The Daily Gold

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INSIDE LOOK at Campbell River’s new ‘home away from home’ for expectant mothers

Construction is well underway on Campbell River’s new “home away from home,” and its owner/operator is now sharing an exclusive inside look at the progress.

The Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island is behind the 10-bedroom Q̓ʷalayu House, set to open this summer.

It will house North Island families and expectant mothers as they access the Campbell River Hospital located right next door.

While the foundation continues to provide updates on the progress of Q̓ʷalayu House, it took to social media to offer locals a look at its interior:  CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICTURES

Q̓ʷalayu House is a first of its kind project in Campbell River, with inspiration stemming from Victoria’s “home away from home,” Jeneece Place.

“The house will offer private spaces to rest and recharge, as well as shared spaces designed to promote community building,” the foundation says. “A grand entry will welcome all guests, and a spacious kitchen and dining area will form the heart of the home.”

There will be a total of four family lounges and gathering spaces, the foundation says, adding that these spaces will be used for families to connect, relax, and restore as they alleviate emotional and financial stress.

RELATED: Foundation seeks youth artwork to fill the walls of Q̓ʷalayu House

Thanks to a capital campaign in the fall of 2019, the Q̓ʷalayu project received a significant boost in core funding. Another $3-million was donated anonymously.

However, the foundation says it’s still in need of donations in hopes of meeting its $7-million goal. This will cover costs to fully equip the property and fund the first five years of operating costs.

To donate to the Q̓ʷalayu House campaign, or to learn more about the project, visit the foundation’s website.

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Gold River Grocery Store?  (This submission from Kevin Li)

I plan to set up a grocery store in the Supervalu location and want to do a survey to find out what the residents of the community think.

Gold River Market Survey

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The following is a survey to gather data in order for a new Food Market in Gold River to effectively meet the needs of community:

1. How often do you shop to Campbell River supermarket?

(1) Once per week

(2) More than once per week

(3) Less frequently than this

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2. Would you prefer to shop in Gold River if this service was available to you?

(1) Yes

(2) No

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3. If so, what percentage of your grocery budget would you spend in Gold River?

 

4. As we all know, the price offered by suppliers to small businesses is much higher than the price offered to supermarket chains, which will cause small grocery stores to have higher prices than supermarkets chains. Even so, would you still choose to shop at Gold River?

(1)Yes

(2)No

 

5. After Gold River has a grocery store, will you still go shopping at Campbell River?

(1) Once per week

(2) More than once per week

(3) Less frequently than this

 

6. Do you currently buy natural/organic products?

(1) Yes, as much as possible

(2) Yes, maybe ½ of the time

(3) Yes, occasionally

(4) No, not at all

 

7. Which days and hours would you like to see the store open?

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I know the difficulties caused by not having a local grocery store. I also want to be able to set up a successful business, with long-term service to the community. Your feedback is very important to me, looking forward to hearing from you!

 

If you have any questions or suggestions, please email me, my email is kevinli0556@gmail.com.

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Over 30 COVID-19 cases reported in Island Health again; 210 in past week

 (week of feb 26)

Of the 395 new cases, 37 are linked to the Island Health region.

This marks the fourth straight day that health officials have reported over 30 cases in the Island Health region.

Dating back to last Friday, Island Health has reported 210 new cases of COVID-19.

With reported cases climbing over 600, today marked the highest single-day number since January 7 when health officials announced 761 new cases.

There are currently 4,489 active cases in British Columbia, while 7,931 residents remain under active public health monitoring.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says that 228 are in hospital – a decrease of 9 since Feb. 25 – with 62 people in critical care as a result of the virus (a decrease of two).

Since Wednesday’s numbers, there have been 86 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 207 in the Fraser Health region, 37 in the Island Health region, 24 in the Interior Health region, 41 in the Northern Health region and zero new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

READ MORE: More than 30 new cases of COVID-19 identified on Vancouver Island

There were ten additional deaths related to the virus on Thursday. This brings the provincial death total over the course of the pandemic to 1,348.

Also as of Thursday, the total number of cases in British Columbia over the course of the pandemic has reached 78,673.

