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New island cycling map released

Contributed Article
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New island cycling map released

SUBMITTED BY ISLAND PATHWAYS

Island Pathways is pleased to announces the completion of their new cycling map called Salt Spring on Wheels.

The map is a companion to their Salt Spring on Foot hiking map that was launched two years ago and sold out almost within its first year. Maps are for sale in newly designed and hand-crafted wooden map holders in many locations around town. With these two maps in hand any resident or visitor can plan a full and active time on our island and have the most accurate road map available.

For over 20 years Island Pathways has produced a map that started out as a “heritage/cycling” map. Four years ago the IP Board made the decision to make two maps: a desperately need comprehensive hiking map and a cycling map that would include all the Salt Spring roads with a street finder index, as well as suggested cycling routes and information.

Salt Spring roads can be narrow and meandering, which is a part of their rural charm, but when travelled by bicycle require caution. Much of the included information is intended to aid cyclists in planning a cycling experience on Salt Spring that will match their abilities, experience and expectations. Hopefully this map will assist cyclists to plan ahead and make the best decisions they can. Included are route descriptions, route profiles giving elevations, slope and lengths, chevrons indicating locations of major hills, photos illustrating a variety of roads and safety tips.

Island Pathways is a registered charity that relies on grants, donations and its volunteers for all its projects. This map is no exception. 

“We can’t thank the CRD active transportation department enough for giving us a Active Transportation and Healthy Communities People Power Program grant, and  the 100+ Women Who Care for their extremely generous donation,” said map committee member Jean Gelwicks. “Maps are costly to produce and print and we could not have done this map without these supporters.” 

They also thank map committee volunteers Gary Gagné, Jean Gelwicks, Brenda Guiled, Charles Kahn, Peter Lamb, Bob MacKie, Peter Meyers and Wendy Webb, and their graphic designer Pat Walker for going beyond her “job description.”

Anyone interested in purchasing a map can find them at many locations around town. They can also be ordered online by going to the Island Pathways website. All proceeds go towards Island Pathways programs and projects and to regularly updating and printing their maps.

The next map committee task is updating Salt Spring on Foot and getting it on the shelves as fast as possible.

Viewpoint: A daughter’s Green party primer

Contributed Article
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Viewpoint: A daughter’s Green party primer

By JAN SLAKOV

This is an open letter to my dad about the B.C. election.

Dear Dad,

Thanks for sharing that you’re so ticked off with the snap election that you’re voting Green this time.

Since you don’t know much about other reasons to vote Green, here’s a primer: The NDP and Liberals voted to double down on fossil fuel subsidies. And they green-lighted the Site C dam, despite multiple warnings.

Better late than never: Former BC Hydro president and CEO Mark Eliesen, former chair of the Site C review Harry Swain, and many others say it’s “folly to allow [the river] diversion to occur . . . The prudent course of action — one that respects Indigenous and treaty rights as well as the interests of all taxpayers and hydro ratepayers — is to immediately suspend all construction activities at the project.” According to Dave Mills Site C electricity would cost “more than double what wind power is going for next door in Alberta”.

The foreign-owned LNG Canada plant would require massive amounts of electricity to convert fracked gas into LNG. And the NDP’s Bill 17 would undermine our renewable energy sector, in favour of buying Californian solar electricity. Question: “How’s that going to work when California’s transmission lines are hanging limply from burnt poles?”

Pushing LNG means pushing the Coastal GasLink pipeline through unceded Wet’suwet’en territory. The company is violating environmental laws and Indigenous rights, but that’s business in B.C., eh?

Just since 1988, humanity has pumped more than half its GHG emissions into the atmosphere. Now the reserves left to exploit are more costly, ecologically and economically; there are better options. But entrenched interests are hard to buck. It’s like when slavery was outlawed in Britain, British investment in U.S. slavery persisted and even increased.

And the forests we love! Successive B.C. governments continue to “log and talk,” holding consultations even as hundreds of soccer fields of old growth are clearcut each day. Thank goodness for efforts like the “oldgrowthblockade” to protect what few remnants of these ancient forests are left.

Your grand-daughter, our beloved Sophie, described how she went to a climate protest years ago and was in tears to think of what’s at stake. She finds it healthier not to think about it much.

As for me, I’ve been lucky. Some land defenders lose their life’s savings, sometimes even their lives.

I think you sense an underlying meaning in our efforts. For many Indigenous people, the land is part of who they are, maybe even for some of us settlers too. What we’re asking for may seem impossible, but that’s only because all these good people go along with plunder. It’s not sarcasm when I speak of “good people”; to some degree, all of us go along with things we know are wrong. But we won’t give up on the struggle to bring our lives in line with what we know is right.

