The Daily Gold

Just a reminder that the Ridge will be closed for Remembrance Day. The LadiesLunch is this Tuesday, if you haven't already done so, book your table...And dates are  filling up fast for Christmas Staff parties to book  your party today

The next Gold River Community Health Fair will be held Saturday November 30th from 10am-2pm in the Arena Lounge! More details will be posted shortly, but make sure to add us to your calendar!

Tracy from the MSDPR will be here to assist with basic information and requests related to Provincial (BC) benefits and programs.

Where: Multipurpose room, Gold River Health Clinic

When: Friday, November 29th 2019. 10:30am-2:30pm

Please see attached poster. To sign up for limited time slots, please call Kaitlyn at 250-283-2626 x 64431. All others will be seen on a first come first serve, drop in basis. We will try and see as many folks as possible however based on need/attendance space may be limited.

Information is limited to PWD/IA/Medical services only. Supplements, programs, entitlements, and benefits. Address updates and direct deposit enrollment. This is for Provincial benefits only, does not include Federal programs such as CPP/OAS/EI etc.

Please call for more information or to sign up!

The Elves Are Coming Nov 17th. Thank you for your support!

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 Claire Trevena is welcoming $139,360 in Community Gaming Grant funding to parent advisory councils to benefit students in the North Island.

“Extracurricular programs are essential to a child’s healthy development,” said Claire Trevena, MLA for the North Island. “I’m proud our government is supporting parents so they can continue to provide stimulating and enriching school-based experiences.”

Schools receive PAC funding each year to provide students from kindergarten to Grade 12 with a variety of extracurricular experiences including field trips, sports and playground equipment, music, and writing and debate competitions.

MLA Trevena said this year 27 school PACs are receiving $139,360 in Gaming Grant funding in her constituency.

Trevena said the New Democrat government believes that no child should be denied opportunities because their family can’t afford it, and that programs like the Community Gaming Grants and the new Playground Equipment Program help level the playing field.

Quick Facts:

• The Community Gaming Grants Branch provides funding to parent advisory councils (PACs) and district parent advisory councils (DPACs) to support the enhancement of extracurricular opportunities for K-12 students in British Columbia.

• For the 2019-2020 school year, more than 1,300 PACs and DPACs throughout B.C. are receiving approximately $11 million in Community Gaming Grant funding. Community Gaming Grants provide up to $140 million to about 5,000 not-for-profit organizations throughout British Columbia each year.

• Funding amounts for PACs are currently set at a rate of $20 per student. The total grant amount is based on student enrollment as of the start of the previous school year. The grant funding amount for DPACs is currently set at $2,500 per year.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/20880

Western Forest Products has a proposal for its striking workers.

That proposal is binding arbitration. The company says it’s inviting the United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 back to the negotiating table. The arbitration would be handled by independent mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers.

Talks have broken down between the workers and the company and WFP says there are no future mediation dates scheduled at this time. WFP says it believes progress was made on several proposals during mediated talks this month and the company remains available to resume discussions at any time.

“Our employees, contractors, their families, our customers and operating communities are all counting on us to resolve the labour dispute,” said Don Demens, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western.

“While we were encouraged by the progress we made during previous mediated talks, with no future dates scheduled, this step demonstrates our commitment to getting employees back to work and products to our customers.”

The strike has been going one since July 1st and affects all of WFP’s United Steelworkers certified manufacturing and timberlands operations in British Columbia, impacting approximately 1,500 of the company’s hourly employees and approximately 1,500 employees working for the company’s timberland operations and contractors.

On October 30th 2019 just after 4pm the Nootka Sound RCMP received a complaint of a male who had been the victim of an aggravated assault at his residence.

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Nootka Sound RCMP Frontline members attended and found the man in serious medical distress suffering from a stab wound. First aid measures were immediately applied by the members and requests for advanced emergency medical aid was made. While treating the victim, information was learned who the alleged suspect was.

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While the victim was being treated for their injuries by medical professionals, Nootka Sound RCMP members located the suspect who was arrested without incident. Due to the serious injuries sustained by the victim, it was necessary for emergency transport from Nootka Sound to a larger medical facility.