There are currently 13 active outbreaks in long-term care and assisted living facilities and five outbreaks in acute care facilities.

Health officials also said, to date, 239,833 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the province, 68,157 of which are second doses.

“We have seen that the vaccines we have available today are doing their job,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry during a press conference on Thursday.

“We know there are many people in B.C. who are eager to get vaccinated as soon as possible and right across Canada, I can’t stress enough, how much we are working together,” the Provincial Health Officer added.

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In Memory Of Craig Anderson

The Village of Gold River will be flying their flag at half mast to acknowledge the passing of former Mayor Craig Anderson. Mayor and Council, along with staff, wish to relay their deepest condolences to the Anderson family in this difficult time. The Village sincerely thanks former Mayor Anderson for his service to all the residents of Gold River.

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SRDPublic Safety Lifeline Volunteer Recruitment

Are you interested in learning more about your communities Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer (PSLV) programs?  The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) sponsors local PSLV programs as part of its regional approach to providing humanitarian aid and are recruiting volunteers for the Emergency Support Services, Emergency Radio Communications, and Animal Response Team programs.

 

Whether you are interested in deploying, training, administration, or even assisting behind-the-scenes on your own time, there is a role for you.  “Volunteers have various skills and resources that can be offered during a disaster and when planned for, can make an invaluable impact by increasing response capacity.” said Shaun Koopman, SRD’s Protective Services Coordinator.  “For those interested in pursuing a career in a field of emergency response such as armed forces, RCMP, fire or health, the skills learned in these volunteer programs provide valuable professional development and mentorship.” 

 

The first principle of the BC Emergency Management System is to Ensure the Health and Safety of All Responders and Volunteers. All programs mentioned below have been adapted to respect the physical distancing requirements of Covid-19 and the safety of volunteers is top priority. Volunteer information sessions will be held virtually in March.

 

More information about Public Safety Lifeline Team Volunteer programs are available at:

• www.srd.ca/emergency-support-services

• www.srd.ca/ emergency-radio-communications-team

• www.cdart.org

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B.C. salmon farmers request more time to leave Discovery Islands

DFO’s current deadline will lead to the cull of 10.7-million young fish

Farmed salmon require a five-year planning and production cycle before they reach market size. Up to four years are needed at in-land sites alone before young fish are large enough to be transferred to the ocean grower pens commonly associated with salmon farming.

READ MORE: Salmon farming exec says feds left B.C. industry on the hook with no safety net

On Dec. 17 last year Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan announced DFO would no longer issue farming licences in the island group after June, 2022, giving the sector 18 months wind down operations without the option of transferring any more fish to the ocean pens. BCSFA, and now the RIAS analysis, say the deadline will likely result in the culling of more than 10-million eggs and juvenile salmon, which the association says represents the equivalent of 210-million meals.

At a bare minimum, BCSFA wants the government to allow the transfer of fish to the ocean pens to complete their grow-out cycle.

Above that, they’re asking for a suspension of the Discovery Islands decision to allow the industry time to develop a plan to minimize impacts for employees and their communities.

A new economic analysis of the decision, commissioned by BCSFA from RIAS Inc., indicates the 19 Discovery Island farms represents 24 per cent loss of B.C. in operations that could eliminate of 690 direct jobs and 845 indirect jobs in mostly service sectors. The decision also means the loss of $386.6 million in economic output, with an estimated $87 million less in annual salaries and benefits and $21 million less in annual tax revenue at the local, provincial, and federal levels.

Without the option to grow-out the stock, 10.7 million young fish will be culled.

Today (Feb. 23) Mowi Canada has begun a cull of 925,000 eggs and juvenile salmon.

Spokesperson Dean Dobrinsky also told Black Press Media three employees were laid off last week with at least another 30 expected through May and June.

READ MORE: Conservative MPs demand plan for B.C. salmon farm transition

“We haven’t asked the government to redo their decision, we’re just asking for time to mitigate these impacts,” Dobrinksky said.

“Morale is awful. People are genuinely worried for their families, their mortgages … it’s the continual talk on all of our sites. The worst part is the uncertainty. We haven’t heard one word from minister Jordan on this.”

