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Time for Tour des Iles Festival

Contributed Article
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Time for Tour des Iles Festival

By ROBIN CLEAVER

TOUR DES ILES COMMITTEE

It’s likely something you’ve long wanted to do: to travel around the Southern Gulf Islands, not by ferry, but by small passenger boat.

It can be a romantic, adventurous and exhilarating experience.

You’ll get your chance this June 23, 24 and 25, when the third annual Tour des Iles Festival will welcome you onboard, and ensure you experience memories to last a lifetime.

The boats start their trips at 8 a.m., all three days, from various docks on Salt Spring, Mayne, Pender, Saturna and Galiano, and at a mere $5 a leg, it truly is “cheap thrills,” It’s a wonderful chance to ride in the whale-watching zodiac from Salt Spring to Port Washington, or the return for only $5.

What a great time to reacquaint yourself with the charms of our neighbouring islands. Enjoy travelling between Salt Spring, Pender, Galiano, Saturna and Mayne, and upon arrival at the dock, locals will warmly greet you. All islands have their own feel and peculiarities, and will have island transport, manned by local, knowledgeable and friendly drivers, ready to show you their islands’ unique heart. Discover markets, galleries and local natural wonders. Everything that the Southern Gulf Islands are renowned for will be on display, and likely sprinkled with a few surprises!

On Pender, if you decide not to play one of the most unique disc golf courses anywhere, at Magic Lake, you could try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding (Friday and Saturday) in Hope Bay. From Hope Bay, a short boat trip across Plumper Sound to Saturna, where you can say Goodbye to Granny (Friday and Sunday), the locally revered, and recently deceased orca, at East Point. While enjoying sensational Saturna, on Friday head to Breezy Bay Farm, where Meg and Matt will show you Saturna’s oldest pioneer homestead, featuring a fantastic organic farm and heritage house.

Mayne will be celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday with the Vivaldi Chamber Choir, visiting from Vancouver, on Sunday afternoon at the community hall. Saturday visit the market in Miners Bay, where musicians from the renowned Campbell Bay Music Fest will be entertaining.

Travel over to Galiano to enjoy the wonderful soulful folk sounds of the Enigmatics at the Oceanfront Inn, or lose a Sunday morning the best way possible, enjoying a musical brunch at the Emporium. As Galiano local Jenny extols, “Over the last few years I’ve gotten to know people on the other islands because of the tour, and I realize how close we really are, even if separated by water. Each island has its own flavour and local characters, but ultimately we are in the same boat.”

Salt Spring offers a Taste of Salt Spring Tour, a four-hour taste bud-tingling tour of various culinary artisans, from bread makers, to creators of cheeses, wines, and ales. You will need to register early for this experience (gwenmcdonald10@gmail.com).

On Friday,  the gazebo in Centennial Park, Ganges, will be alive with the terrific tones of the Kaizenjammers over lunch hour, followed by the sultry strings of the Reeds and Wires.

All islands have hikes of various lengths, and if wandering isn’t your thing but you’re keen on some exercise, kayak and bike rental spots are sprinkled all over the islands.

“This is a wonderful festival,” says Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands. “In this, the 150th year since Canada was recognized as an independent nation on traditional and unceded indigenous lands, I can think of no better way than to celebrate the people, the culture and the natural beauty of the Southern Gulf Islands. I hope to see you all there!”

People should book their place as soon as possible online at www.gulfislands.org.

Salish Eagle sails on June 21

Driftwood Staff
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Salish Eagle sails on June 21

The second of BC Ferries’ three new vessels, Salish Eagle, will officially commence service on Wednesday, June 21, at 9:10 a.m. on the Tsawwassen-Southern Gulf Islands route.

The non-stop sailing will see the ship arrive in Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island at 10:33 a.m.

“After the successful introduction of Salish Orca in mid-May, we are very excited to introduce our second new ship, Salish Eagle, into service for our Southern Gulf Islands customers,” said BC Ferries’ president and CEO Mark Collins in a press release. “This vessel will provide our customers safe and reliable service for years to come, and we look forward to its additional environmental and cost-saving benefits as well.”

According to BC Ferries, Salish Eagle and her sister ships — Salish Orca and Salish Raven — were named to honour the Coast Salish people as the original mariners of the Salish Sea. Each vessel features the artwork of a different First Nations artist.

The vessel, which accommodates approximately 145 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew, is equipped with two marine evacuation systems with life rafts, smoke and natural gas detection alarms, and state-of-the-art fire suppression systems. The vessel measures 107 metres in length overall and has a service speed of 15.5 knots. Passenger amenities on board Salish Eagle include: a Coastal Café; Passages Gift Shop; comfortable lounge seating with panoramic views; children’s play area; spacious outdoor seating on an open sundeck; pet area and elevators.

