north island gazette, january 15, 2015

Gazette50th Year No. 3 Newsstand $1.29 + GSTwww.northislandgazette.com

NEWS: [email protected] SubScriptioNS: 250-949-6225 SalES: [email protected]

• Ride to RecoveRNISS grad takes on Wounded Warrior Battlefield Ride.

Page 7

• Splitting atomSPort McNeill Minor Hockey hosts annual atom tournament.

1

• Hot SHotS Local photographers win big with wildlife pictures.

Page 16

opiNioN Page 6

lEttErS Page 7

SportS Page 9

claSSifiEdS Page 12-15

Gazette staffPORT McNEILL—Thirty-five

years after its humble founding in the remote region between Vancouver Island and the lower B.C. mainland, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort has been rec-ognized as one of only 24 sustain-able worldwide destinations sanc-tioned by the National Geographic Society.

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort was announced as a charter mem-ber of the newly created National Geographic Society Unique Lodges of the World, further enhancing its commitment to sus-tainability, which has been one of the pillars of business of the

family-owned business for more than three decades.

“When we were first approached by National Geographic to join as one of their charter members of the Unique Lodges of the World, we knew that the collection of properties they would choose would share the same passion for the environment that we have at Nimmo Bay,” says Fraser Murray, owner and operator of Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort. “We’re excited to work with National Geographic to share our vision

Resort gets stamp of approval

January 15, 2015

NORTH ISLAND

Publications Mail Agreement No. 391275

first baby jumps queueJ.R. RardonGazette editorThe Gazette is still waiting for

confirmation that Linkon Stryker Evans is the North Island’s first baby of 2015.

But there’s no question he’s the earliest.

Linkon was born Jan. 6, more than 11 weeks in advance of his Mar. 20 due date after moth-er Laura Evans was hurriedly flown from Port Hardy to Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster early that morning.

The baby weighed in at just two pounds, eight ounces, and remains in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care ward. But other than his small stature, he appears to be fine physically.

“His lungs are doing well; he’s very strong,” said Laura, who spent one night in hospital and is now staying in a nearby hotel. “He just needs to grow.”

The saga began in the wee hours of the morning Jan. 6,

See page 3‘Nimmo noted’

laura and Jason Evans of port McNeill pose with their son, linkon Stryker Evans, who was born 11 weeks prematurely on Jan. 6 in New Westminster.

Nimmo bay resort has been named as one of only 24 sus-tainable destinations worldwide by the National Geographic Society.

Photo submitted

Photo submitted

9045 Granville Street250-949-7442

Come see us today at EJ Klassen GMwww.klassengm.com

DE

ALE

R #7983

0% FINANCING AND LEASE RATES ON 2015 TRUCKS!

or take amazing Cash credits

up to $10,000!!

LOOK AT THIS DEAL !!on one of our last 2014 Double cab 4x4 trucks

TRUCK MONTH!

IT’S HERE ...

ITS ON NOW, DO NOT DELAY ANY LONGER!

PLUS FINANCE RATES AS LOW AS 3.9% (oac)

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

double cab 4x4 with Custom Sport Package

PLUS FINANCE PLUS FINANCE

SAVE ALMOST $12,000!!

BLOW OUT PRICE $31,302

MSRP $43,140

See page 3‘Early arrival’

www.northislandgazette.com Thursday, January 15, 20152

DAVE LANDON MOTORS LTD.7150 Market Street, Port Hardy (250) 949-6393 • www.davelandonford.comD

L #

5507

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR NEW & USED VEHICLES ONLINE AT WWW.DAVELANDONFORD.COM

YEAR END PRICING CLEAROUTALL 2014s MUST BE

SOLD!!

YEAR END PRICING CLEAROUT0% Fin

for up to 72 mo!

PLUS $500WINTER BONUS!

NOPAYMENTS

FOR90 DAYS

PARTS 250-949-6228 SERVICE 250-949-6222

General Grabber HTS LT LT245/75RX17 T/OMeets all BC winter driving

regulationsSET OF 4

Includes tax, mounting and

balancing

$784

Buy any set of premium Motocraft

wiper blades and get a FREE

windshield treatment for improved visibility in harsh winter conditions

PROTECT YOURTIRE INVESTMENT!

CALL AND BOOK TODAY!

A poorly aligned vehicle can be unsafe and cause hundreds of dollars damage in excessive tire wear!

Check your wheel alignment!

