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Rural OBSERVERCelebrating Our Rural Community Lifestyle

Vol. 8 Issue 4September 2011

Serving Port RenfrewJordan RiverOtter PointWillis PointEast SookeMalahatShirley

Looking Back, Moving ForwardJuan de Fuca Marine Trail

Silence is Consent

Region’s TourismFuture Threatened

Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society2011 MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL FORM

Name ____________________________________

Address _______________________________________

______________________________________________

Phone ____________ E-mail ______________________

Are you able to help? _____________________________

Return to: JdF Rural Publication Society, 6790 East Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1A6

2 September 2011

A group of Juan de Fuca residents formed a non-profit society to launch a news and advertising publication for the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area.

We provide a forum for our rural communities to share news, exchange ideas and develop a sense of community. At the same time the publication gives businesses within and outside the electoral area an opportunity to promote their products and services and reach potential customers. We also hope to make current information about the region and its services available to the many tourists who visit the area each year. Our goal is to protect, preserve and enhance rural life.

The publication will rely on community members to share their interests and points of view through articles, correspondence and photographs. We welcome articles and letters reflecting the very diverse interests of our member communities and expressing all points of view. The editorial committee reserves the right to edit for brevity, accuracy, clarity and taste. Though every reasonable precaution will be made to verify the accuracy of material submitted, the editorial committee assumes no responsibility for the content of published articles. The responsibility is that of the writers. References and descriptions of products or services are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. We’re online! www.ruralobserver.comIf you wish to submit an article for an upcoming issue of the Rural Observer, please email it to:

submissions@ruralobserver.com

Or mail to: Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society 6790 East Sooke Road, Sooke BC V9Z 1A6

BECOME A MEMBER or RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!Celebrate our rural community lifestyle by helping us share stories and information about our region. Become a member of the Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society today. Our fee structure is as follows - you may renew/join at the basic level of $10, become a “Friend” of the Rural Observer for $25, a “Supporter” for $50, or a “Lifetime Member” for only $100. We recommend the lifetime membership - you won’t need to remember to renew each year! The Rural Observer needs your support to keep it strong, viable and independent. Please make out cheques to the Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society and mail to: J.Roots, 6790 East Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1A6

The Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society Mission Statement

Join UsVivi CurutchetAdvertising Sales

Ph: (250) 642-1714Email: advertise@ruralobserver.com

3 September 2011

History of Juan de Fuca Marine Trailby Rosemary Jorna

The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is a frail ribbon of park trimming the Juan de Fuca Strait and in Pacheedaht First Nation’s traditional territory. It is beloved of hikers around the world for the unbeatable combination of a true wilderness located near a metropolitan area.

Access through this wild coast is at the heart of the trail’s history. Hikers now marvel at how rugged the coast is but in the 1800s, it was known as “the Grave Yard of the Pacific.” More than 50 ships missed the entrance to the Straits of Juan de Fuca in fog and storms and ran aground. Survivors who reached the shore had little chance for rescue from the wilderness.

When British Columbia joined Confederation in 1871, the Pacific terminal for the transcontinental railway that sealed the deal was planned for Port Alberni. Port Moody was the final choice but the lighthouse at Cape Beale needed to guide ships into Port Alberni was under construction. Its beacon first flashed on July 1, 1874. The Carmanah Light Station followed on September 15, 1891. By 1889, a telegraph line had been completed, providing a rough trail along the coast from Victoria to Cape Beale with linesmen’s cabins every 25 miles. The line was frequently down.

On New Year’s Day 1896, the ‘Janet Cowan’ ran aground at Pachena Point. Twenty five crew members made it to shore to find the trail overgrown. The line was down but the men tried to follow it. Heavy snow forced them to return to the wreck and wait eleven days for rescue. The public demanded improvements to the trail with no results. At some point the line was converted to telephone.

On January 22 1906, the ‘Valencia’ ran aground on Walla Walla reef, eleven miles from Cape Beale. Leaving passengers and crew on the disabled ship, nine men made it through high seas and past steep cliffs to follow the line to the cabin at Darling

On Our Cover

continued on page 11

Photo of Bear Beach to China Beach by Rosemary Jorna

River. They reported the wreck and the desperate passengers and crew waiting for help. High seas prevented rescue by ships standing by.

The rescue party from Carmanah Light Station, delayed by the overgrown trail and swollen rivers, arrived at noon, 24 January, only to witness the wreck’s final break-up. Of the 173 people on board, 136 were drowned. Spurred by this tragedy, the old Telegraph Trail was converted to the Dominion Lifesaving Trail with shelters at five mile intervals complete with emergency supplies and directions.

As technology improved, there were fewer wrecks and the trail from Victoria to Port Renfrew disappeared by the 1920s. The most dangerous and isolated section, from Port Renfrew to the Bamfield terminus of the transpacific undersea cables, was kept open into the 1950s. In 1973, a 75 kilometer section of this historic lifesaving trail was re-opened as the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park. The route from Victoria to Low Tide Route Parkinson to Botanical Beach by Rosemary Jorna

4 September 2011

Your Rural Voice in the Legislature800 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, V9B 2X7250 391 2801john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca www.johnhorgan.com

John Horgan MLA Juan de Fuca

JH-RurObs-0909.indd 1 9/24/09 12:41:00 PM

Region’s Tourism Future Threatenedby David Anderson

Sometimes in the heat of debate, issues of importance to the public get sidetracked, and less significant or even minor aspects take over and dominate the discussion. Sometimes it helps to go back to the basic facts of the case.

Let’s start, therefore, by looking at the facts of the Marine Trail Holdings proposal for their properties adjacent to the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.

First to consider is what is being requested by the company. The Marine Trail Holdings application to the Capital Regional District for the Juan de Fuca area between Port Renfrew and Jordan River is for a forty-fold increase in the density of housing permitted under the Rural Resource land designation, which currently determines what can be built on the seven lots in question.

