A Salute Soccer A Salute to to Firefi ghers Youth teams busy. SEE PAGE 36 SEE PAGE 28, 29, 30, 31 Lyme disease Firefi ghters Island problem too. SEE PAGE 4
GULF ISLANDS
$ 2525 Wednesday, October 3, 2007 — YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1960 47TH YEAR – ISSUE 40 1(incl.(in(inncl.clcl GSGGST)ST)T)
HOMELESSLESS EVICTION EVIC Homeless couple forced out of ‘camp’ Eviction prompts care workers to ask what’s next
BY SEAN MCINTYRE DRIFTWOOD STAFF The eviction of a well-known Salt Spring Island homeless couple from their makeshift camp along Ganges Harbour highlights the lack of options for those who fall through the cracks. “It’s a personal problem and a societal problem. It’s your prob- lem, it’s my problem, it’s every- one’s problem and the ques- tion we have to ask ourselves is how to deal with it,” said RCMP Cpl. Kerry Howse, watching over as Capital Regional Dis-
PHOTO BY DERRICK LUNDY trict inspectors cleared away two truckloads of debris from THE APPLE OF HIS EYE: Mike Lane feeds a Highland bull apples as visitors to Ruckle Farm take in one of the stops on Salt Spring’s annual Apple underneath the Ganges board- Festival last Sunday. walk off Lower Ganges Road on Thursday morning. ISLANDS TRUST Bylaw enforcement officers said they had been monitor- ing the situation based on a steady fl ow of complaints from neighbours and passing boat- Trust launches vacation-rental litigation ers since Tony and Marcie set up camp last winter. Case hoped to end debate that this is something that has been going on any details of the case when contacted Tuesday The CRD decided to clear for some time,” said Linda Adams, the Islands morning. out the site on Thursday after Trust’s chief administrative offi cer. “I’ve been getting calls like crazy and am bylaw enforcement officers BY SEAN MCINTYRE The Trust alleges that property owner Greg just going to pull in my wings until there is a became aware that Tony had DRIFTWOOD STAFF Simmonds has rented out his property to visitors decision,” he said. “I have no comment at this stored several hundred cedar The Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee for short-term stays ranging from a few days to point.” shingles under the boardwalk is taking the owner of Windrifters Cove to court several weeks since he purchased the property With most bylaw infractions, Adams said, for use as kindling over the to seek an injunction preventing him from using in 2002. roughly 90 per cent of people comply after winter months. the property for commercial guest accommoda- Adams said the Trust targetted Simmonds receiving an infraction notice from an enforce- “We don’t go out and look for tion. among other vacation-rental owners due to the ment offi cer. She said Simmonds ignored at least trouble,” said bylaw enforce- The Trust’s decision to initiate legal proceed- size and impact of his operation. two such notices that he was engaged in pro- ment officer Wolfgang Brun- ings stems from months of complaints voiced by The Windrifters Cove website advertises the hibited activity: the short-term rental of homes nwieser during an interview neighbours near the Scott Point Drive property property’s two homes as “the truly unique Gulf located in residential or rural zones as outlined from the site. “At this point it and evidence collected by bylaw investigators Islands oceanfront vacation rental property.” in Salt Spring’s Land-Use Bylaw No. 355. was becoming a fi re hazard and over the summer season. The fi ve-bedroom main house can be rented for “This is kind of the last resort for us,” Adams a health hazard. This whole “I guess it’s certainly legitimate to go where $4,500 per week during the high season. said, adding that a conviction could help send town could go up like that.” there have been a lot of complaints and this Simmonds said he fully intends to fi ght the is a situation where it is particularly apparent allegations in court, but refused to comment on VACATION RENTALS continued on 2 HOMELESS continued on 5
