrastructure 250.721.5530 expenditure in the City’s history. www.designsourcewarehouse.com Demands for a referendum poured in. Online forums were quickly clogged with condemnations of council’s arbitrary actions. Councillor

July 2010 • focusonline.ca 29 IF YOU WANT TO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY, “we should be investing in public transport and trying to get cars off the road, not make it easier SAY GOODBYE for them to be used like they’re doing with TO CELLULITE! McTavish. This is unbelievably stupid.” —Michael M’Gonigle

Lynn Hunter responded by saying she considered a referendum “an affront to representative democracy,” drawing even more ire from with a NEW voters. A group of concerned citizens, after extraordinary effort, gath- medical discovery ered enough signatures from electors to force Victoria Council to back off its decision or hold a referendum on the plan to borrow. They backed off and now, after hiring more engineering consul- ACOUSTIC WAVE THERAPY tants—at a cost of about $400,000—the price of the new proposals for replacement and refurbishment have both climbed to close to $100 Non-Surgical • Pain Free • Results Guaranteed million, give or take the railway span. A referendum on borrowing for one of the options will be held in late November. There is no guarantee, Acoustic Wave Therapy is the first treatment to address the root given the way the process has been conducted and the alarming cause of cellulite, safely smoothing and firming the skin from under- costs, that the City will be given the go-ahead for any option they present neath while encouraging better circulation and collagen regeneration. to voters. (The referendum question must be a yes-or-no borrowing request for just one option.) #106 - 3969 Quadra Street Council, observes Downtown Residents’ Association Chair Rob 250.727.3737 • [email protected] Randall, was “caught flat-footed” when the earlier stimulus funding was announced. It responded, he says, not with a considered deci- www.synergycellulite.com sion in the context of the City’s and region’s transportation needs, but by “flailing around trying to hammer a round peg into the govern- ment’s square funding hole.” The bridge does form an important link in a major regional corridor between the West Shore and downtown Victoria. Some 23,000 vehi- cles cross it daily, and, at peak periods, 800 bicycles and 800 pedestrians per day, according to the latest City of Victoria traffic study. But close by is the Point Ellice Bridge. And while CRD reports have identified the bridge as one to be watched for growing traffic congestion, they stop short of recommending upgrading or replacing it. Victoria’s strategic plan is silent on transportation, and the capital works priorities identified in the current OCP do not include work on the bridge. While Council is keen to improve cycling and pedestrian access on the crossing—both of which are regional objectives—little attention was focused on the importance of the bridge in relation to other pressing local or regional priorities. The rail bridge, which has long been touted as crucial to the future of commuter rail traffic, has just been dropped from the bridge plans by council (at city’s staff suggestion), unless they can get funding for it from other levels of government—indicating again the type of ad hoc decisions that are made when no regional transportation authority is in place. In a similar vein, the City has also decided to make the structure a “lifeline” bridge, an expensive decision, without any requirement or input, economic or otherwise, from the whole region that it serves. Councillor John Luton justifies the decision to replace the bridge on the basis of the proposed cycling and pedestrian improvements that would result. “We’re committed to more sustainable transportation modes as part of the regional strategy…The bridge is a key link in the cycling network and at the moment it’s a very weak link.” Bicycle ridership, he notes, is increasing nearly twice as fast as motor vehicle use in the CRD. “We can’t eliminate cars altogether but encour- aging cycle use is an important tool for climate change,” he argues.

30 July 2010 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus on health

Wedding gifts that revitalize body and soul Fair enough. All the same, without a regional transportation plan to by Adrienne Dyer give it context, to weigh what have become expensive, competing options like rail and bike use, it’s difficult for Victoria taxpayers to judge ummer is here, which means wedding season is in full swing. If you’re like the wisdom of a huge debt for the bridge. And why should they be me and are celebrating the union of more than one happy couple this summer, the only ones footing the bill? Many who use the bridge, cyclists and Syou’re probably busy searching for the perfect gift. Or,perhaps you’re a bride car drivers alike, live in other municipalities like Esquimalt and the or groom-to-be on the lookout for high quality, healthful products to add to your West Shore, yet those people will not bear any of the costs. gift registry. Either way, let Triangle Healing Products be your first stop for every- Ross Crockford, who helped lead the campaign for a referendum, thing a new couple needs to set up a healthy, beautiful home. is now advocating a trial whereby one of three car lanes is converted “We offer a wedding registry service and plenty of great gift ideas for new to a cycling lane to see if it’s a workable alternative. Besides affordable, couples,” says shop owner and health expert Diane Regan, who has spent a life- it would preserve the rail bridge for rail. time scouting the best alternative healing products and equipment money can buy. He also notes, “the people of Victoria sent a clear message that the Every product in her shop is carefully researched for quality and company integrity, public want a say on the matter.” Yet, given that Victoria City Council so you never have to worry about whether your purchase was the right one. and staff are still defining the limited and expensive options, even with “Any couple setting up a new home will love our selection of kitchen equip- a referendum, residents may still feel they’ve been bypassed for any ment, all designed to make healthy meaningful role in the process. And if a majority of them vote “no” eating a snap,” says Diane. Blendtec to the borrowing cost of the option chosen, the bridge will deteriorate blenders make it easy to prepare further, at least until the following year when a new city council may nutrient-rich meals, since they are be elected to come up with yet another plan. designed as an all-in-one appliance. A regional transportation agreement—one that had some teeth— The GreenStar Juicer is the only juice might have helped prevent this sad, mad, increasingly expensive state extractor to employ magnets and bio- of affairs. ceramic technology to enhance the nutritional value of juices, while the Case no. 3: The McTavish Intersection Excalibur Food Dehydrator preserves In case the Langford and Victoria examples weren’t enough to seasonal produce so you can eat fresh convince you, the McTavish interchange, on which ground was broken from the farm all year long. in November 2009, is a third decision that is publicly perceived as devel- “We’re also pleased to offer the opment-driven and made in haste to obtain federal stimulus funds under FreshLife sprouter, which provides the thin guise of correcting traffic problems that don’t really exist. misting, oxygenation and cooling for The existence of traffic congestion—supposedly arising from ferry optimum growth without contamina- traffic pouring out of Swartz Bay meeting airport-bound traffic coming tion or mould,” says Diane, who points from the other direction—has been questioned widely. Peninsula resi- out the benefits of the nutrient-packed dent Michael M’Gonigle, a lawyer, economist and political ecologist wheat grass and sprouts you can grow at UVic, calls the project a “complete waste of $24 million,” and says right in your kitchen. Thanks to that, as with Langford and Victoria, locals have been up in arms about FreshLife’s patented technology, all Perfect wedding gifts: a lack of any meaningful consultation by the provincial government, you have to do is add water, wait a The GreenStar Juicer (above) and the into whose jurisdiction the decision fell. “They had meetings, but they few days, and enjoy! FreshLife sprouter. were just information meetings, not real consultation,” says M’Gonigle. When it comes to gifts that beau- The Victoria Airport Authority had lobbied for an extension to the tify the home or pamper a stressed-out bride-to-be, Diane’s store shelves are packed intersection for several years, to support a proposed runway expan- with ideas. From foot massagers and therapeutic tuning fork sets to bamboo blan- sion. The VAA has even thrown $3 million into the pot to help pay for kets and the award-winning Berkeley Lamp II, there are plenty of choices to suit the new intersection. As with the Johnson Street Bridge, however, what every taste and budget. clinched the decision to go ahead was the sudden availability of “Most newlyweds get new beds or bedding,” says Diane, who would like to large-scale federal economic stimulus funding. introduce her new line of natural Latex mattresses, toppers, and pillows as a healthy But whether the runway expansion will generate enough additional alternative to man-made artificial materials laden with chemicals. Made by traffic to the airport to justify the interchange extension is unknown. Jeffco Fibres (www.jeffcofibres.com) from tree-based latex rubber,EverEden Latex There are, however, some potentially desirable economic spin-offs for mattresses provide exceptional comfort and durability. developers, as land near the airport becomes increasingly accessible for At Triangle Healing Products, you can be sure to find gift ideas you won’t find industrial and commercial growth. CRD Chair Geoff Young anticipates anywhere else. “You really have to come in and see for yourself all that we have inevitable development pressures on the land surrounding the new to offer,” says Diane, adding:“When you bless a new couple with the gift of health, interchange: “That’s what we saw in Langford, and there’s no reason you really can’t go wrong!” to think we won’t see it around the airport.” Geoff Young likens McTavish to the Spencer Road Interchange: Triangle Healing Products “Those decisions were made in large part in response, in the one instance, 770 Spruce Avenue,Victoria, BC to private developers and in the other the Airport Authority offering 250-370-1818 • www.trianglehealing.com to help pay if the interchanges were undertaken in those locations. Triangle Healing Products, its owner,its employees do not provide medical advice or treatment.They provide They weren’t made in the context of the most logical investments to information and products that you may choose after evaluating your health needs and in consultation make in the region as a whole.” with health professionals of your choosing.

