comox valley echo - december 23, 2014

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COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA • Tuesday, December 23, 2014

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www.comoxvalleyecho.comTUESDAY.COURTENAY, BC. DECEMBER 23, 20142

For the latest Comox Valley Weather visit: www.comoxvalleyecho.com

Comox Valley Weather

MondayCloudy.

Low 6°C. High 9°C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.


Wednesday

Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.


Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud.Low 1°C. High 4°C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud.Low -1°C. High 3°C. 1.85%

BY MICHAEL BRIONESEcho Staff

The Comox District Teachers’ Association has set up a trust account to help the family of Paul Bally, who was killed in a hit and run in Fanny Bay.

Bally, a French and Math teacher at Lake Trail, is survived by wife Evelyn and their two

children Desmond, 13 and Calixa, 9.

President Nick Moore wants to thank eveyone who has rallied to help the teachers, staff , students, and family after the sudden death of Bally.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone aff ected by this tragedy,” said Moore.

“This will be an especially diffi cult time for Paul’s wife Evelyn and 2 children.”

In an eff ort to help support them, the CDTA opened a trust account at Coastal Community Credit Union.

Anyone wishing to help can go to the bank and donate money to the Paul Bally

Family Trust Account. People can also email Moore at [email protected] and he will arrange a time to pick up or drop off donations if people can’t make it into the bank.

This, in conjunction with other support that is being set up from people all over the Comox Valley will help the family through this diffi cult time.

Teachers’ union sets up trust account to help Bally family

Evelyn Bally, with her daughter, makes emotional plea for driver who killed her husband in hit-and-run to come forward.

www.berwickre rement.com 1700 Comox Avenue Comox BC 250-339-1690

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

FFrom our house to yours….

With all good wishes for a Christmas season filled with peace, love and joy

From the residents and staff at Berwick Comox Valley

250 - 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay 250-334-3178Serving the Comox Valley for over 80 years

Open • Mon to Sat 9:30 - 5:30 • Fri Till 9pm“Searle’s for that hard foot to fit”

Season's Greetings Season's Greetings & Happy New Year& Happy New Year

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Cinema #4: “Taming of the Shrew” Globe on Saturday, December 20, 10:00 am (ends 1:05 pm). Doors open at 9:30. Approx. 3 hours, 05 minutes; 1 intermissionCinema #1: “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies HFR 3D” PG: Violence; frightening scenesPass restricted until January 7th. Friday to Tuesday: 6:30 (9:10) & 9:45 (12:25) Saturday to Tuesday Matinees: 3D 11:45 (2:25) & 3D 3:00 (5:40). Wednesday Matinees: 3D 11:45 (2:25) & 2D 3:00 (5:40)Cinema #2: “Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1” PG: Violence Friday to Tuesday: 6:45 (9:00) & 9:35 (11:50)Saturday to Wednesday Matinees: 12:10 (2:25) & 3:10 (5:25). Cinema #3: “Exodus: Gods & Kings 3D” PG: Violence Pass restricted until December 26th. Friday to Tuesday: 7:30 (10:10)Saturday to Wednesday Matinees: 3D 11:55 (2:35) & 2D 3:15 (5:55)Cinema #4: “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” PG: Violence Pass restricted until December 26th Friday to Tuesday: 7:30 (10:10). Saturday to Wednesday Matinees: 3D 11:55 (2:35) & 2D 3:15 (5:55)Cinema #4: “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” PG: Violence. Pass restricted until January 2nd Friday to Tuesday: 7:00 (8:50) & 9:30 (11:20). Saturday Matinees: 1:35 (3:25) & 3:55 (5:45). Sunday to Wednesday Matinees: 12:20 (2:10) & 3:25 (5:15)

Box Office Hours for Dec. 5th – 11th. Nightly: 6:00 pm – 9:45 pm. Saturday & Sunday Matinee: 12:00 noon - 3:50 pm

Exodus Gods and Kings 3D (PG) (No Passes) Nightly Fri to Tue 7:3. Sat to Wed Matinees 12:40Exodus Gods and Kings (PG) (No Passes) Sat to Wed Matinees 3:50Annie (G) (No Passes) Nightly Fri to Tue 7:10 & 9:45. Sat to Wed Matinees 1:05 & 3:40The Hobbit Battle of the Five Armies HFR 3D (PG) (No Passes) Nightly Fri to Tue 6:30 & 9:45Sat to Wed Matinees 11:30 & 3:00The Hobbit Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG) (No Passes) Sat to Wed Matinees 12:00 & 3:30The Hobbit Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG) (No Passes) Sat to Wed Matinees 12:00 & 3:30Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb (PG) (No Passes) Nightly Fri to Tue 6:50 & 9:05Sat to Wed Matinees 1:40 & 3:55Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare’s Globe on Screen) Saturday Dec. 20th 10:00AMHOLIDAY CLOSED DATES No Evening Shows on Dec. 24th. Closed all day Dec. 25th

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Timothy David Prad, 55, arriving at the Courtenay court house (Photo by Drew A. Penner)

BY DREW A. PENNEREcho Staff

A Bowser man made a brief appearance at the Courtenay Courthouse Thursday after being charged with leaving the scene of an accident caus-ing death for a hit and run

that killed a middle school teacher in Fanny Bay Monday.

Timothy Prad, 55, was released on a $2,000 re-cognizance with no de-posit and no surety.

“A local cyclist was killed riding his bicycle,” said Provincial Court judge

Ron Lamperson, detailing the Crown’s position that “Mr. Prad left without of-fering assistance.”

Paul Bally was killed Dec. 15 while riding south-bound on Old Island Highway near Fanny Bay after 7 p.m.

