Gulf Islands Every Second Thursday & Online ‘24/7’ at Uniting The Salish Sea ~ From Coast to Coast to Coast islandtides.com Canadian Publications Mail Product Volume 23 Number 16 August 11–24, 2011 $2 at Selected Retailers Sales Agreement Nº 40020421

Photo: Paul Petrie Youngsters present high scorers with island-grown bouquets at Pender Island’s fundraising bocce tournament on July 31. Over 100 people played on 12 courts at the community hall and raised over $5,000 to be matched by an anonymous donor for a total of $10,000 towards the Brooks Point Park completion campaign. Smart meters should come last, say BC Greens ~ Christa Grace-Warrick Kinsol Trestle opens On Wednesday, July 27, BC Green Party Leader Jane Sterk held technology is pushing the agenda,’ she commented. The historic Kinsol Trestle finally reopened on a press conference at the Martin Batchelor Gallery in Victoria to Sterk was joined by Magda Havas, Associate Professor of July 28 to a crowd of about 800 people. Hikers, announce the BC Green Party position that electricity measures Environment and Resource Studies at Trent University. Havas’ cyclists and horseback riders can now enjoy this such as feed-in tariffs, time-of-day pricing, conservation research focuses on the biological effects of electromagnetic section of the TransCanada Trail linking the incentives, programs to make homes and buildings more energy pollution. Havas also said wired technology should be used Village of Shawnigan Lake to the District of efficient, and a distributed grid should all be in place before the wherever possible, reserving wireless for those situations where North Cowichan. $7.5 million was raised for its selection and installation of a metering system. it was the only solution. restoration. A Smart Grid is what is needed, rather than smart meters, Green Party of Canada Leader Elizabeth May (MP for High above the Koksilah River, the restored Sterk says, ‘There are all kinds of things we can do before we go Saanich-Gulf Islands) was also at the press conference. She trestle includes a 187-metre (614-foot) walkway to a technology with very little benefit.’ commented that: ‘The Green Party of Canada, through a along the top and is enhanced by a trail that the Sterk says that designing a BC Smart Grid with regional resolution of our entire membership, has called for the current South Cowichan Rotary Club built down to the power self-sufficiency, public consultation and BCUC oversight inadequate Health Canada regulations to be upgraded to the river. should come first (BCUC oversight has been side-stepped by the equivalent of the EMF regulations in Germany. We are entirely ‘It was an inspiring day,’ said John Thomas, Clean Energy Act.) too complacent about the growing evidence of health effects Trail Committee Chair. The Rotary trail was well She commented that BC Hydro said it will not implement the from wireless technology.’ used, as many people wanted to view the two main conservation possibilities that smart meters introduce: Sterk said, ‘BC Hydro’s wireless smart meter program violates enormous trestle from below. time-of-day billing and feed-in tariffs. the precautionary principle. There are environmental, privacy Work on the trestle included replacing A Smart Grid design should be so attractive that people will and security concerns as well as the potential for adverse health unsound timbers and reinforcing the structure want to opt-in to a smart metering program, she says. When it risks. This is an issue that hits at the heart of democratic rights. to ensure that the historic characteristics, comes to metering, Sterk advocates wired smart meters and Individuals have no ability to opt out of a program that may including the span, height and timbered design called for the cancellation of the wireless meter program. ‘The impact the health of those with electro-magnetic sensitivity.’ 0 qualities of the original structure, were preserved. The Kinsol Trestle was built in 1920, is one of Plan a new future to connect the islands — Sara Miles the largest timber bridges in the world and the Sick of taking ferries? Wish you had your Boat Network. Island to discuss inter-island concerns highest timber trestle remaining in the own mode of transportation to move Island Futures is a new, not-for-profit such as communication, cooperation, Commonwealth. It is 44 metres high and 188 between islands? Or maybe you have a initiative aiming to build a network of transportation, trade and sharing. Pender metres long. Construction of the $7.2 million boat and want to put it to good use. private boats for Islanders to get around Community Transition will host the project began in 2010. Whatever your situation, if you are like the Salish Sea without using BC Ferries. meeting/potluck lunch, open to all, at the The reopened Kinsol Trestle will be the most Islanders and find it difficult to The maiden voyage, Monday, August Community Hall from noon-3pm. connector for the 130-km ‘Salish Sea Trail’, a There is considerable grant money proposed Victoria-Salt Spring-Cowichan trail move between the Gulf Islands, you will 15, will bring three Gabriolan sailboats circuit. More on that soon! 0 want to know more about Island Futures with skippers and passengers to Pender FUTURES, please turn to page 3

