m Your copy of Islands Real Estate Magazine storical Archived . ^ ^ ^ ^^ 129 Mc Phi 1 lips Ave julf Islands __ Pring Island, J3C UV8K 2Tii n i wi 01/01/98 Wednesday, July 16, 1997 Vol. 39, No. 29 Your Community Newspaper Salt Spring Island, B.C. $1 (incl. GST) Ferry problems anger islanders, frustrate visitors By VALORIE LENNOX 7:15 to 9 p.m. Friday as divers Driftwood Staff adjusted a loose propeller screen. Getting to Salt Spring became a By the time the Skeena Queen was gamble for countless visitors last back in service there was an over weekend as both the Queen of load swollen by travellers from the Nanaimo and the Skeena Queen lower mainland routed through underwent repairs Friday. Swartz Bay to Salt Spring. Ongoing scheduling problems Compounding the problem was continue to anger both islanders misleading information from B.C. and visitors. Ferries staff, cited by more than one traveller. The Queen of Nanaimo broke down Saturday, July 5 and didn't Among them was Sharon Fisher return to service until late Friday. of Vancouver, who had made a A repair crew had to wait for a reservation a month earlier on the part to be shipped from the United 10:15 p.m. Queen of Nanaimo Kingdom to fix a leaking propeller sailing to Salt Spring. She had shaft seal. Tsawwassen-to-Salt arranged for a weekend stay at a Spring sailings were cancelled Salt Spring bed and breakfast, until repairs were complete. starting Friday night. Then the Skeena Queen was out FERRY WOES 2 of service from approximately Kimiko Murakami dies at Lady Minto A respected Salt Spring matriarch, Kimiko Okano Murakami passed away Monday at the age of 92. Murakami was the subject of a television documentary aired March 20 on CBC television which focused on the strength of character that helped her and her family cope with being removed from Salt Spring, separated and interned in central B.C. during the Second World War. She was born in Steveston on September 25, 1904, the first child of Japanese descent to be bom in the fishing community, but lived most of her adult life on Salt Spring. After she and her husband Katsuyori were removed from their Salt Spring farm in 1942, it took the family seven years to return to the island which they considered their home. All of her six children were present at Lady Minto Hospital when she died Monday, including Alice and Ted Tanaka, Violet Murakami, Mary and Tosh Kitagawa, Rose Murakami, Richard Murakami and Bruce Murakami. Not big enough for dinner Also present were two of her 10 grandchildren. She had eight great Joshua Reynolds took on a hunt of a different Club fishing derby on Sunday. The youngster grandchildren. kind while he waited for relatives to weigh in hunted around the beach by Moby's Marine A funeral will be held Saturday in Ganges United Church starting at 11 their catches at the Salt Spring Rod and Gun Pub, finally producing this wee crab. a.m. and will be followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations to the school district's Katsuyori and Kimiko Photo by Ocmcfc lundy Murakami scholarship fund are requested. Lack of Fulford-Ganges bus service turns back visitors By VALORIE LENNOX the first in three to four years that Patterson points out that many bus service still in place. off-island sources: jobs and/or Driftwood Staff there has been no bus service of the visitors are wary of hitch Patterson suggests those busi contracts, government jobs, pen Lack of bus service from between Fulford and Ganges. But hiking or asking strangers for nesses which benefit from sions, investments, UIC or GAIN. Fulford to Ganges is forcing would-be visitors don't know rides. Only the more affluent tourism might want to sponsor a "This means around 90 per some tourists to turn back almost there is no bus service, so arrive choose the $20 to $25 taxi ride bus service from Fulford to cent of the population couldn't as soon as they set foot on Salt in Fulford faced with the choice into Ganges. Ganges, at least on weekends. really care if they never saw a Spring. of walking, hitchhiking, taking a Some of the visitors tell "No way a bus would work on tourist again. Their wants for Bruce Patterson, who owns taxi, or asking strangers in the Patterson that they were advised this island unless it is subsidized transportation revolve around Patterson's Store near the ferry parking lot for a ride. there was a bus service on Salt somehow," Patterson observed, cheap convenient ferries so they terminal, estimates dozens of Many are choosing go back on Spring, leading Patterson to spec pointing out that relatively few can get off the island to shop for people are coming into the store the ferry and leave the island, ulate that some off-island visitor islanders rely on bus service. better deals or selection, com every week asking about a bus to Patterson said. "Some turn information centres may not John Cade, who operated the mute to higher-paying jobs or Ganges. The demand is heaviest around and go right back to know the bus service was bus service at a loss for two sum relieve that fever that seems to on weekends, he said. Swartz." Others stay on the island dropped by Azure Transport Ltd. mers, feels most islanders don't grip some people about being Not only is the bus not there for approximately 90 minutes and earlier this year. Others have care if there is a bus available for trapped on an island," Cade but the vehicle is now for sale. then catch the next sailing off- taken the bus in past summers visitors. He estimates 90 per cent Patterson notes this summer is island. and arrive expecting to find the of islanders get their income from BUS SERVICE 2 • Arts • Entertainment • Current Events • Attractions Beginning on Page 15 N E W S B E AT 2 * WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1997 GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD Musgrave Road resident trades NO BUS SERVICE campground vision for pig farm From Page 1 remarked. now being lost, so it will be He has not found enough sup harder for someone else to get He wasn't allowed to put a camp When he discovered his camp the pig farm, although the farm port for a subsidized bus service transit rolling. site on his 20 acres of partially water ground proposal would not be permit requires no rezoning and could not be from the remaining 10 per cent He had hoped his bus service front property off Musgrave Road, so ted, he switched to dear-cutting the lot stopped by the Trust of the population which he sus would bring visitors to the island Bob Hawkins now plans a 500-strong in preparation for a pig farm, which is Among those objecting is neigh pects relies on tourism for to boost the local economy with pig farm. allowed under the zoning. bour Roger Hughes, who points out a income, so is on the verge of out adding to traffic and parking "I wanted to make it into a camp "I like pigs," he said "It's agricul pig farm is visually unappealing, cre hanging up his keys. problems. Without tourism, local ground but you know your Islands' tural land. It's solid rock and it won't ates objectionable odours and a poten "I'm doing a pretty severe businesses see their incomes Trust," the former logger explained. grow anything but I can raise good tial health hazard through contamina downsizing of the company," he drop, Cade said, creating a down He had envisioned a campground pigs." tion of adjoining wells from run-off. said. A potential buyer dropped ward spiral that spreads through with a waterfront boat launch, space A former butcher, he also plans to "I feel that the development of a pig by Sunday to test drive the bus. out the island. "Everybody better for overnight camping and kayaking slaughter the pigs he raises on site — farm at Musgrave Road will have a Cade is looking for another job wake up and smell the coffee — on the agriculturally-zoned, agricultur an activity also allowed under the huge impact on the lifestyle and health and his Salt Spring home is up this island's in a depression and al land reserve property. agricultural zorting. of all the people of Salt Spring for sale. sliding fast. We have to have an The lot lies at the intersection of But the proposal is not being wel Island," Hughes predicted. Most of the people he has economy, otherwise we don't Musgrave and Isabella Point roads. comed by neighbours, who were noti Hawkins admits he would rather talked to about bus service agree have a community." With a campground in mind, fied of Hawkins' plans through a develop a campground than a pig philosophically with the need Cade now hopes he won't Hawkins had selectively logged the notice he posted on his property. farm but he is not prepared to let the for transit and the need for tran have to leave the island to find property after purchasing it more than Hawkins invited neighbours to land lie idle. 