(Continued on page4)

Bowser man charged in hit-and-run that claimed Valley dad, teacher

www.comoxvalleyecho.comTUESDAY.DECEMBER 23, 20144

By Blair Qualey

For drivers, that means extracaution is required behind thewheel, as well as ensuring thatyour vehicle is prepared for theannual change in weather androad conditions.

This year, don’t be caughtoff guard by the snow, ice andheavy rains that are inevitableacross B.C. in the coming weeks

and months.Start by ensuring that your vehicle is prepared

for the inclement weather. That means getting atune-up at your authorized dealer service centre.This will cover a number of important vehiclechecks and detect any potential problems.For example, a tune-up will ensure your brakes,

tires and battery are in good condition, and that thefuel, air and transmission filters are clean. It willalso check that the heating system, defroster and

wipers are working properly, which are critical,especially during unpredictable winter weather.Winter tires are not mandatory in B.C., except

on certain roadways. Still, ICBC recommendsthem for your safety and the safety of otherdrivers. According to Transport Canada, allseason tires begin to lose their elasticity and gripon the road at temperatures below 7°C.Drivers should also make sure their vehicle is

equipped with an emergency kit which includesitems such as jumper cables, a flashlight, flares,blankets, candles and matches, and bottled water.It’s also a good idea to check the pressure of thespare tire in the trunk.

According to an ICBC survey, almost fourin 10 respondents felt less confident drivingduring the winter, likely due to unpredictableroad conditions. This includes black ice andhydroplaning, both of which are common duringthe winter months.

Black ice often forms on roads whentemperatures change quickly and may not bevisible. Hydroplaning, which happens when waterbuilds between the road and the vehicle tires, canalso be dangerous.

In both instances, vehicles can skid out ofcontrol. If this happens to you, experts recommendeasing off the gas, but avoid braking, which canmake it worse.

“For all types of winter hazards, remembertwo key tips: reduce your speed and increase yourfollowing distance,” ICBC recommends. “Themore time you have to react to any hazard, thebetter.”

In blowing snow and rain, using daytimerunning lights is often not enough. Drivers shouldalso ensure their lights are on in winter drivingconditions.With the cold winds of December also comes

the annual CounterAttack campaign, which

encourages drivers to plan ahead during theholiday party season. The campaign, launched bythe B.C. government, police and ICBC, includesroadchecks across the province and promotionof designated drivers with businesses, sportsfacilities and community groups.

While attitudes toward drinking and drivinghave changed over the years, ICBC statisticsshow an average of 86 lives are still lost everyyear in B.C. related to people being impairedbehind the wheel. Do yourself and everyone onthe road around you a favour: Please, don’t drinkand drive. I urge everyone to do their part to keepour roads safe this holiday season.Happy Holidays!

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the NewCar Dealers Association of BC. Email him [email protected].

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(Continued from page 3)

He was found about four-and-a-half hours later lying in the ditch a few ki-lometres down the road from where he started his journey.

A T-shirt that read, “just because you CAN/doesn’t mean you SHOULD” cov-ered Prad’s slender body.

“Mr. Prad, I’m going to release you,” said Lamper-son, after reading off a list of conditions that in-cluded keeping the peace, reporting to a bail super-visor and residing where directed.

“You’re not to possess or consume alcohol.”

The off ence carries a

maximum sentence of life in prison. Sgt. Mark Whit-worth, unit commander of the RCMP’s North Vancouver Island Traffi c Services department, said more charges are pos-sible.

“A very bad decision was made,” he said. “It’s an unimaginable tragedy.”

Acting on a Crime Stoppers tip that came in Wednesday afternoon, RCMP headed to a Roys-ton residence. They found an F350 matching the de-scription of the vehicle they were looking for and located Prad.

“Through questioning of the occupants of the house and a cursory examination

of the truck enough belief existed to make an arrest and seize the vehicle,” he said. “He was taken into custody without incident.”

Prad was arrested around 8 p.m.

Police took Prad to the Courtenay Courthouse where he was formally charged the next day.

The arrest follows a teary-eyed plea from the victim’s wife who urged the driver to surrender to police.

Bally, 48, taught at Lake Trail School in Courte-nay for 17 years, gaining a reputation for his uncanny ability to make learning pleasant for everyone.

Many students remem-

ber the incentive currency “Bally Bucks” he would hand out for answering problems during Math lessons or responding to questions in French class.

Police said the suspect couldn’t have been appre-hended without the help of the community.

“We want to extend our great appreciation to the public for assisting and bringing some level of clo-sure to Mrs. Bally and the family,” Whitworth said. “The focus is on doing ev-erything we can possible to reduce some of the anx-iety and the great feeling of loss.”

Prad is due back in court Jan. 15.

Sgt. Mark Whitworth, unit commander of the RCMP’s North Vancouver Island Traffi c Services department, speaks to news media after the accused appeared in court

Crimestoppers tip led to arrest

A celebration of life for Paul Bally is planned for 1 p.m., Dec. 23 at Lake Trail Middle School gym. Please wear bright colours - no black. Bring a potluck

dish to share if you likealong with the video showand open mic. A privatefuneral service will be heldin the morning for familyand close friends.

Celebration of life for Paul Bally set for Dec. 23

but are unable to put their sentiments into words. But there is one way in which everyone can express his affec-tion for others.

This is by the universal language of actions, for ac-

tions, says Emerson, are after all, a kind of words.We can all say “A Merry Christmas”. We all can forget

for one day in the year the ordinary things of life and begood and kind to somebody else.

The following editorial is reprinted from the Cumber-land Islander, Christmas 1925.

Christmas is the time of unselfishness, the season of kindness. Through most of the year we are all too silent with those who are most near and

dear to us. We seldom pause to say the things which lie just beneath the commonplace of common things.

But Christmas comes at the end of the year to give us all a brief time of thinking of others. Greetings are more cordial, candles gleam in the windows, and the carol sing-ers seek out the sick and shut-in to bring cheer to their lonely lives.