Jordan reached her decision after three months of consultations with seven First Nations in the Discovery Islands area. But industry, area mayors and B.C. Premier John Horgan have all stated they were not consulted prior to the announcement.

“We’re looking for an opportunity to talk, to look after our employees, look for viable options to move our production, and make those adjustments over a humane, reasonable period of time instead of ‘right now.’”

The Discovery Islands decision follows years of protest from wild salmon advocates who claim the farms act as reservoirs of pathogens and sea lice in the narrow waterways of a critical out-migration route for juvenile salmon.

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Job Opportunity: Detention Guard- Nootka Sound RCMP

A CAREER YOU CAN COUNT ON

Do you take pride in keeping people safe? Are you interested in assisting police officers?

Then you could be a great fit as one of our detention guards!

 

As one of the top security company's in Canada, we frequently promote from within, and we are always on the lookout for responsible, top performers who want to advance their careers. Our reputation is built by our 20,000+ security professionals - with varied backgrounds, including responsible citizens, students, seniors, ex police and military—of all ages.

Our security professionals work at airports, schools, government facilities and many other commercial enterprises. We also work with police departments and municipalities to provide assistance in keeping Canadians safe.

Reach your full potential today!

 

JOB TITLE: RCMP Detention Guard

LOCATION: Nootka Sound

STATUS: Non-Union

WAGE: $19.68/hr ($19.20 + 2.5% RRSP cash)

 

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the RCMP Member responsible for Cell Block operations, or RCMP Shift Supervisor, an RCMP Detention Guard is primarily responsible for the safety and well being of prisoners in custody.

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess, monitor and determine prisoners’ responsiveness frequently and at irregular intervals.

• Monitor all prisoners to ensure their security, health and well being.

• Document issues and seek medical help if necessary.

• Assist an RCMP member when required to search prisoners.

• Ensure all personnel effects removed from prisoners by RCMP are properly secured.

• Organize meals for prisoners as required.

• Handle and dispense prisoner medication as directed by RCMP.

• Record prisoner activity and maintain the prisoner activity log book.

• Watch prisoners while in hospital when and as directed by RCMP.

• Perform prisoner escort duties when and as directed by RCMP.

• Maintain overall cell block security.

• Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of cells when vacated or arrange janitor assistance.

• Perform light and emergency cleaning duties.

• Conduct searches of cells prior to occupation and when cells are vacated.

• Record and report any damages or repairs of fixtures and fittings within Cell Block.

• Ensure cell block keys are tagged and stored safely.

• Handle and dispense laundry items as required.

• Monitor fire safety and be fully conversant with fire orders.

• Perform other duties particular to the Detachment as laid out in the Unit Supplemental Orders.

 

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Must hold current Emergency Level First Aid and CPR qualification.

• Must be fluent in English (written and spoken).

• Must be able to pass criminal record check and RCMP clearances

• Ability to remain in control under trying conditions.

• Capacity to be discrete and work effectively with other people..

• Willingness to undergo training as required.

• Willingness to accept responsibility and work independently.

• Adequate physical condition - able lift objects, walk stairs, etc.

• Conscientious, enthusiastic and reliable.

 

REWARDS

•  Opportunities for advancement

•  Group-life, medical & dental coverage (for full time employees)

•  Paid sick, vacation and personal needs time-off

•  RRSP contributions and more...

 

Commissionaires Victoria, the Islands, and Yukon proudly celebrates diversity through an inclusive work environment, and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

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Age-friendly Community Planning: Interviews

Gold River is currently undertaking an Age-Friendly planning process. An age-friendly community is one where people of all ages are respected and where the policies, services, physical and social environments are designed to help people “age actively”. Age-friendly is often used to refer to seniors being able to age in their community in a healthy way, but it can apply to people of all ages having access to the services they need.

One way to consider whether a community is age-friendly is the “8-80” Concept. If a community is a good place for an 8-year-old to live and a good place for an 80-year-old, it is probably a good place for everyone, at any stage of life.