July 2010 • focusonline.ca 31 M’Gonigle is seriously concerned about stimulus packages driving It isn’t surprising, therefore, that when pots of stimulus cash are developments such as this. Spending $24 million to help commuters dangled in front of them, individual councils jump to grab them, drive to the airport also seems counterintuitive to regional goals to competing with other municipalities, regardless of whether the project mitigate climate change impacts, and is certainly contradictory to the is one that should be lower on the priority list. The same phenomenon CRD’s prioritization of use of alternative modes of transport. “If you exhibits itself when developers with deep pockets offer to subsidize want to stimulate the economy,” says M’Gonigle, “we should be road infrastructure expansion to support their projects. investing in public transport and trying to get cars off the road, not But the costs of this uncoordinated approach are waste and make it easier for them to be used like they’re doing with McTavish. inefficiency, often ineffectiveness, and not the least, a disillusioned, This is unbelievably stupid.” cynical public. Geoff Young concurs: “For the next 50 years it will be easier to get Given the Balkanized state of the region’s politics, and the fact that to the airport by motor vehicle, so people will be less likely to make the provincial government makes its own decisions over provincial use of transit or rail or other systems not tied to the highway.” highway expansions, the concept of regional collaboration is chal- Langford Mayor Stew Young’s assessment of the project, inciden- lenging. All the same, held up against the mirror of the three cases tally, is a political one: “McTavish Road is at the bottom of the regional presented here, a coordinated decision-making body and a regional priority list. But it’s driven by politics.” He’s referring to the area’s road network plan are worthy of greater consideration. Conservative MP and a government MLA, both incumbent cabinet ministers who heavily favour business interests. Add the two together, Is there a better way? says Stew Young, and you get a brand new government-funded inter- The new mantra, apparently, is “co-ordination and co-operation.” change that few regard as necessary and is fodder for eager developers, Robert Lapham, general manager of planning and protective services while other pressing regional highway needs languish. with the CRD, says that the Regional Sustainability Strategy is under That would never happen in Langford, of course. review, and that the board intends to take “a much more aggressive” approach in 2010 to obtaining member buy-in to regional transporta- Is it time to consider a regional plan? tion policy and priorities. To be fair, the CRD does have a regional transportation policy. The He says the CRD has been researching the primary corridors in TravelChoices Strategy sets out objectives aimed at getting people out the region and ways to enhance interjurisdictional coordination in of their single occupant vehicles (SOVs) and frowns on further road investment decisions in those corridors. “We’re also defining a hier- expansions. The Victoria Regional Transit Commission, comprised of archy of those corridors in terms of where they fit in strategically in the seven local mayors, also operates the CRD’s public transit service on region. That will be the basis for a policy framework that municipali- a regional basis. ties and BC Transit can implement with operational decisions.” But the Commission is focused on bus services, and is constrained Lapham knows that the trick will be reaching consensus on the hier- in its decision-making authority by the provincial legislation under archy. CRD staff are suggesting one of three new approaches be adapted: which it operates. The CRD also has no teeth by which to insist on a voluntary agreement between member municipalities to abide by compliance by its members with the TravelChoices Strategy. Nor does standards and priorities in the plan; a binding agreement; or a separate it have authority to make transportation infrastructure spending deci- decision-making body with authority to make binding decisions. sions on behalf of its members. Mayor Stew Young says he’s all for road corridor decisions being In the meantime, there are 13 municipalities and three electoral made through a coordinated regional decision-making body: “It would areas in the CRD, which is intersected by three highways and mean better priority setting.” But he also says: “That’s been pie-in- the- several other heavily-used inter-municipal primary corridors. The sky dreaming for 30 years…There are too many different opinions provincial government manages the highways and the roads in the of the priorities and too many competing interests. I don’t believe we electoral areas within an annual operating budget that doesn’t need more bus lanes, for example, which is what BC Transit wants, factor in regional priorities. While the municipalities all have trans- when we have a train corridor with a much lower carbon footprint that portation budgets, they are focused on local roads, and their official could be put to use.” community plans (OCPs) target issues such as speeding and parking Geoff Young is more optimistic. He doesn’t dismiss the possibility bylaws rather than road priorities. of a co-operative regional model working. “It’s not impossible. A 2003 CRD working paper prepared by transportation consultants We already deal with conflicting politics at the CRD table and we Urban Systems Ltd states: “Local demands for changes to the way a manage. Voting decides in the end and that’s usually based on expert roadway is managed are often made without adequate appreciation of technical advice. You don’t please everyone but it’s not a bad way to the regional issues and trade-offs.” It also condemns the lack of regional make decisions. I assume a regional authority could run much the coordination on transportation issues in the CRD as a major barrier same way.” to obtaining government funding and to the effective allocation of John Luton says he has been lobbying for a regional transportation what limited funds do exist. authority for years: “Municipalities would no longer be able to hold As recent cost estimates for the Johnson Street Bridge epitomize, regional objectives hostage to local priorities.” He envisions an autonomous road and bridge building are enormously expensive enterprises. The body with decision-making power over all transportation matters, anticipated long-term capital cost of management and maintenance of including roads and transit, similar to Vancouver’s TransLink. the CRD’s primary road network alone is $23.5 million annually over But Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard has serious reservations about a the next 20 years, a figure that the working paper confirmed is “well model like Vancouver’s TransLink: “You have to be careful what you beyond the current resources of municipal agencies in the region” and wish for. The suggestion we should have something like TransLink— “clearly the most significant challenge facing the region.” well, that’s a disaster. I’ve seen the books and they’re $2 billion in debt,