There is something about Christmas that burns up the ashes of selfishness.

December 25 is not unlike all the other days in the year, so far as the sunrise and sunset are concerned, but the spirit of the Christmas child, whose birth we celebrate, is abroad on the day and somehow we feel there is truly “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”

Throughout the rest of the year the cold glacier of mat-ter of factness creeps gradually over the heart. As chil-dren we often express the love we feel for those about us. But as we grow older we begin to take things for granted. Too often we feel ashamed of the tenderness we feel.

Everywhere men and women are looking for kindness, for tenderness, for “someone who cares.”

Nothing is more terrible than feeling yourself utterly alone. And then comes Christmas, the great holiday of the Christian religion, offering a Saviour born in Bethle-hem, a Father in Heaven, a personal God. “Someone who cares”, a refuge for the lonely.

So begin now to say the full sweet word to those in your home. Speak cheerfully to the friend you meet upon the street and even give a smile of recognition to the stranger. Soon out of sight one of these will go, those dear familiar ones who have drudged by your side so long, will drop by the way, and sitting alone with loneliness you will think of some kind word you might have said and they might have heard.

For some people, this is easier than for others. Some like those in the Holmes poem, “The Voices”, feel deeply

A MerryChristmas to all

EDITORIAL

LETTERS

An independently owned and operated

newspaper published by Echo Publications at

407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7

Phone 250-334-4722

Fax 250-334-3172

Classifi eds 250- 334-4215

Circulation 250-334-4734

E-mail: [email protected]

Publisher Dave MacDonald

Editor Debra Martin

Advertising Manager Keith Currie

Offi ce Administrator Deb Fowler

Circulation Manager Hedi MacDonald

Production Manager Ryan Getz

All material herein is protected by copyright.Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without written authorization from the publisher.

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Number #0661538

COMOX VALLEY ECHO

OPINIONSEC

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www.comoxvalleyecho.comTUESDAY.DECEMBER 23, 2014 5

YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT

I’ve been looking at my shopping listas Christmas rolls around.There’s a special gift I’m looking for thatseems no where to be found.

It’s a universal present given many years ago,By a very special messenger I’m sure you allmust know.

Actually this whole season is an object of his light.If it hadn’t have been for Jesus Christ we wouldn’thave a silent night.Please let me take a moment to describe this giftto you.The gift of God is eternal life, the substance of it true,And it is God’s intentions to give this gift toyou.Accept this gift of life it’s easy justreceive,The Jesus Christ of Christmas and on hisword believe.

Murray CoulterCourtenay

CHRISTMAS EVE

The rain stopped. For four days we had been driving down a highway in the South Island of New

Zealand, and had yet to see the snow-capped mountain peaks or to feel the warmth of the sun. Hope-fully the sun would shine tomorrow, Christmas Day.

My mind began to wander back to the many happy, but hectic Christmases we had spent in B.C. I remembered the rectory phone ringing constantly, the door bell chiming, the gift wrapping, the hos-pital visiting, the Sunday School pageants, the church decorating, and just all the general noise and confusion.

As I stared out into the twilight, I noticed a small white sign saying, “Glow Worm Dell”.

We parked the car, and within minutes were enfolded in complete darkness.

I could feel the cold damp air on my face as we followed a nar-row path bordered by scrub bush leading toward a glade. The tree branches were entwined overhead forming a natural arch.

When our eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, we began to notice tiny spots of white light on the ferns, the blades of grass, the spi-dery bushes, and on the rock face all around us.

Soon all the trees began to glow and glimmer. We were surrounded by millions of fairy lights.

The sound of water lured us to the end of the grove, and thus to a larger open area.

Here a small waterfall cascaded

into a miniature pool. The pool was ringed by moss-covered stones. Each stone was the home of a family of glow-worms. So, they too, were faintly glowing. The stars above shone brightly and were mir-rored in the water.

The stillness and this natural beauty were breathtaking. Peace perfect peace.

It was Christmas.June Lunny

(Composed for St. John the Divine centen-nial year)

GLAD TO SEE DAMI’m glad to see that the Site C Dam

project is fi nally moving ahead after 50 years of talk. The dam is going to take a full 10 years to build before it produces a single megawatt of pow-er, so the sooner we get things going the better. After all, who can imag-ine what the clean energy demands on our province’s power grid will be a decade from now in 2024. It could be LNG, it could be new, next generation mines and processing plants, it could be something that’s not even on the radar yet. Whatever it is, having a robust supply of re-liable, cleanly generated energy is an economic asset that gives us an ongoing edge in a world dealing with climate change and the need to lower carbon emissions. Bravo to all those who worked to make Site C a reality.

Jimmy PelkLangley, B.C.


. . teSmil . I ’s Christmas!

Wishing a very happy holiday seasonto all our patients and their families.

We’re deeply gratefulfor your vote of

confidence.

Acreview Dental750 Comox RoadCourtenay250-338-9085

BY MICHAEL BRIONESEcho Staff r

Rogers Communica-tions will be building a tele-communications tower in Comox to improve wireless coverage in the area.

A representative of the company, Matthew Mc-Donagh presented their plans to town council at Wednesday’s regular meet-ing.

McDonagh said Rogers plans to erect a 36.5 metre monopole at 1301 Knight Road near the Comox Val-ley Airport to accommo-date the increasing de-mand for wireless service.

At present, Rogers has existing infrastructure on the rooftop at St. Joseph’s General Hospital but it’s currently functioning at full capacity due to the prolif-eration of high-bandwidth smart phones and high-speed data devices.

In his presentation, Mc-Donagh used the comment of Comox Valley Airport’s CEO Fred Bigelow to put stronger emphasis on the

rationale behind Roger’s desire to build a new tow-er.