'Teople here don't seem sit service to be subsidized. But employment. "There's that blind 20 years ago. write the Islands Trust if they object to to want any commerce," he remarked he feels his efforts to establish belief that if you really work some form of subsidized service hard and really believe in what FERRY WOES: have been hampered since he you're doing and really serve Create travel havoc owned the bus company, creat your customers, then things will ing an immediate conflict-of- go your way," he said. From Page 1 more sailings out of Fulford also sent a form to local accommo interest. "It hasn't happened so far but After being advised by B.C. Friday night. dation businesses, inviting guests He feels someone who has no I still believe in that." Ferries Friday morning that the Then shortly before 10 p.m., to report on their travel experi such conflict should spearhead a One of Cade's proposals was Queen of Nanaimo was out of ser Rumsby saw the Skeena Queen ences. "I understand some of them drive to offer transit to tourists. for a bus service between vice, Fisher opted to go to Salt come into Fulford Harbour, went through pure hell trying to "Nobody feels it is a really big, Ganges and Victoria which Spring through Swartz Bay and unload, and then head back to get over here," Green remarked. important issue," he said. would drive on to the ferry like changed her work schedule to Swartz Bay. Had she known there Going through purgatory almost But even if island merchants the Vancouver Island— Lower catch the 7 p.m. sailing from would be another sailing, Rumsby daily are the commuters taking the now agreed to subsidize a sum Mainland Pacific Coach Line Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. said she would have been waiting scheduled 6:10 p.m. sailing from mer bus service, Cade wonders buses. He has submitted that how he would survive the other proposal to B.C. Ferries and it is B.C. Ferries offered her assured in the terminal. Swartz Bay to Fulford. Served by 10 months of the year. being reviewed along with the loading on the mainland to "1 took the time to phone them the Queen of Cumberland, the sail He points out the momentum service options proposed by the Vancouver Island run but not on and then I get mis-information," ing has been running up to an hour he built up by offering bus ser Southern Gulf Islands Ferry the connection from Swartz Bay to she said. She suggests installation late. Commuter Terry Ridings, vice for the past two summers is Advisory Committee. Fulford. When the couple reached of a message board at the terminal noted that on July 7 the Queen of Swartz Bay, they were told there to advise travellers of schedule Cumberland didn't arrive at was no room for their vehicle on changes. She also plans to com Swartz Bay until 7:15 p.m., by NOTICE the 9:05 p.m. sailing to Fulford. plain to B.C. Femes. which time the Skeena Queen was They were also told that would The decision to add another also arriving for its scheduled 7:35 be the final sailing to Fulford, round-trip between Swartz Bay p.m. sailing to Swartz Bay. despite the overload which had and Fulford to handle the traffic Ridings said Salt Spring traffic built up while the Skeena Queen overload was not made until short was loaded on the Skeena Queen, was out-of-service. ly before 9 p.m., B.C. Ferries which then sailed at 7:45 p.m. They tried to reach Crofton for manager of communications Ed Nussbaum noted the No animals are permitted on the last sailing to Vesuvius but McKenzie said. Cumberland is often delayed by Vesuvius Bay Beach or Bader's Beach from missed the 10 p.m. trip, and were B.C. Ferries spokesman Stephen multi-port stops and is slow to June 15 - Sept. 15 in Crofton. Calling the bed and Nussbaum said the Queen of load. Although the corporation is breakfast, they learned that B.C. Nanaimo actually returned to ser aware of the problem, changes BY ORDER CRD RYLAW 1465-29 Ferries had added another sailing vice Friday evening and was will probably not occur until the from Swartz Bay to Fulford at slipped into an ad hoc schedule fall schedule, he added. 10:30 p.m. which also included the Queen of "I was very upset. I had planned Esquimalt and the Queen of FOR THE (^ulfJslancl f^iass this weekend a month ago," Fisher Vancouver. Regular service on the said. She intends to complain to Gulf Islands-Tsawwassen route RECORD B.C. Ferries. "It's a major part of resumed Saturday morning. WINDOWS... our highways system and they Salt Spring Chamber of A photo caption error in last don't care." Commerce president Barry Green week's Driftwood paired off the Damaris Rumsby had a similar said the chamber plans to survey wrong partners in a local tennis experience on the Salt Spring side. island businesses to determine if tournament. While Pat Lazenby All shapes and sizes. She attempted to take the last sail problems with ferry service are did take top points in the tourney, Free estimates - call today! ing off the island at 8:15 p.m. reducing their income. Results will it was with partner Richard Shop now open 8 am - 4:30 pm Friday, discovered it was not run be sent to B.C. Ferries and to the Salt Weatherby and not Bob Weeden, Rainbow Road (next to the cement plant) e£ ning, and upon calling B.C. Spring transportation committee. who placed second alongside part ROY CRONIN 537-4545 Ferries was told there would be no Over the weekend, the chamber ner Jennifer Morgan. Tide Tables Take The Boat To "THE COOLEST HMNHMMMMMMH The Islands AT FULFORD HARBOUR PLACE IN T O W N" Pacific Standard Time - measured in feet On Saturday sponsored by Harbours End Marine & Equipment Ltd. JULY 0000 10.1 20 0300 10.2 Brew your own 16 0755 2.4 SU 1035 0.4 COOLERS WE 1620 9.5 1835 10.8 1950 8.8 2330 8.3 la 7 • 10 dayi for 17 0040 10.1 21 0355 10.0 1/2 PRICE TH 0835 1.6 MON 1120 0.7 1655 10.0 1910 11.0 2055 8.9 OF LIQUOR STORES 22 0020 7.7 FLAVOURS AVAILABLE: 18 0125 10.2 TU 0455 9.7 Space limited to tint FR 0915 0.9 1205 1.3 forty passengers • Wildberry & Vodka 1730 10.3 1945 11.1 NO CHARGE FOR 2150 8.8 BICYCLES • Ice Tea Cooler Ganges departure at 9am 19 0210 10.2 23 0115 7.1 every Saturday for those • Rum & Cola SA 0955 0.5 WE 0605 9.2 wishing to visit Outer Islands 1805 10.6 1250 2.3 • Tropical Punch 2240 8.6 2015 11.2 SATURNA/PENDER 0 June 21, July 5, July 19 • Slrawberry & Vodka He^f 7teu*f "Hewf Aug. 02, Aug 16, Aug 30 • Raspberry & Vodka THE E-TECH BRUSHCUTTER Depart Saturna (Lyall H.) .. .10:00am and more Depart Pender (Hope Bay) ...10:15am DISC0MS!' A new more environment friendly brushcutter from Husqvarna Arrive Salt Spring (Ganges) . .11:00am ASK US HOW... 40% MORE POWER SO% LESS FUEL Depart Salt Spring 3.00pm 5Q% LESS SMOKE .40% LESS EWHSSIOWS Arrive Pender 3:40pm Salt (Spring U Brew NOW AVAILABLE AT: Arrive Saturna 3:55pm HARBOURS END MARINE & EQUIPMENT GULF ISLANDS 122 Upper Ganges Rd. at Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 5:00 C97 4 4riO WATER TAXI LTD. the head of Ganges Harbour Sat. 9:00 - 4:00 0O/-*t£U£ Reservations 537-2510 Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm / Saturday 10am-5:30pi 1<Ua*tden& *Won&C*ty & jlitUrty tm?dyet&en. 332 Lower Ganges Rd. 537-5170 N E WS B E AT GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1997 * 3 Crash rescue delayed Rescue of an island woman from minutes from the accident scene, a crash late Saturday night was firefighters could have been first at delayed by almost 15 minutes the scene. because emergency 911 dispatchers "I figure we got called when didn't include die fire department they got there and realized they in the initial call. couldn't get the driver out. That Police and ambulance were dis was quite a delay for the patient." patched to the accident in the 300 Wagg said both the RCMP and block of Musgrave Road at 11:10 p.m. the B.C. Ambulance Service have But the fire department wasn't instructions to call the volunteer called until 11:25 p.m., after police fire department to motor vehicle realized the Jaws of Life would be accidents on the island. Not being required to open the driver-side called by 911 dispatchers means door and remove the victim. accident victims do not receive all "They wondered why the fire the help available, Wagg added. department wasn't there," fire