The summer schedule also comes into effect on June 21, with many more sailings available on the Southern Gulf Islands Route 9.

DAVIDSON, Robert (Bob)

Driftwood Obituary
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DAVIDSON, Robert (Bob)

Robert (Bob) Davidson
May 7, 1942 – May 26, 2017

After getting a terminal cancer diagnosis, Robert (Bob) Bruce Davidson died peacefully on his own terms in Vancouver on May 26, 2017 surrounded by his immediate family.

Bob was born May 7, 1942 in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He lost both his parents as a youth and finished high school in Guelph. He graduated from Carleton University in 1965 where he met Pat, his wife of 51 years who was his emotional ballast and lifelong equal partner. They spent their first 23 years just outside Edmonton raising three daughters as Bob toiled as a curator at the Provincial Museum of Alberta until he chose to quit at the age of 44 to lead a simpler and more purposeful life.

Bob and Pat escaped to the West Coast, eventually settling on Salt Spring Island in 1992. He was an avid photographer, contemplative kayaker, erstwhile gardener, and voracious reader of literary works. Island life and the subsequent arrival of his grandchildren softened his sometimes cynical edges as he struggled with the decline of decency in the world, and lamented the impending environmental crisis. Bob will be remembered for his irreverence for social convention, and his remarkable intellect and integrity that led to a lifelong interest in politics, the public good, and critical thought. He instilled in others an ethos of care, generosity, and a desire to leave the world a better place than they found it.

Bob is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters Judy (Toni Harris), Michelle, Laurie (Shree Paranjpe), grandchildren Asha and Kieran, and his sister Sandra Evelyn (Trevor). He is predeceased by his daughter in-law Sharon Rosenberg.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the David Suzuki Foundation.

Please join us at Pat and Bob’s home at 347 Roland Road, Salt Spring Island on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 2:30 pm to share your remembrances of Bob.

Marjorie Isobell CADE

Driftwood Staff
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Marjorie Isobell CADE

Marjorie Isobell Cade

June 10, 1923 – June 15, 2017

Majorie was born June 10, 1923 in Cymric, Sask, passed away on June 15, 2017, leaving her children, Barbara Cade (Brad Cunningham), John Cade (Debbie Cade), Christina Marshall (Dave Toynbee) and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to mourn her loss.  

Marjorie and Art Cade moved to Salt Spring Island in 1972 where they built the first phase of Brinkworthy Mobile Home Estates. They were able to rezone the old Beach farm to “mobile home park” by sticking a labelled pin on a map at a community meeting. At that time Marjorie also transferred her teaching career from North Burnaby to Gulf Islands Secondary School, Home Economics program, until her retirement in 1981.  

After Art passed away in 1977, she met Robert (Bob) Marshall and they lived together at Cusheon Lake for more than 35 years and shared many interests and great adventures together. They were active members of the SSI Golf & Country Club and loved travelling south in their trailer with friends, and to Hawaii each year.

Marjorie was also an active volunteer in the community, and when she and Bob entertained – which they did often ­– she was an elegant and effortless hostess.

The family invites her friends to celebrate and rejoice her life with them on Friday, July 7, 2017, at 260 Cusheon Lake Road, between the hours of 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

Kids set to sing Canada 150 song

Driftwood Staff
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Kids set to sing Canada 150 song

Some 150 kids will be a focus of upcoming Canada Day celebrations on Salt Spring with a new multiculturally inspired song called The Future created by Canadian folk singer Valdy.

July 1 events on the island include a visit from Saanich and the Islands MP Elizabeth May, fireworks, a cake walk and an antique and collectors car show. However, this year there will also be a unique activity for kids to get involved in. The 150-children choir, which is still looking for participants aged six to 18, will present a special song written by Valdy. Aptly titled The Future, the tune is meant to send a positive message to the future of Canada.

“This song has been created to empower children, to give them a small voice, allowing them to claim ownership and stewardship over the planet as they grow,” Valdy said.

Dion Hackett, the project coordinator, is enthusiastic about the event. He is working on adding a cultural exchange between a group of First Nations children and the participants in the choir and has other activities planned.

“It’s such a beautiful thing,” Hackett said. “I really want to speak to the fact of the energy of love that has helped bring this concept together to a reality.”

Funding for the project was provided by the Salt Spring Island Foundation and the Community Foundations of Canada, as well as various other donors.

Viva Chorale’s director Caroni Young is leading the choir.

Children are encouraged to come out for the next rehearsal in the lower hall of All Saints By-the-Sea on Friday, June 16 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Rehearsals also take place there on June 24 and 30.

For more information or to participate in the project, email Hackett at dionhackett@shaw.ca or Young at caroni.young@gmail.com.

Tempest hit the rink in Comox

Driftwood Staff
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Tempest hit the rink in Comox

The Tempest, Salt Spring’s junior roller derby team, played their first match in Comox on June 10.