As part of this process, the Village is looking for Gold River residents to participate in a short interview (approximately 15-30 minutes). The interviews will include five universal questions and five questions specific to an age-friendly indicator category. These categories include:

• Housing

• Parks and Recreation

• Employment & Investment

• Healthcare and Services

• Social Inclusion and Participation

• Transportation

• Retail and Buildings

• Education

• Tourism

If you are interested in participating, the following options are available:

1. Via Zoom from the Gold River Council Chambers on March 2nd and March 3rd between 9:15am and 3:30pm*

2. If you are unable to join the proposed Zoom interview times, a phone interview option will also be available on March 4th between 9:15am and 3:30pm.

3. If you are unable to make either of the above options work, we can send you the interview questions via email where you can provide a written response by March 5th, 2021.

*The Village of Gold River will follow Covid-19 protocols, including disinfecting all meeting room surfaces before every interview.

If you have any questions about the interview process, please contact us at info@wiserprojects.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

If you would like to participate in an interview via Zoom or over the phone, please select a time in the calendar and provide the following details:
• Your name and contact information
• The age-friendly category you would like to speak to

The interview questions will be sent in advance for your review.

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Scientists uncertain of B.C. salmon populations after monitoring cuts

Less than 10 per cent of spawning habitat on B.C.’s central and north coast is being monitored by creekwalkers, the people who count salmon one by one. Critics say this leaves a critical gap in knowledge that could further imperil the species.

Pacific Wild does not have data on how many creekwalkers are monitoring streams on the south coast nor how many streams there are being monitored. 

According to research by Price and others, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has continually cut funding for monitoring since the 1980s. When Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced a wild salmon policy in 2005, which prioritized the conservation of Pacific salmon and acknowledged a need to preserve biological diversity, conservation scientists expected the department would increase monitoring efforts.  For the full story click here

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When opportunity calls, Gold River, Tahsis are ready to answer

On the western edge of Vancouver Island, two former resource hubs see bright prospects for improved safety and economic resilience after connecting to the TELUS wireless network earlier this year. 

Gold River Mayor Brad Unger knows exactly how important connection can be, especially when you’re all alone and badly injured.

In the winter of 2013, a slip outside his car on a harrowing stretch of mountainous highway on the outskirts of his small community on the western edge of Vancouver Island left Unger bleeding from three crushed temporal arteries.

Worse, with no cell service to the area, Unger had no way to call for help. Luckily, the fates were with him that day.

“When you live through an accident like that, you sit back and you think, ‘You know, it’s very fortunate another car was right behind me. It might have been a very different story,’” he recalls, adding he still bears the scars from 120 stitches to the head.

It’s critical moments like this that propelled Unger’s tireless support of a plan to connect Gold River, and its 1,500 residents, to the TELUS wireless network.

The ease of contacting family, friends, employers or work colleagues, wherever you may be, is undoubtedly important in this all-connected age. But in a remote region, where the nearest hospital is 89 kilometres away, Unger knows from painful experience that the ability to use a cell phone within the village will help save lives.

 “It’s all about safety,” he says.  For the rest of this story click here.

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New DFO-run airbase in Campbell River to welcome aerial surveillance aircrafts

To help improve the conservation and protection of Canada’s oceans, a new DFO-run airbase is up and running on Vancouver Island.

Back in 2019, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced a five-year, $128-million contract with St. John’s PAL Aerospace, to deliver a new fleet of four aerial surveillance aircrafts.

The contract also included two long-range maritime patrol aircrafts.

When operational, the planes will fly out of three bases of operation, including a brand new facility in Campbell River. It opened in September of last year.

The other bases are in St. John’s, NL and Halifax, NS.

“Today (Feb. 19th), the first of our long-range maritime patrol aircraft—the Dash-8—becomes operational,” the DFO says.

“The Dash-8 aircraft will allow our fishery officers to expand their range of operations, providing them with essential tools to combat illegal fishing and enhance Canada’s maritime security.”

The DFO says the planes will also be a crucial tool to help protect endangered whales.

“This includes monitoring the Gulf of St. Lawrence for compliance to fisheries management measures for North Atlantic right whales, as well as monitoring critical habitat areas for Southern Resident killer whales,” the DFO adds.

According to Fisheries and Oceans Minister Bernadette Jordan, Canada’s fishery officers perform a crucial service, helping to conserve and protect marine and coastal areas.