So yeah, glad you’re voting Green and let’s keep on with our other efforts, as much as we can with the time we have left.

Love and best wishes, Jan

Editorial: Getting ready to vote in 2020

Driftwood Staff
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Editorial: Getting ready to vote in 2020

British Columbians may not have wanted or needed an election in 2020, but now that it’s here, please take the time to vote.

Despite the cautions related to COVID-19 hampering most activities that take place indoors, voting could in fact be easier this year: That’s if people take the time to learn about and take advantage of the options available.

People can already vote at district electoral offices throughout the province on Mondays through Saturdays. (A list of office addresses with more details is posted at elections.bc.ca.)

More advance voting dates have been promised this time, which will reduce the potential for crowded conditions at polling booths. While exact dates have not yet been released, Elections BC has indicated that advance polls could be open from Thursday, Oct. 15 through Wednesday, Oct. 21. The general voting day is on Saturday, Oct. 24.

A third option that requires swifter action is voting by mail. A vote-by-mail package can be requested by calling Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683, or through the elections.bc.ca website. People should read what information is needed before making the request, as ID numbers from one piece of government identification must be provided.

Qualified voters must request the vote-by-mail package in time to return the ballot by Oct. 24. Elections BC recommends that package requests be made by Oct. 17 to ensure adequate turn-around time. 

Voter qualifications remain the same as in past elections. Individuals must be 18 years or older by Oct. 24, a Canadian citizen, and have been a B.C. resident for the past six months as of Oct. 24.

Islanders who are used to attending an all-candidates meeting might be disappointed that COVID-19 has derailed that tradition. Thankfully the Salt Spring Forum has stepped up to arrange an online version with links through its website. As of Monday the forum had confirmed participation from the NDP, Liberal and Green candidates for the Saanich North and the Islands riding. People can check out the forum’s website for all the details about the Oct. 14 event and even send in their questions for candidates.

Democracy only works with a healthy level of participation. Don’t let apathy or the fear of COVID-19 become a reason to not vote in person or by mail this month.

Fire budget meeting nets low response

Elizabeth Nolan
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Fire budget meeting nets low response

An open house session hosted by the Salt Spring Fire Protection District’s board of trustees to discuss the 2021 budget on Sunday attracted only a handful of people to the Salt Spring Farmers’ Institute.

The proposed budget for 2021 includes a tax requisition of $3.83 million, coming in nearly 10 per cent higher than the current year.

Plans to stream the meeting on Zoom were cancelled a couple of days earlier because the district decided it did not have the technical expertise to meet security concerns, so it’s unclear how that may have affected participation.

The few people who did attend in person had some questions for the trustees but no suggestions about changing the draft budget. The board will therefore go forward with first reading of the taxation bylaw at their next regular meeting on Oct. 19.

“As you know we like to keep our budget public, as we did last year. We had a town hall meeting much like this and there were some recommendations from the public about allocations to certain areas, and we took that into consideration and did review our original amount,” said chair Per Svendsen, after calling for any suggestions or critiques.

Trustee Rollie Cook, who chairs the board’s finance committee, explained that while the 2021 operating expenses have been budgeted for a small increase in line with inflation, most of the $340,150 increase has to do with transfers to capital reserve funds. In particular, $300,000 is proposed for immediate remediation of the Ganges fire hall. The hall will need an estimated $932,000 in repairs if the community does not support plans to build a new fire hall near Brinkworthy, Cook reported.

Cook said the benefits of the board’s decision to start saving money in reserve funds for equipment replacement and facility needs include the fact the district will be able to pay cash for a new fire truck next year. The board will save money that in the past would have been needed for a ratepayer approval process, and they also received a discount on the truck price amounting to $12,000.

Despite adopting the practice of putting aside funds for capital needs, Cook acknowledged there is a limit on how far the board can go in that direction.

“I think there was a sense in the finance committee this year that we are now reaching the upper levels of what is fiscally permissible by the ratepayers,” Cook said. “We have increased the budget from approximately $2.5 million two years ago to just shy of $4 million.

“We have not been spending money on operating costs; we have been putting money into reserve funds,” he continued. “If we have the discipline to continue to do that, we will . . . have an adequate fund for equipment, we will be able to fund a new fire hall, we will be able to solve all the problems we have been left with. But I think it is also true to say that the fire department has now reached the point where we have to be very disciplined and prudent going forward.”

The board will have the opportunity to amend the budget before it is finalized. The taxation bylaw may be approved on Oct. 19 or at a special meeting to be held soon afterward if changes are needed.