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"As the Nootka Sound RCMP Detachment Commander I would like to thank all emergency personnel who helped on this very serious incident, especially the BC Ambulance paramedics who assisted" said Sergeant Joshua Wiese "Their dedication, speed and actions may have prevented a tragedy."

The Nootka Sound RCMP continue to investigate this matter, and have spoken with the Vancouver Island District General Investigation service for their direction and assistance.

The suspect remains in custody and the Nootka Sound RCMP do not feel there is a threat to the public.

The Gold River Music Project aims to promote music for young people in our community. Last June, we raised close to $400 with a concert at Clayworks. This money can help support one or two students who would like to take music lessons from local teachers. If you are interested please email matildaktaylor@gmail.com. There is a short application process and a student(s) will be chosen from these applicants.

(Thanks to Kathleen O'Reily for this story via facebook)

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Rick Boyle was outside his house at around 4 a.m. with two dogs while Laura Boyle was inside. Their cat, who was an indoor cat, snuck outside.

Laura said Rick was in the process of getting the cat when a cougar came up from behind and attacked her. Rick fought off the cougar. The cougar then chased after one of the dog’s going into the house. Rick then went into the house and fought the cougar off with a broom until it fled.

The cat was badly injured and had to be put down. The dog had two puncture wounds but is recovering. Laura said the BC Conservation Officer Service was notified but were not dispatched to that call.

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 Conservation Officer James Hilgemann said there have been three cougars spotted throughout the village: a mother and her kitten and another adult estimated to be around 120 pounds (54 kilograms).

At 5:30 a.m., a person out walking a dog saw a feral cat bolt out from under a car. A cougar was reported in watching the cat and dog but was not aggressive.

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There was another report of a cougar sighting Monday afternoon and a BC Conservation Officer was using dogs to look for that cougar. Alyshia Larsen, Laura and Rick’s daughter, said the cougar was shot in a yard.

Hilgemann said an elderly woman reported teenagers chasing the female cougar and its baby on Friday night. The pair did leave the area.

If a cougar is found, it will be put down as it has become too habituated to a populated area. Hilgemann said there have probably been other sightings that have been shared on social media but not reported to the BC Conservation Officer Service.

“There’s a high abundance of feral cats in Gold River,” Hilgemann said.

“That brings in the cougars.”

Hilgemann said residents should keep their pets on leashes when they are out for a walk and supervise them when they are let out at night.

“When cats are at large, of course they’re [cougars] are going to be interested,” Hilgemann said.

Under the BC Wildlife Act, a BC Conservation Officer can kill a dog that is at large in a wildlife management area or at large and harassing wildlife. An officer may kill a cat at large where wildlife is usually found.

Gold River residents are also asked to protect themselves against possible cougar encounters.

If you do see a cougar, stay calm and keep the cougar in view, pick up children immediately. Children frighten easily and the noise and movements they make could provoke an attack. Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape.

You should then make yourself look as large as possible and keep the cougar in front of you at all times. Never run or turn your back on a cougar, sudden movement may provoke an attack.

If a cougar shows interest, respond aggressively, maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noise. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons.

If a cougar attacks, fight back, convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey, use anything you can as a weapon. Focus your attack on the cougar’s face and eyes. Use rocks, sticks, bear spray or personal belongings as weapons. This will convince the cougar that you are not prey but are a threat.

Hilgemann said it’s a good idea to carry a fixed knife on a belt and pepper spray. If a cougar poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety, call the Conservation Officer Service call centre at 1-877-952-7277.  (Editor's Note:  The above story was written by CHEK News)

After a successful launch of the Employment Transition Kitchen Assistant program at NIC, it’s returning to the Campbell River campus.

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The program teaches students the skills they need to work in the foodservice industry. It is designed to fill the gaps of businesses looking for great employees to fill entry-level positions.

Students spend 15 weeks completing employability coursework and certifications, including WHMIS and Food Safe. They then move into the NIC teaching kitchen to complete six weeks before beginning a month-long practicum.

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Local Executive Chef, Daniel Dycke, from SoCal Restaurant says the restaurant industry has a real need for trained and invested entry-level staff.

“I’ve seen first hand how diversity can create a strong team,” said Dycke. “It’s been a rewarding experience to work with the students in the Kitchen Assistant program and I look forward to doing so again.”