Jordan says, “Our Government, along with PAL Aerospace, a Canadian-owned world leader in its field, are proud to equip our fishery officers with the resources they need to carry out their enforcement duties as effectively as possible.”

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Update Covid Numbers For The North Island

Island Health

According to the latest data provided by Island Health, there are currently 153 active cases on Vancouver Island.

Of the active cases, 44 (+4) are on southern Vancouver Island, 97 (-1) on central Vancouver Island and 12 (+2) on northern Vancouver Island.

Southern Vancouver Island includes the Greater Victoria region, Southern Gulf Islands and the Port Renfrew area.

Central Vancouver Island includes the Cowichan Valley, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni and Tofino areas.

Northern Vancouver Island goes from the Comox Valley to Port Hardy but also includes surrounding areas like Alert Bay and Sointula.

Over the course of the pandemic, the Island Health region has reported 1,739 cases.

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THE ULTIMATE CAMPBELL RIVER ROAD TRIP: FROM QUADRA TO TAHSIS, 

The Tourism Association of Vancouver Island has publsihed a nice artricle online promoting a trip to our part of the world.  Check it out.

Click here

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Help The Regional District Help You!

With two weeks left to go we have only received 15 tsunami survey submissions from Gold River. It is important that all communities in the tsunami mapping project area are accurately represented in the data collected by this survey. The survey only takes 5-10 minutes and a physical copy that was mailed to you can also be dropped off at the Village office (if you didn't receive a mailed copy and would like one please message me and we'll take care of that). Please help us by providing your valuable local input.

(The link to take this short survey is at the top of this page.)

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From The Village Of Gold River

BC Hydro have two programs in place to lower the chances of trees impacting power lines. The edge tree program manages trees that grow along corridors for transmission lines and towers. The hazard tree program manages trees with damaged roots, disease, or other defects that could cause them to rot or break, and fall on distribution lines, equipment, or buildings. These programs proactively identify and remove potentially hazardous trees.

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Vancouver Island teachers say “more transparency needed” about Covid contact tracing

Vancouver Island teachers are calling for more transparency about contact tracing and reporting of Covid 19 cases in schools.

There are currently 12 schools with reported cases of Covid 19, on the list published by Island Health.

Nanaimo has half of those schools. And some of those schools have as many as 7 reported cases.

Jeremy Inscho with Nanaimo Teachers Association says teachers are worried about how contact tracing is being handled. “We don’t know what the process is for contact tracing, exactly. And we don’t know … don’t have the specific details. I’m not asking to know who is sick. I’m asking to know how many cases, at locations.”

Inscho is concerned that young people may not remember all of their contacts, or there may be other issues that make contract training unreliable for determining the real risks to school communities.

In addition, there is much more that could be done to keep teachers and students safer from Covid 19. The new provincial guidelines for mask-wearing does not require elementary school children to wear masks in the classroom. Inscho says schools need to strengthen the mask-wearing culture, and encourages parents to do the same.

He’s also calling for better physical distancing, using currently closed classrooms and schools if necessary, like Woodlands school in Nanaimo which was recently closed. A more robust distance learning strategy could also improve the risk of transmission.

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Grocery store workers in Campbell River and Nanaimo test positive for COVID-19

At least three grocery store workers on Vancouver Island have recently tested positive for COVID-19.

According to an information bulletin posted on Loblaws Inc.’s website on Feb. 7, an employee at the Real Canadian Superstore in Campbell River recently positive for COVID-19.

Loblaws Inc. did not disclose when the employee tested positive but said their last shift at the store was on Feb. 3.

“We work closely with public health and follow their guidance to ensure proper notification of close contacts and required cleaning and sanitization in our stores,” reads a statement on the company’s website.

Ontario-based Loblaws Inc. is the parent company of both Real Canadian Superstore and Shoppers Drug Mart.

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Important Notice: Northwest Vancouver Island Tsunami Planning Survey

Northwest Vancouver Island residents, visitors and property owners from Gold River north are requested to please provide their input in the Strathcona Regional District’s (SRD) Tsunami Planning Survey. Surveys were mailed to households this week and are also available online at www.srd.ca/nwvi-tsunami-survey.