The proposal is described as a lodge and cabin development. Lodge and cabin developments are best known in BC for fishing or horse riding lodges in remote areas, with the cabins used for sleeping and the nearby lodge used for meeting other guests and for cooking and eating. Rarely are there more than two dozen cabins, and rarely are they more than 150 metres from the lodge. Lodge and cabin developments also have restrictions on how long cabins can be continuously occupied (one month), and the cabins cannot be occupied, in total, for more than half of the year. The Marine Trail Holdings proposal, however, is for some two hundred and sixty cabins and other buildings, spread out over seven

kilometres of Highway 14 and twelve kilometres of the Juan de Fuca Trail. It is far from the original concept of a lodge and cabins development.

The seven lots total close to six hundred acres, and are adjacent to and immediately above the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, a narrow strip of land (average wide 235 metres, with most of it of only 150 metres wide) along the coast to the south-east of Port Renfrew. Within this strip is the forty seven kilometres of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Although their histories differ, in a very real sense the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is a continuation of the better known West Coast Trail within Pacific Rim National Park, which starts north of Port Renfrew. The Juan de Fuca Provincial Park was established by the Harcourt government in 1996 to commemorate the 1994 Commonwealth Games that

were held in Victoria two years before, and is specifically described as a wild coastal

recreational facility and as a wildlife corridor by BC Parks.

Why was the park established as such a narrow strip? Park planners wanted a wider park; provincial wildlife people also wanted a wider corridor to allow for the movement of larger animals (bear, cougar, deer, etc.) along the coast. Unfortunately the Harcourt government ignored this expert advice and bowed to forestry union pressure to move as little land as possible from forestry designation to park designation. Thus the narrow strip. However as the land adjacent private land had forestry designation and was not available for development, the provincial government essentially ignored the issue and left the problem of park width to the future.

With another but equally unfortunate decision some five years ago, the issue could be ignored no longer. At that time the Campbell government lifted the forestry restriction on these private lands, allowing them to be sold for development. Marine Trail Holdings purchased the six

hundred acres in question from its forestry company owner, drew up plans, and proposed to the Capital Regional District the forty-fold variation from current zoning that is now the subject of such controversy.

The core issue today, therefore is the impact of the proposed forty-fold increase in density of housing of the Marine Trail Holdings development on the

Parkinson to Botanical Beach by Rosemary Jorna

5 September 2011

values of the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park and the coastal Marine Trail that it was designed to protect.

The developer claims that only a small area of the 600 acres will be used for buildings. This is true, but building footprints do not tell the whole story. Currently the area is wild land, and the 260 plus buildings that are proposed will require roads, driveways, and power lines, and further will undoubtedly have fences and trees felled to protect the building from blow-down of timber, and to establish views of the sea or beach, not to mention paths which the owners of the cabins will wish to build down to the beach. Were this development to proceed, there is simply no way the current wild coastal character of the area could be protected. In effect, the wild coastal trail and park will be adjacent to rural sprawl development, which will severely degrade its scenic and tourism value.

This year marks the centennial of the establishment of Strathcona Park on northern Vancouver Island, incidentally the first BC provincial Park. It also marks the centennial of the establishment of the first federal parks agency to administer our national parks. When considering the potential degradation of Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, these anniversaries are an appropriate time to consider the impact those BC and national parks have had on tourism and economic opportunity in our province.

Over that century the impact has been phenomenal. Tourism has become our largest industry, and it has become so largely by reason of the extensive park systems we enjoy from the Rockies to the Coast. This is recognized in our tourism slogan “Supernatural British Columbia”. Closer to home, Pacific Rim, the coastal national park centered on Tofino, which was established forty years ago, has become the greatest economic driver of the

West Coast of the Island. It has become so popular that crowding is a problem, and reservations systems have had to be introduced to prevent the wilderness character of the West Coast Trail from being impaired.

This pressure on Pacific Rim National Park and the West Coast Trail provides opportunity for the communities of the Juan de Fuca area to take advantage of the existing worldwide reputation of Pacific Rim and to share the economic benefits that have come to Tofino over the past forty years. Given that the tourism and wild coastal character of the area is already well known, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and Provincial Park have a tremendous advantage in tourism development. Port Renfrew and Jordan River could become important resort destinations in the decade ahead. Protecting the tourism value of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, just as the tourism value of the West Coast Trail was protected forty years ago, is the key.

The Marine Trail Holdings proposal before the Capital Regional District is not, therefore, a local or minor application for a zoning change. It constitutes a direct threat to the economic future of the whole region. True,

“Tourism has become our largest industry, and it has become so largely by reason of the extensive park systems we enjoy from the Rockies to the Coast.”

continued on page 6

Hikers at Bear Beach by Rosemary Jorna

Welcomes New Members for Their Autumn SeasonMale Voices are Especially Welcome

We rehearse in Sooke on Thursday eveningsCall 250 642 7966 for more information"

6 September 2011

The Lighthouse Latteby Michael Galizio

The Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society and local barista supreme, David Evans from The Stick, have joined forces and created a special coffee -- the Lighthouse Latte. It's an innovative and creative way for people to support the Society’s efforts to preserve and protect the lighthouse and surrounding property at Sheringham Point while enjoying a quality, speciality coffee.

Brewed at The Stick, Sooke's premier speciality roaster and coffee house, the Lighthouse Latte comes in two versions; in your regular cup or in a special commemorative ceramic mug with the lighthouse logo. All proceeds from sales of the Lighthouse Latte during the month of September will go directly to the Society to continue their efforts to protect the lighthouse.

The Society, established in 2003, is dedicated to preserving the Sheringham Point lighthouse for community use into the future, and this new promotion affords an opportunity for the public to help just by enjoying a Lighthouse Latte.

Lighthouse Society member and Stick regular Ted Jones says, "Don’t delay - feel good about your latte today. Help the Lighthouse Society with a Lighthouse Latte."

For more information, stop by The Stick (Eustace Road, just off Otter Point Road in Sooke) and ask for a Lighthouse Latte.

the developer promises some construction jobs for the development; but because of the impact of the development on the primary tourism attraction of the area, it is also true that those construction jobs will come at the expense of more extensive and valuable tourism opportunities to the whole community in the future.

The long term economic health of the region should take priority over the short term advantage of Marine Trail Holdings. The Capital Regional District should reject the Marine Trail Holdings proposal.