“Passengers, tenants and employees utilizing Rogers wireless are cur-rently unable to use their devices at the Comox Val-ley Airport,” said Bigelow. “I personally have wit-nessed passengers walk-ing out the doors of the

terminal and all the way to Knight Road to search for a signal with no success.”

McDonagh said that wireless service is critical to maintaining and encour-aging growth, ensuring public safety and enabling personal communications. Around 60 per cent of 911 calls are made from mo-bile devices and around 50

per cent of households rely solely on cell phones.

The main objective is to provide improved high-speed wireless voice and data service to businesses, residents and visitors to Comox.

The site they chose al-ready has a Telus tower. It’s on industrial land and McDonagh said during

Photo simulation showing view from Knight Road looking southeast at proposed site

Passengers, tenants and employees utiliz-ing Rogers wireless are currently unable to use their devices at the Co-mox Valley Airport.”

FRED BIGELOWCV Airport CEO

Wireless service is criti-cal to maintaining and encouraging growth, ensuring public safey and enabling personal communicaitons.

MATTHEW MCDONAGHRogers Communications

COMMUNICATIONS

Rogers to build new cell phone towerTelecommunications project aims to improve wireless service in the Comox area

consultations, they have re-ceived zero objections fromadjacent properties. It willbe visible high up but it willscreened by mature trees.

Council endorsed thetower plan.

View from airport parking lot looking southwest at tower.

Tel:250-334-9622www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec

Follow comoxvalleyrd

and Comox Valley Regional District

FREE FAMILYSWIM & SKATE

CVRD’s Sports Centre 3001 Vanier Drive, Courtenay

Donations to theCOMOX VALLEY FOOD BANKwill be gratefully accepted

December 31, 20145:00pm to 8:00pm Win a Tim Hortons Mountain Bike! See in store for details


to all our clients this past year.We thank you for your ongoing patronage and for referring your

friends and family.We wish to extend our bestfor health and happiness toeveryone in the New Year.

Dr. Nasralla www.DrPhilTheDentist.com

4-1841 Comox Ave., Comox250-339-2252

Merry Christmas

CUMBERLAND FOREST

Logging company agrees to defercuttingBY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff

The passion of Cumberlanders for their community forest – and their ability to put their money where their mouth is – played a key role in convincing the logging company with plans to harvest timber there by 2016 to defer cutting on three sections of land.

This will give the Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS) a chance to come up with the $1.2 million they expect it will cost to buy the areas outright.

“We’ve agreed to defer the areas and work with them,” said Ian De Lisle, area Manager for Hancock Forest Management, in

an interview. “They’re a pretty committed group. The town’s pretty com-mitted to their forest and the bike trails.”

The forests surround-ing the hillside commu-nity were turned over to private interests as the government cut deals to develop a railway on Vancouver Island to spur development that led to the Comox Valley popula-tion boom.

The forest society bought more than 71 hectares of forest from natural corridor since 2000 and want to buy another 50 hectares as soon as possible.

Support for the com-munity forest is an ever part of Village life, with fundraising CDs and cal-

endars for sale at local merchants and parties and trivia nights held fre-quently to help shore up support.

The CCFS had already brought in $400,000 by September.

This outpouring from mountain bikers, herbal-ists, artists and more, hasn’t gone unnoticed by the loggers.

“They have a good track record of closing and getting donations – I mean they’ve raised $146,000 in one day,” De Lisle said, referring to the Perseverance Party for the Forest held at the Community Recreation Institute gymnasium Oct. 26. “We want to have a good relationship.”

This was music to the ears of Meaghan Cursons, the forest society’s com-munications coordinator.

“I think those kinds of announcements are really important for our donorsto hear to have confi-dence in the work that we’re doing,” she said. “A willing seller is a really important thing on a pur-chase project.”

A community group may want to save a forest from imminent destruc-tion, but it takes too to tango, she noted.

(Continued on page 9)

Ryan Grimstad, 36, came from Tofino to ride the trails in Cumberland.Photo by Drew A. Penner

278 North Island Highway, Courtenay250-338-0101 www.canadiantire.ca

&

Thank you!

We wish You a Festive Season

& a Fabulous start to the New Year.

Thank You for your continual support.

Merry Christmas


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Anderton Ave, Como 339-1224

Christmas Eve ServiceDecember 24th, 6:30pm

Comox Valley Community Church

“Hope for the Holidays”

1580 Fitzgerald Ave. Courtenay250-338-8221 www.cvsalarmy.ca

Everyone is welcome to enjoy our puppet play "The Great, Late Potentate."


“This is about the trust that exists right now between multiple organi-zations, between our donors, between our funders, the Village of Cumberland and Hancock,” she said.

“I think that’s why we’re going to be suc-cessful, because there is so much trust involved.”

Coun. Gwyn Sproule lives right across from the hill on which much of the trees in question are located.

She had spent a lot of

time advocating for green corridors in the commu-nity.

“It’s always good to have deferred logging,” she said, though she added the company is planning to cut trees in a number of other areas within Village boundaries in the next few years.

“It’s the areas they’re planning to go to next that has me concerned.”

However, she said it was significant that Hancock has agreed to press pause on its plans to log in “critical” habi-tat.

“I understand that there’s real willingness to work with the forest soci-ety,” she said, adding she appreciated the company coming to council to announce its plans.

“It looks like they’re willing to sell at full mar-ket value.”

Mayor Leslie Baird also complimented Hancock’s business approach.

“I think they’re being very community minded,” she said.

“They know how impor-tant these forests are to the community of Cumberland.”