 

The goal of this project is to better understand tsunami risks on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island through tsunami models and the completion of a risk assessment with the integration of community experience and indigenous knowledge.

 

“This SRD-lead project is a collaborative endeavor with five First Nations, four municipalities, two Regional Districts and several private and provincial stakeholders. Their collective local knowledge is invaluable to the disaster planning process” said SRD Chair Brad Unger. “A priority of the project is to learn from and share the experience, knowledge, and history of these communities. This engagement will be paired with the outputs of tsunami modelling and will provide a better understanding of tsunami hazards, promote risk awareness, and enhance community resilience.”

 

“The history, traditions, languages and knowledge of our people are the core of our heritage. The first step of our public engagement process was for our team to collect in-depth stories from elders regarding their lived experiences with past tsunamis in the area. The next phase involves a holistic discussion with every member in a west coast community in the Strathcona Regional District or Mt. Waddington Regional District that is interested in participating” said Cynthia Blackstone, Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' First Nation’s Chief Administrative Officer.

 

Tsunamis have the potential to affect all areas open and connected to the ocean, including inlets, sounds, and other navigable ways. If you are linked to such areas, the project team is interested in understanding what your concerns are associated to tsunamis and how they could affect you, or if you had any experience of a tsunami event you would like to share.

 

This is an opportunity for community members and regular visitors to these areas to express their opinions on important topics. While the majority of the survey is focused on residents, we have two questions specific for regular visitors to the area as it is just as important to learn from their perspective on tsunami risk. The SRD would have preferred to engage with the community in a more personal dialogue and listen to input, but due to the physical distancing recommendations of COVID-19 plans had to change.

 

There are two ways to participate:

• Online Survey – www.srd.ca/nwvi-tsunami-survey

OR

• Mailed Survey – Please drop off completed surveys at the following locations: o Nuchatlaht First Nation office

 Village of Gold River office (front door drop slot)

 Village of Port Alice office

 Village of Tahsis office (outside dropbox)

Village of Zeballos office

  Pre-paid return postage may be requested by contacting preparedness@srd.ca or 250-830-6702.

Please complete surveys by 4:00 pm on February 26th, 2021. Learn more at www.srd.ca/nwvi-tsunami-survey

 

Media Contact:
Shaun Koopman,
SRD Protective Services Coordinator
250-830-6702 | skoopman@srd.ca

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Campbell River’s North Island Supportive Recovery Society gets a funding boost from the province.

The ongoing pandemic has been tough on treatment and recovery providers across Vancouver Island, so the B.C. government is stepping up to help.

A total of ten substance recovery organizations on the island are splitting just under $350,000 in funding.

In Campbell River, the North Island Supportive Recovery Society (Second Chance) is getting a $25,000 boost.

Meanwhile, over in Courtenay, the Comox Valley Recovery Centre Society, Comox Valley Transition Society, and the Stepping Stone Recovery House are getting some funding as well.

B.C.’s minister of mental health and addictions, Sheila Malcolmson, says the overlapping overdose and COVID-19 emergencies have created “unparalleled challenges for British Columbians, especially those with substance use disorders.”

While the majority of bed-based treatment and recovery services have kept their doors open through the pandemic, the province says modified operating practices required to meet public health requirements – such as physical distancing – created financial pressures for operators.

“These grants are helping offset the pressures and enabling ongoing access to services, which is a critical part of B.C.’s overdose response,” the province says.

Province-wide, 53 eligible grant applications came in and all were awarded, totalling just over $2 million. In addition to the ten applications on Vancouver Island, 25 were from Fraser Health, eight from Vancouver Coastal Health, seven from Interior Health, and two from Northern Health. 

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SRD’s Wood Stove Exchange Program

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is offering its Wood Stove Exchange Program once again this year which provides an opportunity for property owners to receive a $250 rebate, effective January 1st, 2021. The rebate is being offered on a first-come, first served basis to people that want to swap an old wood stove for a new, low emission model. This program is open to Gold River residents.

For more information regarding the program, please visit www.srd.ca/wood-stove-exchange-program or contact the SRD office at 250-830-6718 or rebates@srd.ca.