is available at these SERIOUS COFFEE locations — look for the ‘Island Tides’ yellow boxes or racks inside! Sidney—Beacon Avenue Nanaimo—Across from the Hospital Parksville—Heritage Centre Mall South Duncan—Sun Valley Mall Nanaimo—Hammond Bay Rd Courtenay—Southgate Centre, Cliffe Ave Duncan—Cowichan Commons Mall Nanaimo—South Parkway Plaza Port Alberni—Shoppers Drugmart Plaza, 10th Ave Mill Bay—Island Highway @ Frayne Rd Nanaimo—Hammond Bay Rd CO-OP Campbell River—Island Highway near Larwood Rd Page 2, ISLAND TIDES, August 11, 2011 In-depth Report by Patrick Brown Smart meters: a solution looking for a problem CHydro’s Smart Meter Program is a fine example of voluntary time-of-use rates estimated at $330 million. AT POINT ATKINSON an expensive solution looking for some expensive 6. Modernization of infrastructure for voltage AUGUST B problems to solve. The problems that have been optimization on commercial sites and the distribution assembled under the Smart Meter banner are wide-ranging; system (2011-2014): $54.2 million. PV of benefits from Day Time Ht./ft. Ht./m. Day Time Ht./ft. Ht./m. the $930 million program includes a number of related this activity (mainly energy savings) estimated at $208 0107 13.5 4.1 0217 6.9 2.1 activities which are intended to increase the efficiency of the million. 10 0849 3.0 0.9 18 0812 12.1 3.7 WE 1633 14.1 4.3 TH 1350 7.9 2.4 distribution system, and possibly reduce demand, or at least 7. Program management and support costs (2011-2014): 2138 11.2 3.4 2005 13.8 4.2 reduce the demand peaks for which the system must be $37.0 million. 0215 13.5 4.1 0257 6.2 1.9 designed. 8. Interest during construction (2011-2014): $14.4 million. 11 0940 3.0 0.9 19 0914 11.8 3.6 TH 1710 14.4 4.4 FR 1424 8.9 2.7 BCHydro has published its cost and benefit estimates for 9. Contingencies and reserves (2011-2014): BC Hydro 2225 10.5 3.2 2029 13.8 4.2 the program in a report entitled ‘Smart Metering and provides for a project contingency of $60 million, and 0315 13.5 4.1 0339 5.9 1.8 Infrastructure Program Business Case’. a ‘Reserve Subject to Board Control’ of $90 million. 12 1025 3.0 0.9 20 1030 11.8 3.6 FR 1741 14.4 4.4 SA 1503 9.8 3.0 However, there is some question as to whether the cost The total front-end capital expenditure estimate for the 2307 9.8 3.0 2056 13.5 4.1 of supplying and installing meters for 100% of BCHydro’s entire program is $930 million (PV $779 million). 0408 13.5 4.1 0426 5.6 1.7 13 1105 3.3 1.0 21 1158 11.8 3.6 customers is actually justified by the savings from the Costs and Net Savings SA 1808 14.4 4.4 SU 1554 10.8 3.3 expected increased efficiencies. It is only when BCHydro 2347 9.5 2.9 2128 13.1 4.0 BCHydro’s estimated operating and maintenance costs for includes expected massive savings from the detection and the 25 years to 2033 is $745 million (PV $330 million). BC 0456 13.1 4.0 0520 5.2 1.6 14 1140 3.6 1.1 22 1324 12.1 3.7 prevention of ‘electricity theft’ that the business case for the Hydro estimates the total gross benefits attributable to the SU 1833 14.4 4.4 MO 1712 11.5 3.5 entire program holds up. 2210 12.8 3.9 entire program to 2033 will be $4,658 million (PV $1,629 Through the 2010 Clean Energy Act, the program was 0025 8.5 2.6 0619 4.9 1.5 million). This may be compared with the PV of the front- 15 0543 13.1 4.0 23 1432 12.8 3.9 exempted from review by the BC Utilities Commission. As end capital expenditure of $779 million, and the PV of the MO 1214 4.6 1.4 TU 1858 11.8 3.6 a result, its financial justification has not been closely 1856 14.4 4.4 2308 12.8 3.9 operating and maintenance costs of $330 million. The examined, and specific parts of the program, and the 0103 7.9 2.4 0719 4.6 1.4 Present Value of the net savings is $520 million. 16 0630 12.8 3.9 24 1522 13.1 4.0 attribution of benefits, may not be justified. TU 1246 5.6 1.7 WE 2016 11.5 3.5 Smart Meter Savings – Critical 1919 14.4 4.4 Details & Costs of the Business Case Assumptions Note: ‘Present Value’ used in BCHydro’s calculations is widely 0140 7.2 2.2 0019 12.8 3.9 The $520 million Present Value of the net savings (expected 17 0719 12.5 3.8 25 0816 3.9 1.2 used to provide a means of comparing cash flows at different WE TH benefits less expected capital and operating costs) depends 1318 6.6 2.0 1559 13.8 4.2 times on a meaningful ‘like to like’ basis. It is the value on a 1942 14.1 4.3 2107 11.2 3.4 on two main features of BCHydro’s ‘Business Case’ for the given date of a future payment or series of future payments, ADD ONE HOUR FOR DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME discounted to reflect the time value of money and other factors program: such as investment risk. BUSINESS CASE, please turn to page 5 The major elements of the Smart Meter Program, its estimated costs and benefits, are: 1. Planning phases (2007-2011): $49.1 million. 2. Smart metering system (2011-2014): purchase & GULF ISLANDS WATER TREATMENT SOLUTIONS installation of smart meters, telecommunications and Well Water • Rain Water • Surface Water software, $391.1 million. • Whole-house Treatment 3. Design and implementation of information technology to handle data generated by the system (2011-2014): • Self-cleaning Sediment Filters $60.9 million. The Present Value of the benefits of • Media Filters elements 2 and 3 is estimated at $359 million. • Ultraviolet Systems 4. Theft detection (2011-2014): purchase and installation REMOVE: of distribution system meters and software, $110.5 Iron / Odour / Bacteria / million. Present Value (PV) of benefits estimated at Hardness / Arsenic $732 million. Photo: Harry Burton 5. Conservation tools (2011-2014): development and ‘At AppleLuscious Orchard on Salt Spring Island, we grow Victoria: 250-412-1110 • Comox Valley: 250-339-6914 distribution of in-home displays, website, software and the greatest variety of red flesh apples in Canada, about 27 Burnaby: 604- 630-1114 revised rates for customer information, $62.8 million. types. We are very proud of our collection of these beauties www.watertiger.net PV of benefits from in-home feedback tools and of Mother Nature. Apple eaters and chefs just love them; they are spectacular.’ Coastal districts meet with minister over ferry service AT FULFORD HARBOUR The chairpersons of nine coastal Regional Districts met with The coastal Regional District Chairs advised the Minister AUGUST Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Transportation and that the original objectives of the Coastal Ferry Act have not Infrastructure on July 19 to give voice to the adverse impact been met. The group presented evidence of the ways in which Day Time Ht./ft. Ht./m. Day Time Ht./ft. Ht./m. of BC Ferry Corporation fare increases and to encourage the increasing fares are damaging island and coastal Minister to initiate a major revision of the Coastal Ferry Act. communities and asked the Province to develop more 0807 2.0 0.6 0146 5.2 1.6 10 1628 10.5 3.2 18 0748 8.2 2.5 The meeting was organized by Colin Palmer, Chair of the appropriate oversight tools for the delivery of coastal ferry WE 2109 9.2 2.8 TH 1306 5.9 1.8 Powell River Regional District, and included Regional District services. 1936 10.2 3.1 Chairs and Vice Chairs from Metro Vancouver to Victoria to Members of the group also reintroduced the concept that 0101 9.8 3.0 0226 4.9 1.5 11 0855 2.0 0.6 19 0901 8.2 2.5 Bella Coola. Together, this group of diverse Regional Districts ferry service could be considered an extension of highway TH 1704 10.5 3.2 FR 1339 6.9 2.1 represents 2.9 million British Columbians or 63% of the service, which could require that it be treated and funded in 2155 8.5 2.6 1955 9.8 3.0 provincial population. the same manner as non-marine infrastructure. 0203 9.8 3.0 0309 4.3 1.3 ‘It is significant to see nine diverse Regional Districts come ‘We are confident that the Minister understands the 12 0938 2.0 0.6 20 1032 8.2 2.5 FR 1734 10.5 3.2 SA 1414 7.5 2.3 together with a clear message for the Province: improve importance of this issue and is convinced that fare increases 2235 8.2 2.5 2016 9.8 3.0 coastal ferry service in BC,’ said Colin Palmer, Chair of the cannot continue as planned,’ said Lois Jackson, Chair of 0301 9.5 2.9 0357 3.9 1.2 Powell River Regional District. Metro Vancouver. 13 1017 2.3 0.7 21 1226 8.5 2.6 SA 1759 10.5 3.2 SU 1458 8.5 2.6 ‘We know that fares have been escalating since the BC The nine coastal regional district chairs will request 2313 7.5 2.3 2040 9.8 3.0 Coastal Ferry Act was put in place in 2003. We also know meetings with the BC Ferry Commissioner and the Premier, 0357 9.5 2.9 0449 3.6 1.1 that families and businesses in each of our regions–from and have offered to continue to be part of the essential 14 1053 3.0 0.9 22 1405 9.2 2.8 SU 1822 10.2 3.1 MO 1611 8.9 2.7 those on small islands to those in the Metro Vancouver and improvements to the coastal ferry service in British Columbia. 2351 7.2 2.2 2112 9.5 2.9 Victoria areas—are being impacted by increases. We need to Participating coastal Regional Districts include: 0451 9.2 2.8 0545 3.3 1.0 ensure that coastal British Columbian families and businesses Strathcona, Central Coast, Metro Vancouver, Islands Trust 15 1127 3.3 1.0 23 1457 9.5 2.9 MO 1841 10.2 3.1 TU 1807 9.2 2.8 can survive. Council, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Nanaimo, Alberni- 2201 9.5 2.9 ‘As a group, our collective intent is to support the Minister Clayoquot, and Capital Regional District. 0 0029 6.6 2.0 0641 3.0 0.9 in consideration of all options to improve coastal ferry Did you appreciate this article? Help us afford the 16 0546 8.9 2.7 24 1530 9.8 3.0 service.’ news! Mail or phone in your contribution today. TU 1200 4.3 1.3 WE 1945 9.2 2.8 < 1859 10.2 3.1 2312 9.5 2.9 0107 5.9 1.8 0734 2.6 0.8 Bring your recyclaBles to us… Independent 17 0644 8.5 2.6 25 1558 9.8 3.0 Dental Hygiene WE 1233 4.9 1.5 TH 2033 8.9 2.7 We’ll take anything with a 1917 10.2 3.1 in a relaxed setting deposit for a full refund. ADD ONE HOUR FOR DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME Registered Dental Hygienists offering: Tide Table Courtesy of Open daily 9am to 6pm Durable dock systems for Sunday 9:30am to 5pm • scaling • root planing exposed locations • polishing • whitening • other services Ross Walker 250.539.2936 250-537-9710 saturna general store Celebrating 9 years of service in beautiful Sidney-by-the-Sea On Time & On Budget Email: [email protected] www.islandmarine.ca 101 narvaez Bay road, saturna island 250-655-4884 islandtides.com ISLAND TIDES, August 11, 2011, Page 3