chief "It doesn't make me happy. It's Les Wagg said. With a hall five not fair to the public," Wagg said. _T Krayenhoff Renovations Ltd. Custom Homes "What your mind can conceive, our hands can create. " RESCUE IN PROGRESS: Ambulance crews in the 300 block of Musgrave Road. The res Meror 537-9355 and volunteer firefighters work in the glare of cue was delayed because 911 dispatchers did headlights to rescue a woman trapped in a not call the fire department when the acci vehicle following an accident Saturday night dent was first reported. Photo oy Valor* Lennox Mischief causes near disaster 10%off Ganges RCMP have received • The sink in the men's wash 'LICENCED^ 'LICENCED1 numerous complaints of vandal RCMP room at Centennial Park was I MECHANIC i i MECHANIC] ism, including mischief to a ripped from the wall last .ON DUTY. all parts .ON DUTY. REPORT truck which could have caused Wednesday and the park's SALE ENDS JULY 31ST serious injury. grassy area was driven on. Open Mon. • Fri. 8:30-5 TtteadShed Last Wednesday, a rear tire sengers were injured in the inci • Grass at several island 537-2876 fell off a truck as it was driven dent. schools has been damaged by i #2-111 down Stewart Road. Upon investigation, it was drivers. Robinson Rd. Luckily, police say, the driver discovered the bolts on the tires • A boat moored at the had slowed to pass cyclists and had been loosened, causing the Vesuvius dock was vandalized was only crawling along the mishap. during the night of July 6. The road when the tire fell off. Other vandalism complaints door was torn off the boat and JOANNE ELIZABETH Neither the driver nor her pas- included: numerous items stolen. • The windshield of a car 'BARRISTER & SOLICITOR * NOTARY PUBLIC parked on Maliview Drive was ' MEDIATOR smashed with a hammer some time during the night of July 6. Commercial, Family, Real Estate, Criminal, • In the evening of July 4 a CMI Litigation, Wills A Estates vehicle drove into the fence at Blackburn Meadows causing Mediation Services: an alternative way approximately $200 in damages. to resolve your legal problem • Three small trees at Salt Spring Golf and Country Club Phone 537-0737 Fax 537-0720 were broken, and the green at the eighth hole was gouged with 299 Woodland Drive V8K 1)6 a rake handle, sometime Friday night. Anyone with information regarding these offenses is LOCATION, LOCATION, asked to contact the Ganges RCMP or CrimeStoppers. In other police news: • A driver and two passengers LOCATION were taken to Lady Minto ... jI3kI P: Hospital and treated for injuries following a single vehicle acci dent on North End Road last Wednesday. Police say the 18-year-old dri ver swerved to avoid a deer and lost control of his vehicle, CLOSE CALL: Lydia Wilson smiles and jokingly asks for a ride crossing the road, striking a after a frightening mishap on Stewart Road last Wednesday. small tree and flipping over. Police say the tire of the Wilson vehicle came off after some The two female passengers one tampered with the bolts. Luckily, the truck was moving were 15 and 17 years old. The 1997 Ford Aerostar suffered slowly when the incident occurred. pt»iob,»,™kL«wy extensive damage. I -HOO-4*7^2Mffl #221 Mountain View Drive 3 Scheduled Flights Daily Between OPEN HOUSE Vancouver & the Gulf Islands Vane. Airport - Gulf islands 7:30am/12:30pm / 5:30pm A Gulf islands - Vane. Airport 8:Q0am,1:00pm/6;00pm M SATURDAY, JULY 19, 1 9 97 Ganges 3>57+GST + 1 2noon - 3pm one way O F F E R ED @ $ 3 2 9 , 0 00 Other Islands $62 GST Windermere + SALT SPRING REALTY one way (250)537-5515 Assisting buyers <£ sellers GANGES HARBOUR • Montague Harbour • Port Washington 1-800-537-4905 in real estate since 1981 #101 -149 Fulford Ganges Road, GIL MOUAT Lyall Harbour • Telegraph Harbour • Miners Bay Salt Spring Island, B.C. V8K 2T9 537-4900 24 HRS. N E W S B E AT 4 * WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1997 GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD CRD drops price on Outer Island sewage disposal costs Outer Islanders will get a waste was going to Victoria, that's worth an extra $15,000 to of Transport and Department of C RD price break if they ship their explained Salt Spring Island the processing plant. Fisheries and Oceans. liquid waste to Salt Spring, fol BRIEFS Liquid Waste Committee chair "We're trying to get some of • A policy to provide water lowing a Capital Regional man Terry Bolton. So the fees that 100,000 gallons a year for public fire protection from District (CRD) board resolution were dropped Wednesday to back to Salt Spring to help pay the Magic Lake Estates local Wednesday to drop the process dropped that fee to 15 cents a equal those charged to Salt for the facility," Bolton said, water service area on North ing cost for outer islands liquid gallon, equal to the amount Spring residents. adding that the new treatment Pender was approved by the waste. charged to process Bolton pointed out the CRD facility is nearing completion. CRD. Until Wednesday, Outer Gulf septage/sludge from Salt pays a fixed cost to operate the It will replace the pilot model • A two-year lease agreement Islands residents wanting to Spring. An annual $20 parcel facility, so more inflow means which has been used since last was approved between the CRD dispose of septage and/or tax paid by Salt Spring property lower costs for everyone. "The fall. and the Canadian government sewage treatment plant sludge owners originally allowed the more volume we can attract, the In other CRD news: for East Point Regional Park on at the CRD liquid waste treat lower disposal rate. better," he said. • Board members approved a Saturna Island. The agreement ment plant in Salt Spring's But once other Gulf Islanders The Outer Gulf Islands gen proposal to take over operation includes permission for the Burgoyne Bay paid 24 cents a were charged 24 cents a gallon erate approximately 100,000 of the Outer Gulf Islands' small Saturna Island Fire Protection gallon. to dispose of liquid waste on gallons worth of liquid waste a craft harbours, which are being Society to store equipment on Wednesday's resolution Salt Spring, figures showed the year. At 15 cents a gallon, dropped by the federal Ministry the lighthouse site. 'Ruling supports decks as highways LEARN TO HANNA AIR not government subsidy for ferries' CRUISE S A LT S P R I NG Schedule & Charter Support for traffic tickets: good for B.C. Ferries since it B.C. residents expect from Seaplanes yes. Support for ferry tickets: establishes police have authori highway systems in their area," Sailing/cruising course leads to Ganges Harbour & Gulf Islands Canadian Yachting Assoc, certifica no. ty under the Motor Vehicle Act he added. This summer, Coell to tion & qualification to charter sailboats That's the interpretation B.C. to enforce driving regulations said he has received a steady Vancouver worid-wide. Ferries assistant vice-president on ferry decks. stream of complaints about 4- DAILY Sponsored by SSI Parks &Rec.& Jeanette McKay puts on a June But using the court ruling to reduced service to the Gulf sc:in-:i>i'Li-:i) The Sailing School on SSI 18 B.C. Supreme Court ruling push government subsidy of Islands. FLIGHTS FOR START DATES that ferries are part of the high ferries as part of the highway "We've had hundreds of let CALL 537-2741 way system. system "would be a stretch," ters and phone calls over the Justice Romilly concluded she said. She doesn't think the past few months from people that the ferry deck is a highway wording of the judge's decision who are dissatisfied with the DEPART DEPART subject to Motor Vehicle Act holds the same weight as present service schedule," he GANGES VANCOUVER regulations, thus making it pos declaring the ferries an exten said. "I believe the ferry system HARBOUR AIRPORT 8:00 am 9:00 am sible for Gregory Wong to be sion of the highway. needs to be considered an 12:00 noon 1:00 pm charged with two driving But for Saanich North and the essential service and routes 4:00 pm 5:00 pm offences arising from a January Islands MLA Murray Coell, the must be maintained, rather than 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 4, 1996 incident on the Queen judge's ruling "confirms what cut back as they were this sum 1-800-665-2359 of Cowichan. islanders have been telling the mer." McKay said the ruling is B.C. government for decades Coell brought up the issue of or 537-9359 — that the ferries are our high the ferries as a highway system For Reservations Crown lands way system for Vancouver during discussion