$4995only

2008 Mazda B4000 Cab Plus 4x4 ................................................$12,9952010 Toyota Tundra Crew 4x4 Platinum ...............................$26,9952006 Honda Civic 2 door Coupe ......................................................$7,9952004 F350 s/cab 4x4 drw Lariat ........................................................$15,7702011 Chev Cruze LTZ 4 door loaded .............................................$16,4072013 Escape AWD SEL w/leather .....................................................$27,9952011 Escape XLT AWD V6 ..................................................................$18,9952011 Escape XLT FWD 4 cyl ...............................................................$15,9952010 Dodge Charger customized ..............................................$17,9952010 F150 4x4 Crew XLT .....................................................................$26,995

2001 F250 4x4 S/C 7.3 diesel ................................................................$6,9952013 Fusion SEL loaded .....................................................................$23,9952010 Fiesta SE 4 door auto ................................................................$13,9952010 Fusion SEL 4 door auto ............................................................$11,9952013 F550 4x4 Crew with deck ..........................................................$43,9952013 F250 4x4 Crew XLT .....................................................................$32,9951997 GMC Van w/wheelchair lift .......................................................$4,9952010 Ford Taurus SEL ......................................................................$14,995

View all our new and used vehicles online at davelandonford.com or call us for more info at 250-949-6393

2014 F150 4x4 Crew

LariatMSRP $60,634

$49,408

0% Fin for up to

72 mo!PLUS $500

WINTER BONUS!

NOPAYMENTS

FOR90 DAYS

2014 F150 4x4 Crew

XLTMSRP $44,549

$35,055

0% Fin for up to

72 mo!PLUS $500

WINTER BONUS!

NOPAYMENTS

FOR90 DAYS

2014 F150 4x4 Crew

FX-4MSRP $51,869

$42,196

0% Fin for up to

72 mo!PLUS $500

WINTER BONUS!

NOPAYMENTS

FOR90 DAYS

2014 F150 4x4 Crew

FX-4MSRP $51,349

$41,739

0% Fin for up to

72 mo!PLUS $500

WINTER BONUS!

NOPAYMENTS

FOR90 DAYS

2014 F150 4x4 Crew

FX-4MSRP $57,769

$42,108

0% Fin for up to

72 mo!PLUS $500

WINTER BONUS!

NOPAYMENTS

FOR90 DAYS

2014 F150 4x4 Crew

LariatMSRP $60,639

$49,913

0% Fin for up to

72 mo!PLUS $500

WINTER BONUS!

NOPAYMENTS

FOR90 DAYS

2014 F150 4x4 Crew

XLTMSRP $48,349

$39,099

0% Fin for up to

72 mo!PLUS $500

WINTER BONUS!

NOPAYMENTS

FOR90 DAYS

2014 Edge Limited

AWDMSRP $48,999

$43,646

0% Fin for up to

72 mo!PLUS $500

WINTER BONUS!

NOPAYMENTS

FOR90 DAYS

A $12.95 value free

Thursday, January 15, 2015 www.northislandgazette.com 3

To the Community Members of the Mt. Waddington Area & our partners. You are amazing.Thank you for coming togetherto support our community. Your generosity helps us make the following possible:

The Lighthouse Resource Centre~ Hot Lunch Program, Mental Health & Addiction Services, Extreme Weather Shelter, Emergency Assistance, Advocacy, Spiritual Care, Recovery Groups, Computers & Telephone Services, Income Tax Preparation, & Volunteerism.

Christmas Kettle Campaign We surpassed our goal and raised $18,362. Thank you to the volunteers, community, businesses, media and hosts (Overwaitea Foods, & the Liqour Store) for giving so generously and helping us exceed our fundraising goal.

Volunteers ~ CommunityMembers help us every day by giving precious time and energy to ensure our services can be delivered to those in need.

Overwaitea FoodsThank you for donating all the items on our Christmas Lunch “Wish List”, we were able to serve over 140 turkey lunches… with all the trimmings.

Hot Lunch Program– Meals Served (4% increase)

15,477

Clients Services - Emergency assistance, advocacy, nurse practitioner & spiritual care

3,270

Emergency Shelter Stays (Includes Dinner & Breakfast)

698

Clothing – Clients Served (52% Increase)

1707

Resource Centre Client Visits(7% Increase)

9,138

Total Services Provided(37% Increase)

43,671

The Salvation Army Mt. Waddington Community Ministries focuses on social services helping to provide the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and emergency assistance. This includes addressing such needs as homelessness, addictions, abuse, food security and advocacy. The purpose of all our programs and services is to meet people “where they are at” without judgment. We offer these programs and services in a warm, friendly and safe environment that helps us to foster relationships that are nurturing and loving.

2014 Statistical Data for the Lighthouse Resource Centre

Through the generous supportof our partners and community,

we were able to serve:

The Salvation Army Lighthouse Resource Centre is a Partnership in Action~ Vancouver Island Health Authority, Ministry of Social Development, BC Housing, & Community.

Blessings for all of us at the Lighthouse Resource Centre*This ad sponsored in part by the North Island Gazette

A HUGE THANK YOU!

Courtesy of Island Foodsyou receive a free pop

with every Just for You placed in the Gazette!

GAZETTENORTH ISLAND

placed in the Gazette!

Just for Youfrom page 1

for sustainable travel through the Great Bear Rainforest on the coast of British Columbia.”

To coincide with joining as a charter member, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort will be offering guests who book through National Geographic a private sunset cruise aboard the Resort’s new-est boat, The Faunz, to Wells Pass near Nimmo Bay. One of the most common areas to see resident whales and dolphins playing, Wells Pass also offers an ideal setting for witnessing a breathtak-ing sunset in the Great Bear Rainforest over a gourmet dinner.