North End INSERTS INDEX Health ...... 16 Fitness -/24'!'% 15%34)/.3 • Thriftys Arts ...... 21 Horoscope...... 42 • Ganges Pharmasave ASK !RLENE Classifieds ...... 38 ...... 9 • Mark’s Work Wearhouse Letters 537-5217 • Ganges Village Market Editorials ...... 8 Sports ...... 35 • Rona • Fields Ferry Schedules ...... 35 TV Listings ...... 19 • Peter Jansen • Merit What’s On...... 25 ",/ • Lifestyle Market *"/ email: [email protected] website: www.gulfislands.net
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537-5515 SALT SPRING REALTY 2 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2007 | GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD CALL GAIL, SEAN OR CHRIS IF YOU TYPES OF INSURANCE NEWSBEAT SEE NEWS HAPPENING - 250-537-9933 • Life Insurance LOCAL GOVERNMENT • Critical Illness Insurance • Disability Insurance • Group Benefit packages • Health & Welfare Trusts Province discovers it’s easy Call for more information MAFALDA Hoogerdyk [email protected] 537-1730 Grace Point Square to be green on Salt Spring Island honoured award application form based, discouraging waste ÀiÊÞÕÊÛ}ÊÊVi] were: “This award belongs disposal. vÀÊÞÕÀÊÛiÃÌiÌö with $25,000 award • Development and • The island’s OCP, !RE THEY TAX EFFICIENT implementation of a com- described as “one of the BY GAIL SJUBERG to the whole >Ê>ÊÌÀÕÃÌi`ÊV>Ê*ÀviÃÃ> prehensive community most progressive in B.C.,” is DRIFTWOOD EDITOR energy strategy, including being reviewed to strength- A field of environmen- a review of regulatory tools community, which en climate change and >ÀÌÊ°Ê}iÀ`Þ]Ê * tally friendly local govern- available in electoral areas other sustainability mea- )NVESTMENT !DVISOR ment initiatives has earned for improving energy per- sures, such as an affordable ,VÞÊ> > Salt Spring Island one of formance. has a longstanding housing strategy, densifi ca- !DMINISTRATIVE !SSISTANT seven provincial Green City • Securing provincial tion of island villages and xÎÇ£ÇÎä Awards. funding for a public transit and active greenspace protection. '2!#% 0/).4 315!2% Premier Gordon Camp- system to be implemented • Salt Spring has pur- MHOOGERDYK BERKSHIRECA bell made the presentation in 2008. chased over 4,000 acres for at the Union of B.C. Munici- • Development of a pedes- commitment to public greenspace since palities convention in Van- trian and cycling infrastruc- 1996, which now exceeds its When you think SEWING...think Sawyers! couver last Wednesday. ture plan for the upper Gan- OCP target of 15 per cent of “This award belongs to the ges village area to be funded sustainability.” the island. THINK...of a 54 yr. old local family business whole community, which has by federal gas tax transfers. • Construction of a new THINK...of the huge choice with 5 major brands: Elna, Pfaff , a longstanding and active • Completion of 160 units GARY HOLMAN, recreation centre and pur- Janome, Baby Lock SINGER commitment to sustainabil- of seniors and affordable CRD director chase of land for a new and now ity,” said Gary Holman, Salt housing since 2001. Salt library within the Ganges THINK...commercial machines, new and used, ironing presses Spring’s director on the Capi- Spring is one of the first districts. Progressive water area to keep the village com- ... tal Regional District (CRD) communities in the CRD to and sewage rate structures pact. THINK convenient repair pickup at Salt Spring Dry Cleaners board, in a press release. “It receive funding under the to encourage water conser- • Development of an area THINK...only 20 minutes from Sidney also demonstrates that our new Regional Housing Trust vation. The B.C. Building farm and food security plan and unique form of governance Fund. Code requirement for low several community gardens. When you think Sawyers ... on Salt Spring can meet the • Establishment of an fl ush toilets was initiated in Holman said he would con- there is a lot to think about! challenges of growth while island water council to coor- CRD electoral areas by Salt fer with trustees Peter Lamb respecting the fragile envi- dinate various agencies in Spring. and George Ehring on the best SAWYERSSAWAW SEWING CENTRE ronment of the island.” protecting water supplies, • Composting of septage use of the $25,000 award. 