of B.C. or Other Information Island and the Gulf Islands. Ferries funding in the provin "You need consistent and cial legislature and promises to transfer reliable service, just as other keep pushing the point. Trust plans DPA details discussed release later this summer Talks towards transferring 'Gift To Your Heart from the three parcels of Crown land in Soles Of Your Feet southwestern Salt Spring to Development permit area details for the new official community plan Capital Regional District (CRD) (OCP) should be released to the public later this summer. Your footbath is worm & scented with lavender, parks are continuing with a little Senior planner Linda Adams reported at the July 10 Salt Spring Island the atmosphere is peaceful & friendly. help from the Islands Trust. Trust Committee meeting that a rough draft of proposals has been Music is playing softly in the background. referred to the Advisory Planning Commission and the public should be Trust executive director /Slow lay back and let the power of able to peruse them "fairly shortly." Gordon Mcintosh arranged a Reflexology & Reiki work with your body meeting last Thursday between No exact timeline has been set, but formal public discussion on the to bring you a sense of balance & well being. CRD parks and B.C. Lands staff OCP should resume in the fall. • to discuss the concept. Another Mapping of the four proposed development permit areas is being con \ Julie -Howard is a certified Reflexologist & Reiki meeting is slated for August 7, tracted out, Adams said. practitioner. Julie offers special rates for children, at which Mcintosh hopes the An island-wide development permit area was proposed in the first teens, seniors - package deals/gift cert, are available transfer process will commence. OCP draft and subsequently removed due to public pressure. However, To contact Julie input on the OCP's second draft suggested certain environmentally sensi Although the Islands Trust is Your own home sessions 537-4786 not directly involved in the pro tive areas of the island should be protected through use of development Mon-Sat. Skin Sensations 537-8807 (Grace Ft. Sq.) posed transfer, Mcintosh said permit areas, as outlined in the Municipal Act. Thurs. 2-7 Transformational Healing Arts the concept is supported by the Adams also noted that B.C. Lands' disagreement with the proposed 537-9362 (Lancer MdgY OCP's designation of Salt Spring's Crown lands for public park use "will Trust. He offered to arrange have to be resolved before we go forward." Support from several govern Thursday's meeting. ment agencies such as B.C. lands is needed before the Minister of The three parcels are on Municipal Affairs will accept the OCP bylaw. Mount Sullivan, Bruce Peak and If the local Trust committee cannot get an agreement from B.C. Lands, Hope Hill, adjacent to the exist y matrix. the problem will have to be worked out between B.C. Lands and ing 640-acre regional park on Municipal Affairs, Adams said. the Mill Farm property. ESSENTIALS Combined with the Mill Shellfish harvesting prohibited Farm, the Crown lands would WHY SHOULD YOU create a 1,180-acre park in the southwest comer of Salt Spring. Harvesting of bivalve molluscs, The closure was implemented COME TO OUR SALON? Mcintosh is encouraged that including clams, oysters, mussels by Fisheries and Oceans Canada both CRD regional parks staff and scallops, is closed in the area due to high levels of paralytic and B.C. Lands are meeting to of Sansum Narrows, Satellite shellfish poison — also known as discuss the idea. "It's good news Channel, the Saanich Inlet and the PSP or red tide — in the area. The Our continuous training in the latest that it's still proceeding." 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MARILYN'S SPECIAL- riginal containers in glass, terra cotta or wicker. 20 ^ OFF PERMS / 10 /O OFF SHAMPOO/CUT/STYLE unf;7 August 31/97 • must present this ad DELIVERY ON THE ISLAND *H£ STUDIO 103 "Flowers t, Arrangement" 7 women, children HAIR DESIGN Beth ChemelF 537-9252 OPEN: MON.-SAT. 9-5 • 2103 Grace Point Square • 537-2700 (Earlier and later appointments available on request) N E W S B E AT GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1997 t. 5 Junk mail delivery can now be stopped Islanders can reject flyers and will be mailings from the House of other advertising mail just by post Commons, community newspapers ing a notice in their mailboxes. and messages from Elections As of July 1, Canada Post insti Canada and provincial chief elec tuted a new program which allows toral officers. people to reject delivery of unad- Ganges postmistress Lynda Traer dressed mail, which may include said Monday that 20 people have free samples, coupons, flyers, cir come into the post office since July culars, government mailings, free 1 to ask to have flyer delivery to distribution magazines, catalogues, their mailbox stopped. She is now non-profit and event information. collecting information from postal To stop delivery of unaddressed couriers on the number of people mail, attach a note to that effect who have placed notes in their inside the mailbox door. mailboxes rejecting flyer delivery. Unaddressed mail will not be deliv "Salt Spring does have a prob ered to that mailbox as long as the lem with flyer litter," Traer said. note is in place. "Hopefully this will help." Notes should not be placed on A card outlining how to stop the outside of the mailbox as those flyer delivery is available from the will be removed as part of the post office. Anyone wanting fur postal service maintenance. ther information can call Canada The only unaddressed mail Post customer service at 1-800- which will continue to be delivered 267-1177. Autographs, please "Stuck on an Island" author Jackie Watson, Saturday. The two were signing copies of their left, and illustrator Migs Russell-Edwards were book in front of a beat-up "island car" which on hand outside Island Books Plus on is featured in the book. Photo by Denxk Lundy Tour bus Brian A. Lercher parking You WHO? Barrister & Solicitor Notary Public established (serving clients for 25 years) Areas of Practice: A parking spot for tour buses has been set aside in Ganges, but it • Real Estate won't be used until the signs are in place. Conveyances & mortgages - low fees Part of the parking area on Lower Ganges Road just south of • Wills & Estates the Tourist Information Centre was * Corporate & Commercial agreed upon earlier this year by local elected officials and the Salt * Personal Injury (I.C.B.C. Claims) Spring Chamber of Commerce. Tour buses often park on Tel. 653-9055 Fax. 653-4897 Fulford-Ganges Road outside of Centennial Park, but that means 145 Dukes Road (just off Fulford-Ganges Rd.) You are this week's winner of a return flight on they have to leave Ganges via the HARBOUR AIR'S busy Mouat's/ Thrifty's parking lot. Chamber manager Melva Geldreich said the signs, which will V A N C O U V ER S E R V I C E S* be hooded or removable for non- peak times, have been ordered and will be installed by JJM Maintenance when staff have time to do it. Salt Spring's local Trust commit GANGEStoVANCMRPORT MOMAGUE to VANG AIRPORT tee agreed last month to spend $200 of its local expend fund to y 58.UU +(iST one way y OSMHJ +GST one way purchase the signs from the high ways ministry. Fit # From Departs To Arrives Frag. Hold on 801 Vane. Airport 7:10am Ganges & Montague 7:35am daily 803 Vane. Airport 12:15pm Ganges & Montague 12:40pm daily 805 Vane. Airport 5:45pm Ganges a Montague 6:10pm daily taxi licence Fit # From Departs To Arrives Frep. 802 Ganges & Montague 7:40am Vane. Airport 8:10am daily removed 804 Ganges & Montague 12:45pm Vane. Airport 1:15pm daily 806 Ganges & Montague 6:15pm Vane. Airport 6:45pm daily Salt Spring Taxi is back on the GANGES to DOWNTOWN VANC service * road after a brief spell without its licence. Dayle Gaetz, mother of Salt y OwtOU +GST one way Spring Taxi owner Brian Gaetz, Fit # From Departs To Arrives Freq. said the Motor Carrier Commission's "hold" was taken 401 Vane. Harbour 7:15am Islands 7:454:15am Mon-Frl off his licence on the afternoon of 403 Vane. Harbour 5:15pm Islands 5:45pm Mon-Fri. Sundays July 8, after Driftwood had gone to press. 