32 July 2010 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus on healthy skin

Skin concerns? Here’s the solution! and there’s a lot of animosity between Metro Vancouver municipalities because they pay for it but they don’t control it.” ver the past year,Shelley Rollick-Collins has At the end of 2008 TransLink’s debt was discussed some of the ways in which we can $1.8 billion and climbing. Border conflicts Okeep our skin glowing through healthy lifestyle between Lower Mainland municipalities are choices, which in turn, allow us to age gracefully and rife, causing serious difficulties for the TransLink contribute to fantastic looking skin regardless of age. board in dealing with inter-municipal roads. But, as some readers have asked, “what about The provincial government also intervened damage that has already occurred?”The good news, two years ago to constrain TransLink’s powers notes Shelley, is that “with today’s advances in when the authority expressed resistance to skin care treatments, we can effectively treat a wide some aspects of the provincial Gateway Project, variety of common concerns and get your skin back leaving TransLink with all of its responsibili- on the right track.” Here Shelley provides some of ties for the road network and transit but subject, her favourite, safe and effective in-clinic treatments, effectively, to the government’s direction. to get your skin glowing!: Another alternative, of course, is amalga- mation. Stew Young says enthusiastically: “I’m Brown spots, sun damage and facial veins a supporter. It would be tough but it would are a concern I hear about on a daily basis.An uneven give us strength of numbers with the province complexion can add years to one’s appearance, but when we apply for funding. Instead of doing lucky for us, it can be quickly rectified.To create an it individually we could work it out together even-toned, luminous and translucent facial complexion, and do a better job of getting enough money or to clear up pigmented age spots on the hands, my for what we need to do.” preference is Intense Pulsed Light. Not only is it In general, however, there appears little an effective solution, but it is also more cost effective serious appetite among local politicians to for my clients in comparison to some of the other light- relinquish individual municipal autonomy to based treatments on the market today. a regional authority or an amalgamated city. “It comes back to politics, like always,” Dull, lacklustre appearance. Into our 30s and reflects Ross Crockford. “The differences beyond, one’s complexion doesn’t glow as brightly

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July 2010 • focusonline.ca 33 Victoria

byDESIGN

my dream city34 rearview mirror40 urbanities38 ▲

Nurturing roots and wings AAREN MADDEN Bringing people together to create positive change for youth at risk, and others, is the practical, ethical path for Helen Hughes.

ince the day Helen Hughes decided to study Home Economics at the University of Saskatchewan (class of ’54) rather than pursue Sher dream of singing the lead in Carmen, it was clear she had a practical streak. It’s hued with a desire to help others find their way and pursue their dreams, and her ideal Victoria—not just the city, but the region—is built with that same approach: creating opportunities through collaboration. In the 1970s, back in Saskatchewan, Hughes sought ways to help First Nations adapting to city life after leaving reserves, and soon landed a seat on Saskatoon’s city council. “I just feel that it’s impor- tant that we, the fortunate, who have had opportunities in life, help other people who don’t have much of a start. So I ran, and that was that,” says she matter-of-factly. She organized committees and implemented their recommendations on housing, education, employment, and recreation. The immediacy of city politics—“you can help Mrs Jones down on the 1200 block of 5th Street and get some answers for her”—appeals to her more than policy discussions at the higher levels, though no less than three provincial parties in Saskatchewan invited her to run. Hughes was bestowed with the Order of Canada for her efforts in Saskatoon (her husband Ted, BC’s first Conflict of Interest Commissioner and former chair of the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, holds the same office). They moved to Victoria in 1980, and the many honours and citations they have accumulated through years of service to social causes likely fill a rather large wall in their home. She sat on Victoria City Council from 1990 to 2008, still serves on the Greater Victoria Public Library Board, and founded the Lifelong Learning Festival. Her many volunteer roles include spearheading the Souper Bowls of Hope fundraiser for the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society (VYES). Since 1997, it has raised about half a million dollars. “She’s kind of like our fairy godmother,” says Pat Griffin, executive director of VYES. Her efforts reflect causes closest to her heart: youth, family, and education. Creating foundations physical and mental, nurturing roots and wings, are thus major elements of her dream city. And the trick to it, she says, is to work together. Eighteen years on city council have brought highs and lows, points of pride and disappointments, like the fizzling of the downtown loca- tion for the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Gains, though, have generally outweighed frustrations. “There was always some forward step,” she assures, pleased, for instance, with burgeoning develop-

ment in the core. “One of the things I wanted to do was encourage PHOTO: TONY BOUNSALL downtown living, because, otherwise, your city dies,” she warns, Helen Hughes noting Detroit’s decline and subsequent efforts at rejuvenation. “It is tough to bring it back if you lose it.” Mahal Restaurant and B&B]. Morning was for life skills, and in the The same goes—even more so—for a social foundation. So what afternoon, chefs from various hotels or restaurants taught how to disappoints her the most is the paucity of opportunities for youth work a kitchen and deal with people.” Pat Griffin, who noted that at risk in the city. She elaborates: “The Youth Empowerment Society Hughes was key to the program’s swift success (she literally brought had a very good Hospitality Training Program [in the old Taj all vital parties to the table), saw that it made enormous impacts on

34 July 2010 • FOCUS I LIKE TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN, and see how we can work together “to accomplish an end that would be helpful to everybody.” —Helen Hughes

the lives of 133 kids, placing many in the and formal and informal venues for local hospitality sector and helping those who were talents, including writers, musicians—heck, in school remain there. But the economy even acrobats. A place for people to gather, turned, and a variety of funding sources dried to share and to shine. up, so Pat Griffin regretfully suspended the She doesn’t search far for a model to emulate. program after only a year and a half—though “The Cornerstone Café. That to me is one of it will return in some form. Of the 36 kids the greatest inspirations for a city recreation who went through the residential compo- facility,” she says of Fernwood’s honorary living nent, 33 went on to find permanent housing. room. When the Fernwood Neighbourhood “You know how difficult it is to get housing Resource Group organized work parties to for anybody,” Hughes laments of its loss. convert the building’s upper floors into afford- On that note, Hughes believes there are able housing, Hughes was there, pulling nails. practical, collaborative solutions for afford- “ It was just a wonderful thing. Everybody able housing. “There has to be better worked together,” she recalls. cooperation or consideration between the It was in that spirit, while on city council, provincial government, the municipal govern- that Hughes proposed a five-dollar afford- ments and the school boards. That has not able housing levy on property taxes when happened, and in my dream, that would the same was put through for parks. It never happen,” she says. Of school board land that went through, and if she could go back, it becomes available, she argues, “There could would be to see that passed. “They did even- be a greater concerted effort to make sure tually start the affordable housing fund,” she those lands are utilized to their highest and says, “but I thought the levy was more fair, best use.” At such sites, she is intrigued by in that everybody contributed, and knew shipping containers and their potential as what they were contributing to. That’s impor- housing, having seen research that puts their tant, to build into people’s thinking that this conversion to liveable space at a doable $6500. five dollars would go toward housing for She appreciates their scalability, adaptable other people.” for growing families. Greater stability across She concludes, “Everybody has their own all incomes “is only going to help everybody,” ideas, and that’s what makes us all unique; Hughes argues. that’s what makes a city. But I like to make Major projects of all kinds happen when things happen, and see how we can work all parties work together. Unfortunately, together to accomplish an end that would be among municipalities, parochialism can stifle helpful to everybody.” As she continues on centralized endeavours that benefit the whole her quest, listen. You may hear her humming region. “That’s one of the difficulties that “La Habanera” all the while. will keep Victoria from becoming what it Breast could be,” Hughes warns. Forms Part of its greatness could be a central library While writing this article that is a social, cultural and architectural and mulling Helen • Vancouver Island’s largest selection anchor. Centennial Square, she envisions, Hughes’ words, Aaren • Free Bra would be the ideal place for what “really Madden has been with purchase of Breast Form should be seen as a repository for the region,” humming Bob Marley: making rare treasures accessible to the public “Let’s get together and in a way not possible in the current location feel alright.” due to temperature and humidity control issues. Retaining the ambience of the atrium Just You Boutique entrance, where the lilt of a guitar often floats #210-2250 Oak Bay Ave overhead, Hughes adds a vibrant coffee shop 250.384.1791