34003 Douglas • 1-888-229-2266 DEANDEAN SAWYER SAWYER www.sawyersewing.comw While an original press including development of and sewage sludge (at Bur- “We’ll try to get the big- release noted the CRD was drinking watershed man- goyne Bay liquid waste site) gest bank for the buck,” he receiving the $25,000 award agement and groundwater and water reclamation at said, adding that islanders Power and for its work on the Salt monitoring plans. Construc- Ganges sewer plant. CRD is are welcome to make sug- Spring Offi cial Community tion of an aeration system the only regional district in gestions for its use. Performance Plan (OCP) — which didn’t for St. Mary Lake to improve B.C. funding recycling pro- The Green City Awards make sense since the OCP water quality. grams solely from landfill commits up to $500,000 in falls under Islands Trust • Upgrading of two sewage tipping fees. Salt Spring is cash awards to recognize MS 250 CHAINSAW jurisdiction — a later release treatment plants and con- the only community in the leadership and action in a 18” bar $ 95 clarifi ed the award details. structing new water treat- CRD where garbage col- range of environmental sus- 439 Items included on the ment facilities for six water lection is entirely user pay- tainability initiatives. NEWSPAPERS FOR Weekender hits mailboxes this week 45.4 cc 2.3 kw THERECORD Salt Spring newspaper readers have Howcroft, high school contributors and FREEFREE WWOOD-PROOOD-PRO KKITIT WITHWITH STIHLSTIHL CCHAINSAW!HAINSAW! more reason to look forward to the week- other original thinkers. Trophy winners in the end beginning on Friday, as the Driftwood Arthur Black’s column will continue to HARBOURS END MARINE & EQUIPMENT Salt Spring Fall Fair bas- replaces its TGIF publication with the Drift- run, along with Derrick’s Island Pic, the 122 Upper Ganges Rd. at Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 5:00pm ketry classes were incor- wood Weekender. weekend events calendar, classifi ed ads and the head of Ganges Harbour Saturdays 9:00am - 4:00pm 537-4202 rectly printed in last week’s In addition to a weekly feature story, more. Harvest Time fair round-up Weekender will alternate First Person Singu- The Weekender will be mailed to all Salt publication. lar, a Q&A feature put together by Driftwood Spring households for the next three weeks, Tide Tables The 2007 winners were: columnist Peter Vincent, with lifestyle and and continues to be available free at outlets AT FULFORD HARBOUR • SSI Basketry Guild Tro- issues columns by Driftwood writer Meghan all over the island. Pacific Standard Time – measured in feet sponsored by Harbours End Marine & Equipment Ltd. phy, (Judge’s Choice) — OCTOBER Denise Bachman, and; Neighbourhoods for neighbours, says Trust 03 04:35 0.6 2.0 07 02:23 2.6 8.5 • Pacific Basketry, Peo- WE 13:28 3.3 10.8 SU 08:54 1.2 3.9 ple’s Choice Award — Carol the island’s tourism-based Drew, an Islands Trust bylaw 19:22 2.8 9.2 16:15 3.2 10.5 VACATION RENTALS 20:55 2.8 9.2 22:24 1.9 6.2 Dodd. continued from 1 economy. enforcement officer, in an • The Salt Spring Harbour Despite the ban, Islands official statement released 04 05:43 0.7 2.3 08 03:43 2.6 8.5 Authority’s annual gen- a message to other opera- Trust bylaw enforcement September 28. TH 14:25 3.3 10.8 MO 09:40 1.4 4.6 20:45 2.6 8.5 16:37 3.1 10.2 eral meeting is scheduled tors of illegal commercial offi cers have yet to issue any The bylaw does not affect 22:31 2.7 8.9 22:50 1.7 5.6 for 7 p.m. at Lions Hall on accommodations on the violation tickets to property legal bed and breakfasts, October 15, not October 11 island. owners. resorts, hotels and motels 05 06:54 0.9 3.0 09 04:49 2.7 8.9 FR 15:11 3.3 10.8 TU 10:22 1.6 5.2 as indicated in last week’s Salt Spring Island trust- “The community has said in commercial zones or the 21:25 2.4 7.9 16:53 3.0 9.8 Driftwood. ees voted in 2006 to suspend time and time again that rental of residential proper- 23:14 1.5 4.9 a moratorium on enforc- neighbourhoods should be 06 00:37 2.5 8.2 ties for more than 30 days. SA 07:59 1.1 3.6 PULL-OUT ing the vacation rental for neighbours and we want Islands Trust legal counsel 15:47 3.2 10.5 DDDDD TV GUIDE ban. Vacation rental own- people to be aware that anticipates a resolution of 21:56 2.2 7.2 PAGE 19 ers argue the properties are we will enforce the com- the issue by the start of the an integral component of munity’s bylaw,” said Miles 2008 tourist season.