If you are interested in applying email Kathy O’Donnell at kathy.odonnell@nic.bc.ca or call 250-923-9774.

To learn more about the Employment Transition Kitchen Assistant Program, click here.

Wayne Green moved to Port Hardy after nearly a year in Victoria General hospital recovering from a complicated surgery for a disease affecting his spine. It had until that point rendered him a secondary quadriplegic. To many people’s surprise, he recovered from the ordeal and eventually chose to relocate to this rural Northern Vancouver Island community. He liked its small town feel and affordable living and thought it would be the ideal place to peacefully heal. The last thing he expected was to be at the centre of a high-tech revolution in healthcare delivery.     There's a great video from island health that explains the program, click here

​https://vimeo.com/366796369?fbclid=IwAR0H5M-SvIhX8taekPkuI80BuWf5xUARQiRs7zKawnnxRMJ-T2Zp0udO8rQ

The Community Dental Hygienist Ethel Henry will be at the Children's Health Hub on Wednesday November 6, 2019. Contact the Hub to make a FREE appointment for your child(ren) ages 0-3yrs. #250-283-7108 viwhub@sd84.bc.ca

Let's just skip past winter and go right to spring lol.

Forestry workers are back at the negotiating table.

USW Local 1-1937 President Brian Butler says the union’s Bargaining Committee is involved with mediation talks with Western Forest Products.

He says the parties have agreed to a media blackout while the mediation is underway. That means there won’t be any further updates until a deal is reached, or the talks break off.

USW Local 1-1937 and WFP started talks on a new CBA back in April. About 3,000 workers then walked off the job in July.

(Editors Note this is shared from a Facebook post)

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As many of you know BC'S loggers are on strike which is leaving lots of family's with lots of unknown answers (how are they going to pay their Bill's, how are they going to provide for their families, etc) a couple of ladies in the comox valley started a fundraiser called "loonies for loggers), we grew up in a logging family and my dad had to go on strike so have had a glimpse of what these families are going through...
That being said we are joining in on the fundraising and have come up with these etched glasses, I'm sure we will be coming up with more items as well. 50% of each sale will be going to this cause.  To see all the glasses click here   https://www.facebook.com/groups/204472086269213/

*stemless wine glasses $10.00 each
*whiskey glasses $10.00 each
*pub glasses $12.00 each
*coffee mugs $12.00 each
*beer mugs $12.00 each

Ok guys you asked and Still North Design Co. is coming through for everyone. PLEASE READ THIS POST in its entirety.

Please understand that she is a small business and working around the clock to help us out. But she has created some extra special goodies for us and We are pretty excited. Here is the deal though. Orders will be placed at noon every Friday beginning October 25 ending November 15. Expect a 6 week turn around time. So the sooner you get your orders in the sooner it will arrive.
She is swamped and these shirts are hand pressed and made with love. We now have not only more T-shirts but other options as well so no matter what the weather is doing you can always #supportyourlocallogger
How to place orders.
Email looniesforloggers@gmail.com or private message through the page. Please do not place your order in the comments as they get lost.
You must include your name, address and phone number ( so we know how to contact you when they arrive )
All items are unisex and fit true to size. Items are available only in the Colours shown. And remember yes it will be a 6 week turn around as love takes time. We are just super grateful to @StillNorthDesign for working with us on getting you more of her amazing shirts.
T-shirts $40
Long sleeve $50
Hoodies $60
Sizes are unisex small - xxl

To see more shirts click here  https://www.facebook.com/groups/204472086269213/

The provincial government is getting closer to its goal of providing 99 communities with rural paramedic support.

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Those 99 communities are getting an expanded service model from community paramedics which includes home visits to check on medications and other home services.

They include Port Hardy, Denman and Hornby Islands, and Port McNeill.

The British Columbia Emergency Health Service(BCEHS) will be adding six new positions in Campbell River, Cranbrook, Prince Rupert, Salt Spring Island, Fort St. John and Valemount.

The goal of the paramedicine initiative is to help stabilize paramedic staffing in rural communities and bridge health service delivery gaps.

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The province and the new Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. union recently ratified a new agreement for the new advanced paramedic positions. It also contains general wage increases of two percent per year.

The rural paramedicine project started as a pilot project in Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Hardy, Cortes Island, Fort St. James, Hazelton, Chetwynd, Creston and Princeton in 2017.