David Anderson is a former MP for Esquimalt Saanich and for Victoria. He served ten years in the federal cabinet, occupying both the Fisheries and Oceans portfolio and the Environment portfolio. Members of his family have owned land on Sooke Basin continuously since his great-grandfather purchased land in East Sooke in the 1880s.

continued from page 5

Bear Beach to China Beach by Rosemary Jorna

PUBLIC HEARING: RE-ZONING OF LANDS ADJACENT TO JUAN DE FUCA MARINE TRAIL

LAST CHANCE TO GO ON THE PUBLIC RECORD How do you see the region and this heritage wilderness park

impacted by the proposed development? Sept. 6, 2011 5 PM

Edward Milne Community School, Sooke

7 September 2011

Silence Is Consent by Heather Phillips

People have to get their letters in to tell the CRD Board through the Public Hearing process how they feel about the Marine Trail Holdings (MTH) proposals for their properties above the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park and the Marine Trail. When you have your thoughts together, write them down and send them to the CRD office in Sooke. The extra time will give decision makers time to read and think about your input even before the hearing date is announced.

In May, Director Hicks said basically that he was tired of the MTH thing and it was wasting time that could be spent on other matters. In my opinion, that is no way to finish a project. You don’t need to follow that example. It is too soon to quit.

The CRD Voting Panel A has not yet made the legal decision to approve the two draft bylaws that would allow the MTH resort. They decided to ask the public for their opinion of the draft bylaws and are supposed to be guided by public input.

At the CRD Board meetings 29 June and13 July, many Directors took part in the discussion. All CRD Board members have a pretty good idea of what the public thinks. Highands Mayor Jane Mendum pointed out that it is poor practice to send bylaws forward to Public Hearing when the earlier public consultation produces so little support. Her point is that, usually, public consultation has resolved the issues before a bylaw gets to the Public Hearing stage. That is probably why many members of the general public see the Public Hearing step as a rubber stamp.

In theory, rezoning requires community consultation and consent if it goes beyond the criteria of the Official Community Plan and Regional Growth Strategy. Councils administer existing Official Community Plans and land use bylaws. Being voted into office does not give council authority to amend such bylaws without public consent.

In the Cowichan Valley Regional District, part of the most recent proposal for development at Bamberton was refused at third reading because it did not fit the existing frame. Recently, Vancouver City Council refused a casino application because the public strongly opposed it.

Community members have not been given an opportunity to ask questions about the two bylaws that would permit the MTH resort

as proposed. The JDF planning office position seems to be that staff understood public concerns from earlier consultation and addressed concerns in the new draft bylaws. If you don’t agree, you have to register your opinions. If you don’t write or speak out, there is no record of your opinion of these new drafts of the MTH bylaws. If there were a challenge to the final decision, whatever it might be, your silence could be interpreted as agreement to the draft bylaws coming to the Public Hearing.

Important details have been overlooked. The present draft bylaws did not go to agencies or public consultation where some of these details might have been addressed. The last letter from the Ministry of the Environment, dated 11 March 2011 and in the report to the 19 April JDF LUC, says that the Ministry does not want the fifth access to the Marine Trail from the proposed resort core above Bear Beach. The matter of resort users creating their own trails in spite of the unwanted fifth public access point is not addressed anywhere. In April, the JDF LUC recommended stronger fire protection measures. Staff seems confident that the public and JDF LUC concerns for fire protection are met although no changes were actually made. Pacheedaht First Nation’s Council support for the proposal has been cited as a reason to permit the residential resort. Yet Director Saunders pointed out there is no legal written agreement between the Pacheedaht and the MTH proponents. The Phased Development Agreement and amendment to the Regional Resource Lands bylaws gives no legal support to the Pacheedaht Council’s wishes. Getting a contract for their mill, Cultural Lands, and local jobs depends on the MTH proposals keeping to the plan outlined in 2010 and being successful. But the MTH plan is still conditional on this and that. Not even the Phased Development Agreement is stable because under the proposed bylaws, the planning office would be allowed to amend any part of it without further direction from the JDF Electoral Area. For Committee A to compromise the Regional Growth Strategy for such an ill-defined outcome over which they have no control seems illogical, to say the least.

Write to the CRD through the jdfinfo@crd.bc.ca address. Copy your letters to the CRD Board through its Chair at gyoung@victoria.ca Don’t be a quitter.

(RO Note: the Public Hearing begins on September 6, 2011 at 5 pm at the Edward Milne Community School.)

COMPOSTING WOOD WASTEby Dale W. Read

Many garden soils in our area lack humus, and amending with composted wood waste (Figure A) will help solve this deficiency. Several good reasons exist to justify this practice. The soil tilth is improved, the ‘burning problem’ is avoided, and wood waste, especially bark and twigs, provides nutrients essential for plant growth.

Waste from any of the local species can be composted,- except cedar. Cedar is very rot resistant, and it contains substances that inhibit the growth of most plants. Alder, maple, birch, spruce and grand fir break down readily. Douglas fir is somewhat slower, especially if pitch is present, and the corky material in the bark is fairly rot resistant.

Since composting is essentially facilitated rotting, several things should be done to help this process. Chipping or otherwise breaking up the pieces of woody waste will speed up this breakdown. Still, pieces of wood of almost any size and shape can be composted - if you have the time.

Contact with the soil speeds up the reaction considerably. Soil contains a host of microorganisms that are ready to feed on any woody material. Besides, the soil surface is often damp, and dampness accelerates this reaction. So, place the waste directly on the ground.

Some kind of fertilizer is necessary to produce compost in a reasonable length of time. A solution of a chemical fertilizer, such as 20:20:20 is suitable. If you wish to use organic materials only,

8 September 2011

Doug Read Licensed Realtor25 years experience~17 years *Selling* in *East Sooke* Benefit from my LOCAL EXPERIENCE and LOCAL SERVICE.

Doug ReadPemberton Holmes Real Estate250-361-7939 or 250-642-2705 or toll free 1-866-536-7169email: info@dougread.com web site: www.dougread.com

kitchen compostables, or manure-especially that from chickens and llamas, is very satisfactory. A 50:50 mixture of wood waste to manure works very well.