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Photo: Caroline Mackay, Glasgow, Scotland Contamination can occur ‘I took this photo whilst on holiday at my aunt’s holiday home on Mayne Island. I love the island life and sense of community without changes in colour or spirit there, particularly the fact that deer roam freely with no fear of humans. You don’t know how lucky you are to live there!’ taste. Be safe, test annually. Taking control of your food system 250-656-1334 HARRY BURTON ichael Pollan, in his book In Defense Of Food: An Nutrient content of foods have significantly declined Eater’s Manifesto, shows us some great since 1950, probably due to soil fertility depletion and also fax: 250-656-0443 Website: www.mblabs.com M paradoxes and dangers in our modern world the fact that modern varieties focus on maximizing yield Email: [email protected] food system, as well as a strategy to optimize our health rather than maximizing nutrition, or even taste. Have you 2062 Unit 4 Henry Ave. West, Sidney, B.C. V8L 5Y1 using food. Here’s a summary which I hope will encourage eaten a tasty tomato lately? everyone concerned about a healthy future to read this Pets, such as dogs and cats, probably eat a more balanced book. diet of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamins and Symptoms of a Sick Food System minerals than most Canadians. North Americans are overfed but undernourished (a new A signpost near junk food vending machines in a major zoo warns: ‘Do not feed this food to the animals ECOFIR FLOORING phenomenon), with much of our diet supplied by or they may get sick and die.’ If junk food may ECOPREMIUMFIR FLOORING FROM FLOORING THE GULF ISLANDS fast food that is cheap, quick and easy. Most humans choose their foods based on kill a 400lb ape, who is very similar biologically PREMIUM FLOORING FROM THE GULF ISLANDS to us, can it be good for a 40lb child? cost, emotional needs and convenience. PREMIUM WIDE PLANK VG We got fat on the low-fat diet prescribed in the Your Money and Your Health last 25 years. The past 30 years of vilifying fats in We are are unhealthy nations, withPREMIUM cancer, FIR WIDE FROM 100%PLANK SALVAGED VG our diet in favour of carbohydrates is not only a obesity, heart disease and diabetes risingFIR FROMto 100%OLD GROWTH SALVAGED TIMBER failure, but it lacked evidence to support the epidemic levels. These are all food-relatedOLD GROWTH TIMBER move away from fats from the beginning. Why diseases. Is it a coincidence that native 5” to 9” random widths have we not been informed that this low-fat diet populations, living in isolation as 5” their to 9” random widths. is a mistake? ancestors did, have few of these Western 250-539-3211 Conversely, we are becoming a nation of diseases, but will develop these diseases if they604-377-5385 orthorexics—people with an unhealthy obsession with arrive here and start eating as we do? 604-377-5385 ‘healthy’ eating. In 1960, spending on food was 17.5% of income and 5.2%www.ecofir.comwww.ecofir.com Humans are omnivores and should be eating many on health care. Now it has reversed to 9.9% on food foods.The Wheat,Island soy, Tides corn 10.25"and rice nowx 2" make up the 65% of (reduction of 43%) and 16% on health care (increase of our daily calorie intake, which is quite disturbing when you 208%). realize that humans need between 50 and 100 different An extra dollar spent on quality food results in a far chemical compounds to be healthy. In your supermarket, greater saving on future health care costs. Why and how 91% of the processed foods contain corn.More daily flights homeFOOD, from please turn the to page 10Mainland FUTURES from page 1 • Eight scheduled flights daily available from VanCity to organize • aNewest ‘collaborative’ and fastest SeaplaneExperiences fleet in Canada like thatFor don’t scheduled happen online! flight info call community project, so it is important• Departure that interested from Seair TerminalImagine, at one day an ‘IF’ boat might be heading to, parties come together now. Many island communitiesVancouver Int’l haveAirport Hornby, say. You could1-800-447-3247 hop on it and get back home with Boaters’ Summer Special much in common, but the gulf between them• Free is Parking not bridged and Free shuttlethe topractical Main Terminal Island network. Cars are not necessary for • Frequent flyer discounts or visit our website at SEAPLANESTell us you saw us in by the ferry service. these trips! • Charter flights available to other destinations seairseaplanes.com Our Islands. Our World. Island Futures Co-ordinator Victor Anthony says it is I have always dreamed of a foot-passenger ferry and get 10% off parts! important for Islanders to be able to to work together and connecting the islands. Imagine what it could do for youth ‘you gotta be there to look the person in the eye.’ Organizing sports, local food distribution, the arts and entertainment, cannot all happen on the internet and telephone. as well as sustainability and self-sufficiency efforts. He describes a trip that the Gabriola Commons made Email RSVPs for the August 15 discussion to www.seapower.ca 250-656-4341 toThe Hope Island Bay Farm Tides on 10.25"Pender Island x 2" in April. ‘We were [email protected]. More details are at blown away, we had a blast and were inspired,’ he says. www.islandfutures.ca. 0

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islandtides.com Page 4, ISLAND TIDES, August 11, 2011

18,000 copies this edition Every Second Thursday STRAIT Of GEORGIA’S ONLY FREE & MAIL DELIVERY NEWSPAPER 14,176 print copies delivered to Gulf Island households

3,824 print copies on the Ferry Routes and in Victoria, Sidney, Mill Bay, Duncan, Chemainus,Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Bowser, Campbell River & Port Alberni 3,000 online readers each edition ISLAND TIDES PUBLISHING Ltd Photo: Martin Blakesley Box 55, Pender Island, BC, V0N 2M0 The bees are out, enjoying all the flowers they can find—here they are working on sea holly nectar. Owner and Publisher: Christa Grace-Warrick Editing & Production: Sara Miles Readers’ Letters Contributors: Patrick Brown, Priscilla Ewbank Elizabeth May, Caroline Mackay, Martin Strathcona Park Events Coming Soon Comox & Cowichan Need Mobile Blakesley, Derek Holzapfel, Henny Schnare, Dear Editor: Harry Burton, Jim Schmidt, Brenda Guiled, Brian MRI Service The Friends of Strathcona Park are organizing two events Haller, Lila Parks, Gary Holman, Susan Banjavich The following letter was sent to Minister of Health Mike which are very important in our overall strategy to create Tel: 250-629-3660 • Fax: 250-629-3838 deJong and to Howard Waldner, President and CEO of meaningful protection for Strathcona Park. Vancouver Island Health Authority. Email:[email protected] & [email protected] One, the August 20 Strathcona Wilderness Festival will Deadline: Wednesday Between Publications only last a day, but we’d like everyone who cares about the We are deeply concerned by your recent announcement that the Vancouver Island Health Authority will not be Off-Island Canadian Print Subscription $44.80 park to come. Carol Hunter of Comox, and Mick Taylor of Voluntary Mail & Box Pick-up Subscription $28.00 Gold River, who were both Bedwell Trail volunteers last year proceeding with plans for a mobile MRI for Campbell River, International Subs: $60.00 • Free online PDF and are on the FOSP executive, have done a massive the Comox Valley and the Cowichan Valley. www.islandtides.com amount of organizing to make the event possible. Radiologists across Vancouver Island were strongly in The second event, the Bedwell Centennial Trail, will be favour of plans to introduce a mobile service to complement happening from August 20 to August 25, and will involve the static service in Victoria and Nanaimo; they see it as an volunteer trail work from Bedwell Lake to Ashwood Creek essential tool of their job. Salish Sea Good Life in the Bedwell Valley in Strathcona Park. We have official As you well know, MRIs are not only a diagnostic tool, Eating, Sleeping & Shopping permission to do this, and we’re allowed up to 45 volunteers. but are also used as a preventative resource, helping people When complete, the trail will allow hikers to travel across avoid surgery. the spine of Vancouver Island to Bedwell Inlet on the west As you are aware, we were also supportive of plans to coast. introduce a mobile service. The benefits of such a service DJH¶V55HVRUW 00DULQD Last year, volunteers created a major section of trail P are numerous. It will reduce wait times for the approximate COTTAGES CAMPGROUND MARINA leading from the head of Bedwell Inlet toward Bedwell Lake. BOOK & MARINE CHART STORE 3,000 people a year who, at present, have to travel a great This year, we’ll do another major section from Bedwell Lake MOUNTAIN BIKE, SCOOTER & KAYAK RENTALS distance to have the MRI; it will also reduce their travel cost toward our work of last year, leaving (for unclear official 3350 Coast Rd, Gabriola 250.247.8931 www.PAGESRESORT.com and save them a great deal of time. reasons) a very short uncompleted section in the middle. To However, the sudden announcement that you do not date, we have about 20 volunteers. We want more. plan to proceed with the establishment of this new service The work isn’t physically hard or technically demanding, will inevitably impact recruitment and retention of (it mainly involves brush clipping) and it’s an unbelievable radiologists in Campbell River and the Comox Valley, at a amount of fun to work in a non-pressured way with others on a worthwhile project. Volunteers work at whatever level time when the two communities are awaiting their two new is comfortable for them. It’s an excellent way to do hospitals. It has been described by some in the medical community as ‘devastating’ and ‘as if the rug were pulled Salt Spring Island 9100 East Saanich Road something for the park, to learn about it first hand, and also Chamber of Commerce North Saanich to spend time with people who have hiked in the park for from under us’. www.saltspringtourism.com www.roostfarmcentre.com most of their lives, care for it deeply, and have knowledge You say that it simply cannot afford the new service. We to share for those interested. Volunteers must have a certain believe it is disingenuous for the health authority to use cost Central Vancouver Island level of physical fitness and must be able to carry their own as an excuse when it must have known that when starting Island Tides food, and shelter to the height of land (at Bedwell Lake) and its RFP process, that the cost would be higher for a mobile beyond. MRI than a static one. To protect Strathcona Park for yourself and future We would hope that you would act on behalf of all the Advertising that generations, please come, and please bring your family and people on Vancouver Island, who expect equity in health gets noticed… friends. For information, including phone numbers, go to care provision, and reverse this decision. all around the www.friendsofstrathcona.org. Claire Trevena (MLA North Island) and ‘HOLIDAY HOUSE’ Karl Stevenson, Royston Doug Routley (MLA Cowichan Valley) 0 B&B Motel • Rooms Salish Sea! Vacation Suites FREE PICK-UP 20 min from Nanaimo Ferries 10 min from Nanaimo Airport 250.629.3660 N.RuhlN.Ruhl HERITAgE LADYSMITH 1-888-310-2299 www.islandtides.com 250-618-5830 www.ladysmithholidayhouse.com SUMMER IS HERE! Studio /(7¶63/$< OPEN MayMay - Oct. Ocean Soul ENJOY OUR ISLANDS FROM THE WATER! 10:00 -5:00 Book Caffé 9:30AM SALTSPRING SATURDAY MARKET CRUISE 6616 Harbour Hill 5:00PM THURSDAY SIDNEY EVENING MARKET New and WE MAKE YOUR TRIP A PART OF THE ADVENTURE! (on Gardom Lane Used Books 3 WINERIES BY SEA, MARINE ECO TOURS, PASTPAST “pri“private”vate” Open at 6 am Daily PRIVATE CHARTERS, DIVING COURSES & MORE! sign) 250-246-1977 CALL TO BOOK YOUR SEATS TODAY! 1578 Joan Avenue 250-360-6393 or [email protected] Crofton WEBSITE; GULFISLANDSADVENTURES.COM LOCATED AT POETS COVE ON PENDER ISLAND 250-514-1524 1$785(·6:$,7,1* www.nancyruhl.comwww.nancyruhl.com islandtides.com