LAZENBY, Peter

Driftwood Obituary
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LAZENBY, Peter

Peter Lazenby
September 6, 1928 – September 28, 2020

Peter was born in New York City on September 6, 1928 and died on September 28, 2020. In addition to being a “bon vivant”, a lover of life, Peter was a “nesiophiliac”, a lover of islands, particularly Salt Spring, Thetis and Maui.

As a young man, he was a talented athlete; a swimmer, a basketball player and a professional football player.

Following his career as a professional athlete, he became a successful businessman, owning “Townline”, a men’s clothing manufacturer. He “retired” to Thetis Island, where he made Telegraph Harbour Marina, one of the most popular boating destinations in BC. He and his boat, “Moon Mist”, remained a fixture at Telegraph Harbour until his death.

He leaves his wife, Pat, and many friends, particularly throughout the boating world.

In accordance with his wishes, Peter’s ashes will be scattered on the waters of Stuart Channel in front of the home on Salt Spring Island that he and his parents owned and loved for over 70 years.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Salt Spring Island charities; Greenwoods Foundation, Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, and the Community Services Society.

DASHNEY, Mary Teresa (Hanniman)

Driftwood Obituary
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DASHNEY, Mary Teresa (Hanniman)

Mary Teresa Dashney (Hanniman)
1948 – 2020

Mary passed peacefully on September 28, 2020 in the loving care of her family and the team at Greenwoods Eldercare on Salt Spring Island, B.C. Born September 1, 1948 to Lorne and Teresa Hanniman (Kelly) of Shamrock, Ontario, sister of Martin (Cindy), Gerald (Annette), Katherine (Alan Blimkie) and Gordon (Kelly) Hanniman. Mother to Christopher and Jenna (Maxim Ridorossi) Dashney. Beloved wife of Ronald Miville for 26 years. She is predeceased by her parents and her brothers Michael (Audrey) and Daniel (Julie). Mary is survived by her husband Ron, her children, her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and her former spouse, Ralph Dashney (Linda Clifford).

Mary began her career in the Automotive Industry through accounting. She earned her CGA degree and worked her way to becoming GM and the first female Dealer Principal with Chrysler and then Nissan in Ottawa. Mary had a reputation for being tough but fair and always claimed her seat at the table. Mary loved to travel and visited Europe, Japan and her favourite, Hawaii. On one of her trips she fell in love with the West Coast. Mary and Ron left Ottawa in 1998, and lived for a year on Pender before choosing Salt Spring Island as their home. Winters were often spent in Palm Springs with good friends and many long summer days were enjoyed on their sailboat, always with their dear dogs along for the adventure.

Her family is forever grateful for the loving and attentive care she received from the staff at Greenwoods and the support from Salt Spring Hospice Society that helped us through this difficult time.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the spring of 2021 at her home in the gardens that she loved. An interment will be held next spring at the Holy Well Cemetery in Mt. St. Patrick, Ontario. 
As an expression of sympathy the family asks for donations to Greenwoods Eldercare Society or the Parkinson’s Society of BC in lieu of flowers.

CAMPBELL, John Angus

Driftwood Obituary
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CAMPBELL, John Angus

John Angus Campbell
1945 – 2020

John was born September 27, 1945 on Salt Spring Island to Joseph and Eleanor Campbell. He passed away peacefully on his birthday September 27, 2020 in the Cowichan District Hospital.

There will be no funeral or service, instead, when we are able to gather again, we will have a celebration of Dad’s life in 2021.

In memory of John, please make a donation to the Cancer Society.

Boil water advisory issued for Hilltop Road

Driftwood Staff
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Boil water advisory issued for Hilltop Road

The Capital Regional District in consultation with Island Health has issued a boil water advisory for residents of Hilltop Road on Salt Spring.

The CRD says water quality may have been compromised in that part of the Fulford Water Service as a result of a water main break and subsequent emergency repairs. As a precaution, the advisory will be in effect until flushing and water samples indicate the water quality no longer poses a risk to public health. Residents in the impacted area should boil their drinking water until further notice.

The boil water advisory will be removed when Island Heath is satisfied that the drinking water does not pose a health concern and issues an all clear notice at which time the impacted customers will be notified. During the water advisory household tap water may be disinfected by boiling it vigorously for one minute.

For more information, see www.crd.bc.ca/alerts.

Chance for Larmour legacy with lot purchase campaign underway

Gail Sjuberg
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Chance for Larmour legacy with lot purchase campaign underway

An urgent campaign to purchase property owned by one of Salt Spring’s early environmentalists before his death in 2016 is underway.

A group of neighbours to property located between Beddis and Sky Valley roads owned by Mike Larmour’s estate have been working behind the scenes for about a year on the purchase of two 20-acre lots. The Salt Spring Island Water Preservation Society has recently agreed to be the title holder and issue charitable tax receipts for all donations of $20 or more.