The fertilizer should penetrate the waste fairly evenly, and this brings into focus some interesting properties of wood. A fertilizer solution will not penetrate easily into the sides of a stick or bolt, but it can be absorbed readily if poured on the ends. This trait is so pronounced that even bolts as large as 30 x 30 centimetres can be composted within a year or two if treated properly. When big pieces are processed in this way, make sure that the fertilizer solution is added to both ends and that the wood is moistened and turned every two or three months (Figure B). In a novel variation,

Figure B - Treating a Large Bolt of Woodwith Fertilizer Before Composting:

End Grain Penetration - Very Effective

Side Grain Penetration - Ineffective

Volunteer and Show Your Care

9 September 2011

East Sooke Community Calendar

East Sooke Volunteer Fire DepartmentFire Practices Thursdays 7:00 p.m. New Volunteers WelcomeChief Roger Beck 250 642-4411

East Sooke Fire Protection AndEmergency Services CommissionMeets third Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Chair Erik Lund 250 642-4411

Yoga ClassesEast Sooke Fire Hall training roomWednesdays & Fridays10:00 – 11:30 a.m.For Info: 250 891-1788

Karate Classes For All AgesEast Sooke Fire Hall training room1397 Coppermine Rd. Tuesdays 7:00 pmInstructor: Armin Sielopp 250 642-3926

tree stumps can be ‘hollowed out’ by applying fertilizer solutions and allowing to stand a year or two. These modified stumps can then be used as ‘plant pots’ (Figure C).

With the usual chipped material, after adding fertilizer and mixing thoroughly, the material is placed in windrows not more than a half metre high, with the same width. These dimensions are important; if windrows are too large, oxygen cannot easily penetrate into the centre. If oxygen deficiency occurs, the reaction becomes anaerobic, and instead of a soil amendment, a dark, smelly and toxic material results that is totally unsuitable for addition to a garden.

Water is added as required to keep the waste moist but not soggy. Every two weeks, the piles are turned or at least inspected to make sure that they are properly aerated. If the original woody waste were chipped or otherwise fairly finely divided, the compost should be ready in about three months. When adding compost to the garden, add a little fertilizer along with it. If the rotting were incomplete, microorganisms could continue to feed on the product, absorb nutrients, and thus compete with your garden plants. This possibility must be guarded against.

For the first couple years, you may notice an increase in crop yields. The reason is the presence of natural growth stimulants, called ‘auxins’ in the original bark and twigs. You will be well rewarded for your composting efforts!

Dale is a chemist and has specialized in wood chemistry.

Connect. Grow. Thrive.

East Sooke Counselling

Sarah Nakatsuka BA, RPC

Registered Professional Counsellor

Interfaith Officiant

THIS VIBRANT LIFE

Vibrant Ceremonies

Vibrant Seeds

FREEPHONE

CONSULTATION

250-642-4074

www.thisvibrantlife.ca

Figure C - In a novel application, a Douglas fir stump has been repeatedly ‘hollowed out’ with fertilizer solutions over a period of two years. Acid loving plants, such as the oval leaf blueberry pictured above, thrive in such situations.

Figure A - The finished product. The original pieces of wood are firable to the point where they can be easily crushed with fingers, or else they have already broken down.

 

“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”  Anais Nin 

Get your bouquet any time

Vivi’s flowers & ducks  

250 642-1714 lacuruch@yahoo.com 

10 September 2011

Calendar of Events for ShirleyUnless otherwise indicated, events are held at the Shirley Community Hall

Shirley Fire DepartmentPractices held Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.Chief Donovan Ray 250 646-2107

Shukokai Karate for all agesMondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m.Alida 250 642-4631

Kundalini Yoga with Alanda CarverTuesdays, 6:45 – 8:00 p.m. muircreek@hotmail.com

Nia Dance/Movement Thursdays, 6:45-8:00 p.m. movingmelody@gmail.com250 646-2995

Shirley Quilters and CraftersThursdays 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Shirley Fire Protection Society MeetingSunday, Sept. 11, 2011, 2:00 p.m.

Shirley Community Association MeetingWednesday, September 14, 2011, 7:30 pm.

Sheringham Point Lighthouse Pres. SocietyAGM, October 1, 2011, 11:00 a.m.Note: Meeting to be at held the Sooke Museum Meeting Room250 646-2590

Remembrance Day CeremonyFriday, November 11, 2011, 10:45 a.m.

Fall Craft FairSunday, November 13, 201110:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Fern 250 646-2009

Christine Hopkins - Registered AromatherapistAromatherapy Massage * Seaweed Soaks

Consultations & WorkshopsHonestly Tea - Organic & Fair Trade

Top quality Black, Oolong, Green, White, Rooibos, andHerbal teas sourced from reputable International producers.

email: fromthegarden@telus.netPhone: (250) 646 2177 or 646 2425

www.fromthegarden.net www.honestlytea.net

What’s In A Name?by Michael Galizio

From Day One, the Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society, formed in 2003, has been collecting, cataloging and seeking out interesting historical facts and information about the Sheringham Point lighthouse and the people who served there.

In 2007, recognizing the historical significance of the lighthouse, the society instituted an oral history project in order to assemble and save recollections from light keepers, their families and others that may have had some experience with the Light Station, located at the end of Sheringham Point Road in Shirley. This is an ambitious project, as there is a wealth of information and many people who still recall the lighthouse in its heyday, but few volunteers to help organize the effort.

An interesting fact recently forwarded to the Society from a member of our Board of Advisors, Senator Pat Carney (retired), was this tidbit found by her brother in a book on area names in British Columbia:

(Source: John T. Walbran, British Columbia Coast Names (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 1971), 64. 2. Ibid, 513. )

The Society is looking for volunteers to continue the work of the oral history project. If you are able to help, please contact the Society at www.sheringhamlighthouse.org

Visit the Society website to become a member, attend meetings, and find photographs and other information about the light station and the Society.

11 September 2011

The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5pm, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Office, #2 – 6868 West Coast Road

Public Welcome to AttendFor more information, visit www.crd.bc.ca/jdf/parks.