Logging company defers forest cutting

Members of Oyster River Fire Rescue present Brent Hobden of the Salvation Army with sev-eral boxes of food and $900 that they collected at their recent food hamper drive at Discovery Foods in Oyster River. The fi re department would like to thank the community for their sup-port and Discovery Foods for their generous do-

nation of $500 worth of groceries and for allow-ing them to have their hamper drive at the store. In the photo from L to R: Tamy Beauredgard, Wil Baum, Jolena Purden, Amanda Voletz, Paul Theriault, Brent Hobden of the Salvation Army, Ron Schulz and Discovery Foods reps, Adrian Farmer and Chris Nichols

The LINC Youth Cen-tre and Indoor Skatepark would like to thank the community for their pa-tience and support during our recent fl ooding.

We managed to move our 7th Annual Turkey Dinner to The Filberg Centre Lounge, on Sun-day December 14, to share in a festive evening of fun and food with upwards of 50 youth!

Thank you to our event sponsors Thrifty Foods (downtown), Searle’s Shoes, Sieff ert’s Farm Market, Hot Chocolates, Grains Bakery, Lush Val-

ley Food Action Society, Anne, Robbie, Comox Val-ley Glacier Kings, Ethere-al - DJs Adam and Corey, Chancellor, the wander-ing magician, Courtenay Recreation, City of Cour-tenay, Courtenay Recre-ational Association, and CRA Board for their sup-port and donations to the event.

Because of your sup-port, we were able to give many youth a night of celebration and food that they may not receive oth-erwise. Thank you.

There are lots of other great activities going on

at The LINC over the holidays including movie nights, Free Food Fren-zy and Family Drop-ins. Family Drop-ins will be during our regular Tues-day Tween Nights, De-cember 23 and 30, 2014, from 12pm-6pm and are open to youth 9-12 years, and/or families. Please note, all children under 9, or over 12, must be ac-companied by their fam-ily. Drop-in $2.50/person or $5/family.

We are nearly back to regular business at The LINC. FMI please call The LINC at 250-334-8138.

The LINC Youth Centre re-opens

CAMPBELL RIVER223 Dogwood St.

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Parts of the Comox Valley are well lit up for Christmas. Clockwise, from top right: A small part of the street scene at Farquharson Drive, off Back Road; polar bears invade the Foxxwood area of Comox; reindeer visit a home in the Val-ley View area; happy snowmen on Hobson Avenue, Courtenay.

Photos by Philip Round

A light showat Christmas


The Comox Valley Air-port (YQQ) has issued its annual top 10 holiday trav-el tips to help passengers plan ahead for the upcom-ing busy travel season.

Addressing a range of is-sues from miniature rein-deer to chatty elves, YQQ is hoping that passengers will use these light-heart-ed tips to help make their journeys over the holidays as enjoyable as possible:

1. Warning: Playful elves are tinkering around with our terminal hours - We have it

on good authority that Santa’s sleigh won’t touch down at YQQ if the build-ing is open, so we have to close down early on Christmas Eve (and on a few other nights too).

2. Impress Santa by arriving early - It is going to be busy in the terminal over the holidays and there will be lines at the airline counters and security. Check with your airline to determine what time you should ar-rive at the airport and give yourself some additional

wiggle room to avoid pre-departure stress.

3. Your three-year old isn’t afraid of technology and you shouldn’t be either - Avoid turning into the Grinch Who Stole Christmas when you get stuck in the middle seat at the back of the plane (yes, it is close to the restroom but no-body wants to sit there). Checking in online saves you time and will allow you to reserve a happy holiday seat that comes with a cheerful candy cane

bearing elf.4. Don’t get hit with an un-

expected expense at check-in - Spent all your money on awesome Christmas gifts and don’t have a penny to your name? You might be travelling without your suitcase and sharing a toothbrush with your brother if unexpected baggage charges apply to you.

5. The airport is not the place to showcase your superior gift wrapping skills - We know it

(Continued on page 13)

CHRISTMAS TRAVEL AT YQQ

Ten Santa-approved ways to reduce holiday airport stress

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hurts not to put that high-priced, bedazzled reindeer gift paper on dis-play, but it really comes down to this: do you want the security screener, or Aunt Mildred to open your holiday master-piece?

6. They don’t change the rules at security just because it is Christmas - Everyone knows that you can’t take a carton of egg nog, or anything sharp with you on the plane, so please don’t hold up the secu-rity line for the sake of a

reindeer-embossed cork screw.

7. There’s no need to be embarrassed about your driver’s license photo - If Santa was travelling, he would have to show proper I.D. to get on the plane and Mrs. Clause would probably tease him about his photo too. We guarantee you the Customer Service Agent has seen worse, so have your I.D. ready and don’t let your insecurity hold up the line.

8. Carry-on restrictions apply to everyone, even Santa - Flight attendants have heard it all and if the

world’s jolliest old elf tried to jam a sack of toys into the overhead bin, he would have to check his oversized item just like everyone else.

9. Your miniature reindeer might not have guaranteed space in pet cargo - Make sure you check with your airline ahead of time to ensure you understand any requirements for trav-elling with a pet (particu-larly anything with antlers or a Christmas sweater).

10. Don’t get on the naughty list because elves have a long memory - Our hidden elves are reporting back to

Santa daily. These guys are chatty and they live for hundreds of years, so put your best foot for-ward and don’t give them anything to gossip about.

“Each year we work cooperatively with Elves Helping Airports (E.H.A), a subsidiary of North Pole Incorporated, to refi ne our operational proce-dures over the holidays,” explained Comox Val-ley Airport CEO, Fred Bigelow.

“The goal is to help alle-viate unnecessary holiday stress for our passengers, while keeping the big guy

in red and his little help-ers happy. You could say that this is YQQ’s con-tribution to ensuring the nice list is longer than the naughty list come Christ-mas Eve.”

The Comox Valley Air-port generally experienc-es a signifi cant increase in terminal traffi c begin-ning around December 19 and continuing until a few days after the New Year.

The terminal’s busiest day will likely be Decem-ber 23 with up to 1,300 passengers travelling through YQQ.