January 29, 2021 Strathcona Regional District News Release – Wood Stove Exchange Program

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Next Zoom Council Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 127 of the Community Charter, and Council Procedure Bylaw No. 639, 2004, that due to current Public Health Orders the Regular Meeting of the Council of the Village of Gold River will be held via Zoom.

DATE: Monday, February 1, 2021

LOCATION: via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/95261992561

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​Transport Canada won't budge on B.C. ferry-deck regulation

The union representing workers at B.C. Ferries had asked Transport Canada to review a decision to not allow passengers to stay in vehicles on the lower car decks during sailings.

Transport Canada appears to be unwilling to reconsider allowing passengers to remain in their cars on B.C. Ferries’ enclosed lower decks, despite pleas to relax the regulation.

In an emailed response to the Victoria Times Colonist, the federal agency said safety is a high priority for Transport Canada and its regulations are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.

“Remaining in a vehicle on an enclosed vehicle deck while a ferry is operating is not safe for passengers. Enclosed vehicle decks are specifically designed to contain smoke and fire, in order to protect the other levels of the ship and allow more time for passengers and crew to stay safe and evacuate,” the agency said.

“No country in the world allows people to remain in their vehicles on enclosed vehicle decks, due to the inherent safety risk and potential for catastrophic loss of life.”

The union representing workers at B.C. Ferries had asked Transport Canada to review a decision to not allow passengers to stay in vehicles on the lower car decks during sailings.

‘Home away from home’ for Vancouver Island families celebrates 9th anniversary, new location opening in Campbell River

Vancouver Island’s “home away from home” for families needing to travel for their children’s health care is celebrating 9 years. 

The Jeneece Place in Victoria, run by the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, turned 9 last week. It’s a place where children and their families can stay while receiving medical care in Victoria.

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It’s an important milestone for the organization as a new location for families on the North Island is planning to open this year.

The Foundation is working to build Q̓ʷalayu House, which will act as a home away from home for families who need to travel to Campbell River to access maternal and pediatric care and will be set up next to the hospital.

Inspired by the success of Jeneece Place, the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island says the new spot will provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive place for the entire family to stay, alleviating their emotional and financial stress.

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 “North Island families often travel hours by car, bus, or boat to access maternal or pediatric health care. The travel required can turn a 2-hour appointment into an overnight journey,” explained Children’s Health Foundation CEO, Veronica Carroll

 “You can imagine how physically and emotionally exhausting, and financially challenging, it is for a family with children who need ongoing or critical health care. Qwalayu House will be there to support and nurture those families.”

To learn more about the Children’s Health Foundation’s Jeneece Place in Victoria, and the new  Q̓ʷalayu House in Campbell River, visit the organization’s website. 

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Petition To Reinstate Chief Illes

Some local residents have teamed up to start a petition to re-instate the chief.

Here is the wording of that petition. If you would like to participate: click here

Gold River Fire Chief Lisa Illes is the backbone, and heart and soul of the Gold River Fire Department. On Friday January 8th, the Village of Gold River terminated Lisa from her position of Fire Chief. We believe this was done without just cause or proper investigation, and is wrongful dismissal. Chief Illes has always worked tirelessly to serve and protect her community and the members of her department. She is an asset to not only the Gold River Fire Department, but to all of the First Responder agencies in Gold River. 
The Village of Gold River, has made a grave mistake in the termination of Chief Illes. Her dismissal has brought confusion, mismanagement, unanswered questions, and no clear direction. Without the valued leadership of Chief Illes, the members of the department and the citizens of our community will suffer. We seek the reinstatement of Chief Lisa Illes back into her rightful position as the Fire Chief of the Gold River Fire Department. 
#WeStandWithLisa

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Ready for snow this weekend?

Road crews are ready to bolster resources for whatever comes our way this winter.

Before heading out, check https://bit.ly/1crT5WQ and drive to the conditions.

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Grieg Seafood enters joint venture for post-smolt and land-based salmon farming

The move makes Grieg Seafood the first global salmon producer to invest in land-based salmon farming.