For meeting confirmation or enquiries, please call 250.642.1500.

Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission

continued from page 3

Jordan River was largely forgotten but the segment from Jordan River to Port Renfrew lived on in memory. Groups such as the Sierra Club of Victoria realized that the Wild Coast heritage should be preserved. By 1989, their efforts and those of local people resulted in China Beach, Loss Creek and Botanical Beach becoming provincial parks. Lengths of telegraph wire still show up in the duff along the old route, and there are line carriers on mature trees.

In the 1960s, Sombrio Beach, a beautiful sweep of sand and rock with ocean breaks, was an hour’s walk down a steep slope through mature rainforest. A colony of surfers and refugees from the material world built year-round homes there. Three rounds of clear cut logging in the mid-1980s destroyed the beautiful forest while creating road access which made for an easy walk to the beach. With Sombrio now easily accessible, the community was no longer isolated.

Pressure to preserve the trail route increased. Finally, in 1994, the Harcourt government created the Commonwealth Nature Legacy: A Heritage of Green Space to commemorate the Commonwealth Games. Several CRD Parks were created at this time. In Sooke, the Juan de Fuca Marine Park Development Group worked with regional outdoors clubs, chambers of commerce, the T’Sou-ke and Pacheedaht Nations, the YW/YMCA, Lester Pearson College, and Edward Milne Community School and a team of young trail builders to re-establish 45 kilometres of the old trail as the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. A recreational and environmental asset of world significance, the trail was opened to the public by 1996.

A wilderness park had no place for permanent inhabitants. In 1997, the colony at Sombrio was given notice to move. This made headlines across the country in newspapers, TV and radio. Two households remained as they were on the one hectare of private land at the mouth of the Sombrio River, but by July of 1998, they too were gone and the land became part of the park.

Most of the forest between the park and Highway 14 had been logged after 1900. The area above Bear Beach was cut in the 1950s. The forest has been recovering since. The park established with the trail was also meant to protect wilderness habitat. Pressure from forestry unions kept the park to a thin ribbon insufficient to ensure the protection desired. However, in 1996, the adjacent tree farm licence provided a managed forest buffer up to Highway 14.

In 2007, the Campbell government released thousands of hectares of private land from the tree farm licences, including seven parcels located above the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Below these parcels, between Bear Beach and Chin Beach, is the wildest and most difficult part of the trail. The parcels are now under pressure for rezoning to accommodate a residential strata resort.

Only the beaches at Chin and Bear Beach are left as truly wild. If the rezoning goes ahead, Bear Beach will be severely compromised with public access trails leading from over 100 vacation homes proposed directly above it. A few minutes’ walk on the proposed beach access trails drops directly into the wilderness campsites provided for backpackers. The backpackers will have hiked the roughest portion of the trail seeking the unique experience that is, at present, world renowned, but would be lost if the re-zoning proposal is approved.

China Beach to Magdalena Point by Rosemary Jorna

12 September 2011

Readers’ FORUMWrong Place, Wrong Time

I am writing to express my ongoing concern regarding the CRD's continued consideration of Marine Trail Holdings proposal to build 250+ resort cabins along the Juan de Fuca Marine trail. This proposal comes at the wrong time and is in the wrong place.

I currently live in Victoria, but I grew up in Sooke and visit family there often. I am curious how many of you have been out west of Sooke lately? Last week I was canoeing on the San Juan River and suggest it as an excuse to get out there and witness what I saw firsthand. Highway 14 is littered with floundering developments. Erinan, The Shores at Jordan River and Sheringham Estates are the few I can name. These cleared lots are patiently awaiting purchasers. The roads are built, the power lines strung and yet no one wants to live there. How can the CRD continue to believe that the Marine Trail Holdings proposal will actually work? All of these existing lots, much closer to services and amenities lie vacant. Indeed, consider Silverspray in East Sooke, prime waterfront real estate, vacant. Please, maintain the current zoning, and encourage people to move into already developed areas.

I spent part of my childhood living on Sooke River Road. There is a valuable lesson lurking at the end of that winding road. If you don't have the time to make it out to the San Juan River, I suggest a trip to the Potholes. Be sure to walk or drive up the road and observe what remains of the Deertrails Lodge. Deertrails was supposed to be a resort lodge and cabins. The development was also meant to abut a tiny park. Despite beginning construction on a lodge and its spectacular location on the brink of the Sooke River, Deertrails failed. There is no

resort, there are no cabins. The area is now a valued extension of the Potholes Park. People come from Victoria and beyond to enjoy the stunning beauty and the wonderful swimming. The park is a highly valued community asset. It is part of a Green-Blue belt of protected areas in the Sooke Hills. It is invaluable. Am I the only one that sees a connection? Please, go, look hard at that fenced in chimney, look up the river and marvel. Ask yourself what it would be like if only the privileged few ever saw such natural beauty.

Let me re-iterate: Marine Trail Holdings proposal to develop along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is in the wrong place at the wrong time. The public no longer values economic gain over all else. People are striving to re-connect to the ever shrinking wild and natural world around us. I am 32 years old, my generation longs to live in more ethical, sustainable communities than the ones we are inheriting and creating. This development is not necessary. Development west of Sooke already exists. Why does the CRD continue to entertain the fantasy of a resort community in the middle of nowhere? Let me correct myself, in the middle of an existing provincial park, in the middle of resource extraction lands, in the middle of a poorly maintained highway. Where is the support and advertising for places like Erinan, right next to John Muir Elementary School, on a bus route, 10 minutes from downtown Sooke? Families could live there and become actual members of the community.

Please, those of you with voting privileges, do not rezone this land; stop this proposal before it goes any further. Those of you who don't have voting privileges at this time, please, help me, and so many others, change the minds of those who do. We do not live in disconnected communities; that is an out of date fallacy. We are interdependent and connected, this green space serves the South Island and beyond.

For the love of your children and grandchildren, for the sake of the cougars, wolves and bears, do not allow Marine Trail Holdings to continue their development. Take it one step further and encourage a partnership with the province, the federal government, environmental groups, with whomever it takes, to purchase the lots in question outright and add them to the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail Provincial Park.