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BY SEAN MCINTYRE DRIFTWOOD STAFF Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue coordinator Chuck Hamilton may not have been surprised when he heard about the fi re district’s plans to hire 14 full-time fi refi ghters as outlined in the fi re district’s 10-year strategic plan, but he certainly had his share of questions. “Where is the system of checks and balances here?” Ham- ilton asked. “As a taxpayer, I say ‘wait a minute’ because I’ve seen this before and there’s no end to it.” Under the proposed staffing model, fire department expenses would increase by $1.2 million within fi ve years. That’s more than double the fi re district’s 2007 operating budget and does not account for new buildings, vehicles or training expenses. According to the fi re trustees, additional fi refi ghters will be required if volunteer ranks continue to plummet. Without adequate volunteers, the department cannot guarantee a rapid response to Salt Spring’s aging and grow- ing population and higher call volume, said fire board trustee Mark Wyatt. The additional firefighters will not only ensure rapid delivery of service to all areas of the island, but allow the department to staff the Ganges fi re hall around the clock 365 days a year. As for cost increases, trustees stand united: people get what they pay for. Taxpayers may get what they pay for, but the recent PHOTO BY SEAN MCINTYRE growth of the fi re department’s operating budget has made Salt Spring Search and Rescue volunteers believe sharing the fi rst-response burden among several island emergency crews Hamilton wonder if the island will be paying for what it can reduce volunteer burnout and keep costs down. really needs. In 2006, 32.5 per cent of the department’s 715 calls were became a major part of the department’s mandate and con- too soon is better than too little too late,” but admits the classifi ed as “fi rst responder calls,” comprised mainly of tinues to justify expansion plans and budget increases. added responsibility of a fi rst responder department does medical aid and motor vehicle accidents. Salt Spring’s 25 search and rescue volunteers are tasked takes its toll on volunteers. The provincial government developed the fi rst responder with locating lost persons, rescues and assisting other emer- “Today, being a fi refi ghter is not just about squirting water program in 1986 as a way to provide certifi ed training for fi re gency crews. around,” he said. “The community often forgets what’s crews to provide patient care. They may lack the training and expertise of the fi re rescue involved and, as things are, Salt Spring seems to be getting “By recognizing that police and fi re department person- department but, Hamilton said, they would be ready and one heck of a deal.” nel are often available to assist patients prior to arrival of willing to train and provide support for the island’s fi rst But for how long? Burnout is one of the main factors ambulance crew, basic medical training provides respond- responder needs if provided with fi nancial resources from behind the declining volunteers. According to Wyatt, a surge ers with knowledge and capability to deal with critical an agency such as the Capital Regional District. in volunteer numbers over the next few months and years situations involving airway, breathing and/or circulation “If they shared that load with us and B.C. Ambulance and would change the department’s long-term projections, but concerns until higher levels of help can take over,” states the the RCMP, the burden would be lifted and we’d have a lot the writing is on the wall. province’s fi rst responder website. fewer people burning out,” he said. Wyatt said the Salt Spring fire department members’ “Even when the fi rst responder is only able to comfort the “It’s just a question of training. I get the training and training and experience place them in the best position to patient and document initial fi ndings, a difference can be now I’m ready. It’s not like God must decide who does what provide fi rst responder service. observed.” emergency service.” Start-up costs to train and equip search and rescue vol- While the program has proven successful in many com- Thanks in part to a provincially funded search and rescue unteers, and funding a third ambulance to serve the island munities, higher training requirements, time commit- team, the city of Hope, B.C.’s fi re department has been able would surpass the fi re budget and remain a service largely ments and call volumes have contributed to declining to function with a compliment of 28 active volunteers and based on the availability of volunteers. volunteer numbers. one paid fi re chief. “We see a lot on the job,” he said. “In the end, [the fi re depart- What was intended as a support service, he said, quickly Hope fi re chief Tom DeSorcy lives by the motto “too much ment] remains in the best position to provide the service.” News briefs