Corporate control ISLAND TIDES, August 11, 2011, Page 5 Vancouver Island & All The Gulf Islands and freedom of SINGLE EVENT: $33.60, with image $39.20 (max 45 words) ‘What’s On?’ MuLTI-VENuE: $44.80, with image $50.04 (max 70 words) the press -ELIZABETH MAY Call 250.629.3660 • Email [email protected] or much of this summer, the international news August + September August 13 to September 9 headlines covered the travails of the Rupert Classes & Workshops with Chanchal Cabrera, MSc— Fraser River/gulf Islands Art Exhibit—Paintings by Murdoch empire. AuguST 19-21: Aromatherapy Workshop-a practical Jack Campbell of Saturna F introduction to the art & science of essential oils; Island, Aug 13-14: Artist in The tabloid predators found themselves as prey, with SEPT 16-18: Adrenal health, stress management, and attendance during Cultural legions of paparazzi chasing down the media barons. stamina workshop; Aug 24: Herb Walk in the Medicine Crawl • SEPT 8: Closing Testifying before the British House of Commons, Murdoch Garden, 6:3o–8pm • Innisfree Farm • Info: reception, 4:30-7:30pm; admitted that, to escape their prying eyes, he had entered www.chanchalcabrera.com, 250-336-8767 • IN COURTENAY SEPT 9: Artist’s talk, 10am • 10 Downing Street by the back door to visit current Prime Amelia Douglas College Minister David Cameron. When politicians feigned shock, Sat + Fri, August 13 + 19 Gallery, 700 Royal Avenue he explained that he had used the back door route to visit Pender Film group Outdoor Screenings—Aug 13: (one block from New West SkyTrain station) • Info: 604- PAUL (2011, Comedy) Two British comic-book geeks previous PM Gordon Brown. 527-5723, www.jackcampbellgallery.ca • IN NEW travelling across the US visit Area 51 and meet an alien who The ‘hacking scandal’ consumed the UK’s long-lived WESTMINSTER alters their universe forever! Aug 19: THOR (2011, Action) scandal tabloid News of the World. It was shut down in a Thor is cast out of Asgard and becomes a defender of Thurs, Aug 25—Sun, Sept 4 desperate attempt by Murdoch to protect his efforts to take humans • 9pm • Community Hall • By donation • Info: 25th Annual Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival— over yet another network, SkyTV. www.penderislands.org • ON PENDER ISLAND fifteen venues packed with almost Murdoch’s empire is enormous—the second largest in 500 live international comedy, the world. It includes the Wall Street Journal and Fox Saturday, August 13 drama, live art and spoken-word galiano Wine Festival—wines and ciders from near & performances, noon to midnight • News. In additional to extensive holdings in the UK, US, and far, Riedel crystal souvenir wine glass, artisan cheeses, Australia he owns TV holdings in Hong Kong and beyond. AuguST 23-26: free live music by Brad Prevedoros, silent auction, performances in Centennial Square, So, as the FBI begins to investigate potential hacking of artists Kenna Fair & AJ Bell, phone records in the US, does any of this hold lessons for starting 6pm; SAT Aug 27: fabulous food; Galiano Fringekids Fest with free kids’ shows Canada? Health Care Centre and activities, 11am-4pm, Market Square; Pre-fringe 25th Murdoch has been influential in Canadian politics. Over fundraiser • 1–4pm • Tickets: birthday events begin Aug 23 • Tickets, passes & info: lunch at Davos with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his $35 @ the door or reserve: [email protected] www.victoriafringe.com, 250-590-6291 • IN VICTORIA then communications director Kory Teneycke, Murdoch is • Walking distance from the ferry terminal • Info: alleged to have persuaded them of the benefits of having a www.galianowinefestival.com • ON GALIANO Saturday, August 27 hard-right TV network in Canada. Teneycke left the PMO Pender Islands Fall Fair 2011—Thank you for the food Saturday + Sunday, August 13 + 14 you grow: parade, exhibits (pre-registration until August and went to Quebecor to head up the embryonic SUN-TV. Coombs Fair—4-H & open displays, animal, arts & crafts, 21), entertainment, food booths, games, beer garden; • Whether Murdoch had a hand in the creation of SUN- domestic science, horticulture & Community Hall • Gate open 10am, parade 10:30am, TV or not, there is no doubt of the influence of his model. more; blacksmithing, spinning & opening ceremony 11am; BBQ 5pm, Dance with ‘Carolyn The point was made powerfully on July 8 in an unrelated weaving, beekeeping & master Mark & Her New Best Friends’ 6:30pm • Admission: Adults event. gardening demos; live music, $6, 5-16 years $2, under 5 years free • Info: www.pifi.ca A relatively unknown young CTV bureau chief, Kai games, food & fun for whole Margaret Alpen 250-629-6681 • ON PENDER ISLAND Nagata, posted a blog headed ‘Why I quit my job.’ The family • Coombs Fairgrounds, Ford Road, behind Coombs General Store • SAT: 8am–6pm, SUN: 8am–5pm • Tickets Sunday, September 4 posting went viral on the internet and became an immediate at gate • Info: Janet Boley 250-752-9757, Eco-Homes Tour & topic on most news networks. (Posted at: The Tyee www.coombsfair.com • IN COOMBS, VANCOUVER Symposium—tour of living http://thetyee.ca/Mediacheck/2011/07/11/KaiNagata/). It ISLAND roofs & water collection is all worth reading, but I found this comment particularly systems; engaging talks by compelling: Wed, Thurs + Sat, Aug 10, 11 + 20 experts; free evening slide ‘Consider Fox News. What the Murdoch model Shari ulrich’s Summer Islands show, Pender Community demonstrated was that facts and truth could be replaced by Tour—with daughter Julia Graff and Transition fundraiser • Tour: Ted Littlemore • WED, Aug 10: 8pm, ideology, with viewership and revenue going up. Simply put, 10am-noon; Symposium: Duncan Garage, 250-715-1383; THuRS, you can tell less truth and make more money. When you 1pm onwards • Tickets: Under 18 free, Adults $20 @ Aug 11: Union Bay, Two Eagles Lodge, Talisman, Southridge, Medicine Beach Market & the have to balance the interests of your shareholders against 7pm, 250-335-2342; SAT, Aug 20: the interests of the viewers you supposedly serve, the firewall Farmers Market • Info: www.EcoHomesNetwork.com • ON Pender Islands Community Hall, 8pm, PENDER ISLAND between the boardroom and the newsroom becomes a very tickets @ Medicine Beach Market, important bulwark indeed.’ Talisman Books, Southridge Store • IN Local & Salish Sea-wide Visibility For Your Event! How strong is the Canadian firewall? How much DUNCAN, UNION BAY & ON PENDER ISLAND freedom is felt by our press? How much truth gets told? In Losing Confidence: Power, Politics & The Crisis in Canadian Democracy, I set out the history of unheeded BUSINESS CASE from page 2 warnings about concentration and vertical integration of • estimating the cumulative benefits and operating costs system. This should presumably identify a quantity of corporate media ownership. As far back as the Davey for the program over a 25-year period (until 2033), with energy unaccounted for, and the areas of the system where Commission in the 1960s, we have been warned. The Kent the accompanying uncertainties of long-term it is missing. The assumption is that the electricity was Commission report in the 1980s described the fact that so forecasting (normally, a much shorter time frame stolen through tapping into the distribution system before much of the Canadian news media ownership was in so few would be used for estimating project payout); it reaches the meters. hands as ‘monstrous.’ And the situation has become far • excluding any provision for the interest costs for the BCHydro states that in the four pilot areas, which more concentrated now. $930 million capital expenditure for the program. The included over 800 homes, 22 electricity thefts were Things have changed since 2009 when Losing money must be borrowed, at a likely interest rate of identified and terminated. However, the company will not Confidence came out. The giant CanWest empire broke 4.5%. The Present Value of these interest payments provide any further details of how the specific locations of apart when the Aspers over-extended their corporate reach, might be $360 million. these thefts were identified, but it has stated that the smart going deeply into hock to buy Australian media. Finding Electricity Theft meters, the distribution system meters and analytic The result was that the television assets of CanWest and For its financial justification, the Smart Meter Program software were all necessary, together with what it describes its newspapers were sold to different corporations. Global TV depends rather critically on the detection and termination as ‘new investigation techniques and processes’. was purchased by Shaw Cable, which also owns 20 specialty of electricity theft (PV $732 million, or almost half of the The benefits of theft detection are credited to and used channels and 20 online operations. Shaw Media’s website quantified benefits of the entire program). to justify the distribution meters. The calculation of the boasts it brings us ‘Canada’s most trusted entertainment news According to BCHydro, the estimates of the quantity of expected benefits appears to depend on how well this small show, Entertainment Tonight Canada.’ electricity stolen arise from four pilot studies using smart sample of BC Hydro’s customers represents them all. The 46 CanWest daily papers, including flagship and meters (Program elements 2 and 3) together with It All Depends On You famously unprofitable National Post, should have been distribution system meters (element 4). Less critical to program justification, but nevertheless open to any bidder to break up the unhealthy degree of The approach used is to balance energy quantities BUSINESS CASE, continued on page 11 CORPORATE MEDIA, continued on page 8 metered with the energy supplied through the distribution Earth, Sidney TownhouSe $235,000 WOODLAND Wind & DISCOVERY PASSAGES GARRY THOMAS MORSE Fire Salvage With breathtaking virtuosity, First Nations WIDEPLANK poet Garry Thomas Morse sets out to recover the appropriated, stolen, and scattered world FLOORING of his ancestral Kwakwaka’wakw people, from Alert Bay to Quadra Island to Vancouver. Handcrafted for you