Sincerely, Kate Phillips

Bad LUC, Good LUC

I am typically reticent to write letters to the media. However I feel a travesty of epic proportions transpired at the CRD Juan de Fuca Land Use Committee Meeting in Sooke on August 16, 2011, which merits public awareness.

The aforementioned travesty entailed a variance development permit and floodplain exemption variance for a lot containing a community’s vital drinking water source bisecting a property zoned undevelopable.

The LUC vote was 3-2 in favour of the permit, the three wise men considered the out-of-towners’ potential property sale profit over the health and safety of over 225 people who, above all, fully expect their elected officials to protect them. Previously this variance was heard in 2003 and 2006, both times voted against, in 2006 unanimously.

The proponent’s presentation consisted of a map overview of the lot & quotes from their paid experts as to the viability of placing their septic tank a metre and a half from Goudie Creek, the fresh water drinking source for over 100 families. Regarding the support side, only the proponent and his family were in attendance at the meeting.

The staff report contained only one passing reference to the creek being a water source; no details, no questions of water quality for drinking, and no comments to the ‘experts’ about how they are protecting a domestic water supply; shoddy report at best.

The 4 opponents, all from the community, 3 of whom live within 500 meters of the proposed development, all spoke of their grave concerns of contaminated water: tenuous ground cover consisting mostly of sand; relying extensively on the existing tree roots to provide stability, especially for the steep creek bank. It would have been standing room only if the notification process had gone to the families dependant on the water supply.

Graphic images from a devastating creek wash-out in Jan 2009 were presented to the Committee. The wash-out cut a twenty foot deep swath taking out a portion of the road, a culvert, and major portions of 3 driveways, all within 150 feet of the proposed driveway.

A reconsideration meeting is essential. The map on the official notice was wrong, erroneously showing the position of the creek. As well, a landowner abutting the lot in question did not

13 September 2011

receive notice. Others should have been notified,such as the 100 plus families fully dependant on Goudie Creek for their drinking water.

Since the proponent’s reports took precedence over potential septic contamination of the drinking water for half of Shirley families, it would give an opportunity to have additional environmental impact reports conducted.

The essence of LUC is to protect the public from dangerous proposals - this government body let its constituents down by placing the vital drinking water for seniors, children and everyone else in the middle in jeopardy for the benefit of one.

Thanks to the two rational committee members who felt that sustaining the community’s water source was paramount and voted against this ludicrous variance permit.

John WallsShirley BC

Enthralled with Gardening by Bonnie Coulter

A lovely couple made their way around my garden recently, the tall husband bent his head tenderly to better hear his wife. What a lovely picture! When they caught up to me I could see concern on their

faces. “Are you enthralled with your garden?” she asked. “I am”, I replied with vigor. She seemed perplexed and explained how they have recently become enthralled with their garden. She confessed that what she meant was enslaved. They have created a garden that they love, but recognize it’s on the verge of consuming all their time. They’re torn by their desire to have a beautiful creation to relax in.

I have never been one driven to perfection and use many time saving steps learned in my 35 plus years of gardening to keep the commitment under control. There are ways to keep even a large garden in order. Once established, a garden, like grown kids, can look after itself. Honest! My garden does and my kids do too.

Here are some of my timesaver tips that help keep balance in my life:

Mulch: use a good layer, up to 2 inches, of organic mulch. It keeps the weeds down and feeds the soil as it breaks down. Be careful not to smother any small plants or touchy root zones. I spread this chore out between spring and fall.

No open soil: Wherever practicable I pack the plants in. Weeds have a hard time shouldering into dense plantings. I use native ferns for inexpensive fillers and plant lilies in between them. Ground covers work well under taller shrubs, and trees like wooly thyme or creeping jenny. Avoid invasive plants like periwinkle. I plant tons of cyclamen and wood sorrel under my fir and cedar trees for a winter show.

Weeds: Do a thorough weeding in the fall, paying particular attention to getting seed heads and pine cones out before they release their seeds. It’s a case

14 September 2011

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of “a stitch in time saves nine”. Not allowing invasive plants like ornamental grasses and weeds to seed out is your best defense. Don’t weed in dry soil. Instead do it after watering or a good rain, the weeds slip out much easier, roots and all.

Watering: set up an automatic drip system on timers. The initial cost will be offset quickly. No more scary water bills. No dragging around hoses, or hoses left for litigious visitors to trip on, no coming home to expensive plants down for the count looking like a boxer that just went 15 rounds.

Feed: Don’t overfeed or overwater your plants. Keep them lean and mean. Plumped, spoiled beauties will sulk and whine the minute they don’t get what they want when they want it. Invariably this occurs just when you’re too busy getting ready for that BBQ where everyone is coming over to see your garden showcase.

Right plant, right place: This follows the wisdom that men teach each other: Happy Wife = Happy Life. Know a plant’s need for light, shade, moisture and soil conditions before you bring it home. If you notice a plant not doing well, move it this fall it to a better locale. A good rule of thumb is prune and move after flowering. Use bone meal at the root zone as it has no value if applied to the surface and will not find its way to the roots.

Slugs: Fall is just around the corner and the slugs will be coming out of hiding to bulk up for winter, so get ready to do battle. I have been trying a new practice of ‘catch and release’. I move them to the undeveloped areas that are not slug sensitive, and am experimenting with putting them in the compost bin to do the heaving lifting for the worms. So far this is going well.

Tools: Keep garden tools in good working condition. A sharp spade will make short work of digging and dividing

15 September 2011

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perennials. This is when I make my most clever use of the Mister. When I head for the grinding wheel with a wheel barrow load of tools needing sharpening, the Mister will jump in ‘manly style’, muttering something about liking his biscuits made with ten fingers. That works for me. I prefer to garden with all my digits.

Employ every time saving method you can and they will add up to big savings. We visited friends with a beguiling garden that shocked me in its size, composition and conscious use of existing native plants and trees covering 8 acres! We were offered a tour before eating and jumped at the offer despite my fears of missing the dinner bell. These crafty gardeners have it perfected with not one but two golf carts! They don‘t have to justify this godsend to me. It beats hanging tools in trees every 500 yards. I looked back at the Mister and saw him smiling, beer in hand, viewing the garden like a black lab in a pick-up truck on its way to the dump.