The joint venture Årdal Aqua will produce at least 3 000 tonnes of post-smolt annually and grow fish all the way to harvest size in a new land-based facility in Rogaland in Southern Norway. Grieg Seafood owns one third of the company.

“We are working hard to improve biology and fish welfare, and to reduce our impact. For a long time, we have invested in post-smolt, where we keep the fish longer on land before we release it into the sea, as an important part of the solution. With Årdal Aqua we will be able to develop this farming method further. We aim for all of our fish in Rogaland to spend less than one year in the sea,” says Andreas Kvame, CEO of Grieg Seafood and Chair of Årdal Aqua.

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Land-based production to complement ocean farming

The project is currently in the design development phase, and the company aims to start construction during the autumn of 2021. The facility will be built in Årdal in Rogaland, and has a production capacity of 5 000 tonnes annually according to current plans. The company aims to increase the production capacity further.

With the current plans, the Årdal Aqua will create 25 local jobs in Rogaland.

The company will deliver at least 3 000 tonnes of post-smolt annually to Grieg Seafood’s sea farms in Rogaland. In addition, the company aims to gradually produce fish to harvest size on land.

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“Through our post-smolt investments we acquire competence on how to produce larger fish on land. Based on this knowledge, Årdal Aqua will also grow fish all the way to harvest size. We will take a step-by-step approach, as we know how complex biology is,” Kvame continues.

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Kvame is convinced that different farming technologies and methods will complement each other in the future.

“With continuous improvements that reduce the impact from our sea farms, something we work a lot on, farming in the seas will still be the main component of the industry going forward. Land-based farming is, however, a great supplement, and we look forward to taking part in the development of this technology. What we know for sure is that the world will need a lot more healthy and nutritious food with the lowest possible impact,” he says.

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With continuous improvements that reduce the impact from our sea farms, something we work a lot on, farming in the seas will still be the main component of the industry going forward. Land-based farming is, however, a great supplement, and we look forward to taking part in the development of this technology. What we know for sure is that the world will need a lot more healthy and nutritious food with the lowest possible impact

2021 Dog Tag Reminder

It is that time of year, your dog tags are due for renewal and the 2021 licences are available at the Village Office.  If this is the first time to register your Dog, please bring your certificate of spay/neuter.

Neutered dogs are no charge, as long as the dog tag is picked up by January 31st.  After January 31st, there is a $10 fee for the dog tag.

Unneutered dogs are $30, as long as your dog tag is picked up by January 31st.  After January 31st, the fee increases to $40.

If you have any questions, you can contact the Village Office at 250-283-2202 or by email at info@goldriver.ca.

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Check out the Gold River YouTube channel for video brief for the January 18, 2021 Council meeting. Click here for the video.

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Health officers on Vancouver Island alarmed

by increase in COVID-19

Pandemic fatigue is pushing people to venture beyond their home and work bubbles to mingle and spend time with others in face to face activities.

Island Health has become concerned that these activities are increasing the transmission of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island, helping the virus to spread more quickly.

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Cowichan Medical Health Officer, Dr. Shannon Waters says the number of virus cases being found on Vancouver Island is rising and residents need to resist the temptation to resume social gatherings, even if they are small in size.

Dr. Waters urges people to continue following provincial health directives and maintain the personal practices that are known to have been effective in keeping infections relatively low on Vancouver Island.

She also suggests taking advantage of the outdoor recreation opportunities in Cowichan for some fresh air and exercise while maintaining a safe distance from others.

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Dr. Waters says fear of the virus leads some to cast blame on others, or resort to racist comments, which do nothing to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“What the general community can do to help get along is really follow the measures that have been talked about provincially: staying close to home, only going out for essential matters, washing your hands, wearing a mask when you’re in a public place”

Dr. Waters says the recent vaccination clinic for the elders of Cowichan Tribes in Duncan went smoothly.

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She says it was “a very collaborative effort across Cowichan Tribes and other partners,” and was completed in two days “rather than the three that might have been initially anticipated.”

Island Health sent out a reminder on Friday that Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has extended Orders on all gatherings and events to February 5, 2021, at midnight.

The province has also strongly recommended that people limit travel between communities and outside of the province unless it is absolutely essential for work or medical care.

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