$17.95 | 128 pages | 978-0-88922-660-9 from BC woods… Available in the ferry giftshop, through your naturally! local bookshop, or at www.talonbooks.com. (800) 349-5252 close to beach and marina www.sailview.ca Talonbooks www.woodlandflooring.com open house Saturdays 2-4pm 250.656.8646 islandtides.com Page 6, ISLAND TIDES, August 11, 2011 Saturna Notes - PRISCILLA EWBANK Summer Skies and solar system is two-thirds of the way out in Stargazing the Milky Way. Fun to hear, that in Summertime brings us friends and family. describing the cosmos, way out in the Sometimes our visitors are experts willing unknown as far as can be imagined, to share their knowledge for our astronomers are using familiar words like enrichment. ‘nursery’, ‘middle-aged’ and ‘elderly’! Dr Alexander Pruss, on Saturna visiting We learned that the middle of our eyes his parents, brought a homemade traveling has the most intense concentration of focus telescope and the passionate knowledge of and is set up for colour vision and that only an ‘amateur astronomer’, as he described huge telescopes have the capacity to himself. translate the colour of the stars and nebulas. A Star Watch was organized at Mount So we were advised that, to make the most Warburton Pike on a late July Saturday. of the black and white images we were This occasion offered ‘stars both young and seeing through the telescope, we should old, a view of the Andromeda galaxy and look sort of sideways using peripheral two more distant ones; bring your vision. binoculars or telescopes.’ Warburton Pike is Our next stop was a tiny blur in the sky the highest point in the Outer Gulf Islands which you can easily pick up with and has a huge view to the south. binoculars; the Andromeda galaxy is just Warburton Pike is a marvelous place in past two bright stars in the Lyra the day, as ravens, vultures and eagles ride constellation. All the time we were watching, the thermals with nary a wing tilt—riding satellites were moving at great speed level with your head. Those thermals and passing under the stars. that bird behavior are a function of the light Dr Pruss had a wonderful night-piercing and heat of our daytime star, the Sun. When ‘flashlight’ which he flashed up to outline the you look out, Victoria and the Saanich constellations. Interestingly, in the Big Peninsula are outlines fading into the Dipper the third ‘star’ from the end of the horizon, the Islands are clothed in handle is actually two sets of two stars evergreens that skirt right down to the rocky orbiting around each other! shoreline, though some clear-cuts and It’s hard to know, beyond the Big and houses stand out. Little Dippers, why constellation names Nighttime was just as beautiful. In the were chosen. Perhaps picking one’s way interval between sunset at 10pm (gasp!) and home in the dark or navigating the oceans moonrise at 11:30pm we took turns looking made the patterns more meaningful to at far away stars and listening to Dr Pruss’ ancient peoples. What a great night! fascinating comments on what we were In The garden seeing and stargazing in general. Perhaps because the weather has been so With his wonderful telescope we saw cool, I have a sense of waiting for summer to truly arrive as the calendar marches on to Photo: Lila Parks gently jiggling images of black and white spots of ‘star nurseries’— stars being born, fall. I had to pronounce one zucchini dead, If you’re travelling on Vancouver Island, look out for these characters! Nanaimo’s Anime Club as it was engulfed in mildew, but what a year members cosplay at Cathedral Grove as Rikku, Auron, Lulu and Wakka from the Final Fantasy still held together by gravity, in the Lagoon for lettuce! My ‘cure’ for the zucchinis is to X videogame. Nebula. Then in the Hercules Constellation a ball of ‘elderly’ stars orbiting our Milky cut off any infected leaves, so now I can Way galaxy. really see the fruit. The remaining palm-like Our ‘middle-aged’ star, the Sun, and its tuft of zucchini leaves is rakish! 0 Notice to the Public from BC FerriesFerries Notice to the Public

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islandtides.com ISLAND TIDES, August 11, 2011, Page 7

IIssllaanndd wwiitthhoouutt ddooccttoorr rraaiissiinngg ‘‘ffuunn’’ddss - Jim Schmidt

Photo: Henny Schnare A famous summer fundraiser for the Galiano Health Care Society—now in its 19th year, Galiano’s Wine Festival takes place this year on Saturday, August 13. The event is held at the Lions’ Park, walking distance from the Sturdies Bay ferry dock. (For details see ‘What’s On?’ on page 5.) ast year, when Galiano’s community where we had no doctor on-island. suffered a significant loss of income, and in a country dance, and the raffle of a beautiful doctor of the previous 11 years left, The more serious and as yet unresolved addition had to pick up some of the ‘costs of quilt fashioned by a group of Islanders (see L the Galiano Health Care Society issue has been that of emergency after-hour doing business’ that he previously covered. Island Tides June 30 edition, page 10). (GHCS) found itself facing three challenges. care. Our community doctor was on-call for In short, the gap between what we This August, we invite all off-islanders to Our first challenge has been, of course, to emergencies several evenings during the brought in and what we had to pay became come to the Galiano Wine Festival and find a new doctor. Most physicians in BC bill week and two weekends a month. Most very large very quickly. VIHA recently discover our wonderful island. For those the Medical Services Plan for services they locums are willing to provide emergency contracted with us to cover some of these who arrive early, there is the Lion’s Pancake provide to specific patients. However, many care when they are on-island, so many week costs, but although this narrowed the gap, it Breakfast held at the hall next to the festival. doctors in rural areas, including ours, work nights are covered by them. However, not didn’t close it. Each year the wine festival features a score on a contract basis for the Vancouver Island all do this, and very few of those who do Enjoying Fundraising of booths staffed by BC wineries and Health Authority (VIHA), being paid for remain on the island during the weekends. Our second source of income is community merchants who bring us tastings from hours worked rather than number of Although we have coverage two donations and fundraising. All of us on the around the world. patients seen or procedures performed. weekends a month by a first call nurse, this board have been very impressed and moved Local artists will be there with their work Because of this, VIHA is responsible for still leaves us with two weekends a month by the generosity our community has shown and you’ll have a last-minute chance to buy hiring a replacement; however, the GHCS with no medical or nursing care available for to the GHCS in this time of financial crisis. tickets for the quilt which will be on display has worked closely with VIHA on this effort. emergencies. Individuals with minor Many have made donations and supported and raffled at the festival. It’s hard to find a We have, unfortunately, been unsuccessful emergencies have to be evacuated from the our activities. more enjoyable way to support so worthy a to date in finding someone to take the job. island, at great cost to the individual and the One of the great things we’ve discovered cause. The job is ideal for a physician who system, and those with more serious is just how much fun can be had raising We know if you come to the wine festival enjoys independent practice, so GHCS emergencies have to wait a lot longer to get money through events such as our 25th you’ll go home with wonderful memories. 0 believes that the position has not yet been definitive medical care, with all the risks that birthday party for the GHCS, a talent show, filled because the ‘net has not been cast wide it creates. We continue to work very hard on
enough’ and we are now actively working plugging this hole in the system but to date
with VIHA to enhance the position and it remains very much an issue. make it more visible to more potential Our third challenge has been financial. In 

candidates. Anyone reading this article that most communities, residents have access to
 

 
is or knows of a possible candidate is of health facilities that are funded by their tax
course invited to contact VIHA or us for dollars, like Lady Minto Hospital on Salt
                more information. Spring. However, the GHCS receives no
Our second challenge has been to funding from VIHA or any government provide adequate health services to island body. We likewise receive no money from 

 
  