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort has focused on sustainabil-ity and sustainable trav-el since the beginning when, in 1982, found-ers Craig and Deborah Murray installed their own water-powered hydroelectric system (a Pelton wheel) at the base of a Mount Stephens waterfall. Continuing that legacy today, the Resort incor-porates sustainable practices at all levels, including serving local-ly and ethically caught wild Pacific salmon and seafood; support-ing and purchasing from local suppliers; using environmental-ly friendly spa, bath, and cleaning products; maintaining a robust catch-and-release fish-

ing policy; and con-tinuing to develop an ongoing relationship with Aboriginal part-ners for cultural and naturalist tours. In addition, guest accom-modations, operational buildings and staff quarters are built on the water, along the edge of the forest, and on a rocky prom-ontory, ensuring that the Resort’s presence has not impacted the surrounding forest or disturbed the wildlife habitat.

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort and Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland & Labrador are the two Canadian experienc-es chosen as charter members of the col-lection of worldwide properties.

“It’s one of 24 in the world,” Craig Murray quipped. “That’s not bad.”

Each lodge chosen as a charter member offers an outstanding guest experience while supporting the protec-tion of cultural and natural heritage and embracing sustain-able tourism practices. The initial collec-tion — numbering 24 properties on six conti-nents — further builds National Geographic’s travel portfolio, which includes National Geographic Expeditions, Traveler magazine, travel books, photography courses and the @

NatGeoTravel digital and photography com-munity.

“By creating this carefully curated group of hotels, lodges and retreats that meet inter-nationally recognized sustainable tourism criteria while provid-ing top-notch guest experiences, National Geographic opens a new chapter in the power of travel to pro-tect our planet,” says Costas Christ, a world-renowned sustainable tourism expert and edi-tor at large for National Geographic Traveler magazine, who coordi-nated an international team to inspect each of the lodges.

“Travelers can feel confident when they stay in one of these lodges that they are helping to safeguard cultural and natu-ral treasures in some of the world’s most incredible places.”

As part of a com-prehensive vetting pro-cess, every lodge in the collection was judged on design and charac-ter of the property, the guest experience and quality of service, and sustainable tourism best practices.

National Geographic deployed experts to each site to evaluate operations, meet staff at all levels, scrutinize the lodge’s impact on the local environment and community and ensure that these crite-ria were met.

Nimmo noted for sustainability

Laura Evans holds baby Linkon several days after his birth at Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster.

Photo submitted

Early arrival surprises momfrom page 1

when Laura awoke to an unexpected development.

“I went to bed Monday night (Jan. 5) completely fine,” said Laura. “Then I woke up at 2 a.m. and my water had broken. It was quite a surprise.”

Laura and her husband, Jason Evans, contacted the 24-hour Nurse hotline for advice. They were told to get to hospital immediate-ly, and checked into Port McNeill hospital.

Staff there quickly con-

tacted B.C. Children’s Hospital, which arranged a flight to Port Hardy airport.

With her contractions coming regularly and con-sistently a few minutes apart, Laura and Jason were whisked from Port McNeill by ambulance to meet the flight, and made it to hospi-tal just in time to settle into a room attended by nurses.

Shortly after the doctor entered, Laura said, her contractions intensified.

“When the third con-traction came, I ripped the

(oxygen) mask off my face and said, ‘He’s coming.’ He basically just shot out of my. The nurse caught him; I don’t think anyone else was ready.”

The baby boy arrived so soon that the parents did not yet have a name for him. Linkon Stryker was bestowed two days later. He is Laura’s second child and joins big brother Skyler in the family unit.

The premature birth led to Laura’s friend, Hillary Sorin, forming an online

fundraiser to offset the family’s travel and living expenses while Linkon spends an anticipated eight weeks in hospital.

The fundraiser drew more than $3,000 in the first 24 hours and by this Monday had reached $4,600.

“We were in shock,” Laura said. “Under the cir-cumstances, I don’t think it could be going any bet-ter. He’s strong and healthy, and with all the help from the community there’s not a lot of stress.”


In memory of Debbie Huddlestan

Thanks to the North Island for your support!We were able to deliver more than 525 hampers & raised $38,000 — and counting.

A big THANK YOU to all those who hosted a donation box or money tin at their business, and to all those individuals who

helped deliver, wrap and sort presents and food. Special thanks to Kevin and Lauren Martineau for stepping up to

coordinate the toy drive with their crew of helpers.

Debbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie HuddlestanDebbie Huddlestan

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS:Toy and Rod RunMarketplace IGA (Dave and sta� )Super Valu (Justin and sta� )Overwaitea Foods (Craig, Dee & sta� )ShopRite Alert Bay (Kim and sta� )FP Foods (Bill and sta� )Sointula Co-op (Tosha and sta� )Sointula Lions ClubPort McNeill LionessPort McNeill Lions ClubPort Hardy Lions ClubPort Alice Lions ClubMackay Whale WatchingKingcome HealthPort Hardy Return-it Centre

CIBC Port McNeillScotiaBank Port HardyCoastal Community C.U. Port HardyMinistry of Forests, Lands and Natural

Resources OperationsFields StoresPeoples Drug MartThe Bargain ShopSmyth’s Tru HardwareThe Coast 1240 RadioRexall DrugsDunlop’s Home HardwareShopRite/Rona Port McNeillNorth Island Crisis CentreMinistry of Children and Families o� ce

North Island Gazette sta� Barb O’Connor and her 20/20 group &

friendsPort Hardy Rotary ClubPort McNeill Rotary ClubKwakiutl Band‘Namgis First NationQuatsino BandGwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw First NationsKwicksutaineuk BandTsawataineuk BandThunderbird Mall (Sandra Dyer &

sta� )Salvation Army Lighthouse Resource

CentreHarvest Food Bank

Port Hardy volunteer � re� ghtersHamper Fund Board members (Sandy,

Craig, Kevin, Nadine, John, Lacy and J.R.)

Frank Shelley, Audie & Sandy Tamburini and Lawrie Garrett for making Port McNeill, Port Alice and Sointula run so smoothly

Students and sta� of PHSS and SD85Martineau familyJaylon and Madison GrenierLisa and Emma HarrisonLisa, Paige and Sydney GreerAvalon School and friendsRobyn GordonDee Ferguson

THANK YOU FOR THE DONATIONS:A & W Port Hardy $250.00Broughton Strait Campground

Miscellaneous foodBryer Enterprises Ltd. $100.00C.A.B. Industrial Automotive Supplies $400.00Catherin & Wayne Gri� th $200.00Chester & Alana Check $100.00Christine Swain $20.00Cindy Henschel $25.00Coastal Community Credit Union

$843.55Colin & Lynda Allison $200.00Communications, Energy & Paperworkers Union $514.00Community Futures Mount Waddington $900.00Danna & Daryl Gri� ths $50.00Dazy & Chrystal $500.00Donald & Shirley Ford $100.00Eagle View Sta� & Students

Miscellaneous foodEmaleigh Allen Miscellaneous toys Hardy Buoys Employees $180.00Herb Saunders Contracting $500.00HOG Foundation $500.00Hospital Employee Union $300.00

James & Bonnie Overland $100.00Jean Bennett $20.00Jerry & Kathleen Davidson $100.00Jim & Mary Borrowman $1,000.00John & Anita Hormoth $100.00John & Pat McCart $100.00Judy & Robert Fyles $100.00Kathleen & Jerry $100.00Kathy Bedard $40.00Keltic Seafoods $170.40Keta Cable $500.00Kirsten Strussi $5.00Larry Bruner $100.00Leslie & Heather Story $75.00Linda & Donald Felkley $100.00Malcom Island Lions Club $500.00Marine Harvest $1,000.00Mary Russell $200.00Murray Phillipps & Stephanie Boal

$100.00Namgis First Nation $6,000.00NICCRD Hockey Pool $160.00Nicole Handley Miscellaneous toys Norkan Construction $500.00North Island Eagles Midgets $135.00

North Island Eagles Peewees Miscellaneous toys & food

North Island Shared Ministry Anglican United Miscellaneous toys & food

Ocean View B & B $40.00OK Paving Company $500.00Pat Corbett Labatt $100.00Port Alice Thrift Shop $500.00Port Hardy Baptist Church $173.80Port Hardy Builders Supply $500.00Port Hardy Christian Fellowship

$500.00Port Hardy Rotary Club $1,027.00Port Hardy Rotary Club Members

$1,027.00Port Hardy Seventh Day Adventist

$500.00Port McNeill Baptist Church

$1,969.10Port McNeill Lions Club $500.00Port McNeill Minor Hockey $2,000.00Port McNeill Rotary Club $500.00Prov. Employees $84.00Prov. Employees Comm Services

Fund $173.60

Quatsino Band $2,000.00Robert Short $100.00Royal Canadian Legion Ladies

Auxiliary $300.00Scarlet Point Seafoods Ltd. $1,000.00Sharon & Marty Whitehead $100.00Shirley Barnes $50.00St. Bonaventure Catholic Church

$200.00St. Columba Church $1,785.85St. Columbia Church Women $100.00St. Marys Catholic Community

$250.00Sta� of Ministry of Forests &

Environment $2,500.00Thomas, Rebecca, Megan Gri� th

$300 in food & toysTri Port Recycling Ltd. $500.00Vancouver Island North Teachers

Association $500.00Various Anonymous Donations

$1,170.00Wakas Bingo $5.00 & multiple food

donationsWestern Forest Products $265.00Whitecap Ventures $50.00Zoe & Elenah (Zoe’s birthday gifts)

Miscellaneous food


Gazette staffSOINTULA—Following

a rousing debut with its first appearance last year, Missoula Children’s Theatre returns to A.J. Elliott School next week for another per-formance by local student actors.