The youth team faced the Comox Valley’s Stone Cold Stellas.

Hannah Lawson (AKA “Lawless”) of The Tempest was the game’s MVP.

Day in the Life contributors welcomed

Driftwood Staff
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Day in the Life contributors welcomed

Next Wednesday, June 21 is set for the Driftwood’s annual Day in the Life of Salt Spring Island project.

That means anyone in the community can submit a photo, or several, of activities taking place on the island to the Driftwood for publication in a special multi-page section and online.

Photos must be taken on Salt Spring (or in the waters around it) between 5 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21 and 5 a.m. on Thursday, June 22.

Anyone wanting to submit photos, or anyone who has an idea for a photo that should be taken, should contact Driftwood editor Gail Sjuberg at news@gulfislandsdriftwood.com or 250-537-9933.

We welcome your contribution to this fun community project!

HEATH, Dorothy Mellissa

Driftwood Obituary
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HEATH, Dorothy Mellissa

DOROTHY MELLISSA HEATH

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dorothy (Dot) Heath, at the Lady Minto Hospital, after a lengthy battle with cancer on June 1, 2017.
Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband Alan of 52 years; son Craig Simpson (Julia) of Mississauga, Ontario; Grandsons Curtis Simpson (Tanya) of Katy, Texas and Brent Simpson of Milton, Ontario; Great Granddaughter Kayla Simpson of Katy, Texas. She was predeceased by her parents Alfred and Irma Adams; sisters Lillian and Helen and brothers Frank, Bill, John, Stephen, Arthur and Ernie and her husband Alexander (Sandy) Simpson.
Dorothy was born in Winnipeg and moved to B.C. with husband Alan in 1978. Upon retiring in 1991 Dorothy and Alan relocated to Salt Spring Island.
Dorothy and Alan travelled extensively after retiring. She loved her gardening and would spend time regularly in her greenhouse, strawberry and raspberry beds.
As per her wishes, no funeral service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salt Spring Conservancy or the David Suzuki Foundation.
Special thanks to Dr. Crichton and the palliative care staff and volunteers at Lady Minto.

 

Online condolences to be made at:
www.haywardsfuneral.com 250-537-1022

Islanders protest hitchhiking ban

Driftwood Staff
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Islanders protest hitchhiking ban

By SEAN HITREC

Driftwood Staff

A seemingly never-ending stream of car horns honked in support of a Monday afternoon protest against plans to discourage hitchhiking outside of Embe Bakery.

It was announced at the May 29 Salt Spring Transportation Commission meeting that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure would install a barrier along the side of the road where hitchhikers often catch rides heading south out of Ganges. In response, the community gathered on Monday to share their concerns.

People were smiling and impassioned in protecting the spot that so many people use on a daily basis. Every now and then, the crowd would erupt in cheers as a car stopped to pick up people; an act of solidarity to the cause.

Protesting with the help of a walking cast on her left leg, Kerry Beswick said she relies on hitchhiking to get to work. Because of the injury, she said that walking to another spot further up the hill for cars to safely stop was not an option.

Not being able to hitchhike from Embe Bakery along Fulford Ganges would mean much more to Beswick than the inability to get a free ride with a member of the community.

“I am trying to keep my lifestyle in favour of having time with my children, so I have a really tight budget, and even spending five dollars a day to come to work on the bus is five dollars that can put a few more potatoes on the table,” Beswick said. “It just puts a barrier to those really essential connections with community and feeling like we’re here to support each other.”

For much more on this story, see the June 7, 2017 issue of the Gulf Islands Driftwood newspaper.

Fire destroys Sunset Drive home

Elizabeth Nolan
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Fire destroys Sunset Drive home

By ELIZABETH NOLAN

DRIFTWOOD STAFF

Salt Spring Fire-Rescue crews could not save a large waterfront home from destruction after it caught fire Monday night, but were able to extinguish the blaze before it could spread to the surrounding Sunset Drive neighbourhood.

The home was owned by Michael McAllister and his wife Lisa Spitale, who were away from the island Monday night.

“Our home was destroyed along with all contents. We are devastated,” McAllister told the Driftwood via email Tuesday afternoon. 

“I have received many emails throughout the day from ‘once upon a time children’ of family and friends who feel like they have lost a part of their childhood because of the fire,” he added.

Firefighters responded to the residential structure fire at 856 Sunset Drive around 8:40 p.m., arriving at a dramatic event that was witnessed by adjacent hillside neighbours and impacted those further away. One Salt Spring resident reported seeing the flames from across Sansum Narrows at the Crofton ferry terminal, while some Epron Road residents were woken up later that evening by the smell of smoke.

For more on this story, see the June 7, 2017 issue of the Driftwood newspaper.

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