 

residents and visitors in the absence of a the property taxes. Every cent we spend to full-time community doctor. maintain and operate our clinic we must   


 

  
  
 
The Ministry of Health and VIHA fund earn. We do this in two ways.  locum coverage of the clinic, although they First, we rent space to health care           ! "  haven’t always been able to find people to providers in our clinic. Our major renter was    #  $ %  #$  take the positions, so weeks have gone by the community doctor, and when he left we  #!  & '(     ! &   !  "&) &  !  "  &   "  #$        " ! &    ! #$   "       #$%  & "       )  *"   &    +#& ,     "      • -  )+"'.  - ,    &&  #& , &!  &&  &  & */  "            & " +   "     " 0 ..&  &           #$) "  *" )  !           & "     11"  2  )&           


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islandtides.com Page 8, ISLAND TIDES, August 11, 2011

Biz Buzz… featuring news from our advertisers around the Salish Sea. Sara Miles & Christa Grace-Warrick Wheels and Tales with gSA While boats and bikes are great, sometimes you need a car. And if you don’t own one, renting can be just right. When Sara went up-Island to the VI Music Festival in July, she rented a car from Terry at GSA Auto Rentals in Sidney. She reports: ‘Terry picked us up at Swartz Bay ferry terminal, and we went through the necessary preliminaries, like the vehicle inspection and paperwork, in a minimum amount of time with a maximum amount of friendly chatter. This worked for me because I was chomping at the bit to get on the road! ‘The black 2004 Honda Civic Terry had waiting for me, with automatic transmission and A/C, was clean and affordable. It was also very fuel-efficient, which was good for the environment and my bank account. ‘The best part about renting from Terry though is that he likes to tell stories. This turns an ordinary business transaction into a personal and memorable experience. He told me about the time he gave Canadian comedian Don Harron (aka Charlie Farquharson) a ride to the airport after a 48-hour telethon in Toronto. It was a dark and snowy night and Mr Harron had fallen asleep in the back of the car. Terry was trying to find the private hangar to which he was to deliver his passenger, when he discovered he had just driven over a live runway. ‘It was really embarrassing,’ said Terry. What a headline that would have made! ‘For more terrific tales and great deals on wheels, I’d say Photo: Christa Grace-Warrick call Terry at GSA. Just don’t let him drive you down a Louis Vallee demonstrates his high-tech tricyle (see ad page 11), a great way to get around the islands. runway!’ (See ad, page 11.) SM Thursday evening street market and to Salt Spring’s New Showroom for Watertiger Saturday Market (see ad, page 2 for details and give them a Watertiger principal Adam Scheuer tells us that, in addition Books Received call). Both trips mean an overnight with ferries but a Secret Beaches of Central Vancouver Island to their Victoria office, the water treatment company (see morning or evening with Ocean Adventures. There’s lots of Directions to dozens of beaches, with maps and ad, page 2) has a new showroom in Burnaby where you can room and coolers aboard for the shopping; always ocean illustrations. Theo Dombrowski: Heritage House, $26.95. see rainwater collection and treatment in action—yes, ‘rain’ wildlife to see and a chance to see the whales. ‘Make getting The Hunt of the unicorn A young girl falls into an falls from the ceiling! Adam says that rainwater collection there part of the adventure,’ says Tara. has become mainstream (excuse the pun) in the last ten adventure where she is rescued by a unicorn and taken Fluttering Silks prisoner by a king—but she has her own plans! C.C. years and the company does full design for both garden Kebe and Fast’s beautiful red truck was waiting for a ferry Humphreys: Knopf Books for Young Readers, $18.99. 0 watering systems and drinking water, where UV filtering is at Otter Bay on a Sunday afternoon, next stop Gabriola. still the treatment of choice. Their distinctive banners had come down from the roadside Adam’s dad is Wilf Scheuer, owner of Pro Star in front of Pender’s Hall. Katheryn & David had completed Mechanical Technologies Ltd. Wilf and Adam’s companies, another of their fabulous Asian Décor sales. It’s a date! which also have a branch in the Comox Valley, have been Every summer, after six months buying in Asia, they run advertising with Island Tides for, as Adam puts it ‘nearly AuguST 9 their tour of Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and the A new wheelchair-accessible interpretive center opens half my life.’ Gulf Islands, setting up in community halls, legions, even a Taking A Summer Trip To Market at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park on Vancouver theatre. A bit like the tool-sharpening Tinkerers, they bring Island. Now that summer seems to be here, it is time to get out on their business to you. This year’s schedule started in the water with your guests (or just by yourselves) to enjoy Errington, next they will visit the Sunshine Coast, take a trip AuguST 20 all the westcoast has to offer. You can do this even if you out to the Okanagan and finish up in Cobble Hill at the end The PNE Fair opens in Vancouver, until don’t have a boat. Tara at Gulf Islands Ocean Adventures of September. See their merchandise, blogs and schedule at September 5. Kids 12 and under get in free this year. says that she and Dan are offering tours to the Sidney www.kebeandfast.com. C G-W 0

CORPORATE MEDIA from page 5 sale) to the highest bidder. No media covered our press out (he worked at CBC before CTV), CBC brass has made corporate control, but the trustees in bankruptcy only release. all reporters terrified of expressing what could be construed accepted bids for all 46 papers (including all BC’s dailies). BellGlobe Media is another huge player, owning 28 TV as a left-wing opinion. Paul Godfrey, ideologically aligned with the National Post’s stations, including CTV, 15% of the Globe and Mail, 29 Look for an independent newspaper in Canada? We have historical editorial stance, bought all 46 for over $1 billion. specialty channels, 33 radio stations, including big players two large dailies that fall outside the Bell, Shaw and The Green Party suggested CanWest’s bankruptcy was the in Toronto and Ottawa CFRA and CFRB, as well as dozens Quebecor conglomerates—the Chronicle Herald in Halifax perfect time to expand the number of owners of Canadian of online products and internet networks (such as (owned by the Dennis family) and the Toronto Star, owned media and sell the papers (or at least offer the papers for Sympatico). by a trust, Torstar. Small, but mighty, we have Island Tides. Quebecor controls Sun Media as a wholly owned And brave independent journalism from The Tyee. Rainwater Harvesting Systems subsidiary. That conglomerate is the largest newspaper We need a serious policy debate in this country. With publisher in Canada, including 43 paid and free dailies eyes on Murdoch, maybe we are ready to look at our own ABOVE & BELOWGROUND APPLICATIONS (including the once great London Free Press, Kingston news media and see if new tools are needed. Current Whig-Standard and Peterborough Examiner), as well as competition laws only operate to hold in check the price of FEATURING world leading 200 community papers (they bought up Osprey), as well as papers. CRTC only looks at Canadian content. Bottom line brands the new channel SUN TV, and the largest commercial TV —we need anti-trust laws to break up excessive media station in Quebec—TVA. Quebecor also runs Canoe control in 5-6 hands for the whole country. providing English and French internet properties, on line Elizabeth May, Order of Canada, is Saanich–Gulf Islands servers, and a host of other companies, now known as Member of Parliament. ‘Losing Confidence: Power, Politics media properties. and the crisis of Democracy in Canada,’ (McClelland and If this were a board game, it would be called Monopoly. Stewart, 2009). 0 We have CBC and Radio-Canada, but as Kai Nagata pointed JAKOBSEN ASSOCIATES