Auditions begin at the school Monday, Jan. 19, and rehearsals will continue

throughout the week, which culminates with a public per-formances Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24.

This year’s production is Rapunzel, in the typical Missoula Children’s Theatre original fashion — with ogres, pixies, Billy Goats Gruff, three bears (or perhaps four) and even unicorns.

The theatre is a group of

touring professionals, based in Missoula, Montana, who travel with complete sets and costumes, visiting schools throughout North America. Students audition for roles in original musical adaptations of familiar childrens’ tales and in one week are trained for a stage performance of the show.

Last year, students at A.J.

Elliott performed Blackbeard the Pirate in the first Sointula visit by Missoula Children’s Theatre, which previously had put on shows in Port McNeill, Port Hardy and Port Alice.

This year’s performances are scheduled for Friday eve-ning and a matinee Saturday afternoon, in the A.J. Elliott School gymnasium.

#3B-311 Hemlock St. (Above Subway)

Port McNeill

5 services per princess$25 per princess

Book your Princess Party

5 girls under 13

250-956-0004

custom cabinets

the cabinet shop

Let us create beautiful, custommade cabinetry for every room in your home. Choose your style, colour and the perfect finishing touches. Our quality products and service are guaranteed.

423 Pioneer Hill, Port McNeill

www.cabinetshop-portmcneill.com

250-956-4659

Protectyour lifestyle.Providing Insurance for

Life, Mortgage or Disability.

Darlene Garat Financial AdvisorPort Hardy and North Island:

250.230.0231

Providing licensed daycare since 1995

for little ones ages 0-12 years.

Includes Mother Goose Time and Pre-School

Curriculum.

Hey Diddle Diddle Daycare

Please call Marlene for inquiresTel: 250-949-6357Cell: 250-230-9415

Karin Moeller& Sandra Masales

7190A Market Street, Port Hardy250.949.7231

www.royallepage.ca

Drop in to our office to pick up ourMLS Information Packets

for all North Island Communities.

The annual general meeting for the Port Hardy Seniors's Housing Society will be held on Monday, January 26 at 7:00pm in the Senior's Common Room, 7480 Rupert Street,

Port Hardy. Please come join us. New board members needed.

For more information, please call Jo-Anne Beek @ 250-949-6435.

SERVING VANCOUVER ISLAND & REMOTE LOCATIONS

Licensed & Insured,Work safe certifi ed WBC,

30 years experience

250.702.3968

Locally Distributed

8665 Hastings, Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0

250-949-0193 or 250-334-1666

Kevin McIntyre

SPIKETOP CEDAR LTD.Quality lumber since 1992

• Siding • Fencing

• Decking • Timbers

Air dried clear lumber in stock

5935 Steel Road (TACAN Site)Call Jim: 250-949-1283

[email protected] • www.spiketopcedar.com

January 15After school story time and activity, 3-4 p.m., Port

Alice Branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library. Free.

January 17Mother Goose Song and Rhyme, 10:30-11:30 a.m.,

Port McNeill branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library. Free; bring the kids for fun and song.

January 17-18Mount Cain Ski Area hosts its Women’s Weekend, 8:30

a.m. each day. For more info, visit www.mountcain.com.

January 21Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce hosts its first

Business Coffee Break of the new year, 10 a.m. Guest speaker, business topics and croissants. More info, 250-949-

January 24Annual Cain Cup ski and snowboard race, Mount Cain

Ski Area. Registration begins 8:30, followed by the Race on the Face and slalom events. For info, visit www.mountcain.com.

January 24Mother Goose Song and Rhyme, 10:30-11:30 a.m.,

Port Hardy branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library. Free; bring the kids for fun and song. Also in Port Hardy, Short Story Writing with Garth Holden continues each Saturday through Feb. 7, from 2-4 p.m.

January 31Fourth annual Victor’s Secret Pageant, doors open

6:30 p.m., show starts 7 p.m., Port McNeill Community Hall. Featuring Bras for a Cause entries, modelled by North Island Men. Fundraiser to benefit local cancer victims and families. Tickets on sale Jan. 6 at The Flower Shoppe, Timberland Sports and Dalewood Beer & Wine store. Info, Cheryl 250-956-4766 or Victor’s Secret - Featuring Bras for Cause Bras on Facebook.

February 14North Island Concert Society presents Six Guitars,

7:30 p.m., Port Hardy Civic Centre. One-man show fea-

turing actor/musician/writer Chase Padgett portraying six different guitar players, spanning six different styles. Tickets $25, available in advance at Port Hardy Museum and Cafe Guido in Port Hardy, at The Flower Shoppe in Port McNeill and in Port Alice by calling Gail Neely at 250-284-3927.

February 21-22Annual TeleFest, Mount Cain Ski Area. Telemark races

and merchandise vendors. Prizes, more. Info, www.mountcain.ca.

March 21Annual Kids Fest at Mount Cain Ski Area. Slalom

race, obstacle course, snow sculpture contest, barbecue and more. Info, www.mountcain.ca.