405 Vane. Harbour 9:00am Islands 9:30-10:00am oSantulyrd ays While they were notified of the Fit* From Departs To Arrives Freo> change by the Motor Carrier Commission's office late Tuesday 402 Islands 7:45am Vane. Harbour 8:45-9:15am Mon-Fri afternoon, the actual certificate 404 Islands 5:45pm Vane. Harbour 6:45-7:0Opm Mon-Fri. Sundays needed was then temporarily mis placed by the courier company 406 Islands 9:30am Vane. Harbour 10:30-11:OOsn Soantluyr days sending it from the mainland. "May stop at: Maple Bay (Vane. Isl.), Miners Bay (Mayne Isl.), Dayle Gaetz said a mistake on Telegraph Hrbr (Thetis Isl.) Bedwell Hrbr (S. Pender Isl.J.Lyall Hrbr (Saturna Isl), Ganges (Salt Spring Isl.) One way fare to/from these islands is $63 + GST one way documents made by the insurance Ticketing available through your local travel agents company had caused the original problem with the taxi licence. HARBOUR AIR John Cade of Azure Transport Ltd. said his company is also using S E A P L A N ES the temporary taxi licence permit it received from the Motor Carrier 537-5525 l-soo-665-0212 Commission, until August 2. •If you are this week's winner, contact Driftwood to claim your flight. * WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1997 GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD N E W S B E AT GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1997 Worsening ferry service angers Drif^ood editorial islanders, committee members praised at gathering By VALORIE LENNOX vice is going to hell." Gary Burgin (Saturna) noted Driftwood Staff The proposed winter schedule the advisory committee was The work of a Driftwood reporter-editorial writer was praised before Compensating for cuts of $60 for Saturna will be even worse down to 10 island representa an international gathering of newspaper editors on Saturday in to $70 million in government than the current summer sched tives from the original 30. He Flagstaff, Arizona. revenues from B.C. Ferries' ule, with only two boats a day felt this reflected the drawn-out Martin Sommerness, a professor of journalism at Northern Arizona budget is like trying to compen to the island, he added. process and focus on budget- University, described Valorie Lennox as "a brilliant writer" during the sate for hitting an iceberg. Jonathan Chilvers reported cutting over planning a better presentation of awards to members of the International Society of "It's like — shall I say it — "huge distress" on Mayne over service. "I look at two and a Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE). trying to re-arrange the deck current ferry service. "If you're half years and I'm unhappy." Sommerness judged the society's annual Golden Quill Award, chairs on the Titanic," asking me to communicate (on But not everyone was pes selecting an editorial written last year by Lennox as one of 12 finalists remarked B.C. Ferries planning behalf of B.C. Ferries) with the simistic. — known as the Golden Dozen — in the competition. services manager Ian Curtin at wider public on Mayne Island, I Ken Lee said he hoped the Lennox's editorial, which was published on November 27, criticized the July 8 Southern Gulf would like a suit of chain mail as-yet-unanalyzed Village Bay the local teachers' contract for being unrealistic in today's world. Islands Ferry Advisory first," he remarked. hub proposal (S-5a) from the The competition's 143 entries displayed "a wealth of diversity, abili Committee meeting. Bill Foster and Runciman Salt Spring Advisory ty, insight, humour, style, knowledge and — most importantly — He said traffic has increased Hooley of Galiano cited the Transportation Committee courage," Sommerness wrote in his comments about the winning edi to the point that the entire ferry impact of poor ferry service on would prove to be flexible and torials. system is pushed to its limit and the island's bed and breakfast affordable enough to provide Driftwood publisher Tony Richards accepted the award for Lennox. trying to "tweak" one part of the operators, including a 60 per good service to the Gulf The presentations were made at ISWNE's annual conference, which system to resolve one problem cent drop in hospitality industry Islands. is attended by editors of community newspapers located in Canada just creates problems elsewhere. revenue. Money reported the S-5a and the United States. In addition, costs must be cut. Atkinson charged that the option was favourably received Richards was elected to the board of directors of the society during "Something being 'tweaked' B.C. Ferries corporation has at a public meeting on Saturna. the meeting. — is that the euphemism for the "completely lost its way" and B.C. Ferries assistant vice- ferries not sailing?" asked Salt no longer puts the public first. president Jeanette McKay said Spring's Neville Atkinson. Repeated requests from the increased B.C. Ferries debt to /lauhdzif "There are some very hard committee to meet with the serve other routes — including choices to be made," Curtin provincial government over three just-announced passenger said. "We haven't found the cutbacks in ferry funding have ferries — would not be passed magic bullet." been unsuccessful, noted onto Gulf Islands routes but Frustration over the lack of a Patrick Brown (South Pender). would mean less money avail solution after two and a half "While we have been sitting able from the profitable HOT SUMMER SPECIALS years was expressed by com here fiddling, Rome has been Vancouver Island-Lower mittee members who are also burning," he said, adding that Mainland routes to cross-subsi SINGLE LOAD DOUBLE LOAD struggling with poorer service ferry service is deteriorating as dize Gulf Islands sailings. to their home islands. funding drops. She added that the Dropoff $5.00 Drop off $7.00 John Money of Saturna said Salt Spring's Drew Thorburn Tsawwassen-Gulf Islands Route 15lbs .. 25lbs .. problems with the present ferry agreed the ferry advisory com 9 could be built on and the service are overshadowing any mittee needs to put political needs of Salt Spring-based B.C. ('Wash, dry, fold, soap, bags, bounce & GST included) planning being done by the pressure on the government to Ferries' employees met. "It OPEN 8AM • 1 OPM EVERYDAY advisory committee. "People fund ferry service. "We're all may mean Route 9 has to 126 Upper Ganges Rd. at Moby's dockside don't give a shit about the headed for the political arena." change but it doesn't mean it (across from the Harbour House Hotell 537-2500 process now because the ser Looking around the table, has to go." Ferry committee answers questions Opinions of Salt Spring's repre and the Outer Islands. In our opin ply doesn't work. In spite of the sentatives on the Southern Gulf ion, Swartz Bay is hardly viable best efforts of the ferry workers, Islands Ferry Advisory Committee on busy weekends today, never the multi-port stops and the com were among questions posed by mind the future. plex loading and unloading the public at a June 18 meeting on Our official community plan arrangements work against reli ferry issues. calls for retention of the existing able on-time service and create a Two of those questions are three terminals on Salt Spring and voyage which is far too long and answered below by the Salt Spring a redesign of ferry schedules to expensive. representatives. manage peak demands and to pro We are convinced that a hub on Question: What do the ferry mote more user-friendly lift-off one of the Outer Islands might advisory reps feel about the B.C. and return times from Long give better customer service. We Ferries service option #11 propos Harbour by Tsawwassen-bound want to achieve a system that has al which closes Long Harbour and passengers. Easy access and return better connections, greater reliabil directs all Vancouver and Outer between Salt Spring and the Outer ity, more frequent sailings at more •TAINTY & _$3U1SE £^UOCO Island traffic through Swartz Bay? Islands for the purposes of inter- convenient times and equal ser celebrated their Answer: Closing Long Harbour island commerce and services is vice for all islands at affordable 50TH W E D D I NG ANNIVERSARY would be disastrous not only for also important. It is possible that fares. Mayne Island (Village Bay Salt Spring's tourist business but the better the service, the more it terminal) looks like it might be the at their Langley Rd. home. also for the village of Fulford might cost, but if we save time, right location for the hub (certain ^^ They were married July 14th, 1947, Kamloops, B.C. J^ Harbour which would be grid- don't we also save money and ly not Swartz Bay) with strong locked until the existing terminal aggravation? Tough choices! support from Salt Spring via Long footprint was doubled and its Question: What do the ferry Harbour where there is a pool of access roads completely advisory reps see as the major trained staff. These options are redesigned. problem of the existing southern currently being tested to see how Wft: (lo&A Closing Long Harbour would Gulf Islands ferry system? they might impact on operating signal acceptance of a Swartz Bay Answer: Route 9 (Tsawwassen- costs, customer satisfaction and hub concept in serving Salt Spring Gulf Islands - Long Harbour) sim island economies. 