Including guests who

are dropping off or pick-ing up passengers, there could be up to 2,600 people moving through the terminal on any given day over the holidays.

YQQ will accommo-date increased traffi c by assigning additional staff and volunteers during peak hours. Information regarding terminal hours, parking and links to all of YQQ’s airlines are avail-able on the Comox Valley Airport website at: www.comoxairport.com.

The Canadian Air Transport Securityhelpful tips at: www.catsa.gc.ca/

Busiest day at Comox Valley Airport expected to be Dec. 23

Cumberland Solid Waste CollectionDuring the Holidays Season

Residential solid waste collectionover the holiday season will take place as follows:

Watch for the 2015 solid waste collection schedulein your mail box and online at cumberland.ca.

Wednesday,December 24, 2014:

unlimited organics andone can of garbage

Wednesday,December 31, 2014:

unlimited organics andunlimited recycling

Village of Cumberland250-336-2291 cumberland.ca

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Island Owned & Operated · Visit us online at: www.la-z-boyvi.comCourtenay 2937 Kilpatrick Ave (250) 871-6074 or Toll-Free 1-855-203-0857Victoria 3501 Saanich Road (at Blanshard) (250) 382-5269 or Toll-Free 1-877-452-5269Nanaimo 3200 North Island Hwy (Country Club Mall) (250) 756-4114 or Toll-Free 1-866-756-4114

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House Charities®

MAJOR CANADIAN COUNTRY PERFORMER COMING TO THE COMOX VALLEYMichelle Wright, will be performing an all ages show at the Sid Williams Theatre on January 24, during Winter-Jam100 in the Comox Valley. Wright was the fi rst Canadian artist in the modern Country music era to have a top 10 hit in the US and to win the Academy of Country Music Top New Female Artist award. She was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. Concert and Stay packages available at winterjam.ca

Friday, January 9th, 2015, world renowned Scottish fi ddler, Alasdair Fraser and explosive American cellist, Natalie Haas, will be in concert at the Big Yellow Merville Hall.

The musical partnership between Alasdair Fra-ser, long regarded as Scotland’s premier fi ddle ambassador, and the sizzlingly-talented young California cellist Natalie Haas, may not seem an obvious one, but it works fl awlessly.

Natalie was just 11 when she fi rst attended Fra-ser’s Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School in California. She responded to Fraser’s challenge to fi nd and release the cello’s rhythmic soul, and four years later, when Natalie was just 15, Fraser and Haas played their fi rst gig together. Now reg-ularly touring with Fraser and creating a buzz at festivals and in concert halls throughout Europe and North America, Natalie is in the vanguard of young cellists who are re-defi ning the role of the cello in traditional music.

Doors open 7:00 pm, the show starts 7:30pm. Tickets $18 adult/$10 youth and will be on sale at The Music Plant in Campbell River, Blue Heron Books in Comox and Long & McQuade in Cour-tenay. At the door, $20 adult/$12 youth. This concert is aimed to raise awareness of the his-toric Stolen Church which now rests proudly on the hall grounds.

Comox Valley’s own Flat Nine will be performing at The Downtown Social Club on Saturday, Dec. 27 at 8 pm.

Flat Nine is a blues, R&B, jazz, soul group that has been performing to-gether since 2008. They will be joined by guitarist Adam Dobres in addition to another special guest on the 27th.

At Flat Nine’s core are: Siobhan Walsh on lead vocals, Eirah Unger on vo-cals and keyboards, Gra-ham Shonwise on bass and saxophone and Mi-

chael Nye on drums.The group draws from

many genres and art-ists including the works of Sting, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Leonard Cohen and Sam Cooke to name a few.

View Flat Nine’s web-site: www.fl atninegroup.

comThe Downtown Social

Club is a private venue inthe heart of Courtenay.$20/person is available atthe door on Dec. 27.

For more informationon the show or to reservea seat, please contact:[email protected]

Flat Nine Dec. 27 at Downtown Social Club

Alasdair Fraserand Natalie Haas in concert

Find us on Facebook

facebook.com/ComoxValleyEcho


Twenty-seven Strath-cona Nordic racers began the season with a haul of medals at the Teck Coast Cup #1 cross-country ski race at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Val-ley.

The limited amount of snow on the regular trails was no impediment for racers.

The almost 1km ski course was made using last season’s snow, which had been stored under sawdust to protect it from the summer heat.

The ski course was called ‘Callaghan Gold’, and the course provided our local island team with just that - gold.

Head coach Andrea Stapff says, “It was a fan-tastic start to our racing season - a great weekend, surprisingly great snow, and excellent performanc-es from our racers ranging in age from atoms to mas-ters.”

Taking home gold were: Gavin Chatterton and Emmy Stapff from Campbell River, Carson Damery; Gabriel Gledhill and Tallon Noble from the Comox Valley.

Nordic skiers medal haul on ‘Callaghan Gold’

For the moment, Strathcona Nordics racers are back to dryland training after winning many medals at Coast Cup ski races in Whistler last weekend. Photo: A.Stapff

Silver went to Stephen Lamon, Emma Wong, Ross Lamon, Connor McGrady and Patty Johnson of the Comox Valley and Anna Chatterton of Campbell River; and bringing home bronze medals were Luke Damery and Aiden Noble of the Comox Valley.

Next weekend, the Strathcona Nordics rac-ing team is off to Vernon to race in the Haywood NorAm.

Registration is open for Strathcona Nordics recre-ational programs, which begin in January, but they say, “register soon before the programs are full!”

Visit StrathconaNordics.com to learn more and to register.

It was a fantastic start to our racing season - a great weekend, surpris-ingly great snow, and excellent performances from our racers. rang-ing in age from atoms to masters”

ANDREA STAPFFHeat Coach


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HOPEHOLID YS

FOR THE

HopeStories

… from CornerstonesCommunity & Family Services“When I was 16, I got pregnant and the only place that would accept me was The Salvation Army”.