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Economic Mismanagement of the Public Good — GARY HOLMAN oters by now will have decided the HST debacle. It original commitment to place its private lands under required for domestic needs, and at a price that is double its was only one of a trail of broken Liberal sustainable forest management in return for permanent worth in export markets. V commitments on a whole range of issues, including access to valuable Crown timber. Dr Marvin Shaffer, adjunct professor of public policy at the sale of BC Rail and BC Hydro, promises of open The Capital Regional District has now been left with the Simon Fraser University, has estimated that the provisions government, policies to support rural ‘heartlands,’ and so unenviable task of dealing with development proposals of the Clean Energy Act will cost BC ratepayers billions of on. arising from the WFP sale, and has had to spend regional dollars, also without any oversight from BCUC, whose The HST is also just the latest move by the Liberal tax dollars protecting sensitive ecosystems and key authority to review IPP projects has also been removed. government to shift taxation from corporations to families. recreation features that should have been protected by the If you have been offended by the deceitful and unfair This shift has been achieved by increasing a number of Province. HST tax grab, and referendum rules designed to confuse regressive user fees such as MSP premiums, tuition fees, There are many other examples of resource and manipulate, I hope you have voted ‘Yes’ to take us back ferry fares, and seniors’ care. Respect for the social contract mismanagement: to the tax structure we had before this HST mess started. is increasingly replaced by user-pay. • Open-pen salmon farms on salmon migration routes, Remember that the HST is only the latest in a series of In addition, important services that government using sites that preclude marine recreation opportunities tax and policy changes that to erode important public provides, particularly to rural areas and lower income and contaminate shellfish beds. services, shift responsibility for funding government from families, have been steadily reduced. • The bizarre proposal to drain Fish Lake in the BC Interior large corporations to families, and ‘manage’ our natural It is important to remember that if the Liberals actually to create a mining tailings pond; approved by a provincial resources for private profit rather than the public good. follow through with their promise to reduce the HST rate, environmental assessment process that has become a This has to change. The BC Utilities Commission’s this will affect provincial, not federal, tax revenues. rubber stamp. authority over all power projects and programs must be Therefore, the most significant impact of the HST initiative • The contamination of groundwater and use of water in reinstated to protect the interests of ratepayers. The may be to give the Liberals an excuse to initiate another hydro reservoirs for northeast oil and gas exploration and integrity of the Environmental Assessment Office must be round of user-fee hikes, destructive cuts to public services, development. restored. A moratorium must be placed on new or both. independent power projects, and a watershed planning • The wholesale auctioning of rivers for purposes of private There is another disturbing trend under the Liberals, and process implemented to ensure such projects are in the power production. that is the management of public resources for private public interest. A freeze must be placed on ferry fares, • The $900 million dollar investment in so-called ‘smart profit, rather than for the overall public good. The sell-off of tuition and other user fees until a comprehensive review of meters’ with no oversight by the BC Utilities most of BC Rail and a large chunk of BC Hydro, both our tax system is undertaken. The management regime for Commission. profitable Crown corporations—both moves were concealed private forest lands has to be reviewed to prevent loss of • The sale of industrial power to new mines in northwest from the public during elections—were among the first these lands to urban sprawl. The election of an NDP BC at half the cost of new power production. examples of this ideologically driven agenda. government is the only way such measures will ever be Allowing Western Forest Products (WFP) to sell off its Probably the most egregious example of public resource undertaken. private lands from its Tree Farm License for real estate management for corporate gain is the Liberals’ so-called Gary Holman is an economist and has been nominated as the development on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, Clean Energy Act, which under the guise of self-sufficiency, NDP candidate for Saanich North and the Islands in the next was a more recent case. This decision ignored WFP’s requires BC Hydro to purchase power from IPPs not provincial election. 0 students were able to return 191,198 containers in 2010-11. beautiful new building. News Briefs~ Sara Miles This was almost twice as much as the next runner up, View The $1 million addition to the hospital was funded gabriola Wolves Need Votes Royal Elementary, whose students collected an impressive entirely by donors. Karen Morgan welcomes Island Tides 100,000 containers. readers to stop by the Hospital Foundation Office for a short The Gabriola Wolves girls’ soccer team is in the running for This dedication earned Thetis Elementary School tour of the new Chapel and to see the lovely natural lighting, a $125,000 prize to upgrade their community soccer pitch. $17,539 in refunds and the $750 top prize from Encorp’s stonework and other architectural features. The voting period for the BMO Team of the Week 2011 BC School Recycling Program. Not only are these students Other recent improvements include electrical upgrading Champion ends August 15. A recent report by Jean Côté at helping the environment, but funding their own school that is almost complete; and the groundbreaking for Queens University confirms how sports can help youth programs and field trips. Great job, Thetis! construction of new operating rooms took place August 4. develop competence, confidence and caring. You can show support for their game by voting at www.bmosoccer.com. New Hospital Chapel Awarding Mid-Island Innovators Thetis Elementary Recycles Nobody likes going to the hospital, but it can be very helpful Do you know an established businesses, start-up or when there are healing, calming spaces in such an entrepreneurial student who should be recognized for their How does a small, one-room school collect the most institution. An August 11 celebration marked the opening of work? Nominations for the 6th annual Mid-Island Science recyclable containers in the province? With lots of the new 3,000 square-foot multi-faith Chapel at the Saanich Technology & Innovation Council Innovation Awards are community help! Peninsula Hospital. open until September 9. By incorporating a shipping container to organize the Whereas in the past, a small room that was not even The Awards recognize businesses from the Malahat to sorting and storage system for their returnables, and with wheelchair-accessible served this function, now patients the northern tip of Vancouver Island, including the help from a parent who takes them by truck and trailer to and family members can seek quiet and contemplation in a Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands. the Ladysmith Bottle Depot, Thetis Island Elementary Categories include advanced manufacturing, agri foods, environmental excellence and technology leadership. Details are at: www.mistic.bc.ca/events_awards.php. First Texada garden Tour Texada Garden Club hosts its first Garden Tour on Sunday, August 14. Ten sumptuous gardens, including historic Woodhead Farm, in continuous production since 1915, will showcase the creative horticultural skills of island gardeners. A Food Garden theme was chosen to emphasize the importance of growing food close to home. For info call Cheryl at 604-486-7327. 0 TUFFDOCK BARR™ MARINE PRODUCTS RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL POWER, LIGHTING & WATER SERVICE PEDESTALS & PILINGS Photo: Brian Haller • Attractive Spot the ‘Seagull Supervisor’—she sat on her nest at Swartz Bay ferry terminal amid the dock • Economical construction going on all around her. • Durable SHORELINE • Long-lasting Butler gravel & • SpecializingSpe in water • PVC Concrete…Better DESIGN accessacc over steep from the ground up! & rugged Finally… a solar Reliable Service, Quality Products terrain powered dock light & Competitive Prices that really works! Serving All The Gulf Islands • Fully insured Phone 250-652-4484 • Excellent barrplastics.com references 1-800-665-4499 Fax 250-652-4486 Peter Christenson • 250-629-8386 ask your local dock contractor or call Barr plastics today! 6700 Butler Crescent, Saanichton, B.C. www.shorelinedesign.ca islandtides.com Page 10, ISLAND TIDES, August 11, 2011

Photo: Susan Banjavich The heart of every perfect summer is captured in the sweet fragrance of that most nostalgic of all flowers, lavender…

FOOD from page 3 acid to flours. Avocados became a bad food in the 1970s with the push have we been brainwashed into buying cheap food? good Food guide to low fat diets, but they are now considered a great source Michael Pollan with Harry Burton Food Production Facts for good fats. Even though the healthiest foods for people are fresh fruits More of This… Food processors use extensive taste tests to determine Eat like an omnivore. and vegetables, there is little money to be made by farmers the exact formulation of components that humans prefer. in producing fresh fruit and vegetables. Some apple farmers Eat more plants, with an emphasis on leaves. Food-like substances are manipulated to be the most Eat wild—Lamb’s Quarters is one of the most nutritious plants in the Okanagan were only making 12¢ a pound for apples appealing to our tastes, as indicated by taste test results. in the world. A bitter taste is sometimes a sign of increased last year, even though the apples sold for over $1 per pound Sugar and salt have become the tastes most preferred by antioxidants (part of the plant’s defensive system aiding (an 800% mark-up). people, and most used by the food processing industry. The survival). These days, we breed plants to taste sweet. The sad truth is that the fruit industry in Canada is smell of McDonalds is not by chance—it is an appetite Eat grass fed or pastured meat (usually that means local). gradually fading away, with prices paid to farmers so low stimulant. Look a farmer in the eye, connect with your food, shop at farmers markets. that orchards become unsustainable. Why are there no How did butter, a natural product, ever become the ‘bad subsidies for healthy foods? Eat foods grown in an organic, healthy soil. They contain more guy’ and margarine, a man-made product, ever become a nutrients and minerals because they must be strong to survive A Saskatchewan grain farmer gets only $5 for a bushel ‘good guy’? Mother Nature did it right with butter. She set of organic wheat, yet a chicken farmer pays almost $20 for a hostile environment. This means they contain more the standard that food processors are still trying, antioxidants such as salvestrols, that help fight off cancer. a bag of organic wheat for chickens. Since a bushel contains unsuccessfully, to copy. Eat less sugar and avoid high fructose corn syrup more than a bag, someone is pocketing that 400% mark up. Manipulating Fats Buy from the edge of the supermarket. Avoid the centre, where The marketplace is full of examples of how little farmers Margarine is a classic example of the trial and error methods the processed foods are. Get out of the supermarket whenever receive and how much the food processing industry takes. you can. of the food processing industry. They have been telling us Product Farmer gets Consumer Pays Mark-up Plant a garden. If you don’t have land, connect with an Milk (glass) $0.18 $2.00 1100% since the 1950s that food-like margarine was better than ‘adopted’ garden. If you have gardens, but cannot work them, Chicken $1.20 $4.99 420% butter. In 1960, they assumed that animal fat was connect with people wishing to grow food. Most gardens could Corn Flakes $0.11 $3.54 3200% unhealthy, so they tried to replace them with transfats. In always use help and it will connect you even more with food. Beef $1.83 $14.04 770% 1972, when we learned that transfats were unhealthy, then Try to take a daily tablespoon or two of these superfoods: (If you buy directly from the farmer, there is no middleman, the margarine formulation was simply changed to avoid garlic, honey, apple cider vinegar. And Less of That… and the farmer receives 100% of your money. This is how transfats. Avoid food with unfamiliar, unpronounceable ingredients. you vote to keep that farmer in business.) Omega-3 fats do not keep well and so were removed Avoid anything your grandmother would not recognize. Money or Mother Nature from many processed foods, even though they turn out to be one of the most valuable part of our diet. In the 1990s, Avoid food with artificial flavours and colours. There is much money to be made by middlepersons or food Don’t seek out individual nutrients as a solution, but realize omega-3 fats which had previously been removed, were processing, which is a $32 billion per year industry. Though that with Mother Nature, a food (plant) is more than the sum again added to margarine. The food processors are still we know more about food, we use this information to of its parts. It is your whole food intake that makes you healthy. playing catch up to Mother Nature. manipulate the components of foods into other food-like We do not know all the subtleties of nature. For instance, the substances. vitamin content from butter produced by cows on spring grass The Politics of Food is higher than that from cows raised on winter forage. Nuritionalism, says Pollan, is the theory that foods are The food processing industry is a profit-driven business. Don’t get your fuel from the same place your car does. just a sum of their parts, so discover the parts and then they Politically, government subsidies to corn, soy and wheat Means Better Health and More Enjoyment… can be added together to make up other foods. 17,000 new producers, result in huge savings for the processed food Pay more for your food. Eat less. food-like substances are created each year. industry, and provide them with a very cheap raw resource Fresh foods require preparation and cooking; enjoy the Despite all our extra knowledge we still do not even know to produce cheap, unhealthy food. process of creating a good meal. all the components in any food let alone how they interact. The sugar industry (which has a huge government lobby) Listen to your stomach; don’t let the size of your portion tell We are discovering that Mother Nature’s foods are more is not happy that the USA’s maximum permissible level of you when you are full. The people of Okinawa have an 80% than the sum of their parts. sugar in our diet is set at 25%. They would like to see it concept: quit eating when you are 80% full. Eat your meals slowly, at a table. Babies still do better on mother’s milk than they do on increase, although the United Nations sugar level is 10%. the most nutritionally complete baby formula. Trust Mother Have a glass of wine with dinner. You would think that the government of any country Sharing food is one of the oldest pleasures in the world, Nature. would want a healthy population. Citizens are the strength crossing all cultures. Relax and enjoy—it is a gift from Mother Eat an apple and benefit from all Mother Nature’s magic. of a country, the work force, tax base and small business Nature. Give thanks! You do not need to know anything about that apple magic incubator for the nation. Why would countries such as Harry Burton, aka Captain Apple, owns AppleLuscious to gain the health benefits. Canada or the USA not try to keep their populations as Orchard on Salt Spring Island, he produces the Island’s Apple Vitamins were discovered in the 1930s when they were healthy as possible? Festival in October. added to refined flours. In 1996, they started adding folic FOOD, continued on next page