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ARCH For a Free Information package, call John or Douglas JEANS — i_ 1-800-554-8984 —!I— assorted colours '-,.* E R O N /->rrr»\ Ana unca E R O N "Creckhouso" MORTGAGE OF (250) 4l9'"Ol50 MORTGACE • e W O RK 152 Fulford-Gangcs Road CVOictRorPiaO •R VAmTIcOmN va Suite 204-1095 McKenzie Avenue, Victoria, BC V8P 2L5 vicCtoOnaR P• OVRanAcoTuIvOeNr AK WORLD Mon. - Fri 9-5:5(1 Saturday 10-5 MEMBER MORTGAGE BROKERS ASSOCIATION OF BC & BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU Sundays 11-3/.537-2999 O P I N I ON 8 * WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1997 GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD At the mercy THANK YOU FOR of ferries SHARING THAT SUGGESTION FOR IMPROVING SERVICE, S ince the birth of this country 130 years ago, Canadians have BUT ANY I PEAS been aware of the challenges of geography. The building of railways and highways to link the far-flung communities that com SHOULD BE DIRECTED prise Canada has long been a key aspect of federal transportation TO THE SOUTHERN policy. As the country has developed, however, the need for government GULF ISLANDS involvement in transportation has decreased. The private sector is B.C. FERRIES proving for the most part that it is capable of meeting the trans portation needs of Canadians without government regulation. ADVISORY COMMITTEE Such is the state of transportation at the national level. It bears BEFORE OCTOBER. no resemblance to the situation in the Gulf Islands. Islanders and their visitors continue to rely heavily on govern ment support for the links provided by the B.C. Ferry Corporation, just as other communities in British Columbia rely upon their high ways. When one or two of those links is cut — as occurred last week with the six-day loss of the Queen of the Nanaimo and the brief loss of the Skeena Queen, the impact reverberates throughout the islands. Most at risk is the all-important tourist industry. The economic health of the Gulf Islands is tied firmly to the steady steam of visi tors who come to sample the natural beauty, small-town ambiance and artistic atmosphere. Many of the services which islanders enjoy year-round — partic ularly on Salt Spring — exist only because of the infusion of tourist dollars which make them viable. From real estate sales to potters in the Saturday market, the local economy must draw money from off-island to survive. But most visitors come for a relaxing break — not to negotiate a series of transportation barriers. They want their reservations to be Artists, not our politicians, honoured, their interests considered and some realization by B.C. Ferries that they are people with lives and schedules, not just cars in a lineup. dance to the heart beat drum The mechanical problems which created so much havoc for those trying to reach the islands last week were bad enough. But misleading information about when and how ferries would sail By ADRIAN DU PLESSIS Such sentiments earned Buffy a only made matters worse. That misinformation led to the stranding When I take long ferry rides I place on the U.S. government's like to grab what newspapers I VIEW blacklist of artists during the of more than one would-be traveller. can and find out what's consid Vietnam War era. We recognize B.C. Ferries has a tough financial nut to crack with POINT ered new or worth reporting in Opposed to violence and aging ships, reduced provincial government funding and increas this world. destruction, Buffy's also known ing demand. Addressing those issues is part of the responsibility of On my last trip, Vancouver- for writing cherished love ballads. the ferries advisory committee, a body that has been working on a bound, headline stories told how one unarmed Until It's Time For You to Go, a simple, beautiful plan for the islands for more than two years. But its final report, young man was shot in the back and killed, and a lyric she says is about "leaving space in your life last scheduled for release this summer, has been delayed yet again, teenage boy was tortured and slain by Canadian for life to happen," has been recorded by over 200 "peace-keepers" in Somalia. In counterpoint to evi artists in 16 different languages. In 1982 Buffy with February as the new target date. dence of political interference at top levels was our received an Academy Award for co-writing Up The islands cannot afford to wait that long for much-needed prime minister's tune: "There is no cover-up." Where We Belong, a tune for the movie An Officer improvements in service. If a trip to the islands gains a reputation Sailing home I found front page news to cele and a Gentleman. as an endurance test, how long will people keep coming? It's not a brate. Among those receiving the Order of Canada When pregnant with her son Dakota, Buffy holiday if you have to go through hell to reach it. for outstanding achievement and service to this stopped recording and touring. From 1976-1992 she If the visitors stop coming, if commuters can't reliably commute country, one name sang out: Buffy Sainte-Marie. focussed on "being a mommy and an artist." She An artist so direct, so honest and so familiar, it wrote songs, movie scores, a children's book, got and if budget cutbacks contribute further to deteriorating service, seems almost rude to refer to her her Ph.D. and began creating digi how will Gulf Islands communities survive? by surname. So I won't. The best tal art with a computer. She per To islanders, transportation remains key to their livelihood. It news is that Buffy will grace the formed at benefit concerts (many would be reassuring to hear the provincial government and its ferry Salt Spring Festival of the Arts The best news is in support of Indian causes and on service acknowledge that fact and pursue a transportation policy with a performance this Sunday that Buffy will reserves) but her most visible that served the needs of island communities. night. presence was on Sesame Street. grace the Salt Over five seasons Buffy showed Bom on Saskatchewan's Piapot Finishing ArtSpring Reserve, Buffy was orphaned viewers that Indians exist not just Spring Festival of in history books — and she when only months old. After her explained breastfeeding to Big mother was killed in an accident, the Arts with a Bird. she was "effectively kidnapped" Part 7 and placed in a non-Indian home performance this Since re-emerging as a record H to be raised in a white environ Sunday night. ing artist, Buffy has released two ope springs eternal for the grant which will complete ment in Maine and Massachusetts. CDs and given the world more ArtSpring, but it appears the money won't be flowing for a In her mid-teens good fortune songs of gentle and hard truth. while. enabled her to discover her roots and be reunited The Big Ones Get Away, inspired by the 1980s Iran When the Island Arts Centre Society made its application for with Cree relatives who'd been kept ignorant of her Contra hearings, could have been written about the whereabouts. (Many Indian children suffered simi Somalia scandal in today's headlines. Through the federal-provincial infrastructure funding for ArtSpring, there were lar displacement.) magic of the creative process, it's a gift of the true signs that it might not be a long wait. artist to reach us with a timeless voice. Planning on a teaching career, after obtaining a But according to ArtSpring supporters, it appears now that the B.A in Oriental philosophy and education, life took Opening for Buffy will be Salt Spring's own large volume of grant applications has slowed the approval another course. Self-taught on guitar and piano, inspiring vocal presence, Lisa Maxx. In this rare process. What was expected to be a six-week wait has now power as a songwriter placed Buffy in the vanguard and special performance Lisa will share her coun become somewhat longer. of a flowering cultural movement in the 1960s. try-inflected songs and guitar stylings crafted over With that in mind we suspend an editorial campaign we began Universal Soldier remains one of the most potent recent years developing as a solo artist. seven weeks ago to help propel the movement towards completion anti-war songs ever recorded: "He's the universal All of us fortunate to be at Sunday night's event soldier/ and he really is to blame/ His orders come can be certain, whether it's politics of the physical of the arts centre. from far away no more/ They come from him, and world or of the heart, there'll be no cover-up here. In our view the decision-makers have been furnished with suffi you, and me/ And brothers can't you see/ this is not cient information to justify the awarding of the grant. the way we put an end to war." Adrian du Plessis is a Salt Spring resident. For the time being, we shall turn our thoughts to ArtSpring's opening party, pencilled in on our calendar for April 1,1998! Frank Richards Y..rfy Subscription Rat.s * — .»