SSIWPS president Maxine Leichter said her group was pleased to step up and take on that crucial role.

“It’s just a fabulous opportunity to acquire a beautiful property to help us protect the Cusheon Lake watershed,” she said, adding, “We fear if we don’t buy it it will be logged like the other parcel [on Beddis Road], which would be bad for the watershed.”

Having the SSIWPS own the lands is especially poignant because Larmour was one of the people who spearheaded the society’s creation in 1982.

“It’s so fitting to be buying the property that Mike owned because he was a founder of the society and a big supporter,” said Leichter.

Rodney Polden, a neighbour who is actively involved in the land purchase effort, said Larmour had hoped to protect the wetland areas on his property through a covenant or some other means but did not have the opportunity to do so prior to his death.

“It is a remarkable property,” said Polden. “It contains so many ecosystems . . . and microbiomes. There are some species on this property I have never seen anywhere else on Salt Spring.”

While the property has some “magnificent” trees, the biodiversity supported by all of the land’s values is what makes it so significant, he said.

With two adjacent properties owned by Polden and his neighbour both protected by an Islands Trust Natural Area Protection Tax Exemption Program covenant, if the Larmour lots are purchased it will result in a substantial contiguous area of land protection.

“The larger and more protected the areas are the better,” said Polden, as it gives vulnerable species more room to move, thrive and nest.

Gathering of pledges for the Larmour lands campaign is going well, said Polden, but more funds are needed to complete an imminent purchase of the first lot, known as Lot H, as well as the second “Lot F” parcel, which also contains some agricultural land. The estimated total required for both lots is between $1.2 and $1.5 million. 

The SSIWPS has set up a dedicated email address — ssiwps2020appeal@gmail.com — to take etransfers and handle inquiries about donating and the property purchase. Polden is also available to answer any questions people may have. He can be reached at penrod@saltspring.com or 250-537-5082.

Cheques can also be mailed to the SSIWPS at Ganges PO Box 555, Salt Spring Island, B.C. V8K 2W3.

Funds will be returned to donors if the lot purchases do not occur.

The neighbours and SSIWPS have appreciated support provided by the Salt Spring Island Conservancy and the Islands Trust Conservancy to date, although neither organization currently has the capacity to accept a land ownership role. The SSIWPS has experience in holding and managing lands as the longtime owner of 272 acres of watershed lands in Channel Ridge.

Major party candidates named in islands riding

Elizabeth Nolan
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Major party candidates named in islands riding

The race for the legislative seat in Saanich North and the Islands firmed up Monday morning with the announcement of the NDP candidate coming soon after the BC Liberals’ pick was made public over the weekend.

Green party incumbent Adam Olsen is seeking a second term in office. He will face competition from Zeb King for the NDP and BC Liberal supporter Stephen Roberts.

Olsen was first elected Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saanich North and the Islands in 2017. He has been interim leader of the BC Green Party twice, first from 2013 to 2015 and again from January to September 2020.

Olsen is a member of Tsartlip First Nation and was raised in WSÁNEC territory on the Saanich Peninsula. Press material explains his interest in communications led him to sports broadcasting, community and media relations. He spent a decade in business before focussing on serving his community as an elected official.

Olsen was elected twice as a councillor of the District of Central Saanich prior to his role in provincial politics. He served in that position from 2008 to 2012.

NDP candidate King also has a background that includes municipal politics on the Saanich Peninsula. A graduate of the University of Victoria, with a master’s degree in Public Administration, King has served on the Central Saanich Council since 2002. Campaign material states that in his five terms, King has involved residents in the process of collaboratively finding solutions, whether about the shortage of doctors in the region, housing, public transit or environmental concerns. He is a longtime resident of Brentwood Bay.

Salt Spring resident Stephen Roberts will once again be the BC Liberal candidate in the riding, having stepped up twice before in that capacity, so far without winning the seat.

Roberts was born in Sidney and lives on Salt Spring with his partner. His campaign information says his career in finance took him to various places overseas and included chief operating officer roles in two major international banks. Since returning home to B.C., Roberts reports being very active in the community. He is particularly interested in health care, and is currently chair of the Vancouver Hospice Society as well as past chair of both the Salt Spring Hospice and the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation.

In recent years Roberts also has served as secretary on the Mary Winspear Centre board, and as chair of the Salt Spring Local Trust Committee’s Advisory Planning Commission.

Election day is Saturday, Oct. 24. Advance voting days will be held from Thursday, Oct.15 to Wednesday, Oct. 21.

All voters can also request to vote by mail-in ballot. Contact Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683 for information or go to elections.bc.ca to make a direct request.

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