The vehicles sustained rising from a portion of the edented number of calls of locking their car doors, no paintball attack. Fire crews minor damage while beach. from motorists reporting matter how long they leave Police were called to a the drivers and passen- Crews extinguished the the theft of ferry tickets and their car unattended. home in the Vesuvius area hop to scene gers escaped the incident smouldering remains of the loose change from unlocked Police described the acts at 10 a.m. Sunday after the unharmed. blaze with sea water. They vehicles over the past two as a “crime of convenience” resident reported a group Salt Spring Island Fire Morning traffic through commended the hiker for weeks. likely committed at the spur of individuals had peppered Rescue offi cers wasted little Ganges was temporarily her quick response and help Residents reported no of the moment. the front of his house with time getting to the scene of backed up in all directions. extinguishing the fire. A fewer than 14 incidents In several instances, paintballs late Saturday a two-vehicle accident in Fire crews had to lace up set of knives was recovered since the middle of Septem- “goods of signifi cant value” night. front of the Ganges fi re hall their hiking boots to douse from the scene and turned ber. were left untouched in the Police later discovered the last Thursday. a small stump fire set by over to the RCMP. RCMP received four new vehicles. mischief-makers also target- Officers walked to the campers on Grandma’s reports on Tuesday morning In other RCMP news: ted The Fritz cinema. scene within seconds of the Beach in Ruckle Park on Police warn of from residents living along Salt Spring RCMP People with any informa- accident at the intersec- September 26. A hiker in the Grantville and Ross roads remain on the lookout tion about either incident tion of Fulford-Ganges and area called the fi re depart- vehicle thefts near Walker’s Hook. for individuals wanted in are requested to call the Salt Lower Ganges roads at 9:15 ment on her cell phone at Salt Spring Island RCMP Officers recommend connection with a week- Spring Island RCMP detach- a.m. noon after noticing smoke have received an unprec- everyone get into the habit end mischief spree after a ment at 537-5555.
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Lyme disease more than a free at the following locations: Admiral’s Morningside-Fulford mainland issue says expert Apple Photo Movie Gallery Barb’s Buns NE Fitness Tick bites carry disease negative telling patients they don’t have the B-Side Raven St. Market Café antibodies to the bacterium. Café El Zocolo ReMax on Salt Spring “The tests are fl awed.” Calvin’s Royal LePage Wilson recommends tests by accredited Chamber Offi ce Rock Salt Core Inn Rogue’s Café BY CHRIS STEPHENSON laboratories in the U.S. that use a different DRIFTWOOD STAFF Creekhouse Senior’s Centre system to target the disease. Dagwoods Seabreeze Motel Ticks carrying Lyme disease are defi nitely The BCCDC statistics state fi ve to seven Embe Bakery Seaside Fish & Chip on Salt Spring, says one expert, despite the people in B.C. get Lyme disease each year Fitness Friends Sotheby’s Realty B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) with a total of 60 confi rmed cases. Fulford Inn Salt Spring Coffee Co. claim no one has contracted the illness on BCCDC physician Bonnie Henry said the Fulford Ferry Salt Spring Books the island. chance of contracting the disease is very low Golf Course Salt Spring Inn GISS Salt Spring Physio Jim Wilson, founder of the Canadian Lyme and less than one per cent of ticks carry Bor- Greenwoods Sears Disease Foundation, said ticks can spread relia burgdorferi. Golden Island Shipstones though migratory birds. She said so far there have been no cases of GVM Skin Sensations Salt Spring is on a migratory fl yway from the illness contracted on Salt Spring. Hospital Sports Traders Northern California where Lyme disease As far as testing