focusonline.ca • July 2010 35 ▲ ..... rearview mirror ▲

Woodwynn Farm DANDA HUMPHREYS A therapeutic community sows seeds of hope on farmland “pre-empted” by a Scottish settler.

Mount Newton Cross Road had not yet been created, and the winding horse-trail (eventually West Saanich Road) leading north from Royal Oak didn’t permit wagons to pass. Supplies for Bay Farm, as he named it, had to be floated around the peninsula by sea, a journey of four days from Fort Victoria to the little cove just west of McPhail’s place. He didn’t mind the inconvenience. It was still the best place to build a home. An energetic axe-man and builder, McPhail felled trees, hand- hewed and grooved squared logs, and cut shingles for his seven-metre by 10-metre cabin. It was here that Marie, his second daughter, was born in 1859. Shortly afterward, he received pre-emption papers for his prop- erty, and took ownership of all the land he’d staked out four years before. Not long afterwards, McPhail sold part of his property to Peter Lind, who in 1864 built a hotel on the southwest corner of Mount Newton Cross Road and West Saanich Road, and started a ferry service to Salt Spring Island, Cowichan and Chemainus. (The hotel changed hands several times and was demolished more than a century ago.) McPhail sold the rest of his property to Alphonse Verdier, who had Woodwynn Farm looking west. recently married 16-year-old Anne McPhail. Less than a year later, McPhail’s second wife died. He left the area and apparently worked ne year since the Creating Homefulness Society took over in Cowichan, where it’s reported his younger daughter, Marie, was Woodwynn Farm, it’s my guess that Angus McPhail, that area’s cared for by the Sisters of St Ann. Moving back to Saanich in the early Ofirst white settler, would approve of the modern-day venture 1870s, McPhail apparently worked with George Stelly, whose farm playing out on his former property. was also eventually purchased by McPhail’s son-in-law. In 1875, Marie Like so many other pioneers in these parts, McPhail was a long way McPhail married Frank Gravelle, the son of another former HBC man. from home. Born on the Scottish Isle of Lewis, he had signed on with the McPhails’ whereabouts during the next few years are not known, but Hudson’s Bay Company in May 1837. Sailing on the Prince Rupert from it’s reported that he ended his days at the Old Men’s Home in Victoria, Stromness to York Factory the following month, McPhail spent a year in which was situated conveniently—but perhaps with little thought for the Red River District. In 1838, he was transferred to the Columbia the implications—on the north-west corner of Ross Bay Cemetery. Department, and served at Fort Langley. While there, he married a Cree In March 1884, McPhail died at the age of 75 and was buried, woman, who died while giving birth to his daughter, Anne. with George Stelly’s son as sole mourner, in the cemetery’s Roman In 1846, McPhail was transferred to Fort Victoria. He operated a Catholic section, close to the water. In 1911, when Dallas Road and dairy south-east of the fort, not far from the foot of present-day Blanshard the Ross Bay sea wall were constructed, his grave was relocated to Street, and produced a steady supply of milk and butter for the best higher ground. part of the next decade. Angus McPhail is remembered by his descendants and by the Saanich In June 1851, McPhail married again. In 1855, having made a name Pioneer Society, whose log cabin museum contains relics, records for himself as an efficient, productive herdsman, he left the HBC and and reminders of those early Mount Newton days. Bay Farm was even- the hustle and bustle of the fort and moved his family north into the tually bought by the Woodward family and became Woodwynn Farm. area called Sanetch, or Saanich as it’s known today. On that site today—thanks largely to the Create Homefulness Society’s In February 1852, the First Nations had surrendered “entirely and Richard Leblanc and many volunteers—a therapeutic community forever” the areas called North and South Saanich to James Douglas, for the homeless is blossoming. agent for the HBC. There is no official record of the total price paid. Angus McPhail, pioneer of this community, would likely appreciate The Mount Newton area was provisionally surveyed soon after the the seeds of hope being sown on his land. purchase, but was still virtually undisturbed three years later when Angus McPhail arrived. Danda Humphreys enjoys making connections between McPhail staked out 170 acres on Saanich Inlet, near the west end of new ventures and this area’s olden-day pioneers. Mount Newton. It was the perfect place for a farm. Fewer trees covered www.dandahumphreys.com Mount Newton’s gentle lower slopes. The soil in the hollow below was rich and fertile. The ground was well irrigated. And it was peaceful. His only neighbours were the First Nations on the reserve to the south, and the wild animals who roamed the densely-wooded hillside to the north.

36 July 2010 • FOCUS RE/MAX Camosun

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focusonline.ca • July 2010 37 ▲ ..... urbanities ▲

The purpose of memory GENE MILLER This edited version of a speech given recently to Heritage BC points to the link between heritage preservation and ecology.

ello, Friends of Yesterday. Your warm and prospects. I’m less interested in sorting response to that line reminds me of a these out than I am in the sheer limits of social Hpresentation I gave to a stony audi- resilience, and in identifying ways of building ence at a public transit association conference more safety into the system. a number of years ago entitled—“Life’s a Bus I had such high hopes for the recent economic and Then You Die.” implosion. As the exchange metaphors began I’m not a heritage professional and I’m not collapsing, I imagined an American—an inter- here to address matters of methodology, or national—return to thrift and making do, a heritage policy, or technique, or funding renaissance of modesty, a more intense appre- formulas. I don’t have a position on the values- ciation of smaller treasures, a new era of based approach to heritage versus any other community and mutuality—a national family approach. Other folks are expert in those working through hard times together. By and matters and I’m sure they are leading useful large, though, as the props have fallen out, discussions in other parts of your conference. America—with others not far behind—seems Also, while I recognize that heritage attracts only to have produced new heights of ill will, its share of defenders of the One True Cross, a deeper distrust of and disbelief in many social I don’t think there are any “heritage nuts” and political institutions, and a desire to return in the room. Who is a nut? A woman who as quickly as possible to the pleasures of blames environmentalists for the oil spill in consumption and the safety and stability that the Gulf of Mexico is a nut. People who run implies. I thought—and I say this badly—that