“For years now, Every time I see a Christmas Kettle, I put in a handful of whatever change I’ve got, because if it weren’t for The Salvation Army, who knows where I would be today.”

Giving Hope Today.

The Happy’s Source for Sports Midget Tier 1 Chiefs hockey team has had a very good start to their 2014/2015 season.

Heading into the Christmas Break, the Chiefs are sitting one point out of fi rst place in Division 1 Island League.

In October, the team hosted a very success-ful ten team tournament where teams from the

Lower Mainland and Van-couver Island attended.

The Chiefs were tied with Campbell River in points after round robin play but lost out playing in the semi-fi nals due to a tie-breaker for least penalty minutes.

In November, the Midget Tier 1 team headed to Abbotsford for its Remembrance Day tournament.

The team went 1-1-1 in round robin play and again, were tied in round robin play but lost out in playing in the semi-fi nals due to a tie-breaker for goals for/against.

Happy’s Source for Sports Midget T1 Chiefs would like to thank Thrifty Foods Crown Isle Plaza for allowing them to come into the store, on December 6th, to bag

groceries for donations and for the store donating a $150.00 basket.

The team would also like to thank Brian McLean GM for their donation of a Thrifty’s basket that included a free oil change.

On an exciting note, the Comox Valley was awarded the BC Hockey Midget Tier 1 Provincials to be held March 15th -

20th, 2015 at the Sports Centre in Courtenay.

Teams from all over BC will be attending this tournament and the Happy’s Source for Sports Midget T1 Chiefs will be the host team.

Team members include Matt Henwood, Conor Luty, Tyson Slater, Caleb Dolman, Austin Heidt, Linden Lennox, Bek-kam Willis, Colin Dixon,

Dominic Dietrich, Kolby Antonelli, Ty Graham, Joe Surgenor, Alex Wilford, Justin Mirabelli, Brad Crisp, Brayden Bennett and Jared Leblanc.

Thank you to Gord Lennox (Head Coach), Jess Sekulich (Assistant Coach), Derek Luty (HCSP) and to all the parents for volunteering your time to make this season successful!

Happy’s Midget Chiefs off to a good start this seasonTeam also preparing to host the BC Hockey Midget Tier 1 Provincials in March


250-338-27025522

Lori Ste. CroixInvestment Advisor

318 A Duncan Ave., Courtenay (Corner of Duncan & 3rd St.)

1-800-222-TIPSVISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

CA$HREWARD$CRIMESTOPPERS WILL PAY CASH

REWARDS FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF

PERSONS INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN THE COMOX VALLEY.

Alex Brown in sailing action

Comox Bay Sailing Club athlete and Highland Sec-ondary Grade 12 student, Alex Brown, has just been named the 2014 BC Sail-ing Circuit Overall Cham-pion.

This prestigious award goes to the sailor who has accumulated the most points over a series of nine regional regattas.

Alex competed against the “best of the best” in the Olympic Class Laser Radial sailboat, fi nishing consistently in the top fi ve out of a hundred plus

competitors from around the Pacifi c Northwest.

He has demonstrated an incredible dedication to his sport, both through his intensive training as an athlete, and his lead-ership as a sailing school and race team instructor for the Comox Bay Sailing Club.

Alex is an ambitious student, juggling the de-mands of the Internation-al Baccalaureate program and his sailing commit-ments.

Somehow, he also man-

ages to fi nd the time to contribute his time to vol-unteer with the Comox Bay Sailing Club and vari-ous other organizations in the Comox Valley.

You can see Alex in ac-tion most days on the wa-ter, (especially when it is wet and windy)!

If you would like to learn more about Alex’s adven-tures, or about sailing competitively here in the Comox Valley, please con-tact [email protected] or visit www.comoxbaysailingclub.ca.

Local athlete named BC Sailing Circuit Overall Champion

VI Riders is Vancouver Island’s only non-profi t freestyle snow-board club open to kids ages ten to eighteen. Coaching is done in a fun, game-like manner by highly certifi ed coaches. Joining the club is a great way to meet other riders, gain confi dence on the slopes, and learn new tricks in the terrain park. Members are encouraged to enter local, Mount Washington, snow-board competitions. Participation is not required...but tons of fun!

Our 2015 program begins on Jan-uary 10th and runs every Saturday for 10 weeks. For more information, or to register, visit www.viriders.ca or email [email protected].

Go snowboarding!

1025 Comox Road , Courtenay 250-338-7761

Zach

Born near Toronto, he has been on the move, spending time in Calgary and Camrose Alberta and even enjoyed a few years in Nagoya Japan.

Zach moved to the Island and the ComoxValley to attend High School. He started his career in customer service and hasseveral years experience in retail sales.

As a world traveller he has a passion for literature and writing. He’s an avid skier and an occasional chess player.

Zach is eager to prove himself as an exceptional salesperson and guaranteeshe’ll go the extra mile for his clients. He isvery comfortable with today’s technologyand will do his utmost to help everyone findthe perfect “Fit” in a new or pre-ownedvehicle at Island Honda.

Island Honda is pleased to welcome Zach Hobden to our Sales Department!