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FOOD from previous page BUSINESS CASE from page 5 Smart meters and privacy Food Savvy important to it, are estimates of electricity conservation British Columbia’s Information and Privacy Commissioner from billing initiatives that are only possible with smart is investigating BC Hydro’s Smart Metering Program to We have surrendered our food eating instincts to the meters. scientists, yet we are not being directed in a healthy manner. ensure that it complies with privacy law. BCHydro has stated they will not introduce compulsory Commissioner Elizabeth Denham launched her How have we lost the ability to know what foods are good time-of-use billing, but they nevertheless estimate ‘capacity investigation following receipt of numerous complaints that for us? Even the deer outside my fence and the chickens in savings’ with a total PV of $110 million from voluntary use the information collected by smart meters breaches my yard have maintained their ability to eat according to of this billing system. These savings stem from the fact that personal privacy. what their body needs. Chickens are wonderful to watch as the distribution system has to be designed with capacity to BC Hydro has recently started installing smart meters they do circuits through the orchard, constantly varying handle consumption peaks, and time-of-use rates are and, by the end of 2012, has plans to install more than 1.8 their diet. I eat more kale now that my chickens have shown designed to discourage electricity use at peak times. million meters throughout BC. Rather than measuring me how healthy it is. BCHydro’s estimates were based on trials in six BC energy use for each billing period, as is currently the case, A Plan For Enjoyment & Health communities to research customer reaction to these rates. smart meters provide more frequent information about Smart meters can enable customers to take action to In Defense of Food Michael Pollan gives us a plan to get back people’s electricity use. reduce power consumption in real time, provided the to a healthy diet. He is very optimistic since it is much easier ‘The privacy and security of energy consumption data is customer is presented with timely information. Experience now, than 40 years ago, to eat well. His subtitle: ‘Eat Food, a very real issue for citizens throughout the province,’ said at US utilities underpins BCHydro’s estimates of energy Not Too Much, Mostly Plants’ encapsulates it. To expand Commissioner Denham. savings, which have a significant PV total of $220 million. on that a bit: the best food for us is unprocessed foods— ‘With an increase in the frequency of the information fruits, vegetables and meats that are grown in the manner Coming Clean On Rates collected from smart meters comes an increased of our ancestors. These foods all come in the package that This is an expensive program; counting borrowing costs, it responsibility on BC Hydro to ensure that privacy and Mother Nature created for them. Not only are fresh fruit is more costly than it appears. Its financial justification security is built into the smart grid.’ and vegetables the best value for your money, they are also depends on assumptions that should be closely examined, The commissioner will investigate whether BC Hydro’s and its deliberate exclusion from examination by the BC the healthiest food. use of smart meters complies with its obligations regarding Utilities Commission is clearly questionable. Eat what Mother Nature intended, enjoy cooking and collection, use, disclosure, retention and security of personal The incentives that might be initiated to encourage information under the Freedom of Information and searching out healthy, tasty foods. power conservation by customers may depend on the Protection of Privacy Act. Take back control of your diet. Shed the passivity and get universal installation of ‘smart meters’, but they may also BC Hydro has been consulting with the Office of the actively involved in your food; enjoy eating with friends; get depend on rate structures that have not been introduced to Information and Privacy Commissioner on the privacy and healthy. We either make time for our wellness; or we will be accompany their use. security implications of its smart meters program, and has forced to take time for our illness. 0 Those structures should be exposed to public view as also committed to co-operate fully with the Commissioner's Did you appreciate this article? Help us afford the soon as possible; without them, the smart meters may be a investigation. The commissioner will release a public report

Tennis in the heat ~ Derek Holzapfel he 2011 Pender Island Tennis Dosser played against Derek Young and Tournament was held Saturday Jim Blakely. T and Sunday, July 23-24. After a long and heated match in the Sixteen players started at 9am blazing sun, Derek Young and Jim Saturday with each playing 56 games Blakely were the big winners. throughout the day. This first round was Congratulations to Derek and Jim, completed at 5:30pm and followed by a and a big thank you to Center Court lively potluck barbeque dinner. Racquets in Victoria for sponsoring the The 10am Sunday start had the top tournament. 0 eight players compete in the semi-finals. At 1pm, the finals began with the top Did you appreciate this edition? Mail four players: Robyn Wein and David < or phone in your contribution today! Our natural environment is no placece forfor hhouseholdousehold hhazardousazardous wwaste.aste. Save the AUGUSTAUGUST BringBring yyourour hazardoushazardous wastewaste toto tthehe Last Piece SSaturnaaturna IIslandsland RRecreationecreation CentreCentre We need your help to save a 104104 HarrisHarris Road,Road, 111:001:00 aamm – 11:00:00 ppmm 2727 20112011 beautiful 54-acre property on Salt Spring Island. HouseholdHousehold hhazardousazardous wastewaste defined.defined. This will complete the protected areas of Burgoyne Bay known for Garry Oak and Coastal Douglas-fir. HouseholdHousehold hhazardousazardous wawasteste iiss aanyny wawasteste ffromrom yyourour hhomeome tthathat yyouou cconsideronsider toto bbee ddangerousangerous oorr aarere uunsurensure oof.f. IItt iincludesncludes aanyny lleftovereftover hhouseholdousehold productsproducts thatthat aarere mmarkedarked withwith thethe followingfollowing ssymbols:ymbols: Please donate to The Nature Trust of BC www.naturetrust.bc.ca Flammable Corrosive Explosive Poison #260 - 1000 Roosevelt Crescent Toll free 1-866-288-7878 North Vancouver, BC V7P 3R4 CCommonommon eexamplesxamples iincludenclude ppesticides,esticides, vvarnishes,arnishes, ppaints,aints, ccleanersleaners aandnd poolpool cchemicals.hemicals. PPleaselease rrememberemember tthishis ccollectionollection iiss fforor hhouseholdousehold wawasteste oonly,nly, nnoo iindustrialndustrial wastewaste fromfrom ccommercialommercial bbusinesses.usinesses.

ForFor moremore informationinformation callcall tthehe CRDCRD HotlineHotline 11.800.663.4425.800.663.4425 Email:Email: [email protected]@crd.bc.ca oror vvisitisit www.crd.bc.cawww.crd.bc.ca

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