Wall Street like a casino are nuts. Let’s keep BROADLAND PHOTO: DAVID we could fall back into long memory. But it some perspective. Heritage bridge swarming with community builders. turns out that the current reality model Through the work of Steve Barber and itself is too big to fail. others, I’m not unmindful of your efforts or the stresses and challenges Take a drive with me. We’re leaving downtown Victoria, driving you deal with, and at the outset I want to establish a kind of bass note north on Douglas Street which becomes the Island Highway beyond running through my remarks, which is unreserved appreciation and the new Uptown shopping centre. We take the Sooke and Colwood praise for the work all of you do to protect, preserve, restore heritage exit off the highway and drive past miles of retail crud. A mile or two buildings and sites, and to educate and promote the spread of heritage past Royal Roads University we turn left at Metchosin Road and cruise values. Above that bass note, I want to develop a meditation—here I past the lunar expanse of the now played-out, vast gravel pit which is call it The Purpose of Memory—as a kind of frame for studying the being steadily converted to a 3000-home subdivision. tasks and opportunities facing heritage interests. Then, a moment later, we cross the municipal divide between Colwood I would like to start these remarks with a very personal observation. and Metchosin. It’s a dramatic crossing between two completely different I don’t think it’s a function of age necessarily—if it is, I was old a systems of meaning, like the adjacent landscapes of denuded Haiti and long time ago—but I’ve noticed for the last several years, in the middle the treed, verdant Dominican Republic; and the deeper we go into of telling someone a story from my own past, even as the words keep Metchosin heading, let’s say, to the Lester Pearson College of the Pacific, rolling out, I feel a jolt and I privately wonder: “Did this really happen, the more we feel connected, alive, happy, calm, integrated. It’s a powerful or am I making it up as I speak?” In those moments I feel aware of an West Coast landscape: contoured, elemental, authentic. almost fictional relationship to my own past; and not being sure of Its past, present and future are all bound up together as: ecology. who I was, I become momentarily unsure of who I am. And if there is the possibility of a mimetic built-form expression of that In a movie I saw recently, a character curses memory as the thing condition in nature—memory-rich places that would anchor human that prevents him from waking up new each day. He condemns the experience—I believe that possibility lies in the creation of complete heaviness, the sheer weight, of the past as if it was an ever-growing shell communities that do not feel synthetic in their intentions. I’ll return to he is forced to drag through his life. this idea later. This has relevance, and I sense that history is collapsing behind an It’s in the setting of these thoughts that I turn to the heritage increasingly urgent and pervasive now. I wonder: is time un-spooling movement and to you as practitioners, and try to enlist you not simply differently? Are we rounding the curve faster…changing the way we in the historic preservation of buildings and sites, but in the larger watch ourselves? When I was younger, memory seemed like a compass project of memory. I want to jump past the obvious merits of preserving and a means of cultural connection. Now, it’s like: Pierre Elliot and protecting historic buildings and sites. These things have value and Trudeau…was he before or after Charlemagne? provide benefits that all of us understand intuitively. But I do want to Novelty seems to be a more influential cultural force, and many make the link between ecological intentions and the work of heritage people are writing about this, each with his or her theory about reasons and preservation interests in championing the retention and adaptive

38 July 2010 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus on your family’s story Real family, real values—and real estate by Mollie Kaye I BELIEVE THAT IN PROMOTING heritage, you are also constantly re-igniting public conversation about the impor- Elissa Bradley, Sharen Warde tance of memory in community-building. and Larry Sims reuse of buildings and sites of historical value. The world is in the early stages of a vast though still inconsistent and uncertain shift away from the belief that every by-product or secondary outcome in our rush to progress and an assumed quality of material life is justi- fied simply as a cost of doing humanity’s business—the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a good current metaphor—and toward a mode of whole-cost thinking in which exter- nalities, impacts and consequences are seen to be part of the cost equation. For a long time, this wasn’t so, and the cost equation—literally, the basis on which value Photo:Tony Bounsall was determined—took no account of anything ost real estate agents, smiling at you from participation in the program,which provides support outside the conventions of market value. their ad,might ask,“Buying or selling?”But to women’s transition houses in the community.Serving No mechanism existed to even factor human MSharen Warde,who has been in the profes- on the board of “Agents of Change,” Sharen has or social capital, and the word “priceless” sion (and, incidentally, in Focus) since 1986, knows helped the company raise over $10 million since meant both “of great value” and of “no value.” that while it may be challenging, it’s essential to go the program’s inception.“We have four women’s tran- Certainly, the concept that there was value in beyond the left-brained,business-is-business aspects sition houses that we help fund, and all four of our a structure’s or a site’s contribution to commu- of real estate transactions to find more meaningful, local offices work together.This year we’re hoping to nity cohesion or social memory was a dim and heartfelt connections—and enjoyment of life. hit the $100,000 target, and 100 percent of every- distant idea. But the ideas of social currency Hence,her “message,”ever-changing,is an authentic thing raised in Victoria stays in Victoria.” and social capital are taking hold and all of reflection of her and her family’s approach to their Learning from her parents’ success, and inspired you and the communities of concern who whole lives, which, of course, includes their shared by their values, Elissa is thrilled to be part of serving stand behind you deserve some of the credit profession, real estate.There’s her photo, but next to the wide variety of clients and their needs.“My parents for changing that. it,in lilting,poetic italics:“Life is filled with wonderful are such hard workers; I admire their strength and It’s interesting that in tearing up the past, surprises,” or,“Be your own sunshine every day.” business ethics. Now I strive to embody those prin- our society so largely lost sight of the idea of “Bloom where you are planted.”And, my personal ciples that they have modelled for me.” the connection between heritage and heirship, favourite,“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the “Elissa brings a different outlook,a fresh outlook,” the passing down of inheritance, because we fun.” (That’s a Katherine Hepburn gem.) Larry says of his daughter’s role in the team.“She also are so protective of these principles in other “My ads are heartfelt,and reflect that I am a more pays a lot of attention to the individual—recognizing spheres like personal and family ownership spiritual person,” offers Sharen.“They’re less to do their needs,concerned about their comfort.She main- of property, possessions and good name, tradi- with real estate and more to do with something larger. tains a close connection every step of the way, and tions, customs, family and community reputation. I think being associated with Focus says a lot about empathy is very important in this process.”At this, But as I say, a new equation seems to be taking who you are, and we’re basically home-spun.” smiles go all around the table. hold in which social capital—including the Sharen worked on her own until 2004, when her “With the three of us,and our combined strength value of memory, and memory’s contribution husband Larry Sims came back to real estate after a in marketing, business, and legal expertise, we can to our collective well-being—is being taken career as a sculptor,creating works in his Chinatown provide more of what we do best:‘winning service,’” more seriously. studio. In March, their daughter Elissa Bradley joined adds Larry.“These days, so much happens on the I would like to provide an analogy that the already well-rounded team of Warde-Sims,bringing computer,but you still need the human touch. describes this shift in ways we can all under- yet more depth, perspective and winning service to stand. If someone posed the question: “How this family business. Sharen Warde, Larry Sims & Elissa Bradley much does a car cost?” the conventional “We bring that family feeling to our professional Royal LePage Coast Capital, Oak Bay answer—yesterday’s answer—would be “I interactions with people,”says Larry.“We appreciate dunno, maybe $25,000, $30,000.” Today’s how intimate the relationships can be when we are 250-592-4422 answer is: “Around $200,000.” Because we working with someone this way. It’s actually kind of Toll Free: 1-877-812-6110 understand that the real “cost” of a car is its sad when it’s over and the deal is done.Those personal 1933 Oak Bay Avenue life-cycle cost, including the gas it consumes, connections are so gratifying and rewarding.” insurance, servicing and repairs, garaging or Huge supporters of the Royal LePage Shelter [email protected] housing, parking fees, road and infrastructure Foundation, the family has won top awards for their www.WardeSims.com focusonline.ca • July 2010 39 costs, the cost of energy embedded in its manu- facture, the emission and climate impact costs, health costs, costs involved in its eventual demolition and deconstruction, and so on. This is new thinking. This is ecological thinking, and it takes in social costs. The idea of a triple bottom line—people, planet, profit—is only 16 years old. Ecological thinking has a central hopeful message that expresses an ecological perspective about time itself: “Don’t mort- gage the future.” I think that heritage interests are ecological champions, and I want to propose a fresh way of thinking about your work that may deepen or enlarge your sense of mission. I believe that in promoting heritage, you are also constantly re-igniting public conversation about the impor- tance of memory in community-building. Your work is explicitly public and it’s about continuity and the need for an almost ecolog- Transform your property with the timeless beauty Outdoor living looks fabulous with the new ical balance between memory and novelty. All of eco-friendly, BC-made interlocking brick— generation of sun safe designer fabrics. of you understand this intuitively, and I wonder endless design possibilities, three times the Custom made cushions and panels for your if new advocacies aren’t emerging with whom strength of concrete, and lasts a lifetime. sunroom, patio or garden entertaining. you could build beneficial strategic alliances. Rooster Interlocking Brick Kiva Design I’m thinking of the cluster of advocacies pushing 250-889-6655 • www.roosterbrick.com 725 Humboldt St • 250-380-2011 for complete communities. Also smart growth advocates and all the people who are involved in land and nature conservancy. And commu- nity farm and food security advocates. And the Canada and Cascadia Green Building Councils. Even folks on the health manage- GRE ment side who understand the connection between human health and community well- being. A complete community isn’t simply a place where you can live, work and play. It’s also a place bound by memory and shared culture, and an authenticity. Here’s a closing thought. Paul Hawken, at the second Gaining Ground urban sustain- ability conference in Victoria in 2007, said that we would be “living at the stroke of midnight for the rest of our lives.” Interesting how time creates an ultimate context. The “midnight” that he spoke of is ecological risk and every- thing it implies. But Paul went on to speak of hope, not doom, and he painted a picture of a vast, global effort of re-thinking, re-valuing, repair and renewal. All of you in heritage are involved in an effort of repair—sometimes quite literally—and what I see is a community of practitioners and advocates dedicated to enriching the power and the importance of memory in community life. This is a forgetful Shop an extensive collection of fine European The BlendTec Blender, a commercial quality home age, so we owe you great thanks. tapestries in multiple styles and sizes. 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July 2010 • focusonline.ca 41 ▲ ..... natural relations ▲