4143

-2 Transit Info 250·339· www.bctransit.com

Comox Valley Transit

Service ChangeEffective January 5, 2015

: new express service Courtenay to Comox

: direct service to NIC from north of Courtenay on weekdays

: improved routing east side of Cumberland

Fare ChangeEffective January 1, 2015

$ 2.00 $ 1.75 $ 1.75 $ 2.0018.00 15.75 15.75 18.0052.00 42.00 30.00 44.00

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CARRIERS WANTEDEARN $$$$$$$$

No Collection RequiredCall COMOX VALLEY ECHO

250−334−4734or drop by 407−D 5th Street, Courtenay

COURTENAYSubstitute needed for Rt 7119 - downtown business areaRt. 7107 – Grieve to McPhee, 13th to 17thRt. 8102 – Urquhart, Tull, 27th, StewartCOMOXSubstitute needed for Dec - Becton Road AreaRt. 2110 – Aspen, Stellar, Bolt, BambrickRt. 2112 – Aspen, Meadowlark, Towhee,

MerreletRt. 2132 – Cooke Ave. Rt. 2103 – Beach, Beaufort, Murphy, BeatonVALLEYVIEWRt. 3114 – Malahat, Zeballos, Mantle, 9th St. E., EvergreenRt. 3135 – Hawk Dr., Whiskey Jack, SwallowRt. 3127A – St. Andrews Way, Nevis PlaceRt. 3136 – Blue Jay PlaceRt. 3134 – Birkshire, Dover Pl, Tudor PlCOLEMAN ROAD AREARt. 4106 – Loxley, Avonlee, Sea TerraceMIRACLE BEACHRt. 6111 – Seaview Road


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Receive 2iComfort

Scrunch Pillows

8 PC QUEEN BEDROOM SET• Dresser, Mirror,Chest & 2Night Tables,Headboard,Footboard & Rails

Reg. $3498

MATTRESS & BOX SPRING• Twin, Double or Queen• 1188 Pocket Coils• Super Pillowtop• Cool Twist Gel MemoryReg. $1498

MATTRESSONLY

LIMITED QUANTITIES!• Eurotop Mattress• Air Cool Memory Foam• Gel Touch LayerReg. $1798

TABLE & 4 CHAIRS

Reg. $5985598598

12 SETS ONLY! 3 PIECES! • Choice of Olive orChocolate Reg. $2498

RECLINING SOFA,LOVESEAT & CHAIR

PUB TABLE & 2 STOOLS

Reg. $448

DoN’T PAY FoR oNE YEAR, No DowN, No INTEREST, AND No PAYMENTUP TO

75%Off

SCRATCH & DENT,ONE-OF-A-KINDS,

ANDDISCONTINUED

ITEMS!

Selection of

NOWNOW NOW$599 $699

PinnacleChaise Leather Recliner4 colours in stock

Reg $1,199

$899

AndersonRocker/ Recliner

4 fabric colours in stock

Reg $799

$499 $699

BriggsFabric Chaise

Recliner

Reg $1099 Reg $1099

CalvinRenew Leather Chaise

Recliner

Fabric Rocker Recliner

Reg $1199

NOW NOW

JasperFabric Recliner

$699

Reg $1099

NOW

Monday -Saturday9AM-5PM

FAST FREEDELIVERY& SET UP!

250.338.811450434 - 5th Street, Courtenay

OPEN 9am-1pm Boxing Day! (closed Dec.24 & 25)

4 REASONSTO SHOP AT McCONOCHIE’S FOR

COMPARE WITH • FREE Delivery• FREE Set Up

• We are locally owned• We will not be undersold!

DEPARTMENT STORES & BOX STORES!

Open 11am - 5pm

SAVE BIG NOW 2014 CLEARANCE!SAVE BIG NOW 2014 CLEARANCE! When they are gone,so are these OFFERS!

Save up to: $2,500

2014 Honda Civic EX 2014 Honda CRV EX 2014 Honda Accord Touring V6

!Ask us How we can SAVE YOU MONEY on YOUR NEW 2014 Honda!

Save up to: $3,000THANKS BC FOR MAKING THESE THE NUMBER 1 SELLING VEHICLES

Save up to: $3,000

‡In order to achieve $0 down payment, dealer will cover the cost of tire/battery tax, air conditioning tax (where applicable), environmental fees and levies on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD, Civic DX and Fit DX only on behalf of the customer. ΩLimited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES. ¥1.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $69.89 based on applying $400.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $18,171.40. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. †Limited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 Civic DX model FB2E2FEX. €2.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $44.90 based on applying $600.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $11,674.00. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. *Limited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 Fit DX model GK5G3FE. #2.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $39.97 based on applying $875.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $10,392.20. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. ‡‡$500 Consumer Incentive Dollars “Holiday Bonus” (“Holiday Bonus”) available on any new 2015 Civic and new 2015 CR-V models, purchased or leased and delivered by January 2, 2015 and can be combined with advertised lease and finance rates. “Holiday Bonus” includes GST and PST, as applicable. Visit a participating Honda dealer for eligible products & services applicable to “Holiday Bonus” redemption. Offer ends January 2, 2015 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. £For more information about the 2015 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year® award, visit http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/2015_honda_cr_v_is_the_motor_trend_suv_of_the_year/ **MSRP is $27,685 / $17,245 / $15,990 including freight and PDI of $1,695 / $1,495 / $1,495 based on a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES / Civic DX model FB2E2FEX / Fit DX model GK5G3FE. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. ‡/Ω/¥/†/€/*/#/**/‡‡ Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent's fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD, Civic DX and Fit DX only. Offers valid from December 2nd, 2014 through January 2nd, 2015 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.

BOXING WEEK 40TO 60%

OFFall winter

merchandise

DECEMBER 26TH-28TH

+

Takean Extra

10%OFF

everything in theClearance Centre

BLOW OUT

SPOTDOT!

THE

AND SAVE!

Hundreds of items on SALE!

Chairs!Tablets!

SAVE 50%UP TO

BOXING WEEK CLEARANCE starts Dec. 27!

The Helpful Office People

3-2760 Cliffe Avenue Courtenay V9N 2L8

250-344-2322www.monk.ca

A Basics® Office Products Dealer

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1977 • www.roxannesfashions.com

Comox Centre Mall • 250-339-6133

comox valley echo - december 23, 2014

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