Since then, it has seen 129 community paramedic positions being introduced.

More information on the project, or what communities are involved, click here.

he B.C. salmon industry can't meet the the international sustainability requirements which will force them to withdraw from an eco-certification, which is a valuable label.

The Canadian Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Society was concerned they would fail a routine audit, which was the deciding factor for them to back out of the Marine Stewardship Council.

The certification is granted to seafood that uses sustainable harvesting methods, and also meeting more than 20 additional requirements.

Without the certification, B.C. fisheries won't be able to sell wild salmon as an eco-certified product.

That eco-label can sell for more money on the market.

“It took us ten years to get certified,” Christina Burbidge, a spokesperson for the industry group told CTV News. “I mean, we will still be able to sell what we produce … but we won't be able to sell it to customers that pay the most and value sustainability.”

Environmentalists and industry insiders are accusing the Department of Fisheries and Oceans of failing to properly monitor salmon stocks.

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Fish found in Cowichan River have genes of both coho and chinook salmon,

wo salmon researchers say a surprising discovery has been made on Vancouver Island.

Andres Araujo, a biologist at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Will Duguid, a PhD biology student at the University of Victoria, recently found fish in the Cowichan River, north of Victoria, B.C., that have the genes of both coho and chinook salmon.

Tissue samples revealed the fish are second-generation hybrids, meaning they are the spawn of hybrids.

The hybrid fish, according to Araujo and Duguid, are a rare find in Canada and are likely the result of drought in the Cowichan watershed, which has impacted when and where coho and chinook spawn.

"For a hybrid to exist we need overlapping spawning grounds and timing," said Araujo, noting that chinook usually spawn in September and October, whereas coho traditionally spawn toward the end of October until December. He said when summer droughts extend into fall it can push chinook spawning season back into when coho are also starting to spawn.

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Duguid said there are some fish that routinely generate hybrids — such as rainbow trout and cutthroat trout — but not wild salmon.

"Apparently, it rarely occurred in the past and there has never been documentation of hybridization into the second generation," said Duguid.

He said a member of the Cowichan Tribes spotted the first hybrid in the river during an adult fish tagging study being done in partnership between the First Nation and the province.

Duguid said the hybrid fish can sometimes be identified by their abnormal scale arrangement, which is not patterned evenly on either side of their lateral line.

"This is indicative of the fact there may be other abnormalities that we can't see," said Duguid.

He said the hybrids are also identifiable by the degree of spotting on their tails, the shape of their anal fins and the morphology and colouration of their mouths.

If you would like to vote in advance, here's your info.

Vote at your assigned pollng station from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct, 11-14.

Make sure to bring your i.d.

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Organizations working to make communities safer can now apply for some grants to help with their efforts. 

The 2019-2020 Civil Forfeiture Crime Prevention and Remediation grant program has funding streams focusing on the following:

• Community-led crime prevention

• Healing and rebuilding in Indigenous communities

• Restorative justice

• Addressing violence against women and children, including:

  • Sexual assault and violence

  • Domestic violence prevention/intervention programming for those who commit violence in intimate-partner relationships

  • Human trafficking, sexual exploitation and vulnerable women in the sex trade 

  • Child and youth advocacy centres

• Police responses, specialized equipment and training

The last day to submit grant applications is November 18th. Grants will be awarded in March 2020. 

For more information on the grant application and submission process, follow this link.

EVERYONE WELCOME!

Mark your calendersOct 28th Movie night AT RWES. 2 showings/age appropriate primary 4pm and older kids/adults at 7pm! Movies to be announced!
Just a toonie gets you movie and popcorn! Bring the family for just $5! CONSESSION AVAILABLE!

Menu TBA

A public consultation meeting will be held at the School Board Officeon Tuesday, October 22, 2019,

from 6:30-8:00 pm, to:

Report back on the Pathways Program and the District Education Plan as well as student numbers, outcomes and achievements. Gather input on the Board’s vision, mission and values and
Gather questions/comments/concerns to share with the entire Board in November.

You are encouraged to participate in this meeting.

Our first two flu shot clinics will be OCT 17 and OCT 31 from 10am until 4pm
Please call or pop into the pharmacy to book an appointment!