Disturbing the Peace BRIONY PENN Caribou and conservation need to be part of the conversation around the Site C dam.

t’s 2005. Award-winning aboriginal musician/TV host and researcher Art Napoleon is standing on top of the WAC Bennett dam. I’ve joined Ihim in Peace country to work on a documentary film proposal. Called Disturbing the Peace, it will raise awareness about the potential impacts of the proposed Site C dam on the Peace and the other energy projects that riddle the northeast corner of BC. Art is pointing out over a stretch of water that goes as far as the eye can see, where the Finlay River used to flow into the Peace through his people’s territory—the Dunne-Za (historically called the Beaver)— and is now drowned under the Williston reservoir. We are leaning on a weathered interpretive sign at the view- point—put up at the height of the Bennett boosterism era of the 60s when the dam was built. Most of the sign consists of a list of superla- tives and numbers about the features of the project. Once the largest man-made lake in the world, the dam is over 7000 feet long and 600 feet high; the turbines can create 2,730 megawatts and supply all the Caribou in northern BC electricity needs of Vancouver and Victoria; and the reservoir holds 260,000,000,000 cubic feet of water. Below the numbers are a few Mackenzie, with $35,000 to cover all damages to property. None stayed. photographs and captions identifying the native people and wildlife of Some returned to the banks of the Williston near the old Fort Ware the Peace River. Art points to a faded sepia toned picture that is captioned and Ingenika, but many ended up impoverished and destitute in the cities. “Beaver Indian and his wife” and remarks with a laugh, “That’s my The downstream interviewees all described devastating impacts grandfather and his first wife. At least they didn’t say his squaw.” on the once large woodland caribou herd that had covered the hills BC Hydro has removed that sign now, perhaps coincidentally with during their migration. The population had been decimated by the dam acknowledging some of the injuries to the two former villages on the and had dwindled into small remnant herds that dispersed from the banks of the Finlay and the Peace. The surviving members of Fort Ware region. How they and other wildlife died was captured in horrifying and Ingenika Point, now called the Tsay Keh Dene people of the accounts. As Napolean describes the scene: “The water was full of Kwadacha First Nation, received $15 million in 2008. But irreparable floating trees, debris and turbidity. Whole trees would suddenly shoot damage was done, completely disrupting and destroying the lives of up from the bottom. With the migration route cut off, the caribou and the 125 families. The trap lines and the caribou herd on which they moose tried to swim across but they couldn’t make it to the bank because had relied for their subsistence vanished. the log jams and debris on the shores prevented them. They slipped The monetary settlement also didn’t extend to any of the other and drowned because they couldn’t get out. The water was full of Dunne-Za people downstream who traded, hunted and relied on the bloated corpses.” major wildlife migration routes of the Peace and Finlay like the Doig, The impacts continued to make living there impossible. The tangled Halfway, Blueberry, Prophet, West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations— decaying matter in the water made navigation impossible. With release the latter community being where Napoleon grew up. of mercury gases from the rotting plant matter, people were warned A year or so before the 2005 film project, Napoleon had been hired off eating any quantity of fish from any of the downstream areas. by the Treaty 8 communities to interview elders in the other Dunne-Za The eroding banks continued to create turbidity. villages to record accounts of what it was like to be living downstream Napoleon also interviewed the white settlers impacted by the of the dam project. The impact of hearing the testimony from over 40 dam, some of whom are portrayed in the book This Was Our Valley by elders about that project left no doubt in his mind that Site C was another Earl Pollon and Shirley Matheson, whose lives were equally devastated: tragedy in the making and had to be prevented. “I interviewed Mrs Betty “One of these individuals was on the clean-up crew and had to pile all Willson and her sister, the mother and aunt of the current Chief Roland the animals up and burn them, filling the air with the stench of rotting Willson of the West Moberly band. They were living on a trapline at burning flesh for months. Taken as a whole, it paints a horrific picture.” Ingenika when the waters started to rise. No one told them that they Just a baby at the time of the WAC Bennett dam building, Art was were flooding the valley, there was nothing on the radio; suddenly the raised by his grandparents who still hunted and fished in a traditional waters started to rise and they had to grab their belongings and evac- manner. “The moose took over from the caribou as the dominant food uate their cabins. Their trails, campsites and burial grounds were flooded source, but the decline of caribou had a big impact on them. They were out. Coffins were floating around when the water uprooted the graves.” a cultural keystone species.” Art’s uncle, Bud Napoleon, was one of The Tsay Keh people, who had previously subsisted largely on the the key interviewees in Hugh Brody’s classic book on the Dunne-Za caribou, and few of whom spoke English, were hurriedly provided with called Maps and Dreams, the opening line of which reads “The hunting a “reserve” several hundred kilometres south near the pulp mill town of societies of the world have been sentenced to death.”