• * . * M ' * l * * PuMWw» In the Gulf Islands $38.52* Tony Richards Elsewhere in Canada 562.06* Dy u3n28n wLoowfiear nGnanwgews gR dL m. Vatone Lennox. Susan Lundy, 6 months elsewhere in Canada 541.73* Salt Spring island, B.C Gail Sjubarg Outside Canada $169.00 V8K2V3 Advertising Jeff Outer bridge. Publications Mail Registration No. 0803 Offtc.Hourt Damaris Rumsby 'Includes GST 8:00 am - 5 00 pm, Office Claudia French. Linda Pickell. Monday to Friday Rita Bowes International Standard Serial Number 1198-7782 Phono: 250 537-9933 Fax: 250-537 2613 Production Alice Richards, Lorraine Sullivan. MetTitoeravnips Vic. Direct: 250455-1619 Robin Richards. David Beneteau Canadian Community Newspapers Association E-mail driftwoodOgulfisiands.cooi B.C & Yukon Community Newspapers Association Internet http7/www driftwood beta B.C Press Council •*i O P I N I ON GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1997 * 9 SALT S P R I NG SAYS We Asked: Did you expect to find bus service on Salt Spring? Kristie Rancher Kate Turney David Fletcher Shirley Powell Jim David of Victoria of Victoria of Victoria of Victoria of Victoria No, I didn't really think of it I Yes, I thought there would be a Yes and no. I know there's No. We came in our own car No, I wouldn't expect buses didn't even think there would be bus service because Ganges is been a bus existing and I did and never thought about a bus here. It's out of the character of growing and continuing to see it drive by. But I was walk what I'd expect. If B.C. has laws taxis. I thought the community grow. If I had found one it ing into town or hitchhiking — service. saying no one can hitchhike, was a lot smaller (than it is). wouldn 't surprise me. / like to meet the people. Salt Spring can ignore them. Letters to the Editor NOW OPEN at 427 Fulford Ganges Road Heron also an indoor facility. We had twice Spring Island Village Resort. HAROLD HARKEMA REPAIRS the capacity of the proposed kennel Beginning with Canada's 125th fundraisers and at least three times the average birthday in 1992, the Salt Spring AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS occupancy. In all that time, we never Island Chamber of Commerce has Good work, Linda Cannon! Your had a complaint from the neigh sponsored a fireworks display as BATTERY & SERVICE June 25 article about The Great bours. The most common comment part of Canada Day celebrations on Blue Heron was very informative. we heard was, "Are you still board Salt Spring Island. Volunteer mem I hope it will help raise awareness ing? How come we never hear any bers of the Salt Spring Fire about the importance of providing »&))Open Monday - Friday thing?" Department have set up and wildlife habitat and protecting it. »M 8:00 am - 5:00 pm STAYWNED.. Most of the residents here have a launched these displays before The plight of the oystercatchers on dog, and several are multiple-dog increasingly larger crowds of spec Salt Spring shows that we need to households. I don't see passers-by tators. respect and care about wildlife or reeling from the noise and smell of It was extremely disappointing to we will lose it. Regarding ways for people to our street. Why should a fully- team in early June of this year that DR. FRANK LOBIANCO^ enclosed, sound-proofed holding the Chamber of Commerce would contribute to the purchase of the kennel which averages one or two be unable to provide fireworks for heronry, there were a few options dogs be any different? this year's celebrations due to lack left out of Ms. Cannon's article. PODIATRIST - FOOT SPECIALIST Without a holding kennel, our of funds. So with this very short Currently, raffle tickets are for sale animal control officer will have to notice, we began an appeal for assis is increasing his office days per month at Precious Treasures in Grace Point transport each impounded animal tance in funding this year's display. at the Lady Minto Doctors Clinic Square, et cetera, Island Books Plus off-island without a waiting period. Among the names suggested was and the Fernwood Market. Tickets This is costly and inefficient. It will that of Mr. Hauff. For Appointments are $2 each and the prize is a framed decrease our level of service while Upon hearing about our request Coll (250) 595-2377 Bateman heron print which was increasing property taxes for all of kindly donated by the Batemans. for assistance, Mr. Hauff immedi Covered by MSP - User Fee may apply Salt Spring. Remember our garbage ately agreed to help and promptly The print is on display at Salt dump, our rural route mail delivery, delivered a cheque for $3,500. Mr. Spring Roasting Co. where tickets our courthouse and our soon-to-be- Hauff's generosity was genuine and are also available. The draw for the extinct Route 9? Must we lose yet sincere and, judging by the enor DR. LORRAINE MACHELL INC. print will be at the Green Rose Bam another service? Do you really want mous crowd in attendance, very Sale on August 23. to have to pick your pet up in much appreciated. is pleased to announce that You can also make your purchas Victoria if it strays? JEFF OUTERBRIDGE, es work for the herons by making In the years we operated a larger DR. RICK PEREIRA Vice-president use of GVM's save a tape program. kennel, with a big sign at the road, Salt Spring Island Volunteer has joined Just look for the box with the Great and a well-advertised location Firefighters' Association Blue Heron on it. (thank you, Driftwood, you did a DR. GORDON POLLOCK Thrifty Foods has also included great job for us!), property values on her staff the herons in their Community soared unchecked. There was never Head in clouds Chest program. Just let the cashier any problem. To insist that a much FAMILY DENTISTRY On July 7, three ferries on three know when you are making a pur smaller facility directly across from Mon. - Sat. 537-5222 Creekhouse different routes had mechanical chase to put it towards #80 or "the us would have a negative impact is problems. rookery." ludicrous — or scare mongering — That is a horrible track record for Next time you see the majestic take your pick. one single day! And they are raising Great Blue Heron, remember your Actually, the zoning here is rural, CAPSULE COMMENTS- the ferry rates to such unaffordable donation is helping to ensure the traditionally associated with the rates, yet they can't even afford to survival of this endangered species. keeping of animals, not residential, have proper maintenance on the fer with MAUREEN RAMSEY SHARON BYWATER, as Mr. Little claims. If noise con Malivew Drive cerns him though, perhaps he could ries! What is the matter? Pharmasave Pharmacist They have their heads in the • As we age, our bodies are less able to adjust to end his unpopular practice of hunt clouds. Haven't they learned yet that the high temperatures of summer. The threshold ing here, saving his bullets and his Kennel support to be successful you have to start at for sweating and thirst rises and diseases such as scare mongering for his own neigh the grassroots. heart disease, lung disease and diabetes can com I live directly across the road bourhood. They do not belong in plicate the problem. It's good to be aware of some from the proposed kennel site on ours. Also, the ferry committee and of the warning signs of heat-related illness. oLwonnegd Hbayr bTooumr LRiottaled. Laentd m teh peo ilnot t LLAonUgR AH aCrHboRuISr TRIAoNadS ON, orefcfiecniat lrsu lsinhogu oldf tkheee pco iunrt sm tihnadt tthhee b• oHdye awt aetxehr aaunsdt isoanlt .c Tanhi so crceusur ltfrso imn mpruosfculsee csrwameaptsin, gd iczazuinseinssg, lvoosms iot f out a few facts that Mr. Little, as a ferries are an extension of our high ing, fatigue and possible fainting. non-resident