Good gardening this fall.

Allium photo by Noella LeDrew

16 September 2011

Victoria and its surrounding areas have become increasingly urban, which makes true green spaces fewer and further between, and wild animals more visible to the people in our community. While wild animals living amongst us do face many dangers, not all animals are in need of intervention. Although fall usually symbolizes the end of baby season for local wildlife, the late summer this year means that there will likely be later babies in your neighborhood so here are some tips on what you should do if you find a wild animal baby.

Take birds for example. Young birds, called fledglings, go through a teenage growth phase where they are old enough and big enough to be out of the nest, yet they do not have the strength or skills to fly. This leaves them vulnerable, but very much ok. In this stage, their parents are still feeding them and do their best to protect them against danger. Although it is tempting to pick these fledglings up and deliver them to your nearest wildlife rehabilitation centre, this will instead take them from their parents and any further life lessons they have to offer. Do take comfort though that within days (or sometimes up to a week for larger birds such as crows), babies will take

flight. Keeping them safe can be as easy as keeping the family pet indoors or on a leash for a few days or maybe putting up a sign so neighbours can do the same.

So, how can you determine if a young bird really does need your help? First, try to observe the posture and behavior of the animal. If you notice blood, a wing that droops lower than the other, the inability to use a leg, or weakness so severe the animal can not move, then a rescue is required. If the animal seems uninjured and healthy, but you are concerned it has been orphaned, stand a fair distance away and try to determine if there is an attending parent. Remember, if you are too close, the parent may be wary to present itself. If there is a parent, the baby is best in their care. If after 2 hours you are still concerned, contact Wild ARC for advice.

Deer, on the other hand, have a life strategy quite different than birds. Newborn fawns are born with no scent, enabling them to evade predators. For the first few days when they are too young to keep up with mom, they sit quietly waiting for her to return. This means that if the fawn appears healthy, uninjured, and is

sitting quietly, even if you can approach it, do not intervene; mom normally leaves her baby for long periods of time. If, however, the fawn is bleeting (the crying sound fawns make when they are hungry), or if you see blood or a visible injury, call Wild ARC immediately.

There are many other ways you can help local wildlife. Wild ARC is currently in need of frozen fish and seafood as well as frozen berries so if you have not been to the bottom of your deep freeze in awhile or you have extras that you are not using please call the centre to find out how to donate.

Wild ARC is happy to answer your questions about wild animals and to talk you through safe rescue procedures. If you are concerned about a wild animal, call us immediately at 250 478-9453.

Photo of Baby Bird by Christina Carrieres

Saving Wild Babies by Kimberly Reid, Wild ARC volunteer

Sooke Fall Fair 2011; ‘Science in Action’ by Candace Linde, President of the Sooke Fall Fair

The 98th Sooke Fall Fair is celebrating ‘Science in Action” & the International Year of Forests. Science is all around us, and we use it every day whether we are baking cakes and pies or arranging different plants together to help ward off harmful bugs. Making sure the soil composition is correct and adding compost allows plants to thrive and give delicious and nutritious fruit and vegetables or the biggest pumpkins or blooms on flowers. Rabbits, cavy or poultry need extra special care, nutrition and attention to be best in show. There’s the special fermenting process that fruit and grains go through to give us the best beer and finest wines.

Dyeing fibres can be natural or with the help of science to colour fabrics and yarns to create exquisite quilts, shawls and needle works. Photographers use the eye of the camera to capture nature or people in breathtaking poses we can share.

Carvers and hobby crafters can take burls or fine cut wood to create beautiful furniture or treasured pieces of art. Turn the lathe gently to form beautiful bowls and utensils to last a lifetime.

The T’Sou-ke Nation will also have displays of traditional art and carvings and explain the uses and importance of the cedar tree in their culture, past and present.

Clay Whitney from the BC Fruit Testers Association will be at the fair on Saturday to help you identify the apples you have growing in your garden.

Design the fastest, custom made zucchini for the ‘Great Sookeini Race’ on Saturday September10th. Find the perfect costume and practice your tricks, as another family favourite tradition, the Kids and Kritters Pet Parade is on Sunday September11th.

A very talented student from Journey Middle School, Bryn Martin, did the art work for the 2011 program cover. Her brilliant design will have ones imagination reeling for creative works to be entered into this year’s fair.

It is now up to you to create, bake, grow or compose your own works and think recycle, green and science.

Come and enjoy ‘Science in Action’ and celebrate the International Year of Forests at the Sooke Community Hall on September 10th and 11th. You may win the door prize of a tree from Brooks Christmas Tree Farm in Sooke. See you at the fair!

September 201117

RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES OVERSIGHT, CHECKS AND BALANCES

Five weeks work in twelve months. That is the time I spent on your behalf in the Legislative Assembly. Not that there hasn’t been plenty of politics for us to deal with over that time, but the actual time spent in the Legislature ensuring our Provincial

government is responsive to changing circumstances and accountable with our tax money is ridiculous by any modern - or stone age for that matter - standards.

Since I was appointed opposition House Leader in May, I have been spending more time thinking about how we get better value from our public institutions and more mileage from our democratic processes. Of course the summer, like the past two years, has been dominated by the Harmonized Sales Tax. The mail in referendum that was forced on the BC Liberal government by the success of the initiative petition, came about because citizens from across BC felt a sense of alienation from government decision making.

The petition and the referendum that followed are two examples of how people can be active in our system of government. Regardless of the outcome, people from across BC rose up and will be heard. An unprecedented accomplishment in an era of disenfranchisement. So we have had our say on an element of tax policy at the provincial level, but what about the myriad of other pressing matters that have been largely ignored by our provincial government?

September 201118

From the desk of John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca

To be sure, the leadership changes in the two dominant political parties have been a distraction, but why didn’t we keep to the legislative calendar so that taxpayers could access government through their elected representatives? The theatre of politics is the daily question period. I appreciate that government members do not welcome being raked over the coals day after day, but progress usually involves give and take. Without the checks and balances that are part of our parliamentary system, majority governments lose their way.

No better example exists than the removal of lands from the tree farm license in our area. Four years ago, without consultation or compensation, the BC Liberals made a massive policy blunder that is still being felt and will continue to be felt until we address governance issues that have been simmering since the incorporation of Sooke in the late 1990’s. If the Legislature is in session I have the opportunity to raise awareness and improve our situation. What a concept!

The matter of how we benefit from our publicly owned electricity company is another issue that requires immediate parliamentary discussion. Instead, it has been left to be managed behind closed doors without appropriate oversight. A recent review of runaway rate increases was helpful, but was done without broad public input and was designed to blame labour, rather than the costs of private power contracts or the billion dollar smart meter program. Decisions that are subjected to thoughtful criticism are usually better than those left to insiders determined to forge ahead regardless of the consequences.

And it isn’t just the so called “big ticket” issues that are better managed when MLAs are given the opportunity to be in the Legislature. My office solves problems and overcomes obstacles people have with government programs every day. Much of the work is done at the staff level, but when a stronger nudge is required I will call a Minister and make the case directly. That work is made easier when the Legislature is in session and a quick conversation in the hallway can avoid delays in drafting letters and exchanging phone calls. No headline grabbing, no political advantage, just honest work on behalf of constituents.

There is still uncertainty about just what the new Premier will do this fall. Will she call an early election? Will she, finally, stick to the fixed sitting calendar and call MLAs to work in Victoria? Either way, I will be making the case that more is better. Let the MLAs do what the voting public expects of them. Show up for work at the Legislature and advocate for better government. Again, what a concept!

John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca www.johnhorgan.ca

Pharmacy service the way it is meant to be…..over 20 years of service in the communities of Sooke, East Sooke, Otter Point, Jordan River, Shirley, and Port Renfrew, ( and even for our customers who have moved to Victoria and still use our service ). Pharmacy practice to benefit the needs of OUR community and more importantly….. with PEOPLE in mind. Talk to our pharmacy staff about how we can confidentially transfer your prescriptions to our location. PEOPLES DRUG MART Helping people live better lives 642-2226 Ron Kumar Pharmacist/Owner

17 Mile Pub & Liquor Shoppe p.11 250-642-5942

A Sea of Bloom Floral Designs p.17 250-642-3952

Alice McLean Pottery p.12 250-642-3522

Custom Digging p.12 250-413-7685

Deb’s Barbershop p.15 250-391-7566

Doug Read - Pemberton Holmes Realty p.8 250-642-2705

Earthly Goods Craft Market pp.14,17

East Sooke Counselling p.9 250-642-4074

East Sooke Fire Protection Commission p.8 250-642-4411

EKOOS Vocal Ensemble pp.5.14 250-544-0528

Felix Irwin - Chartered Accountant p.12 250-642-5277

Fotoprint p.2 250-382-8218

From the Garden... at French Beach p.10 250-646-2177

Hallway Farm p.9 250-413-7321

Hugh Gregory Fine Painting p.15 250-480-8295

James Craven & Associates p.13 250-744-9455

JdF Emergency Program p.13 250-642-2266

JdF Ground Search and Rescue p.16 250-642-1085

JdF Parks & Recreation Commission p.11 250-642-1500

John Horgan - Juan de Fuca MLA p.4 250-391-2801

Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic p.17 250-478-0422

Kimmel Massage Therapist p.10 250-646-2865

Markus’ Wharfside Restaurant p.14 250-642-3596

Mosaic West Consulting Services p. 5 250-642-0399

Noella LeDrew, Graphic & Web Design pp.2,19 250-889-4100

Numa Farms p.14 250-474-6005

Otter Point Electric p.7 250-588-4324

People’s Drug Mart p.18 250-642-2226

Race Rocks Automotive p.7 250-478-1920

Rural Observer - Advertising pp.2,19 250-642-1714

Sheringham Point Lighthouse Pres. Soc. p.20 250-646-2528

Sooke Fall Fair p.17

Sooke Harbour House p.6 250-642-3421

Tale of the Whale p.13 250-642-6161

Victoria Alarm Service p.13 250-721-0266

Walk, Sit & Stay - Dog Walking p.8 250-642-0458

Westside InstaPrint p.15 250-478-5533

Worklink p.8 250-642-3685

September 201119

Vivi CurutchetAdvertising Sales

Ph: (250) 642-1714Email: advertise@ruralobserver.com

The Rural Observer’s publication schedule for 2011 is as follows:November 17th.

Deadlines for submission of articles and photographs are:October 20th for November.

If you would like to submit an article or photograph please send to submissions@ruralobserver.com. Enquiries are welcomed by our editorial staff, so if you have an idea for a story or a photograph of high quality and resolution that you think would work on our cover, please call 250 646-2528.

CONTRIBUTE TO THE RURAL OBSERVER If you have an activity of a rural nature in the Juan de Fuca area that you would like covered, please send it to us. We cannot promise to print every article, but we try to, if and when space allows! Any thoughts or questions, please email us! submissions@ruralobserver.com

September 201120

WWW.SHERINGHAMLIGHTHOUSE.ORG

Working Together to Preserve and Protect

For the month of September The Stick and the Lighthouse Society are joining forces to help preserve the lighthouse at Sheringham Point.

Every day in September you can purchase a special coffee created just for the Society by the folks at The Stick - the Lighthouse Latte -- and the best part is that all the proceeds go to saving the lighthouse.

The Lighthouse Latte is available in a commemorative ceramic mug or in your usual to go cup - either way you win. You get a great coffee from talented baristas at Sooke’s premier specialty roaster and coffee house and the Society’s preservation efforts benefit from all the proceeds.

The Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society, established in 2003, is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Sheringham Point light station, land and access for the public and now you can help, just by enjoying The Stick’s Lighthouse Latte.

FEEL GOODABOUT YOUR LATTE!

Don’t wait - feel good about your latte today.

Help the Lighthouse Society with a

Lighthouse Latte from The Stick.