42 July 2010 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus presents:Victoria Hospice Guiding children and teens through grief and loss by Mollie Kaye

WITH THE MIGRATION ROUTE e always hope that our children won’t be cut off, the caribou and moose tried forced to deal with a major loss, but if “ Wthere is a death in the family,Victoria to swim across but they couldn’t Hospice offers counselling and other resources to give make it to the bank because the log kids the power to parlay one of the most difficult chal- lenges of human existence into growth, connection, jams and debris on the shores and community. prevented them.” Allyson Whiteman, Child and Youth Counsellor at Victoria Hospice, has been with the organization for two decades, and helped create the youth program. The proposed Site C dam is downstream “The original assumption was that the adults in the of WAC Bennett Dam, just south of Fort Saint family were supporting the children and teens, but John. As you leave the dam and wind down that was not a fair assumption.Often,a parent is deep along the Peace to Fort Saint John, you look in their own grief.Or they really want to support their down into this magnificent river valley that child,but they have no idea where to begin that conver- will be flooded. Napoleon, cameraman Ben sation,so it never happens.Victoria Hospice provides Fox, and I spent a week filming this incred- parents with the support they need so they can confi- ible area. It’s perfectly understandable why dently start that dialogue with their child.” people of the region are so adamantly against One hundred years ago,families grew up with death Site C. The Peace Valley Environmental around them; it was seen as part of life’s process, Association has been fighting this issue since too common to be left unspoken.“Now it happens 1975 and the town of Hudson’s Hope is over here, off site,” adds Allyson, waving her hand amongst those against the dam. toward the window.“For example,sometimes parents Napoleon and others of Peace country will sneak out a pet that has died and secretly replace are planning to bring the message of not it—death isn’t viewed as the learning opportunity it disturbing the Peace to Victoria next fall through could be.We don’t quite know how to deal with it, a paddling and walking relay. Like the Salmon especially with children.We shield them from the truth, Migration, which recently highlighted the but their imaginations can be far more traumatizing.”

demise of this cultural keystone species in the By offering individual, family, and support-group Photo:Tony Bounsall context of fish farming from Kingcome Inlet counselling for children of all ages,Victoria Hospice to Victoria, the caribou migration might serve recognizes the multilayered needs of families when Often, a parent is deep in their own grief. Or to highlight their demise through this incre- someone is dying or has died—that “even the smallest “ they really want to support their child, but they mental destruction of habitat. Napoleon and person has needs, and a voice that’s worth hearing,” the Peace Valley Environmental Society are says Allyson.“One of the bereavement programs is have no idea where to begin that conversa- looking for people in Victoria who can help called Touchstones,for five-to-12-year-olds.It’s a combi- tion,so it never happens.Victoria Hospice provides with the organizing of the various initiatives nation of discussion time,creative time,and art activity to raise awareness of Site C. connected to the theme.A lot of times it’s easier for parents with the support they need so they can We in Victoria and Vancouver are the bene- children to express themselves non-verbally.” confidently start that dialogue with their child. ficiaries of the existing dam. Every time we “Younger children like things like paper, felts and ” turn on our lights we should try and remember puppets—creative, expressive ways of working,” —Allyson Whiteman, the legacy of what was lost. And then turn off continues Allyson.“For a 10-year-old girl,I might have Child and Youth Counsellor, Victoria Hospice our lights in the knowledge that we will be beads;they need something to focus on,so their direc- helping to prevent another tragedy in the Peace. tion is down here [she indicates her hands]—they’re the loss at each stage of their development,” adds much more relaxed then,and comfortable to talk.For Allyson.“For all of us, but for kids especially, there is See www.peacevalley.ca for info and contact adolescents,many respond favourably to the metaphor- no absolute timeline for grieving.The support is here, Art Napoleon at [email protected] to ical, like tabletop sand trays that feature figurines, whenever it is needed.” get involved. stones,and small objects.An approach that is slightly The vital services provided by Victoria Hospice are less literal can help move the healing process to a funded in major part through community support. Briony Penn PhD is a deeper level.” Every donation helps to guarantee accessible,excep- naturalist, journalist, Sometimes a loss is expected, as in the case of a tional care for thousands of Victorians each year. artist and award-winning long-term illness or advanced age,but if there’s been environmental educator. a traumatic death caused by a sudden event, the Victoria Hospice She is the author of The resources at Victoria Hospice are always available to 250-952-5720 Kids Book of Geography the greater community, even if they have had no (Kids Can Press) and a previous contact with the program.“For children, Give online at A Year on the Wild Side. it’s important to keep in mind that they will re-grieve www.victoriahospicefoundation.org

July 2010 • focusonline.ca 43 ▲ ..... in context ▲

Sorry, computers are not “green” ROB WIPOND Is the world becoming greener, or does it just seem that way?