of our area, may not be way system, and make it easier aware of. Generosity rather than more difficult for us • High humidity and high temperatures can cause heat stroke, which is an extension of heat exhaustion. It occurs when your body just can't A kennel is not new to this area. I feel it necessary to respond to islanders to use them. get rid of the extra heat efficiently and body temperatures rise sharply. In 1987 my husband and I opened a apparent confusion surrounding the MARIANNA MIDDELBERG, This can affect the brain causing disorientation, delirium and coma. boarding kennel here, which we generous purchase of Canada Day Salt Spring Island • What can you do to prevent these summer problems? Spend some operated until two years ago. It was fireworks by Brian Hauff of Salt MORE LETTERS 10 time in an air conditioned area. However don't rely on fans alone. Take a tepid bath or shower to help get rid of excess heat. Reduce your physical Select the CM. OLIVER The Right Mix activity during the hottest part of the day. Eat light foods, like fruits & investment that's & Company Ltd. salads & wear lightweight & light-coloured clothes made from natural fibres. right for you! Member of C.I.P.F. of • Some medications can affect how our body thermostats work. We can discuss this matter with you when you are in the Pi Stocks & Bonds pharmacy. Let us share our knowledge with you. Call me Today! Looking for a pharmacy to feel good about? Give tut a try Martin Hoogerdyk CFP CALL TODAY PHARMASAVE CTPP.- 1-800-665-1705 Certified Financial PlannerrM 537-1730 George E. Akerman This ad does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy We take a personal interest in your health securities. This ad is intended for distribution in jurisdictions where Investment Advisor C M. Oliver ts registered as deafer or advisor in securities. Lower Ganges Road 537-5534 A Ai Akerman - "A Heritage of Trust and Integrity Open Mon.-Sat, 9-6 / Sun & Holiday Mon. 11-5 tssrtc5»ju:aitc O P I N I ON tO * WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1997 GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD Morfitt seeks answers to bad budget forecast VICTORIA — Auditor general George Morfitt is walking through a political minefield these days. He's conducting an independent inquiry into last year's budget fiasco. Morfitt's path is fraught with obstacles you usually find only in a war zone, but if he succeeds in rooting out the culprits that derailed the process which normally should lead to a responsi ble and fairly accurate fiscal CAPITAL forecast, then, in COMMENT the parlance of his profession, he will HUBERT BEYER have delivered value for the money. W hen Clark was one of the pitbulls in opposition, he very much wanted Morfitt to become auditor gener al, which he eventually did. That was in 1988. In 1994, Morfitt was re-appointed for another six-year term. And just about now, Clark probably wishes Morfitt was fine-tuning his golf game instead of fishing in murky polit Flower girl ical waters. Jessica Meyer collects bunches of yarrow for fellow islander T.T. Miles. She was picking the What Morfitt intends to find out is how a budget that, Oasis Dried Flower Gardens, a business run by flowers under sunny skies on Sunday. before the last election, according to the government, would deliver a surplus, ended up deeply in red ink. And Photo by Derrick Lurtdy the outcome could be very embarrassing for the govern More letters ment and a handful of top bureaucrats. The way in which Morfitt proceeds signals a tough inquiry. He is placing witnesses under oath, a procedure Virtual brain no recourse but to use a public ried to a celebrity are ridiculous employed very effectively by former conflict of interest forum in response. and petty. When I phoned our local Bank commissioner Ted Hughes. Remember, Hughes got the ball The facts are this: We arrived at Had you spoken with me at the of Montreal branch, I didn't reach rolling that eventually bowled over former premier Bill 7:25 p.m. for the 8 p.m. perfor time of the perceived injustice, you one of the friendly people there. Vander Zalm. mance with pre-purchased tickets might have spared yourself your My mind boggled furiously as a If Morfitt simply interviewed the key players in the bud in my friend's purse. My visitor "disgust," mistaken assumptions, virtual voice told me that all agents from off-island needed a wash subsequent festering and letter- get fiasco, chances are they would colour their accounts to were busy, but hanging on would room, went inside, was refused and writing campaign. protect themselves. Under oath, they are compelled to tell be faster than hanging up. Virtual told to wait by the doors which KATHLEEN HORSDAL. the truth to the best of their recollections. music, suitable for rubber-room were opened at 7:35 p.m. Fulford Placing senior finance ministry officials under oath also occupants, followed. More sooth Your further insinuations that I protects them against possible retaliation from their politi ing words from the virtual voice, exploit the privilege of being mar MORE LETTERS 11 cal masters. In short, under oath, witnesses tend to run for more celestial music, until finally a cover. human arrived, listened briefly, There has been much speculation how a budget forecast then transferred the call from can promise a surplus during an election campaign and turn Montreal or wherever to here. C U P O L AS out to be deep in deficit right after the election. This, on Salt Spring? The government has steadfastly maintained the discrep Has MBanx been fitted with a ancy was due to economic fluctuations and a flawed fore virtual brain? cast procedure. Critics says the government knew damned It is possible. well before the election that the budget was headed for a ANDREW GIBSON, deficit, but hid that fact from voters to win the election. Rainbow Road I agree with the critics. Since the controversy first flared up, a lot of finance ministry documents and memos have Horsdal response surfaced, many of which warned the government at the time Regarding the accusation of that its budget forecast was too optimistic. "rudeness" I am judged for by an anonymous letter writer, who has But the premier knew that the forecast of a budget sent copies to my husband, the deficit would severely hamper his chances of squeez Driftwood and "others," I am left ing another mandate out of the voters. So he stuck with the optimistic forecast. LONG Both critics and defenders of the government agree that any budget forecast is somewhat flawed, particularly in a province that relies so heavily on revenue from natural DISTANCE resources, which can fluctuate wildly and without notice. But even that doesn't account for the fiasco of last year's budget projections. MOVING Morfitt's inquiry may produce two beneficial results: the forecast procedure may be changed to reflect the vagaries of economic forecasts, and governments may in future be • Local Storage USTOM HOMES & DESIGN less inclined to hoodwink the public. • Packing At times like this, it becomes obvious why we have agen • Independent GULF ISLAND cies, independent of government, to keep the system on the Lower Rates straight and narrow. Can you imagine the results of an • Ontario /B.C. Special CONSTRUCTION LTD. internal finance ministry investigation into this or any FREE ESTIMATES other matter, the results of which may or may not be Residential, General Contracting released to the public? McCully & Sons #3-105 Rainbow Rd., Tel/Fax: (250) 537-1796 Morfitt has shown in the past that he's no patsy. If he finds dirt, he'll expose it, albeit in somewhat more diplo Tel/Fax (250) 537-5491 matic language than your average newspaper columnist would use. But that's alright. I'll translate Morfitt's findings into very plain English. IF YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE TURN 69, 70 OR 71 YEARS Beyer can be reached at tel: (250) 920-9300; fax: (250) OF AGE THIS YEAR, WE SHOULD TALK. 385-6783; e-mail: [email protected] CALL ME TO SEE HOW RECENT LEGISLATION AFFECTS YOUR RETIREMENT. island home design DON BULL • Custom Island Homes • Cottages & Additions FINANCIAL ADVISOR • 3D Design Modelling • Virtual Reality Tours 748 - 8138 • Drawings & Permits ^ • Contract Administration OR MIDLAND WALWYN • Construction Supervision 1 800 667-2821 LUE CHIP THINKING' Voice/Fax (250) 537 2905 ™ BLUE CHIP THINKING is a trademark of Midland Walwyn Capital Inc. E-mail ihdOgult islands.com Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund.