Gulf Islands Every Second Thursday & Online ‘24/7’ at Connecting the Islands of the Salish Sea Archipelago Since 1989 islandtides.com Volume 24 Number 25 December 15, 2012–January 16, 2013 Year-End Edition Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement Nº 40020421

Photo: Toby Snelgrove Worth a close look: Island-style Christmas lights in Mayne Island’s Japanese Gardens. Regional district opposes coal mine Experience art for an oil-free coast ~ Sara Miles Most people will never visit BC’s north coast art, donated by their creators, is currently hung and Great Bear Rainforest. However, an at ArtSpring on Salt Spring Island until process until aquifers mapped exhibition, a film, books, calendars, and an December 16, when it moves to Nanaimo, At its November 27 meeting of the board of real leadership and voicing the legitimate online art auction now give everyone the chance opening on December 20 at the Nanaimo Art directors, the Comox Valley Regional District concerns of Comox Valley residents,’ said to experience this breathtaking place, through Gallery. Other towns and communities across (CVRD) unanimously passed a motion to Torrance Coste, Vancouver Island Campaigner artists’ eyes. Canada are asking for the exhibition and the oppose further processing of the application for with the Wilderness Committee. ‘The proposed Raincoast Conservation Foundation’s foundation is looking at ways to extend its tour. the Raven Underground Coal Mine project Raven mine makes absolutely no sense for sweeping ‘Oil-Free Coast’ initiative began last The June expedition to the rainforest aboard until comprehensive aquifer mapping, an Vancouver Island, given the inherent risks it June with a two-week cruise taking 50 artists the Raincoast Foundation’s 70-foot research independent provincial baseline study, and an poses to water quality and the surrounding as a group to Haida Gwaii and the coastal vessel Achiever and Mothership Adventures’ independent federal joint review are riparian ecosystems,’ Coste continued. rainforest. They went to document what Columbia III is documented in the 22-minute undertaken. The motion was proposed by ‘Further, this project would be a massive step increased oil tanker traffic in the area will put film Reflections, now screening in communities Electoral Area ‘A’ Director Bruce Joliffe back into the boom-bust finite resource cycle at risk. Their trip developed into a collection around the province. (Baynes Sound-Denman/Hornby Islands). that always led to environmental and socio- that is part education, part fundraiser, part From any location, one can experience the The mine would be located near Vancouver economic damage on this coast.’ adventure, and all sheer magic. artworks in the online auction. Go to Island’s Fanny Bay, 20km south of Courtenay, In addition to impacts in the Comox Valley, Already shown in Vancouver and Victoria, www.raincoast.org and click the Oil-Free Coast potentially producing 1.88 million tonnes of the Raven project would affect a larger part of the resulting exhibition of sixty-three works of OIL-FREE COAST, please turn to page 5 coal per year. The controversial project is Vancouver Island during its projected 17-year strongly opposed by the Wilderness lifespan. From Fanny Bay, the coal would be North Galiano approves new emergency building Committee, local grassroots citizen and trucked over public highways in 52,000 heavy Sara Miles environmental groups, the BC Shellfish B-train coal trucks annually, to the proposed North Galiano is getting a new ‘We knew its days were numbered,’ Roger Growers Association, and the Council of port site at Port Alberni. The port would be firehall/emergency services building, and it Pettit, Vice-chair of the North Galiano Fire Canadians. The K’ómoks First Nation has also serviced by large ocean-going freighters, should be ready in just over one year. Protection Commission, told Island Tides. expressed concerns about the potential possibly requiring dredging in the Alberni In a November 24 referendum, 94 North The firehall renewal process began about 15 environmental impact of the project. Inlet, which is a migration corridor for BC’s Galiano residents voted in favour of, and 40 years ago, when the North Galiano Community Based on concerns over the mine’s impact third most productive sockeye salmon run. It voted against, authorizing the Capital Regional Association purchased the land for a new hall, on regional water quality, the CVRD previously is also feared that the mine could threaten the District to increase property taxes to fund at the southeast corner of Porlier Pass Road requested that independent watershed shellfish, tourism and farming industries on construction of a new fire hall. and Cook Road. (North Galiano Fire Protection mapping be included in the environmental central Vancouver Island. The firehall currently in use is 20-years-old, Commission became an entity in its own right review requirements. This request was not The pre-application phase for the project is and located on private, leased land. The hall is under the CRD in 2004.) met, prompting the motion to oppose the mine drawing to a close and the proponent, too small for the new fire trucks, it does not ‘We got serious about three years ago, when until the provincial and federal governments Compliance Coal Corporation, is expected to meet modern safety requirements, and the the landowners said they would not renew the recognize the legitimate apprehension of submit their final application to the provincial landowners do not wish to renew the lease. It lease,’ explained Pettit. regional stakeholders. and federal review bodies in the near future. is not earthquake proof either, a factor that The first estimates for the project were high, ‘The Wilderness Committee would like to Public comment periods will be part of the final could severely limit emergency response so the commission found ways to reduce the publicly congratulate the CVRD for showing review process. 0 capabilities in the event of a disaster. FIRE HALL, please turn to page 4 is at these SERIOUS COFFEE locations — look for the ‘Island Tides’ yellow boxes outside or racks inside! Sidney—Beacon Avenue Nanaimo—VI Conference Centre Parksville—Heritage Centre Mall South Duncan—Sun Valley Mall Nanaimo—Beaufort Centre Courtenay—Southgate Centre, Cliffe Avenue Nanaimo—Crnr Island Hwy @ Hammond Bay Rd Duncan—Cowichan Commons Mall Port Alberni—Shoppers Drugmart Plaza, 10th Ave Nanaimo—South Parkway Plaza Mill Bay—Island Highway @ Frayne Rd Nanaimo—Hammond Bay Rd CO-OP Campbell River—Willow Point Village Page 2, ISLAND TIDES, December 13, 2012 Kinder Morgan introduces pipeline expansion project Mary Gillis

AT POINT ATKINSON DECEMBER Day Time Ht./ft. Ht./m. Day Time Ht./ft. Ht./m.

0523 15.4 4.7 0406 7.5 2.3 1020 11.5 3.5 1100 15.4 4.7 12WE 1513 15.1 4.6 20TH 1822 6.2 1.9 2242 0.7 0.2 0609 15.7 4.8 0036 10.8 3.3 1115 11.5 3.5 0507 9.2 2.8 13TH 1604 15.1 4.6 21FR 1139 14.8 4.5 2328 0.3 0.1 1912 5.2 1.6 0654 16.4 5.0 0215 11.8 3.6 1211 11.2 3.4 0624 10.5 3.2 14FR 1657 14.8 4.5 22SA 1218 14.4 4.4 1958 4.6 1.4 0013 0.7 0.2 0330 12.8 3.9 0737 16.4 5.0 0747 11.2 3.4 15SA 1309 10.8 3.3 23SU 1258 14.1 4.3 1751 14.1 4.3 2040 3.9 1.2 0058 1.3 0.4 0423 13.5 4.1 0819 16.4 5.0 0858 11.8 3.6 16SU 1411 10.2 3.1 24MO 1338 13.8 4.2 1849 13.1 4.0 2120 3.6 1.1 0143 2.6 0.8 0504 14.1 4.3 0901 16.4 5.0 0955 11.8 3.6 17MO 1516 9.2 2.8 25TU 1418 13.5 4.1 1954 12.1 3.7 2157 3.3 1.0 0228 3.9 1.2 0538 14.8 4.5 0941 16.1 4.9 1041 11.8 3.6 18TU 1622 8.2 2.5 26WE 1458 13.5 4.1 11.2 3.0 2111 3.4 2232 0.9 Photo: Paul Manly 0314 5.9 1.8 0610 15.1 4.6 1021 15.7 4.8 1121 11.8 3.6 Kinder Morgan is introducing its Trans Mountain pipeline expansion at public information sessions. Here, a Kinder Morgan 19WE 1725 7.2 2.2 27TH 1537 13.5 4.1 2247 10.8 3.3 2305 2.6 0.8 staff member speaks with a member of the public, while a protester holds a sign opposing the project. NEW MOON DECEMBER 13 | FULL MOON DECEMBER 28 anaimo’s Beban Park Recreation Centre was abuzz marine shipping safety concerns posed by the public. with oil pipeline advocates and opponents, Tuesday Responding to questions about oil spills, staff mostly referred
      evening, December 4. For over three hours, clusters of to information provided in the brochures. For example, the individualsN and advocacy groups from Vancouver Island and company has been loading marine vessels since 1956 ‘without the Gulf Islands dropped into a Public Information Session a single spill’. There have been 78 spills recorded on land, hosted by Kinder Morgan. The open house was one of a series ‘mostly in pipeline terminals and pump stations’, since 1961. being held by the Texas-based energy company to introduce its Visitor Bob Hollies, a retired chemical engineer who lives in Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project. Parksville, said, ‘It’s like shipping out raw logs. Where’s the jobs The project aims to twin Kinder Morgan’s existing 60-year- benefit to BC and its people? At least we should be building old pipeline from Edmonton, Alberta, to Burnaby, BC, by refineries for refined oil and related products to be transported 2016/17. A new 30-inch-diameter pipeline would allow the and exported.’ company to more than double the current capacity, making it One attendee described the evening as ‘a one-way delivery        
  possible to move up to 750,000 barrels of crude per day from of information that meets corporate purposes.’ Pointing to the  !            ! Alberta to the BC coast. It would then be loaded onto tankers at displays, Nanaimo resident Jennifer O’Rourke stated, ‘This is "  # $         % & ""  " the Burnaby Westridge Terminal for transport overseas. "  '  !        !% &  general public relations. The staff are very nice and believe in     "  "  (# Environmental and ‘anti-pipelines/anti-tankers’ groups their company, but nothing is customized or specific to concerns

  were in the Rec Centre lobby to meet people as they entered the on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands.’     building. Members of the Council of Canadians, Sierra Club, When asked how attendees’ questions would be used,   Tanker Free BC, Dogwood Initiative, Parksville’s Protect Our Kinder Morgan’s media rep said that, as ‘such conversations are " ! %! ) *  %+,,%--.%/ Coast and Gabriola’s Save Our Shores greeted the public open to interpretation’, they would be passed along at team cheerfully with placards and leaflets. meetings ‘in a general way’. Inside, in a large room filled with information displays of She referred to the questionnaires available, in which the posters, leaflets and guidebooks, were an equally courteous and public could provide feedback in writing, which would allow the cheerful group of about two dozen Kinder Morgan staff, easily company to make a ‘detailed evaluation’ of the public responses. AT FULFORD HARBOUR identifiable in green fleece jackets. The staffers, mostly young, were Responses would also be passed on to the National Energy Board. DECEMBER there to greet and direct people to information boards that could Written Comments Most Effective? provide detailed data on Kinder Morgan’s plans and operations. Day Time Ht./ft. Ht./m. Day Time Ht./ft. Ht./m. Kinder Morgan states that the current Trans Mountain Public Relations Miss The Point ‘engagement process’ seeks to identify local interests and 0526 11.2 3.4 0310 5.6 1.7 concerns, and to gather input on the scope of the environmental 0926 9.8 3.0 1037 11.5 3.5 Several attendees expressed doubt about the project’s benefits 12WE 1407 11.5 3.5 20TH 1808 4.9 1.5 to the people of BC, and wondered if the sessions would be used and socio-economic assessment. 2155 0.0 0.0 to misrepresent public interest as support for the project. The next information session is January 12 on Salt Spring 0611 11.5 3.5 0030 7.5 2.3 More than one person asked staff about the risks posed by Island (see ad, page 9). Beforehand, a must read is the 30-page 1029 9.8 3.0 0404 6.9 2.1 13TH 1456 11.2 3.4 21FR 1108 11.2 3.4 big tankers in Burrard Inlet, and their ability to see and avoid online Discussion Guide which offers: an easy-to-read 2240 0.0 0.0 1853 3.9 1.2 smaller boats. After some deliberation, several Kinder Morgan introduction to the pipeline route, the project scope, timelines 0653 11.8 3.6 0227 8.5 2.6 representatives said they believed that escort tugboats could and processes. It touches briefly on marine safety, pipeline 1134 9.5 2.9 0514 8.2 2.5 14FR 1547 11.2 3.4 22SA 1138 10.8 3.3 control the tankers as necessary. Burtt Fidler from Gabriola was safety and spill history. 2325 0.0 0.0 1933 3.3 1.0 concerned about speed limits for tankers, but the representative Written comments received will be compiled and reported 0734 12.1 3.7 0342 9.2 2.8 he consulted was unsure about exact upper and lower limits in online in early 2013. Community ‘engagement’ will continue 1242 9.2 2.8 0642 8.9 2.7 15SA 1642 10.5 3.2 23SU 1208 10.5 3.2 different marine areas. While the Kinder Morgan staff were through 2013, with further sessions to follow regarding field 2010 2.6 0.8 courteous and helpful, they were unsure about more detailed study results and proposed mitigation measures. 0011 0.7 0.2 0432 10.2 3.1 An online feedback form and discussion forum are at 0814 12.1 3.7 0809 9.5 2.9 FOR SEPTIC WASTEWATERWWASTEWASTEWASTEWAATER TREATMENTTREATMENT SYSTEMS www.talk.transmountain.com. One may also email comments to 16SU 1353 8.5 2.6 24MO 1240 10.5 3.2 1741 9.5 2.9 2044 2.3 0.7 Ask for the Eljen GSF [email protected], or mail to Trans Mountain Expansion 0056 1.6 0.5 0511 10.5 3.2 Project, 2844 Bainbridge Avenue, Burnaby, BC, V5A 4T9. 0 0852 12.1 3.7 0923 9.5 2.9 17MO 1505 7.5 2.3 25TU 1315 10.2 3.1 ‹ Time-proven for over 25 years 1850 8.9 2.7 2117 2.0 0.6 ‹ No maintenance required 0140 3.0 0.9 0545 10.8 3.3 ‹ Lower overall cost 0929 11.8 3.6 1021 9.5 2.9 18TU 1613 6.9 2.1 26WE 1352 10.2 3.1 ‹ Fits any lot shape 2018 7.9 2.4 2150 2.0 0.6 ‹ Best choice for sensitive lakeside properties 0224 4.3 1.3 0617 11.2 3.4 Aging in Place Specialists 1004 11.8 3.6 1108 9.5 2.9 ‹ Passive system—no power required 19WE 1715 5.6 1.7 27TH 1430 10.2 3.1 Complete Care from Hospital to Home 2216 7.2 2.2 2222 1.6 0.5 Authorized Representative: BWD Engineering Inc. Palliative and End-of-Life Care Tide Table Courtesy of Durable dock systems for Phone: (604) 789-2204 Medical and Non-Medical Caregiving [email protected] exposed locations Web: www.bwdeng.ca 24/7 Live-in or Hourly Support Ross Walker Companionship and Home Support 250-537-9710 Email: [email protected] Helping You Live in the Home You Love On Time & On Budget www.islandmarine.ca CORPORATION eljen.com 250-382-2328 www.SeniorCareandFitness.com www.islandtides.com ISLAND TIDES, December 13, 2012, Page 3 ISLAND WILDLIFE NATURAL CARE CENTRECENTRE “Caring for British Columbia’s Wild Animals Since 1996”

We’d like to introduce you to some Island residents you may not have met before. Some you see everyday, some you never notice. Some are here all year long, others are seasonal. If they were human, we would call them our neighbours. At Island Wildlife, we’ve met quite a few of our wild neighbours. Nearly 8,000 in fact. It’s a long journey from rescue to release for the hundreds of seals, otters, beaver, eagles, hawks, owls, songbirds, herons, raccoons, squirrels, deer, ducks and geese that make it to our centre each year. We’ve come to their aid, day and night, 365 days of the year. We’ve fed them when they were starving and given them medical care when they were sick or injured. We’ve cared for their children until they were able to care for themselves. We’ve released those who regained health back to their wild homes. And we’ve given the hopelessly damaged a warm, safe environment to enable them to die with respect and without pain. For sixteen years this has been the mission of our charity. And with your help, we can continue to do this important work. We thank you for all you have done to help us and we send our best wishes to you and your families for a peaceful, safe and warm winter.

When the phone rings we must be prepared for any emergency. This year we rescued nearly 600 animals in distress, from orphaned seal pups...to bucks entangled in garden fencing...to broken winged eagles...even a stranded Harbour porpoise.

Rescue and transport may take many forms depending on the species and tthehe llocation.ocation. Trucks, boats, ferries,ferries, planes and helicopters have all becomeroutineforourstaȔandbecomeroutine for our staȔ and rescue volunteers.

At the centre the animals are exam-exam- ined, x-rayed and diagnosed by our highly skilled staff and frequently by medical specialists. Medications are prescribed and a treatment regime is created specifically for that patient.

Bottle fed, tube fed, force fed or free fed; much of our time is spent ensuring that our patients consume adequate calories to grow and heal. All this work eventually leads to one thing: RELEASE!!

Donation amount: Give a Gift & Save a Wild Life NameName WeknowmanypeoplewouldlovetoassistinoureȔortstosaveWeknow many people would love to assist in our eȔorts to save Address wild lives,lives, but not everyoneeveryone can rescue an animalanimal or provide its care. You can help though – in a way just as important as stitching a wound, pinning a broken bone or feeding an orphaned baby from dawn till dusk. Through a tax deductible donation, you will help ensure the PPhonehone E-mail (optional) wildlife centre continues to operate and that we never have to turn away a needy animal. Our community donations now make up nearly 50% Information from our database is private and never shared. of our annual budget. We know how fortunate we are to live and work Please send us a tax receipt. surrounded by such caring individuals and we are often overwhelmed by your generosity. Enclosed is my cheque payable to: IslandIsland Wildlife So plepleasease join us by making a donation today, either by cheque or Visa MasterCard credit card. You can also donate through CanadaHelps on our website at www.sealrescue.org. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Account # Exp. date

322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K1N3 Phone: 250-537-0777250-537-0777 www.facebook.com/sealrescue E-mail:E-mail: [email protected]@aol.com www.sealrescue.org Charitable #888706140RR001#888706140RR001

www.islandtides.com Page 4, ISLAND TIDES, December 13, 2012 Readers’ Letters A Warming Christmas Idea BC, or, when city folks may complain about their life in Dear Editor: Vancouver, the traffic, crime, etc. There is some say, a Every Second Thursday It is that time of year again when we go looking for that perfect perception–a stereotype–that the Gulf Islands population are Strait of Georgia’s only gift for a loved one who really does not need anything. I would all ‘drop-outs’ from larger society. In fact, we are quite an eclectic Free & Mail-Delivered Newspaper like to suggest that a donation to the Lesotho Solar Cooker group; culturally, professionally, personally, maybe even a Project in lieu of a material gift is a joyful seasonal alternative. microcosm of ‘any town’ or city of Canada. 21,000 copies this edition These cookers make a huge difference in the daily lives of a The majority of Gulf Island residents realize that we all need 14,447 print copies delivered to group of hard-working, care-giving grandmothers raising to actively participate in dialogue, hopefully leading towards households on 13 Gulf Islands grandchildren mostly orphaned by AIDSin the small landlocked long-term sustainable resolutions to support our first-class country of Lesotho, Africa. marine transportation system. We all realize there are incredible Salt Spring • Mayne • Galiano • Pender • Saturna This project is funded almost 100% by donations from the costs to run and maintain the system we are fortunate to have; Gabriola • Denman • Hornby • Quadra • Cortes high costs that are similar to maintaining our highway systems, Read • Texada • Lasqueti Gulf Islands–a great testimony to the caring nature of people here. Last year alone, almost 70 sun stoves, or Solar Cookers, bridges, roads (BC Ferries are island communities’ road were sent to the Lesotho grandmothers, along with lessons on system). We all want to do our share as residents and taxpayers. the use of the environmentally friendly cookers and a ‘starter’ I guess the government and public at large have to ask if they pack of food essentials. Every year, the unpaid administrator want to support rural island communities, which in fact are travels to Lesotho where she works with local volunteers to buy, islands that belong to all Canadians and are a link, in many 3,553 print copies on Ferry Routes and in: demonstrate and distribute the cookers. All donations go ways, to the whole country, not just BC. The Gulf Islands are in fact, an integral part of the BC Victoria • Saanich • Sidney • Cobble Hill towards the cookers and pots, their transportation from South environment, history and culture. They define, in part, what BC Mill Bay • Crofton • Duncan • Chemainus Africa, demonstration food costs, and local translators. One Ladysmith • Nanaimo • Bowser • Courtenay is, as well as what Canada is! cooker at a time, we are making a difference! Port Alberni • Campbell River Steve, Myla and Jacob Frankel, Thetis Island Please consider joining in on this worthwhile project; all 3,000 online readers each edition donations to this cause are very welcome and gift cards are Reminders of The Past Valuable Owner & Publisher: Christa Grace-Warrick included. Currently, a cooker and its associated expenses are Dear Editor: Editor & Production Manager: Sara Miles approximately $130. For more information please contact Jill I suppose, being from Denman Isle, that I might be expected to Contributors: Jude Brooks, Patrick Brown, Bruce Burnett Willmott at 250.537.8343 or at [email protected]. make an observation on the cable ferry story. Sorry–no can do. Brian Crumblehulme, Mary Gillis, Derek Holzapfel, Paul Manly Sue Sheane, Salt Spring Island Raging Grannies Derek Masselink, Elizabeth May, Jane Petch, Rick Schnurr I simply prefer to thank Arthur Black for his fine column about Ralph Shaw, Toby Snelgrove, Claire Trevena Ferry System is Our Highway & Road! the Murakamis (Island Tides, November 29). Over the years, I have tried, with modest success, to Island Tides Publishing Ltd Dear Editor: understand the way the Canadian landscape was in the late Box 55, Pender Island, BC V0N 2M0 After we retired, over seven years ago, our family chose to move Tel: 250.629.3660• Fax: 250.629.3838 1930s-early 1940s that led to the forced internment of a couple Email: [email protected]• [email protected] to Thetis Island, full-time. We had purchased our property (raw of generations of Japanese-Canadians. Deadline: Wednesday Between Publications land) in 1991 for recreational purposes, never thinking we would When writer Black reports that even one person claims that Off-Island Canadian Print Subscription: $56.00 live here full-time. what happened to the Murakamis during the war ‘wasn’t Voluntary Mail & Box Pick-up Subscription: $28.00 I had worked for the Greater Victoria School District (GVSD) anybody’s fault, it was just… the times,’ I find myself wondering US Subs: $80.00 • Online PDF: free www.islandtides.com for over 23 years before we moved to Thetis. My partner/wife how I would have behaved back then, when it was ‘the times’ also was employed with GVSD. We loved Victoria, and still do. dictating right and wrong. Having said that, our home is now on Thetis Island. We are Are the times any different today? Our recent boat refugees fortunate to be part of this small (350 people year-round, many were immediately incarcerated courtesy of a federal IS YOUR more in summer), vibrant community. government no doubt interpreting ‘the times’ in a way that suits Our son Jacob attended Sir James Douglas Elementary the conservative world view. School in Victoria, before we moved here. He then attended our The Murakamis exemplify good citizenship. I find it amazing WELLSAFE TO WATER DRINK? unique and hugely successful, small, K-7 school here, beginning that they have this fortitude and resolve, given how they were in grade three. He excelled, as the majority of our Island kids treated back in those days. Contamination can occur do, attending our educationally first class, little red schoolhouse. It seems to me we need more stories about those times, a without changes in colour or Jacob is now in grade ten at Chemainus High School. He is, like greater understanding of how our political and spiritual leaders taste. Be safe, test annually. other Gulf Island kids, a ‘school ferry student’ in high school. fostered fear and hatred, how gullible the population was. What a life experience, one he will long remember! The only way to have a hope that ‘the times’ are not repeated 250-656-1334 When it comes to the ongoing BC Ferry debates, we too have is to understand the world back then, to understand that the also heard that redundant, worn out line: ‘No one told you Gulf world probably hasn’t changed all that much, and we need a Islanders to move there!’ I wonder if that same line is used as reminder of how imperfect we still are. much for folks living and working in the rural areas of mainland Bill Engleson, Denman Island 0

fax: 250-656-0443 Website: www.mblabs.com FIRE HALL from page 1 The firehall is being designed to provide reliable long-term Email: [email protected] emergency response and fire protection services to North taxpayer burden. The referendum would not have passed Galiano. It will also serve as the community’s Emergency otherwise, said Pettit. 2062 Unit 4 Henry Ave. West, Sidney, B.C. V8L 5Y1 Operations Centre in the event of a disaster affecting North A detailed design will be completed in the coming months, Galiano. It will contain all the communications and information with the tender process expected to wrap up mid-2013. If all technology equipment, as well as other supplies and materials goes according to plan, North Galiano’s new firehall will be s ervice cel for providing disaster relief in the North Galiano community. operational after a final commissioning in early 2014. Installs the world’s best heat pumps! The 2000-sq.ft building will be designed to meet current needs and to expand in response to future needs over the

Ductless building’s minimum 50-year life span. Inverter Drive The North Galiano Fire Department is made up of four Technology dispatchers and 14 core members, including the firechief. The Department provides the community with 24/7 response for 100% money fire and rescue emergencies as well as first response for medical back emergencies. The volunteer members undergo regular training guarantee on Galiano Island, Salt Spring Island, and through the Justice Institute in Maple Ridge. 0

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$0DJLFDO&KLOGUHQV ·%  RRNE\5RJHU%UXQW   Photo: Christa Grace-Warrick i Ì̈ˆˆ“““i à The Art for an Oil-Free Coast exhibition features works by BC artists. ‘Raincoast Bowl’ is pictured in the foreground. ˜ >>Ã Ì ˆˆ˜ Ì̓““> See article, page 1 and below, for more opportunities to view the art and take part in Raincoast Conservation ÕÕÃÃÃÌ ÀÀˆˆˆÃÃÃÌ Õ À Foundation’s creative initiative to raise awareness of what’s at risk from oil tankers on the BC coast. œœÀÀ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÕÃÌʈ˜Ê̈“iÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊvvœ Ê Ê ÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊvœÀÊ ÀˆÃ̓>ÃÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ Ê OIL-FREE COAST from page 1 intricate, intriguing visions of salmon, bears, auction link to place your bid. birds, beaches, and waves. Each painting, An additional fundraising acquisition could be sculpture, carving or print evokes the beauty of a coffeetable art book, Art For An Oil-Free Coast: this place that would be forever changed if an oil Canada’s Raincoast At Risk, combining the spill were to occur. artworks with prose and poetry. David Suzuki ‘Oil over water? It should just never happen,’ writes the foreword, essays by Briony Penn and said Moore, referring to Enbridge’s plan to ship Jessie Housty do the introductions, and Wade diluted bitumen overseas in supertankers. Davis contributes the afterword. Proceeds from sales will support The highest reserve prices in the auction are ‘Calvert Island ; *773;*777333; Raincoast’s scientific research and the Oil-Free Coast campaign. Eagle’ by Robert Bateman, and ‘Raincoast Bowl’ by Craig $24.9544-- 76;)4-; ))4 The book is available at Raincoast’s website and, together Benson, valued at $42,000 and $50,000 respectively.














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with calendars and other paraphenalia, at the exhibitions. It Benson’ s bowl, measuring almost one-metre-wide, was cast www.fairydoorman.com • [email protected] in bronze from a carving in a single piece of Brazilian soapstone ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ"* 2009 - 135 Brinkworthy ÊÊ/1,-
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Beautifully displayed, both in the book and at the exhibitions, weighing 227 kilograms. Carved over a period of 15 months. ‘Raincoast Bowl’ represents the coastal estuaries, combining is a wide range of artistic styles, showing the variety of individuals who have embraced Raincoast’s mission. lifelike visages of wolves, bears and salmon. GF

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www.islandtides.com Page 8, ISLAND TIDES, December 13, 2012 Some truths about live-aboards Rick Schnurr & Jude Brooks aboard Julie May e are live-aboard boaters. We want and go now.’ However, careful consideration is you to know that we love this life we needed before making this choice; it’s not for have chosen. This means that our everyone. For instance, if you are married, it is onlyW permanent home is a boat. Living aboard essential that you both share the same dream. a boat is a time honoured tradition on our (And there’s little hope for avid gardeners!) coast. Sometimes we are cruising the coast of We are writing this because we believe it is British Columbia. At other times we may be important for you to have an accurate account anchored in a safe harbour or tied up to a of what the live-aboard life represents. Often in marina. One of the real pluses of our chosen the media, people who live-aboard and the lifestyle is that we can choose where we want boats they live in are presented in a negative to live, and if we decide to move, all we have to light. A recent piece in the National Post had a do is untie the lines or pull up the anchor and large headline with the words ‘shanty town’ go. It’s all about freedom, a thing many talk and ‘derelict boats’. However, there were no about but fewer find. pictures in either article. Many municipalities There are other things that attract us to the have a fear of live-aboard boats due to these life of a live-aboard boater. We live in close misconceptions; we would like to present you proximity to nature. Often, our neighbours are with some facts to counter the myths about seals, otters, mink, seagulls, Blue Herons, live-aboard boats and their crews. Kingfishers, and a variety of fish. Our human Myth #1: Live-aboard boaters try to live neighbours are fellow boaters from all over the under the radar Rick Schnurr and Jude Brooks on the wharf beside their live-aboard, Julie May. world. On a marina dock, we learn to live close Live-aboard boats and the people who own to each other where the skills of both being a them are fully in the public eye. Many marinas into when marina space is either unavailable 30 amps of electrical power for lighting, friend and at the same time giving each other where they live are either open to the public or, or unaffordable. Live-aboard boats rent the heating and cooking. That’s less than a the space needed for privacy are essential. This if gated, very visible from the shoreline. In dock space they occupy in a marina from the homeowner on shore uses to cook dinner on sense of community among live-aboard Victoria Harbour, the boats are a tourist marina operator. Live-aboard boaters pay all an electric range. Two people living on their boaters is the memory most cherished by many attraction, with many visitors coming by, municipal and provincial taxes through the boat will only use about 50 gallons of fresh of those who have moved back to shore. taking pictures and asking questions. There are moorage fees assessed by the marina in which water in a week. We have no lawns to water. A Living aboard a boat is also a way to simplify a number of families with children living they live, in the same manner that would be number of us do not own automobiles and one’s life and have a smaller impact on the aboard, and we all know you can’t hide applied to anyone on shore living in rental make frequent use of public transit. environment using less of our increasingly children. Live-aboard boaters do not wish or accommodation. If one sees live-aboard boats Myth #5: Most live-aboard boats are scarce resources. We have been able to give up choose to be hiding from the communities in occupying an anchorage in the winter, ask if the derelict the use of an automobile and rely on our feet which they live. If they are pushed into a adjacent marina offers live-aboard moorage at Just like a house on shore, to be able to or public transportation. Because we spend the position of feeling they have to hide, it is due a reasonable rate. Most often the answer is that comfortably live aboard a boat, it must be winter docked in downtown Victoria, most of to the prejudice and lack of knowledge and the marina operator does not, or is hampered the amenities we need are either a short walk maintained and kept in good condition. Also understanding that so often afflicts minority in this by local by-laws restricting live-aboard or bus ride away. like landowners, we take pride in our homes communities. moorage. Too bad, because, as you will see Very often we are told by people living in and spend a great deal of time and money on Myth #2: Live-aboard boaters do not below, they are giving up a lucrative revenue traditional life situations ashore, that we are maintenance. pay taxes source. This fact becomes even more living a secret dream they have had for years. Often, to be allowed to moor, insurance is Anyone living aboard would prefer to be unreasonable when the same marina offers Our response is always, ‘If you really want to required. Boat insurance is more costly than securely tied-up to a dock in the winter months sequential moorage to people living on boats do this then just go for it!’ Lynn and Larry house insurance and requires rigorous regular when they are not cruising. Anchoring out in a all summer long in the same location. inspections to qualify. Pardey, famous world cruisers said, ‘Go simple harbour in winter is a choice some are forced Myth #3: Live-aboard boaters are Many boats that appear to be derelict are, unemployed (a reason recently given by in fact, not lived aboard, but are abandoned by Port Hardy city council to evict live- their owners. Owners of run-down boats, like aboard boats from the harbour) run-down houses onshore, are an individual Most live-aboard boaters are either problem that needs to be dealt with on an employed in the community (that’s why they individual basis. need moorage adjacent to their jobs) or are Myth #6: People living on boats are not retired from a work career. In my observation, most live-aboard boaters are in their mid- contributing members of the NOWNOW OOPENPEN on community sixties and have lived aboard for more than seven years. In our community we have former There are almost 200 live-aboard boats in military people, university professors, Victoria Harbour, and we are very much PenderPender Island landscapers, retail staff, electronics engineers, contributing members of our community. Our mothers and fathers, computer programmers. moorage and associated fees alone contribute A number of them are self employed and work over $1 million to the local economy. Added to Island SavingsSavings is a financial institution known forfor creatingcreating from their boats… you get the picture. this is the money spent (locally) on groceries, clothing, maintenance, services, Myth #4: Live-aboard boaters pump rremarkableemarkable experiences.experiences. Our PenderPender Island branchbranch offersofofffers entertainment, education and a host of other their poop and other pollutants into the expenses. deposit and withdrawalwithdrawal services,services, term deposits,deposits, RRSPs,RRSPs, and harbour Federal laws prohibit the pumping of toilet Live-aboard boaters also contribute to the full accaccountount opening servicesservices forfor personal and business needs. waste (black water) and solvents ( oil, fuel, etc) community through volunteer work, they sit on the boards of local service organizations PPenderender Islanders also hahaveve access to online and mobile banking into marine environments. Boats with marine toilets (‘heads’) now have holding tanks for providing community involvement, and they fforor youryour convenience.convenience. these wastes and most marinas provide contribute to the economy through their jobs. services to promote clean harbour living such One man, living on his boat in Esquimalt, is as holding tank pump-out, or they have shore- a Provincial Emergency Coordinator, LocatedLocated atat the DriftwoodDrifDriftwtwood CentreCentre side washroom facilities. The Greater Victoria providing amateur radio services during an Harbour Authority (GVHA) has a publicly emergency. All live-aboard boaters have VHF 4605 BedwellBedwell Harbour RoadRoad | 250-629-6238 available pump-out station located at radios on their boats and would be able to Tue–Fri:Tue–Fri: 10:00am to 4:00pm | Sat:Sat: 10:00am to 3:00pm Fisherman’s Wharf. The GVHA also provides provide communication services in the event its live-aboard customers with a mobile pump of an emergency. They are also the eyes and VisitVisit us online and apply to becomebecome a member:member: iscu.comiscu.com out service at the boat, once a week. This ears at the marinas where they live, preventing service is paid for by all boaters using their theft and damage to facilities and unattended facilities as a portion of their moorage fees. boats. Very often, pollution in the harbour comes At Fisherman’s Wharf and the Causeway from shore. Oil slicks on the Inner Harbour Docks in the Inner Harbour, we are tourist attractions contributing to the beautiful The Islands’ most rrecommendedecommended BANKINGBANKING EEXPERIENCEXPERIENCE come from municipal storm drain runoff; plastic bottles, plastic bags and coffee cups are ambience of Victoria Harbour. Can you thrown from shore; and the worst pollutant, imagine how many of us there are in cigarette butts, come from thoughtless photographs of Victoria shown around the smokers of all stripes. world? Live-aboard boaters choose to live in a So, there you have it from our perspective, beautiful aquatic environment. None of us living on the water. We laugh, love and feel just want to see it polluted in any way. Live-aboard like all others, and we are a part of our boats have a small environmental footprint, community. Next time you are in the harbour, often less than 400 square feet. They get by on stop by and say hi. 0 www.islandtides.com ISLAND TIDES, December 13, 2012, Page 9 BC Legislature Report Claire Trevena, MLA North Island What to make of the federal t’s hard to believe we are already in stretch of road to Zeballos alone could devour - Elizabeth May, MP December; like so many others, I am more than that. I applaud the mayor for by-elections? wondering where the year went. bringing together all the communities and n November 26, voters in three ridings had something of a base and only needed a IWith just 48 days sitting in BC’s Legislature levels of government for a further meeting, to went to the polls to replace MPs who great candidate. When nationally renowned this year, I’ve been able to spend a lot of time discuss possibilities. The road to Tahsis is resigned within the last few months. author Chris Turner agreed to seek the Green in the constituency and on my opposition role partly paved, but is longer and it too is regarded OIn June, Calgary Centre Conservative Lee Party nomination (after a lot of soul-searching, as critic for the Minister of Children and Family as a major impediment to opportunity for the Richardson resigned to accept a position as as he had never imagined himself in politics), Development. Unfortunately I have not been community. Premier Alison Redford’s chief of staff; in July, we decided we were all in to try to win a seat in able to challenge the government in Victoria on I will be meeting with the Ministry of Bev Oda resigned, hounded by scandals Stephen Harper’s backyard. the many concerns raised because the BC Transportation’s Vancouver Island director of her own and the Prime Minister’s It was a shock when Denise Liberals refuse to reconvene the Legislature. early in the new year to discuss some of these making; and in late August, ‘My goal now resigned. Unlike the Calgary Instead, they are ploughing ahead, problems, as well as the continued popular Victoria MP Denise is to work to get the Centre nomination, where no spending millions of dollars of public money deterioration of Highway 19 north of Sayward, Savoie retired early for health Liberals and New one in media wondered how the reasons. Green Party would do, within without any scrutiny: the most obvious Highway 28 to Gold River and the condition of Democrats to agree to instance being the $15 million television roads on some of our islands. On the basis of the 2011 hours the local media was full of advertising spree they launched this fall. That Health care consumes a significant election results, none of the cooperation in the speculation. The usual media amount of money could be spent far better on percentage of the provincial budget and, not seats were in any doubt. In each next election.’ ‘conventional wisdom’ decided our most important resource: the people of BC. surprisingly, is a central concern for many case, the outgoing MP had won that Victoria was a test for the Green In the past month I have been visiting many constituents. The hospital stakeholders group with more than 50% of the vote. Each Party and for me. Unlike Calgary, where communities in the constituency and dealing I convene has been analyzing the plans for the was what pundits like to call ‘a safe seat.’ we hoped for a surprise upset, suddenly in with common problems such as highways new hospital. With Campbell River’s current The Green Party looked at Calgary Centre Victoria we had no choice but to run a really (marine, paved and gravel), health care, facility often overflowing, I wrote to the Health right away. The Alberta provincial election had serious campaign. We had never done so education and economic opportunities. Authority asking for an increase in the number exposed a split among Conservative voters. before because Denise was such a strong MP. I attended the consultations on the future of beds in the new hospital. There has been real Stephen Harper and his Alberta MPs had been Even Greens voted for her. But now, if we of BC Ferries on Quadra and Cortes, and like concern voiced, particularly by First Nations, pretty transparent in promoting the Wild Rose didn’t make a serious effort to at least those held in Alert Bay, Sointula and Port that the Health Authority’s population Party and its leader Danielle Smith. It might significantly improve our vote, we would be Hardy they were packed. People who live and estimates are far too low for our area and that have been wise for Harper’s team to be less judged harshly. work in ferry dependent communities know low number has been reflected in plans for the exuberant about the prospects of a majority When one of my oldest friends, Donald that this process is a sham. The premise of new facility. Wild Rose government in Alberta based on Galloway, agreed to run (another wonderful these pseudo-consultations is that BC Ferries I have also raised with the Minister of polls—polls which turned out to be person who had never imagined running for must make savings so it is going to Health the problem of the continuing closure spectacularly wrong. Lee Richardson is an old office), we began to get organized in Victoria as communities asking: where shall we cut service of the Port Hardy Hospital’s emergency. This school, decent, Progressive Conservative. (I well. In Durham, Green candidate Virginia and how shall you pay more in the future? is a significant concern for the community, a have known him since the 1980s when he was Ervin ran a great campaign, but we could not The resounding response from all the number of whom do not have vehicles to make in Mulroney’s PMO and lent a hand in creating see any likelihood of the Conservative grip on meetings was that these questions are the 43km journey to Port McNeill. Fears of a Gwaii Haanas National Park). It was shocking that riding slipping at all. So we did not misguided. The basic issue is not about service disaster waiting to happen are heightened when he announced his departure in the emphasize the Durham by-election. cuts and more fare increases, it is that the because of a recent centralization of the House and every party rose in turn to pay Now that the dust has settled, it is clear we whole structure of BC Ferries needs to change. ambulance service dispatch: this is now done tribute to his long record of service—except the made good choices in deciding to run hard in People want a ferry service that is treated as a out of Vancouver and often with no Conservatives. When I was at the Calgary both Calgary and Victoria. Where the previous highway, integrated into the highways and understanding of our geography or Stampede, for the first time, people would say winning candidates had won with over 50% of operated for the benefit of the people of BC. communities. ‘I am an Alison Redford Conservative; not a the vote, in the by-election, the races became The issue of roads was central to meetings I have been talking with a number of Stephen Harper Conservative.’ Greens had very close. In both cases, they were squeakers. in which I took part in Zeballos and Tahsis. teachers recently about the composition of always done relatively well in Calgary Centre, In Calgary, it turned into a three-way race, with Both communities are struggling to attract their classrooms. A couple of them were in with a high of 17% of the vote in 2008. So we BY-ELECTIONS, please turn to page 11 residents, tourists and new businesses, but tears–they are unable to deliver the best know their access roads are major obstacles. possible education for all the kids in the The budget for all the forest service roads in the classroom. Because of a lack of resources, Campbell River district is $226,000; the 42km BC LEGISLATURE, please turn to page 10 The Harper conundrum Jane Petch ow often do I run into Stephen Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Harper’s ex-chief of staff and Conservatives, then turfed out most of the campaign manager, member of the Reform policies. He added, ‘The Reformers TRANS MOUNTAIN FraserH Institute, the Calgary School and don’t seem to mind.’ EXPANSION PROJECT campaign manager of Alberta’s Wild Rose How did he do it? Party, all rolled up in one? ‘Stephen is very intelligent. He’s an abstract Public Information Sessions So, when Tom Flanagan came to the strategic thinker who translates ideas into December 2nd Salt Spring Forum, I was in the action. He is an unusual package of audience. Number one mission was insight characteristics. He can be charismatic in small :HLQYLWH\RXWR¿QGRXWPRUHDQGMRLQWKHFRQYHUVDWLRQDERXW into Stephen Harper himself. groups, morose, secretive, suspicious and WKHSURSRVHGH[SDQVLRQRIWKH7UDQV0RXQWDLQ3LSHOLQHEHWZHHQ In actual fact, Flanagan and Harper are no vindictive. These may not be traits you want in longer on speaking terms. After Flanagan’s your next door neighbour, but they are very (GPRQWRQDQG%XUQDE\ 2009 book Harper’s Team: Behind The Scenes useful in politics.’ 6WRSE\DQ\WLPHGXULQJD3XEOLF,QIRUPDWLRQ6HVVLRQWRYLHZ in the Conservative Rise to Power, Harper cut ‘He develops strategies for himself. He LQIRUPDWLRQPHHWWKHSURMHFWWHDPDVNTXHVWLRQVDQGJLYHXV him off. listens to his Chief of Staff, Nigel Wright, and a American born and educated, and Harper’s small group of men he has come to trust: Baird, \RXUIHHGEDFN political science professor at the University of Clements, Flaherty. He doesn’t consult widely Attend in person or join the discussion online: Calgary, Flanagan campaign-managed him before decisions are made, and this has created along the path to the leadership of the problems for him. That’s just part of the SALT SPRING ISLAND WUDQVPRXQWDLQFRP Canadian Alliance and then of the new Harper package.’ Sat. January 12, 2013 LQIR#WUDQVPRXQWDLQFRP Conservative Party. ‘The Man Behind Stephen As an example, Flanagan described recent 1 pm to 3 pm Harper’ read the headline in the October 2004 calls from investors around the world, asking  Walrus magazine. him for ‘political colour’, because there is a Salt Spring Island Lions Hall #7UDQV0WQ Here I was in the ArtSpring theatre, with ‘cone of silence’ over the Prime Minister’s 103 Bonnet Ave. Tom Flanagan looking definitely nervous on Office, and investors wanted to know what’s the stage beside moderator George Ehring, and happening with the Nexen oil agreement. a roomful of very well-informed Salt Springers While Flanagan doesn’t personally endorse CANADA all as curious as I was to find out what this what he terms extreme secrecy, as recent strange bird had to say. campaign manager for the Wild Rose Party, he The conversation, driven largely by understands the merits of strict control of the questions from the audience, was polite, and message given to the media. ranged from campaigning specifics to political Asked about his own vision for Canada, he philosophy. shrugged. It’s an ordinary Conservative vision, Very candid about Harper’s journey to the he said: pay your debts, provide government prime minister’s office, Flanagan described services, and carry out your international role how Stephen Harper united the Reform, the CONUNDRUM, please turn to page10 www.islandtides.com Page 10, ISLAND TIDES, December 13, 2012 Anise: stomach settler, restorer of lost youth Bruce Burnett, Certified Herbalist Deer Hunting East eferences to anise (Pimpinella Anisum) hormone estrogen. For this reason traditional date back to the sixth century BC when herbalists have often recommended the spice Pythagoras mistakenly believed that for promoting milk production in nursing of Highway 19 simplyR holding the seeds in the hand could mothers and for relieving menopausal hot prevent epileptic seizures. The Romans flashes. In both instances, three cups of anise Outdoors with Ralph Shaw cultivated anise for its fragrance, flavour and tea per day is advocated. n an effort to control numbers of deer in agricultural and medicinal properties. A popular Roman spice It is best to buy the whole seed for culinary urban areas, the Ministry of Environment has cake included anise, bay leaves and cumin. It was use, and grind it yourself as needed; already- implemented a generous three-deer limit. You are allowed served after heavy meals, especially wedding ground aniseed quickly loses its flavour and toI take two bucks and one doe or two does and one buck, but feasts, and performed the dual role of both a aroma. Store the seeds in an airtight container not three of one sex. dessert and a digestive aid. Anise today is still away from sunlight. If you notice that the seeds For a quick reference to the area that I hunt, I look at Map widely used for its aromatic, culinary and are turning brown, they are going stale and A22 in the Regulations. It is a ‘Bow or Firearms Using Shot medicinal qualities. should be discarded. Only’ area. It covers farmlands, limited forest areas and The spice has traditionally been used in Aniseeds are used to flavour cakes, breads, includes Denman and Hornby Islands. The vast majority of this protection and meditation incenses. It is eggs, fruit and cheese. In Mediterranean area is privately owned and it follows you must have supposed to ward off evil, and sleeping on a cuisine, anise is used in meat and vegetable permission of the owner if you wish to hunt in this area. I pillow containing aniseeds will prevent dishes. In savory dishes it is interchangeable sought permission and received it, and for the generosity of the nightmares. A sprig of anise hung on the bedpost with fennel for flavouring soups, sauces, fish landowner I am most appreciative. will reputedly revive departed youth. and poultry dishes. Friday morning, I told Elaine where I was going, which was Anise is native to the Eastern Mediterranean Don’t confuse anise with star anise, a star- a small forested area that serves as a woodlot and source of and, although an annual, it is not easy to grow in shaped fruit that grows as an evergreen bush in firewood for the farm family. northern climes because it requires a soil China. The essential oil of star anise has a Hunting deer in our coastal forests is an intense activity that temperature of 21ºC to germinate and a long, hot similar, but harsher, taste to anise and is requires all the senses to be focused on the task at hand. It summer for the seeds to ripen. It also has a long taproot, which preferred in Asian cooking. The milder flavour of anise is the means walking ever so slowly through the woods, pausing at makes transplanting difficult, so it’s best grown from seed. choice of western cuisine. frequent intervals and looking around you for signs of game, Coriander makes a good companion plant, improving the seed Anise Breakfast Oatcakes constantly listening for any unusual sounds such as that made formation on anise, which prefers full sun in well-drained • 2 cups milk (coconut or nut milk may be substituted) by quick movements. In the process you see small birds, and alkaline soil. The plant is quite fragile and needs protection from • 1 cup quick cooking oatmeal squirrels. You cast your eyes on the ground for fresh deer tracks strong winds. Once growing, thin the anise plants to a distance • zest of one orange and are able to tell if the deer is jumping or walking in an of half a metre and keep them watered during hot, dry weather. • 1 tsp crushed aniseed undisturbed manner. Due to the presence of the compound anethole, aniseeds are • 2 whole eggs The path I was following had several deer tracks on it. One an effective reliever of gas, bloating and indigestion, which is • 2 tbsp brown sugar was made by an unusually large deer. All of a sudden I was why they are often served after a meal, particularly in Asian • 4 tsp olive oil brought up short by a very large wolf track clearly imprinted in restaurants. Throughout the Mediterranean, anise-based • 1 cup unbleached flour the soft soil. The thought that crossed my mind was that I had liqueurs–ouzo in Greece, pastis in France, sambuca in Italy and • 1 tsp baking powder some real competition and possibly I would not see any deer if anisette in Spain–are served as after dinner drinks. However, a • 1/4 tsp baking soda it was moving them around in its hunting pattern. Fresh tracks cup of anise tea is a refreshing way to cleanse the palate and • 1/8 tsp salt. made by bears, cougars and wolves always give me a special settle the stomach after a heavy meal without the added calories In a large bowl, mix the milk, oatmeal, orange zest and little thrill that runs up my spine and make me doubly aware. and alcohol of a liqueur. aniseed. Set aside for 15 minutes to soften the oatmeal. If It is one of the essential elements of the hunt that forces the Aniseeds are also customarily given to children to relieve prepared ahead of time, store the mixture in the refrigerator. hunter to pause and survey his horizon for any movement out colic and nausea. The antispasmodic properties of the seeds Beat the eggs and then add the brown sugar and one tsp. of of context with his immediate environs. It is powerful stuff. make them helpful in countering menstrual pain, asthma, the oil while still whisking. In a separate bowl, sift the dry I progressed slowly through the woods and came to a small bronchitis and spasmodic coughs such as whooping coughs. ingredients together and then stir into the batter. Heat the other clearing. It was a suitable place to stop for awhile and do some Anise is an effective expectorant. It contains the compounds three teaspoons of oil in a non-stick pan over a medium-high rattling with a pair of antlers I carried for this purpose. I stayed creosol and alpha-pinene, which have been shown to loosen heat. Ladle the batter into the pan, keeping about an inch of there for about 40 minutes and saw no indication of game mucus in the bronchial tubes. For flatulent colic, aniseeds may space between the pancakes. Flip once only when the top except a small flock of juncos that were busy getting their meal be combined with equal amounts of fennel and caraway. For becomes bubbly. Serve with a warm berry sauce, such as from the forest floor. They paid me no heed. As I started to bronchitis, it mixes well with coltsfoot, white horehound and blueberries. leave the clearing all of a sudden I found myself looking at a lobelia. Anise Cookies small spike buck. Anise also contains the compounds dianethole and • 1 cup whole wheat flour What followed next was quite reflexive; the result of decades photoanethole, which are chemically similar to the female • 1 cup unbleached white flour of hunting. I quickly shouldered my gun and fired, the deer fell • 1/2 cup brown sugar down, then promptly regained its feet and ran off. To the • 1/2 cup white sugar trained eye, it left a clearly marked trail and I quickly followed • 1/4 cup melted butter and finished the task at hand, and gave a silent thank-you to • 2 large eggs the forest for the gift. After I gutted the deer, and carefully saved • 1 tsp vanilla extract the liver, heart and kidneys, I had time to pause and reflect on • 1-1/2 tsp baking powder the task ahead of me. I am over halfway from my eighth to my • 1/4 tsp salt ninth decade and moving even a small buck is just a bit of a • 2 tsp whole aniseeds challenge. My truck was about a half-hour away through the • 1 tbsp anise extract (star anise extract may be substituted) forest. Fortunately for me I had planned ahead. I pulled the • 1/4 cup hazel nuts or almonds, finely chopped. deer out to an old logging trail, left and went back to my truck. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Oil lightly two cookie sheets. I enjoyed a cup of tea and sandwich, took my wheelbarrow Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla and from the back of the truck and returned to my deer. As I put anisette extract and mix thoroughly. In another bowl, mix the the deer in the wheelbarrow a raven came and sat in a tree and dry ingredients. Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet until I think he said thank-you for his dinner. you have smooth dough. Drop one teaspoon of the dough at a I have just taken a deer in fair chase that has all the magic time on to the cookie sheet. Bake for about 6-8 minutes, or until connections to nature that we associate with fly-fishing, and in golden brown. This makes about 36 cookies. They are delicious, the process harvested some high quality, local Vancouver but poor keepers and need to be consumed quickly. 0 Island meat. 0

CONUNDRUM from page 9 with your allies. About ignoring the scientific evidence for climate change? ‘As a Conservative, I reject visionary visions… Conservatives ‘Everyone sees evidence through different binoculars. It is not always worry about the bad things that are going to happen… that one is unwilling to use scientific evidence… it’s that there is We need a greater reliance on the markets.’ different evidence. It depends on what evidence you look at.’ He When I asked him about Stephen Harper’s vision for added that in this regard he agreed with Stephen Harper’s policy Canada, he said he did not know what it was and had not had it of ‘appearing to make a difference without actually changing expressed to him—a rather startling admission from a man who anything’. had spent so many years advising him. ‘Stephen’s allergic to As for Salt Spring, Flanagan suggested that perhaps the laying out a vision. He’s more concerned with the specifics.’ audience’s concern for environmental protection was not typical Should the Opposition parties form a coalition, he was asked. of other communities where jobs and economics were the ‘The Conservative Party is elected because it faces a divided priority. Report a road hazard to our 24 HR hotline — Opposition. I think there will be one more try by the Liberals, I departed. But I took some comfort in knowing that there is 1.877.391.7310 or at www.mainroad.ca NDP and Greens in 2015. They’ll probably lose. Eventually the an entire generation of elementary school kids out there, my Duncan: 250.746.7510 Malahat: 250.743.8931 progressive side will say ‘It’s time to win’, and unite.’ Langford: 250.391.7310 Sooke: 250.642.0915 own included, raised on environmental awareness. Even in Salt Spring Isl: 250.537.5722 Mayne Isl: 250.539.2114 About Harper’s dismantling of environmental regulations? Calgary, they are voting Green. The world is changing. Thanks Galiano Isl: 250.539.2423 Pender Isl: 250.629.3431 ‘Stephen sees through an economic lens, not an environmental Saturna Isl: 250.539.5722 Thetis Isl: 250.246.3431 to weather events like New York’s, we are all coming to realize one.’ that without environment, there is no economy. 0 www.islandtides.com Link between China treaty ISLAND TIDES, December 13, 2012, Page 11 and omnibus budget bill? ISLANDS BULLETIN BOARD dvocacy groups have credited Prime Minister Harper’s delay in ratifying the Canada-China Foreign H O M E & P R O P E R T Y S E R V I C E S Investment Protection Agreement (FIPA) to the public Dave’s Drilling Aoutcry. Hy-Geo & Blasting However, in a comment thread on MP Elizabeth May’s Consulting ATER ELLS online news page, a commenter identified as ‘MarkBC’ offered • W W Dave 250-537-7481 a different reason for the delay, alleging that the PM was simply Technical services for • HYDROFRACTURING TO IMPROVE WELL YI Callum 250-538-8640 biding time until the omnibus budget bill passed. MarkBC Water Wells BUY | RAISE | MOVE | LEVEL ELDS • DRILLING FOR GEOSOURCE “We don’t stand introduced his theory with two questions: ‘I believe [Harper] Aquifers BUY RECYCLED HOMES behind our work, would like nothing more than completely free-market Groundwater RAISE Increase Square Footage    capitalism, with as little government interference as possible. MOVE Subdivide Your Lot!     we stand behind a tree.” But a) how to achieve that, and b) how to preserve the changes (250) 658-1701 LEVELRepair Foundation Issues wwwdrillwellcom he makes after he gets replaced by another government?’ [email protected] drill@drillwellcom www.nickelbros.com PM An Island Family Business for He alleged that the ’s plan would be to use omnibus bills www.hy-geo.com 1-866-320-2268 to do away with environmental and other business-limiting Years! ScrapFREE! Car, Truck, laws, then pass the FIPA so that future governments would not Bus & Equipment be able to reinstate the previous laws. REYNOLDS REMOVAL ‘Presumably, existing laws would trump a trade agreement,’

SINCE 1964 CARPET & he stated, ‘but new laws would be subject to the trade No Wheels? agreement. Once FIPA is signed, no future government can UPHOLSTERY No Problem! www.flynn.ca undo what Harper has done, without waiting 15 years to back CLEANING 250-652-0599 Medium & large bins out of FIPA.’ - Conventional Roofing for metal clean-up > Carpet & Rug Cleaning also available MarkBC believes that after the omnibus bill is passed and > Flood Restoration - Standing Seam & Low-slope the FIPA signed, ‘the only way Canadians will be able to take > Tile & Grout Metal Roofing Gulf Islands • Victoria back sovereignty over our own country will be to challenge FIPA - Custom Flashing Sooke • Sidney • Duncan > Mold & Mildew - Asphalt & Cedar Shingles (and NAFTA Chapter 11) in court as unconstitutional. Nothing > Odour Removal - 6” Water Collection Gutters 250-744-6842 less will have any effect.’ > Scotch Guarding 250-732-4285 The Canadian government’s omnibus budget > Spot Cleaning implementation bills made systemic changes to environmental, Get your home ready MEETIN GS social and economic legislation, without parliamentary for the holidays! School District #64 (Gulf Islands). 0 A regular meeting of the Board amendments or debate. Residential/Commercial On Salt Spring & Pender of School Trustees will be held at Gulf Islands Secondary School, FREE ESTIMATES Happy Holid ays Salt Spring Island, Wednesday, Australia abandons treaty 250-537-4208 January 9, 2013 commencing at 1pm. from Isla nd Tid es! To view the agenda, see http://sd64.bc.ca/district/school- arbitration tribunals board-meetings. Public Welcome! hereas the Canada-China Investment Treaty (FIPA) M A R I N E S E R V I C E S provides for the resolution of disputes between H O U S I N G foreign investors and national governments by MOORINGS Hello, I need a small house or cottage INSTALLED, SERVICED, bindingW arbitration tribunals independent of the national justice to rent long-term with wood heat MAINTAINED option on Salt Spring. Veg garden area system, the current Australian government no longer accepts Dock Chain Inspection appreciated. 20 years as apartment the inclusion of independent arbitration tribunals in trade and & Replacement manager caretaker with handyman investment agreements. On Time & On Budget skills and tools, plus I have an eye for Chris West preventative maintenance. Non- Instead the Australians prefer to support the use of local • Foreshore Applications smoker, quiet, no pets and I try to be a courts and laws to settle investor-state disputes. Australian Dive Services good neighbour. Good references. • Docks • Moorings 250.598.4579 (Victoria) or policy is now that corporations seeking protection from or 250-888-7199/250-538-1667 [email protected]. Thanks. [email protected] • Ramps • Pile Driving compensation for arbitrary or adverse decisions by host governments must themselves be responsible for assessing and Ross Walker F O U N D assuming the risks of doing business in a foreign country. Call I sla nd Tid es’ 250-537-9710 November 28: Spalding Road, A recent Australian trade policy statement says: ‘The Gillard Pender Island: Thule oblong steel lid advertise rs tod ay! www.islandmarine.ca w/three keys in it. 250.629.6636. Government supports the principle of national treatment—that NEXT DEADLINE Wednesday, January 9 WORD ADS $16+hst (25 words), additional words 25¢ ea foreign and domestic businesses are treated equally under the law. ‘However, the Government does not support provisions that BOXED ADS B&W: $24.50/in+hst COLOUR: $31.80/in+hst DISCOUNTS Prepaid multi-edition series would confer greater legal rights on foreign businesses than CONTACT Sara or Christa: 250.629.3660, [email protected] those available to domestic businesses. Nor will the Government support provisions that would constrain the ability BY-ELECTIONS from page 9 fourth place. My belief is that the Conservative vote was of Australian governments to make laws on social, only a ten-point spread between the winner Conservative Joan torpedoed way before Denise resigned. It evaporated in the environmental and economic matters in circumstances where Crockatt and Green candidate Chris Turner. wake of nasty partisan swipes at anyone in BC who opposes those laws do not discriminate between domestic and foreign Liberals, who came in second, have spoken bitterly of the supertankers full of bitumen crude. Epithets of ‘radicals’ and businesses.’ Green vote ‘splitting’ their vote. As Chris Turner pointed out in ‘against Canada’ and ‘foreign-funded’ opponents of the national International experience with arbitration tribunals has a column in the Globe and Mail, the first poll gave the Liberal interest turned off Conservatives in droves. If I were a demonstrated that investor-state disputes tend to be settled in 30% of the vote and Chris Turner 8%. By election day, the favour of investors from the economically more powerful states. 0 Conservative MP in BC, these results would make me very Greens had over 25% of the vote and the Liberal candidate 32%. nervous. So it is hard to make a claim we took votes from the Liberal And that is very good news indeed. I keep working to stop BC LEGISLATURE from page 9 column. Chris believes he engaged people who otherwise would the ratification of the Canada-China Investment Treaty where teachers have to deal with a significant number of special needs not have voted at all. our only hope lies now in Conservative MPs pressuring the students, that comes at a cost to the time available to work with Victoria was a lot closer. In fact, the majority of the votes cast other students. Everyone wants to see all our kids working on November 26 were for Donald Galloway. It was the votes Prime Minister. Conservative MPs know their voters want them together in classrooms and getting a good education. But that cast in Advance Polls that gave the win to a very strong to reject the treaty—or face their wrath at the polls. can only become a reality with classroom help for teachers. In candidate (and another old friend of mine) new NDP MP Something seems to be getting through. Lately, Stephen addition, teachers in smaller schools are trying to juggle multi- Murray Rankin. Harper’s messaging around Enbridge’s Northern Gateway grade classrooms with the widely different needs of the different Some pundits have said this shows that Thomas Mulcair is project has started to re-align to reality. I can see the ground age groups. not as popular as the late Jack Layton, to explain the difference shifting, such that even the Prime Minister may walk away from Education is the great equalizer and a high quality public between NDP votes in 2011 and 2012. I doubt there is much in that one. (However, with Kinder Morgan’s Trans education should be provided to give everyone an equal start in that. I think that a lot of the votes in 2011 were not NDP votes Mountain pipeline twinning coming onstream, I do not want life. at all. They were Denise Savoie votes. With the chance to look to declare any premature victories for fear of losing the energy I’ve been meeting with corporations, community groups, at all the candidates, Donald Galloway really impressed. of the campaign to prevent supertankers on our coast.) economic development organizations, Chambers of Commerce Especially for those who attended the all-candidates debates, The by-elections have been a boost for the Green Party. It is and councils recently and all are working on how to make the Donald won people over by being the most impressive in a field wonderful to see such a large rise in the Green vote overall. And, North Island an economically sustainable area. After years of of good candidates. Economist Paul Summerville had been an yes, I do wish I had another Green MP to help me with the work attrition we need to work together to create the framework to NDP candidate in Ontario and ran a one-issue campaign (which I am doing in Parliament and to represent the people of allow our communities to survive and thrive. I am looking I regret as it allowed media to ignore important issues like Victoria, not just deliver partisan messages disseminated from forward to continuing those conversations in the new year. climate, and parliamentary democracy and fracking and so on). During the first week of December, I presented Queen’s Dale Gann was as good a candidate as the Conservatives could the leader’s office. Donald Galloway was a superb candidate Diamond Jubilee Medals to four people nominated by an ever hope to have. He runs the Vancouver Island Technology and, like Chris Turner, I hope they will take the Green banner independent North Island panel. My congratulations go to Centre, is progressive and articulate. forward again in the future. Jacquie Gordon and Chief Robert Joseph, who were presented The real story here is the collapse of the Conservative vote. My goal now is to work to get the Liberals and New with their medals at Campbell River Museum, and to Alexandra Having come in second in 2011 in Victoria with 23% of the vote, Democrats to agree to cooperation in the next election. We need Morton and Wa Wasden Jr who received their medals on the Conservative vote dropped to third place and a poor one at to develop a one-time pact to cooperate, and then after one Thursday afternoon at U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay. 0 that, with 14% of the vote. The Liberals were just behind in election, get rid of first-past-the post elections for good. 0 www.islandtides.com Page 12, ISLAND TIDES, December 13, 2012 Holiday ferry-travel update: check schedules, no fuel surcharge, arrive early Holiday Schedule Error Ferries’ fleet are subject to the 2% fuel Travellers on the Southern Gulf Islands- surcharge. Swartz Bay route should be aware that BC Refits Affect Capacity Ferries reports an error in the current printed Fall is the time that annual ship refits start. schedule. It relates to early morning sailings Traffic is down but Islanders are busy getting between Swartz Bay and the Southern Gulf Christmas shopping done, so substitute Islands on December 25 and January 1. If you vessels are sometimes overloaded. are travelling this route on these days please Southern Gulf Islanders will give a sigh of check the current schedule online at relief when Queen of Cumberland returns www.bcferries.com, by phone 1.888.223.3779, from refit to Route Nº5 on about December or in person at the terminals. BCFS apologizes 20. Overloads on Route Nº5 may increase as for any inconvenience this printing error may Christmas draws closer but if the Cumbie is cause. back on time, last minute shopping should be Photo: Derek Holzapfel Christmas Savings easy. BC Ferries announced in November that it is Denman and Hornby Islanders will be Detail of a Puget Sound king crab, aka box crab (Lopholithodes mandtii). Seen at a ‘in a position’ to eliminate fuel surcharges on pleased to know that MV Quinitsa is expected depth of 55 feet on November 15, off Tilly Point, South Pender Island. major and minor routes. to return from refit on December 15. She has ‘The recent decrease in the cost of fuel allows us to eliminate the fuel surcharges, been in refit since middle of October and Tenaka will replace Tachek while she receives Lyall Harbour terminal from December 10-21 which is great news for holiday travellers,’ said during this period, the smaller MV Kahloke nine months of ‘mid-life extension’ work. MV as part of the port wingwall modification Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ President and CEO. has been servicing the Denman-Vancouver Tenaka is slightly smaller, and has limited project. The work includes pile driving ‘We are pleased to be able to reduce the cost of Island route. overheight capacity. Saturna Islanders will activities and is anticipated to be performed ferry travel for our customers, as every bit The Quadra-Cortes route will also take a remember both these vessels well, as they used daily from 7am-5:30pm. The Saturna Island helps.’ drop in capacity when the MV Tachek is to service Route 5A. Ferry Terminal will remain fully operational Since November 30, no routes in the BC removed from service on December 15. MV There will be construction at Saturna’s for the duration of the work. 0

– Brian Crumblehulme A n theChristmas year were working in Kazakhstan, Celebration we into opposite ends of the livingin room Kazakhstan to create It was –12º outside and I had thought that meringue to resemble snow and placed it on gave a Christmas party on December 22. a reasonably large space in the middle with the a hot winter drink would be an established the little ledge that in summer supported a few The guest list starts with the office staff and TV parked under the largest table. This really winter ritual. No way; this was better than a geraniums. Halfway through the evening I theirI partners, a few mutual friends, a couple caused a stir. At Kazakh social occasions, the room filled with chocolate. They drank 15 litres intimated that I was going to bake the ice- of people Mary knows, and my dance group; food is located in the centre of the room so of the stuff. cream; no one believed me. all in all about forty bodies. everyone can gather round. So, the first wave Unlike Canadians, Kazakhs do not bring a Then I said I was going to set fire to it; total What shall we feed them? naturally occupied the chairs and contrived to bottle to a party; that is the hosts’ responsibility. disbelief. A few minutes later I did just that. Whatever they will not normally eat or talk across the space until the second wave But they do bring food. We were inundated Baked Alaska is not difficult to make but you drink. arrived and stood in the way. with salads, pickles, chocolates, and things should have seen their eyes when flaming Menu: Beef and potato stew, cheese and Most of the food was ready but the drinks wrapped and stuffed with cabbage. We ran out brandy was poured over the plate. At a Kazakh ginger spread, bread and crackers, a fruit bowl, were not. The nearest store is fifty feet away, so of plates, they improvised. We ran out of clean gathering, a large cake with two litres of ice smoked salmon with sour cream (courtesy of it was my responsibility to dash out with two cups and glasses, they improvised again. cream and as much meringue has a table life of Canada), mince pies with brandy syllabub, five-litre water bottles and arrange to fill them By way of amusement I thought a baked about five minutes. baked Alaska, hot mulled wine. with draft beer and red wine respectively. I Alaska would be fun; had they ever tasted We ate and drank until about midnight, This was going to be a Canadian affair, so even bought a couple of bottles of brandy. We burnt ice-cream? By way of explanation I when Anya suggested we all go for a slide. we told people to come after 7:30pm, figuring gambled that hot mulled wine might work, so should add that ice-cream consumption is Three blocks away, the town square is they would drift in after 8. However, Kazakh the first jug, along with lemon and spices, was second only to vodka. Two weeks ago, it decorated with snow and ice sculptures and a parties usually start in the middle of the chased into action on the stove while an was –25º and decidedly cold, yet at the bazaar large slide made to look like a castle. We afternoon, so our first guests arrived at 5pm. atmosphere of controlled expectation people determinedly (there may be other climbed the 20-foot-high structure and all took By 7pm, we were 20, and by 7:30pm, there pervaded the tiny apartment. epithets) stamped their frozen feet and ate ice turns tumbling down. were 40. The first batch was served with alacrity: cream to keep warm. Our balcony is the largest As we walked home arm-in-arm, the snow We arranged three small tables along one ‘Would you like some hot wine?’ ‘Some what?’ walk-in freezer I have ever used. So at 4pm, I fell gently. It snowed for most of that night and wall and shoved the settee and two armchairs ‘Hot wine; try it you’ll like it.’ had assembled my creation, fluffed up the the following day. Merry Christmas! 0 to our advertisers, writers, photographers & readers…

HappyThank you for the kind words, encouragementHolidays! and interest in Island Tides this year. We’ll be back in mailboxes up and down the Salish Sea on Thursday, January 17, 2013.

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