ou’ve heard of “green-washing,” It’s some bizarre sort of grass-roots, self-delu- where companies make their prod- sional movement. Yucts sound more ecologically friendly The same thing hit me when I was at my than they are. Well, I keep seeing something credit union searching for “ethical funds.” more insidious: green-tinted glasses. The representative and I looked at a clean Green-washing is propaganda; it’s easy to energy mutual fund and, in the top 15 firms spot and dispel. Like ads BP runs about its this fund was invested in, one-third were Chinese. commitment to environmental responsibility, “Does this fund consider human rights FOOT PAIN? while the largest, most unprepared-for oil spill issues?” I asked. in North American history spreads from their “If human rights are your concern,” the Gulf of Mexico well. financial rep responded, “we’ll have to try a Did But green-coloured glasses are a personal different one.” You Know? choice. And once you’ve put them on, you So we looked at an ethical fund with a human Bunion and Hammertoe don’t see anything’s true colours anymore. rights focus. Most of its investments were in deformities can be treated successfully with prescription I got thinking about this when I received North American companies, including Canada’s podiatric foot orthotics and digital emails from a government employee and a big banks. orthoses (Toe Straightener). university administrator with similar signa- “I realize they treat their Canadian employees Paragon Foot Orthotic Laboratory tures: “Think about the environment before relatively well,” I commented. “But these banks For a Consultation call: printing this email.” and their investment arms are funnelling dollars Dr. Glenn Cornwell, 250-386-9353 204-1711 Cook Street, Victoria It reminded me of several companies who’ve to companies and regimes around the world been bothering me to switch to electronic with abysmal human rights records.” billing because it’s “green.” “You’d be hard pressed to find any ethical And I thought, ‘Seriously?’ funds that don’t invest in our banks,” the Yes, pulp and paper mills are notorious rep said. polluters. But cleaner processing techniques Evidently, most ethical funds just create are available, trees are a renewable resource, another degree of separation between us and and paper is mostly biodegradable. It wouldn’t the exploitation and devastation. Like hiring take a lot to create an environmentally sustain- people to hire people to do our dirty work. able, all-natural paper industry. Like placing a thin green veil over our eyes to Sure, snail mail depends on transport systems, buffer our self-respect from harsh reality. but email depends on a vast electronic infra- The rep pulled up another human rights- structure of non-biodegradable and highly toxic focused fund. Beside our banks, I spotted hardware, cables, satellites and more, devouring Canada’s Barrick Gold. energy. Since when did all that become “green”? “How could they possibly justify investing You could argue that, when we have in Barrick Gold?” I asked, providing addi- computers already for other uses, then using tional commentary that will go unrepeated them instead of printing is a net eco-saving here, since Barrick is infamous for its threats over a couple of decades. And that might be against writers and publishers. (For example, • MEDIATED true, if most of us weren’t also throwing away an exposé on Canada’s multinational mining AGREEMENTS and upgrading computer systems on average companies from Vancouver’s Talonbooks has DECISION every two years along with our expanding been indefinitely delayed.) • plethora of peripheral iPods, iPads, DVDs, “I imagine some people would argue that, MAKING flashdrives, webcams and cell phones. through becoming shareholders, perhaps they SUPPORT Heck, according to some researchers, a typical can positively influence Barrick’s decisions,” PATRICIA Google search requires more energy than boiling said the rep. For individuals, couples, LANE a kettle of water, and the carbon footprint alone “Yes,” I thought. “I’ll influence Barrick to (co)parents, workplaces C. Med, LL.B of digital communications technologies has stop its horrendous exploitations, or else I’ll Lawyer*/Mediator surpassed that of the global aviation industry. pocket a tidy profit from those exploitations— and executives. Cheaper, 250.598.3992 So how did this conviction that computers are either way, a win-win for me!” and easier on relationships! greener become so widespread? I don’t recall After an hour, I just left my meager assets *denotes Law Corporation seeing any advertising or propaganda campaigns. in a savings account where, the rep promised,

44 July 2010 • FOCUS classifieds

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Addictions, Women’s Issues, psychics & readings and recycling cell phones in China are serious Grief and Loss, Indvidual Psychotherapy. Available “steps in the right direction”? Saturdays. 250-532-6241. CHRISTINA ANGUS PSYCHIC MEDIUM as seen on Do we like wearing green-coloured glasses North West Afternoon, CHEK TV, and A-Channel. Also because they make anything we do appear computer assistance the creator of The Soul Travel Guide radio show. 25 green to us, and consequently little serious COMPUTERHELP: I provide computer training, years experience. 250-658-0880. change in our behaviour is required? If so, problem solving and improving computer what’s the attraction of that, really; what do performance. Contact Sandy in Victoria at: 778-433- OH! (cards) Classes. Janet Telford invites you to partic- ipate in a gathering of OH players. Maximum 5, bi-monthly. we hope to achieve? 5049 or [email protected]. I arrive home from my journey through Interested? 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focusonline.ca • July 2010 45 ..... finding balance ■

Healing calls for more than hospitals TRUDY DUIVENVOORDEN MITIC It’s time to return to patient-centred care that includes fresh air, sunlight, plants…life!

n this halcyon summer early 20th century, when rapid day the wind is tousling advances in medical science Othe treetops and the early shifted the focus from patient- tomatoes are beginning to swell centred care to the hospital itself on the vine. I wander around as the setting for new technology my little sanctuary and think of and treatment. (There’s nothing places that offer no such solace. like an orderly row of patient- I think of the Victoria General filled beds to boost the efficiency Hospital. My friend—I’ll call of staff and machines.) Patients her Rose—has been living there were recast from self-healing since Christmas. humans to diseased entities who In the midst of her holiday could not recover without nurses preparations, Rose fell ill because and doctors, says Mark Epstein, of a malfunctioning medical a Seattle-based landscape archi- implant. Four surgeries later she tect specializing in therapeutic surfaced back to conscious- landscape design. ness but was left with permanent Now we know better again, damage to her short-term so therapeutic gardens are making memory. Assessments were a comeback at many Canadian conducted, a rehabilitation hospitals. At their best they will routine was completed and then include features that “represent came the verdict: She would no life and health, such as trees, longer be able to live at home. plants and flowers, and elements Rose is a young senior who that arouse the senses, such as capably tended to her home, fragrances, the sounds of birds family, garden and community. and water, and the feel of sunlight She walked her dog everywhere. or a gentle breeze,” says Epstein. Last year she taught me how to “These elements represent a can pears. If I asked, she could APRIL CAVERHILL ILLUSTRATION: marked contrast to most hospital talk me through the process again but then she’d soon forget that interiors (and provide) a sense of distance or escape while allowing we’d had that conversation. Such is the enigma of the mind, to for reflection and restoration.” have so much lucidity locked up in so much limitation. The Jubilee Hospital has three such gardens that, along with a Rose has been in hospital for over six months now, waiting for space restored historic chapel, provide sanctuaries for patients and their in one of the Vancouver Island Health Authority’s special care residences. families, staff and visitors. The conundrum here is that she must stay in the hospital to stay on The VG urgently needs to provide this too, especially a friendly the list, a dinosaur of a regulation that fills the hospital with people who outdoor space to counter all that rock and concrete. Everyone would don’t belong there, creates a shortage of beds for those who do, and benefit. For patients like Rose it could help to preserve mental acuity increasingly sucks the dollars out of other government budgets. and therefore some control over her own fate. It could mean the But here’s the main reason I’m thinking of Rose today: The hospital difference between spiralling downward and picking up the threads really is no place to call Home. At the VG there’s no garden, no bright- in her eventual new home. For patients like Rose, a garden could ness, no normalcy and nothing to do. Every day Rose gets a little more mean the difference between living and existing. despondent, a little more lethargic, a little more hopeless over the transience of it all. She is deteriorating and for her loved ones it’s a Trudy Duivenvoorden Mitic is a writer, mother bitter pill to swallow, considering her setting. and Master Gardener. Her books include People Visitors—and thankfully there are several—can take her outdoors, in Transition and Ernie Coombs: Mr Dressup (both but there are no paths for strolling, no garden for hope and reflec- from Fitzhenry & Whiteside). tion, and no covered area for sitting on a hot or rainy day. No, the best place to visit, reads the message coming down, is from the chair by the side of the bed. It hasn’t always been this way. For centuries gardens helped heal the body and soul. They were integral to healthcare settings until the

46 July 2010 • FOCUS unique wearable art

The world-famous Cape Cod Screwball Bracelet utilizes a unique hidden clasp designed by John Carey. Though simple and elegant, its production requires painstaking craftsmanship. Carey’s grandson Alex Carey carries on the family tradition of crafting artful jewellery, including customized Screwball Bracelets, in his downtown shop.

jewellery 539 Pandora Ave • www.adorejewellery.ca • 250.383.7722

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Curly birdseye maple bowl with live edge, curly maple spoons

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July 2010 • focusonline.ca 47