Ferry problems anger islanders, frustrate visitors

37 Pages·2016·19.6 MB·English

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Your copy of Islands
Real Estate
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Pring Island, J3C
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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
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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 [phone] Fax [phone]
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.
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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." Sidney and Victoria waterfront closure will continue until further techniques and trends in hair color,
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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. [phone] Fax. [phone]
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.
"Take a look
8% to 18% PER A N N UM
at the new
Ladies'
Monthly Cashflow
Summer Fashions
st nd '••- Cf
I & 2 Mortgage Investments at •'••••'.:: ,«t*J||BL
Short Terms (6-12 months) Work World"
(He just cleaned our windows)
_ RRSP Eligible
v
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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: [phone] 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.
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Martin Hoogerdyk CFP
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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 [phone]
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.
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