goes, Henry said the two- Harbour Foods Studio One bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi is step method in Canada is very accurate. Harbour House Hotel The Local found in ticks. “It’s the top-of-the-line testing.” Harlan’s The Fritz People bitten by the insect can be infect- Henry said while no test is 100 per cent Home Hardware Thrifty’s (Flower Shop) Island Savings TJ Beans ed. accurate, the screening they use is very sen- Island Star Video TLC “The research is pretty clear,” he said. “It’s sitive. Jana’s Bakery Transitions not possible that Salt Spring isn’t affected.” She said Canadians should be wary of Library Uptown Pizza He knows of several cases of the infection other tests that may be from “for-profit Love My Kitchen Uniglobe on Salt Spring. labs.” Long Harbour Terminal Vesuvius Store He said the disease is spreading every- Henry advises anyone with symptoms of Moby’s Vesuvius Ferry on Board where regardless of what BCCDC is saying. Lyme disease to contact their local doctor. Meadowbrook “The statistic by the B.C. government says The symptoms of Lyme disease include the rate of infection has been fl at, yet every- fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, where else it’s increasing at a significant fatigue or weakness and skin rash. SALT SPRING level.” If the infection goes untreated, nervous He said over 2,000 Canadians with con- systems disorders, arthritis, heart palpita- MINI STORAGE fi rmed Lyme disease contacted his centre in tions and extreme fatigue can occur. 2006. But he said the total is only a fraction To avoid tick bites, the BCCDC recom- 537-4722 of the cases where people are misdiagnosed mends wearing long shirts and pants when in this country. going into nature and doing thorough body “This is a very serious problem.” checks after, including any folds in the Wilson said the discrepancy is with the skin. testing and research. To remove a tick, use tweezers or forceps Power line tree pruning “The BCCDC refuses to look at the over- to gently lift the insect straight off the skin whelming research.” without squeezing it. and hazard tree removals. Canadian doctors test for Lyme disease Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics. using a two-step process of screening for For more information on ticks and Lyme Where: Salt Spring Island general indications of an infection, then disease, contact the BCCDC at www.bccdc. and Pender Islands administer a more specifi c test. org or the Canadian Lyme Disease Founda- When: Weekdays, 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. But Wilson said the tests often come back tion at www.canlyme.com. FIRE DISTRICT
As part of ongoing work to improve the resiliency and safety of its distribution system, BC Hydro is now undertaking a significant hazard tree removal program along power lines on Fire district seeking support Salt Spring Island and Pender Islands. A hazard tree is one that is defective, has an imminent potential to fail, and is likely to hit power lines when it falls. The program will occur over the fall and winter, and the work will take place on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. for Fulford training ground BC Hydro crews, Qualified Tree Service, Asplundh Canada ULC, and Davey Tree Service Ltd. will be working on the project. The crews are skilled workers trained in both electrical safety Project opponents application to permit a non- and tree care. BC Hydro will be contacting Salt Spring Island and Pender Islands residents farm use in the Agricultural “The land may be a before any cutting takes place on private property, and local government for regional await alternatives Land Reserve (ALR). property. The work will be conducted along roadways which could result in single-lane traffic The facility would enable sitting duck, so to and possible delays. We ask that you be cautious and reduce speed near the crews and the BY SEAN MCINTYRE fi refi ghters to access train- traffic control flaggers. DRIFTWOOD STAFF ing space and equipment While the hazard tree removal program will not eliminate outages, it will help BC Hydro in Fire protection district without needing to travel speak, but that is minimizing the frequency of power outages. If you would like more information about this chair Michael Schubart to facilities on Vancouver project, tree removals, or information on wood chip availability, please call our vegetation hopes more resident sup- Island or the Lower Main- services line 1 877 430-TREE (1 877 430-8733). 0907-984 port for a proposed $500,000 land. not a good reason to volunteer and staff training The proposed facility facility in the Fulford Valley would include classrooms, will help clear the air on the self-contained breathing remove it.” issue once and for all. apparatus trailers, confi ned- www.bchydro.com FOR GENERATIONS “I think that the issue space props, an auto-extrac- PAT REICHERT about the impact on the tion pad, drafting pit, foam Island Natural Growers farmland has been blown pit, burn building and props out of proportion,” said to train for fires involving as active farmland is not Schubart. “Some of the vehicles and liquefi ed petro- reason enough to permit the people who are against it leum gas tanks, or ground change of use, she said. have managed to co-opt and dumpster fi res, accord- “If we took out all unused other people to voice some ing to the 10-year plan. land out of the ALR, we’d be displeasure and the Islands “A training ground would in a sorry state in this prov- Trust hasn’t actually heard also pay for itself within ince,” she said. very much from other ele- the duration of this 10-year “That is the whole point ments of the community.” plan, as the costs associated of our group. We need to get Talk of the facility pro- with sending fi refi ghters off that land back into produc- posed for the Fulford fire island for training are sub- tion. The land may be a sit- hall arose as fire trustees stantial,” the report states. ting duck, so to speak, but unveiled the department’s During the April Salt that is not a good reason to 10-year strategic plan at Spring Island Local Trust remove it.” their September meeting. Committee meeting, trust- Reichert said it is the fi re “[The Islands Trust] needs ees asked the fi re protection department’s responsibility pressure from other members district for more informa- to provide alternative sites, of the community so they tion on the facility’s envi- something her group and understand that we’re not ronmental impact and alter- valley residents have been just six or seven people here native sites. awaiting for months. talking to ourselves, but that According to Pat Reichert, “Information about where we represent a valid commu- director of Island Natural the training ground should nity interest that involves the Growers, most opponents go or if it is needed is not our whole community.” recognize the need to train area of expertise,” she said. Facility construction is the island’s fi refi ghters, but “There remain so many contingent on the Islands question doing it on valu- questions and we’ve yet to Trust and Agricultural Land able agricultural land. see any kind of coordinated Commission approving an That the land is not used plan.” GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2007 | 5 NEWSBEAT
SUPPORT RALLY Fundraiser to buoy
Budimcic in advance terra firma BUILDERS LTD. Roger Bruce www.sirewall.com 537-9355 Investment Advisor of upcoming hearing HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc. TOLL FREE Friends rally for Joe fl ags and a live band are also 1-877-715-4722 included. [email protected] BY SEAN MCINTYRE Robert Reindl, an event DRIFTWOOD STAFF co-organizer, said he feels WHAT’S NOW OPEN IN Friends of a well-known Budimcic, allegedly a former DUNCAN island handyman tried in member of a Serbian para- ON absentia for war crimes by military group, has worked a Croatian court are asking hard to create a new life and This Week? islanders to come out and a new home for himself and See Page 25 stand behind a man they his family on Salt Spring. say has proven himself a The October 14 rally, he Issued by HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc. Member CIPF. model citizen since mov- added, is intended to show ing to Salt Spring Island in island residents stand unit- 2003. ed in Budimcic’s defence Bookkeeping, Payroll and “He’s had a lot of bad press ahead of a fi ve-day refugee and it has really hurt Joe status hearing scheduled to Tax Services and his family,” said Glenda begin December 3 in Van- Woodward. couver. David Waddington “I think Joe works hard “We hope to get a lot of Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and deals with this privately coverage and a great turn- so I hope this will show him out,” Reindl said. people believe in him.” “I’ve known him for six QuickBooks Setup and Training Participants will congre- years and he’s a wonderful Personalized Tutoring • Ongoing Support gate in front of the ArtSpring person. I hope this shows 537-0854 theatre at noon on Sunday, everybody that Joe is well SpecializingSpecailizing In Small Business October 14. liked.” The procession will make The Immigration and its way through town to Refugee Board alleges that the Clement, Woodward Budimcic, who now has and Murphy Law office permanent resident status, where participants will lied to Canadian authorities make speeches and share when he entered Canada as their thoughts about Josip a refugee in 1995. Budimcic. For more information on The event will wrap up the rally, contact Glenda with refreshments and a Woodward at (250) 884-
PHOTO BY DERRICK LUNDY lamb barbecue. Banners, 8638. Items are cleared out from homeless couple Tony and Mar- PARKS & REC cie’s camp under the boardwalk in Ganges. There’s still a chance Couple ousted for indoor tennis here HOMELESS An indoor tennis bubble One of the recommenda- continued from 1 at Portlock Park remains a tions of the KPMG report Brunnwieser said Tony and Marcie were in violation of possibility after Salt Spring on the indoor tennis facil- SEPTEMBER CRD regulations prohibiting people from camping, having Tennis Association (SSTA) ity, released August 30, was WINNER: campfi res and building structures in public parks. members met with the Parks that PARC either develop its Hank Bocephus Brunnwieser said the couple would have a chance to and Recreation Commission own procurement policy or Williams Jr. III look over anything of value, but that most of the soggy (PARC) on Monday. formally adopt one used by cardboard, empty bottles, food containers and plastic bags While PARC did not want the Capital Regional Dis- would be taken to the dump. to make the parties’ discus- trict (CRD). PARC notes it Workers also found the bodies of several dead rats as sions public at this point, has always used the CRD they cleaned up the site, he added. PARC chair Rosemary Trump policy. “That’s not healthy,” Brunnwieser said. “They’ve got to said she felt a positive out- In other PARC news: get help, but there isn’t really anywhere they can go.” come would result. • The architectural firm of Contacted on Monday, Brunnwieser said the couple After calling a special pub- Moore Paterson Architects tried to return to the site, but eventually spent the week- lic meeting to deal with the of Victoria was approved by end camped out in a borrowed vehicle parked in Ganges. tennis issue, PARC instead PARC to be the “registered Copper Kettle coordinator Cherie Geauvreau provided passed a motion to exam- coordinating professional” Marcie with some basic emergency supplies and a few ine proposed new policies in charge of the Centen- blankets after the eviction. for procuring contracts and nial Park service building “It’s the same old, same old and the homeless still have engaging consultants. Draft replacement project at a no place to go,” she said. “The only cure for homelessness policies were presented to cost of $26,900 plus taxes seems to be shoving them around.” PARC members at their Sep- and reimbursable expens- Advertising Deadlines As long as local, provincial and federal governments fail tember 24 meeting. es. to provide resources to house the poor, foster health and Commission members The project involves reduce poverty, islanders can expect more stories like that Kirk Harris, Trump and design and construction Please note the Driftwood offi ce of Tony and Marcie. regional director Gary Hol- of a new building contain- “Poverty is the issue and it’s the people in our commu- man will examine the pro- ing washrooms and a stor- nity that need to take their fair share of the burden,” she posals in depth and report age area for PARC mainte- will be closed said. “It’s going to take a cooperative community effort.” to the next PARC meeting nance equipment by April with recommendations. 1, 2008. Monday, October 8 ANDERSON for the Thanksgiving weekend APPLIANCE REPAIR FOR THE DRIFTWOOD Prompt, Reliable and Professional Service on all Makes and Models WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 10 ISSUE Hot Water Tank & Appliance Installation *Sears Authorized Warranty Technician Display deadline: Thursday October 4, 4pm SAM ANDERSON 24 hour - 7 day Classifi ed deadline: Friday October 5, 4pm EMERGENCY SERVICE Too Late to Classify deadline: TEL: 537-5268 FAX: 537-1100 Tuesday October 9, 12 noon Authorized Warranty for
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