March 28North Island Concert Society presents Grupo America,

7:30 p.m., Port Hardy Civic Centre. Latin dance troupe features a wide range of group, couple and individual numbers in varying and brilliant costumes. Tickets $25, available in advance at Port Hardy Museum and Cafe Guido in Port Hardy, at The Flower Shoppe in Port McNeill and in Port Alice by calling Gail Neely at 250-284-3927.

Hot spots

Theatre returns to Sointula

A.J. Elliott School students perform Missoula Children’s Theatre’s Blackbeard the Pirate in Sointula last spring.

J.R. Rardon

VICTORIA – My Christmas reading includ-ed a fascinating new book called Kennewick Man, a study of skeletal remains discovered in 1996 on the bank of the Columbia River in eastern Washington.

He was an ancient hunter buried just south of B.C. almost 9,000 years ago, in the Early Holocene period following the last Ice Age. Among the old-est humans found along the West Coast of North America, he sparked an unprecedented battle by the Smithsonian Institution to examine the skeleton and publish the book late last year.

The most controversial evidence came from the skull. It doesn’t match the classic Mongoloid pro-file of modern aboriginal people, key to the theory that the earliest humans reached North America by land bridge from Siberia to Alaska as glaciers receded.

Smithsonian scientists

confirmed initial reports that Kennewick Man is a closer match with early Polynesians, and the Ainu people who remain in Japan today. He lived until about age 40, surviving for years with a stone spear point stuck in his hip.

The authors conclude from chemical analysis that “Kennewick Man could not have been a long-time resi-dent of the area where he was found, but instead lived most of his adult life some-where along the Northwest

and North Pacific coast where marine mammals were readily available.”

This suggests migration by sea, perhaps from a great distance.

The U.S. Army seized the skeleton. The scien-tists sued and eventually won the right to a brief examination. The court case exposed brutal and illegal actions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and federal departments to destroy the site and intimi-date the scientists.

U.S. law demanded all remains from before European settlement be repatriated for burial by local tribes, without exami-nation.

Umatilla tribe spokesman Armand Minthorn wrote in 1996: “We view this prac-tice as desecration of the body and a violation of our most deeply-held religious beliefs.

“From our oral histories, we know that our people have been part of this land

since the beginning of time. We do not believe that our people migrated here from another continent, as the scientists do.”

Kennewick Man was found as the army was in tense negotiations with tribes on salmon fishing rights on the Columbia, their demand for removal of dams, and the $100 bil-lion cleanup of the Hanford nuclear site.

The U.S. Army still con-trols the skeleton and denies requests for further study. The spear point, for exam-ple, could show the location where he was injured.

One final irony. Analysis shows Kennewick Man ate mostly salmon in his later years, around 6300 BCE. These are the salmon runs wiped out by dams built by U.S. Army engineers before the signing of the Columbia River Treaty with B.C.

Tom Fletcher is legisla-ture reporter and columnist for Black Press. [email protected].

COMMENTARYComments? Box 458, Port Hardy, B.C. V0N 2P0 250-949-6225 Fax 250-949-7655 or email us at [email protected]

A member ofThe North Island Gazette is published Thursdays at Port Hardy, B.C. by Black Press Ltd.Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #391275. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

One year home delivered North Island subscription = $49.99 (includes GST PLUS Online Access!)For other subscription rates call the Circulation Dept at 250-949-6225

Follow us on Facebook: North Island Gazette

B.C. Viewswith Tom Fletcher

The battle for Kennewick Man

This North Island Gazette is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province's newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council.Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2.For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org Canadian Media

Circulation Audit

PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Hamilton EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JR Rardon

SALES REPRESENTATIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Tam CIRCULATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lacy Allen

OFFICE 250-949-6225 CLASSIFIEDS 1-855-310-3535


Focusing on the big picture

The few places on earth untouched by human intru-sion are so hopelessly remote and inaccessible that only occasional visitors — researchers and the most hard-core enthusiasts — dare venture to them. But there are a number of “border” regions where the encroachment of pavement and big-box stores give grudging way to flora and fauna that existed well before modern man arrived to exploit it.

The North Island is just such a place, and many of its residents recognize the value of the region goes beyond the trees that can be harvested, the minerals that can be dug, and the seafood that can be hauled from it.

These people dive headfirst into the North Island lifestyle, and that’s no metaphor when it comes to Jackie Hildering. You’ll find the Port McNeill-based biologist, educator and co-founder of the Marine Education Research Society featured on the back page of this week’s edition for her prize-winning photo in the 2014 Ocean Art contest.

We could recap her bio here, but that would get us to the bottom of this column before getting to the point of it.

For her prize-winning photo, Hildering has won a four-night diving trip to Indonesia. And we’ve won an excuse to share her achievements with our modest audience. Still not the point.

For Hildering, the benefit of having an awe-inspir-ing photograph of a rarely-seen creature published in a world-wide contest is not personal accolades or a prize. Her gratification comes from its potential to educate the public of the fragile nature of oceans that she rightly describes as “the life-sustaining force on the planet.”

This force is under assault, and only partly through wilful exploitation. Much of the attack comes in the form of apathy and ignorance of what is happening just metres below our collective view.

Hildering took her inspiring, sun-splashed photo while diving to document the perplexing and perva-sive wasting syndrome killing populations of sea stars of the coasts of western North America.

“It’s really, really bad,” Hildering says of the sea star wasting syndrome. “Yet, it’s happening where this beautiful, ethereal-looking sea slug is right below the surface. Below that, though, is the garbage.”

We can see whales surface and breech, and ooh and ahh accordingly. And we can pull salmon for our weekend grilling party and appreciate the bounty. But because the vast majority of marine life exists in the dark, out of our sight, we don’t see the potential extinctions and loss of biodiversity — upon which we all depend — the way we do with land-based species.

Hildering’s strength has been sharing that message in a non-confrontational way — “I want to break apart that dichotomy of resource-user vs. conservationist,” she says. “Everybody needs the environment, and greater environmental awareness and preservation can only benefit all of us.”

Hildering, who considers herself first and foremost an educator, says what we need to preserve our own life-sustaining environment is “humility, connection, inspiration and positive action.”

And that is the point.


WINTERSNOW PLOWING & SANDING

REMINDERThe winter sanding and snow plowing season is upon us. DO NOT PARK vehicles (cars, trucks, trailers, boats, etc.), basketball hoops or other equipment on District roadways as they interfere with plowing and sanding activities.

District of Port Hardy Operational Services(tel) 250-949-7779 (fax) 250-949-7465 email: [email protected]

District of Port Hardy

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERSSNOW & RUBBISH REMOVAL

Bylaw 14-2005 - Maintenance of Boulevards

Sec 4(a): An owner or occupier of real property shall:i) remove snow or ice from a sidewalk or footpath bordering his real property by 10:00 a.m. each day; andii) remove rubbish from a pedestrian facility bordering his real property by 10:00 a.m. each day.

Sec 4(b): An owner or occupier of real property shall remove snow, ice and rubbish from any roof or other part of any structure thereon adjacent to any portion of any highway or sidewalk if the snow, ice and rubbish constitute a hazard to person or property.

In doing the above, no person shall use corrosive material or willfully damage any District property.

The full bylaw is available on the District website: www.porthardy.ca

District of Port Hardy(tel) 250-949-6665 (fax) 250-949-7433 email: [email protected]

SAVEANYWHERE.

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums

through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Get Cash Back in 3 Easy Steps

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

1. Browse & ShopBrowse the mobile app

for your favourite brand’s offers, and purchase

them at any store

2. Upload Receipt Take a photo of your receipt and submit it

through the app

3. Get Cash Back! Once you reach just $5, the money you save will be transferred into your

PayPal wallet

In partnership with

SAVEANYWHERE.







them at any store


through the app


PayPal wallet

In partnership withSAVEANYWHERE.







them at any store


through the app


PayPal wallet

In partnership with

SAVEANYWHERE.







them at any store


through the app


PayPal wallet

In partnership with

NISS grad rides for recoveryGazette staffDana Batho, a 1990

graduate of North Island Secondary School and a vet-eran of the Canadian Forces, is seeking local assistance in a fundraising campaign while preparing for the Wounded Warriors’ Battlefield Bike Ride, starting from Vimy Ridge later this year.

Batho, who went on to study at the University of Victoria and at schools in Japan

and New Zealand, received her BA from the Royal Military College in Kingston, ON. But while study-ing for her master’s degree in International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, she suffered a mili-tary training exercise injury in the summer of 2012.

As a result of the injury, Batho has received assistance from a variety of orga-

nizations outside of the Canadian Forces, including Wounded Warriors Canada, which kicks off its second annual run of Vancouver Island in Port Hardy next month.

Through WWC’s Courageous Com-panions program, Batho has received a trained service dog to help her cope with her chronic pain.

She plans to ride this June in the Wounded Warriors Battlefield

Bike Ride from Vimy Ridge to Nijmegen, The Netherlands in a custom, recumbent bicycle with her ser-vice dog in the basket.

“Lt. General (Ret’d) Romeo Dallaire will also be riding with us, which will be such an honour for all of us,” Batho said.

She had already raised nearly $5,000 and is seeking to reach her fundraising goal of $6,000.

To assist, visit

wo u n d e d wa r r i o r s .c a / e n / w w c - b i k e -ride-2014 and click the “sponsor a rider today” button, where you will find Batho’s name in an alphabet-ized list.

“It’s going to be very physically difficult for me to do the ride, but I really want to help raise funds and to prove to myself that I can still do some things, despite being very broken,” Batho said.

Dana Batho pedals her recumbent bike with service dog Coco aboard. The NISS grad will take part in the Wounded Warrior Battlefield Ride beginning at Vimy Ridge this June. Zoomphoto Inc.

Dear editor,Looking for the per-

fect gift to give?. . . VOLUNTEER!Volunteers have an

enormous impact on their communities by: delivering critical ser-vices, helping to keep their communities safe, and coaching, teach-ing, mentoring and supporting programs

that make a difference in people’s lives.

North Island Crisis & Counselling Centre Society is currently seeking individuals to volunteer for the Crisis Line, friendly visitors for seniors and elders, hospice, and forms assistance for seniors.

We have positions open in Port Hardy,

Port McNeill, Port Alice, Alert Bay and Sointula. If you are interested in giving the gift of your time, please contact us by phone at 250-949-8333 or by email to [email protected].

Michele DorseyNICCCS Volunteer

coordinatorPort Hardy

Volunteers needed

[email protected]

Dear editor, As the current edi-

tor of the Gazette J.R. Rardon packs up his desk this week, I have been reflecting what a great loss it will be to the community when he moves on to his new post at Black Press on the mid-Island.

I imagine most peo-ple in the North Island have come across J.R. in some capacity. If your children were involved in organized sport or dance he likely

photographed them. If you attended commu-nity events you’ve seen him snapping away with his camera. If you were involved in some-thing ‘newsworthy’ he probably interviewed you.

In my experience J.R. has always gone above any beyond the call of duty in his work as a photographer and as Editor of the news-paper. He has probably personally attended a thousand soccer

and hockey games, baseball tournaments, curling bonspiels, and dance recitals. When he could have only stayed long enough to get a token shot he engaged in the event and usually stayed for an extended period.

The North Island as a whole has truely ben-efited from his quiet, behind the scenes involvement in so many aspects of the commu-nity. We are also very fortunate to have the

photographic archive that he leaves at the North Island Gazette of his time here. In years to come those photo-graphs will become a priceless treasure and a piece of our history.

So good luck J.R. as you move on to your new role. Thanks for everything that you’ve given the North Island. We appreciate it!

Brenda McCorquodale

Port Hardy

Editor’s effort appreciated

Dear editor,2014 was a busy

year for the Harper Conservatives who were quietly disman-tling Canada’s environ-mental protections to serve international oil, gas, mining and aqua-culture interests.

Weakened laws include granting broad power to the Ministers of Fisheries and Oceans and Environment to authorize destruction of Canada’s native fish in favor of for-eign industrial devel-opment, along with lifting restrictions on large scale dumping of aquatic drugs, pes-ticides and farm-fish waste into the ocean.

At the end of the year the Harper Conservatives hand-

ed federal ports the license to operate without environmental reviews and the power to destroy terrestri-al species at risk of extinction. And if you want to peacefully pro-test the projects these actions will allow, they have just proposed new provisions to the crim-inal code that would

result in 10 years in jail and big fines.

Once it’s gone —it’s gone. Instead of Canada’s iconic natu-ral areas, we will have poor air quality and industrial landscapes with coal, oil barges and pipelines replacing our fisheries, tourism and hospitality jobs.

In 2015 do we want to continue this autho-rized, corporate control to destroy Canada’s natural areas, climate, and democracy?

Let’s leave a different legacy, and choose to conserve habitat, stop the fossil fuel expan-sion, and further the solar, wind and water energy businesses with viable, clean jobs.

Sheila HarringtonLasqueti

Is this the legacy we want to leave?

“Once it’s gone — it’s

gone.”

Sheila Harrington


7x7

HPO CommunicationsHPO CommunicationsHPO Communications

14-23 Homeowner Protection Office Make Your Home Safe for Independent Living

H O U S I N G M AT T E R S

To apply or learn more, visit www.bchousing.org/HAFI You can also contact BC Housing: Phone: 604-433-2218Toll-free: 1-800-257-7756

Are you a low-income senior or a person with a disability who wants to live safely and independently in the comfort of your home?

Do you have difficulty performing day-to-day activities?

Does your home need to be adapted to meet your changing needs? If so, you may be eligible for financial assistance under the Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) program.

Find out today if you are eligibleand if you meet all of the requirements as a low-income homeowner or as a landlord applying on behalf of an eligible tenant.

300 dpiblack and whitesize: 10.31” x 7”

BC Housing HAFI adBlack Press comunity papersPosition: Seniors section (if available) or Forward News Insertion date(s): various: January 7 - 22, 2015BCH HAFI

When Lorie and Walter bought their home in Port Alberni 13 years ago they slowly began renovating the unfinished basement to accommodate Walter’s changing needs as his muscular dystrophy advanced.

“The basement was a black hole when we moved in,” recalled Walter. “After 12 years of skimping and saving, we made the downstairs completely wheelchair accessible, except for the bathroom. It was way too small. I could only stand for about a minute and a half without collapsing in the shower stall and I could no longer pull myself out of the tub in the upstairs’ bathroom, even with Lorie’s help.”

Through funding from BC Housing’s Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) program, Walter and Lorie were able to work with a contractor to transform the space. A wall was removed to make room for a wheel-in shower with benches, grab bars were installed, and the vanity and fixtures were relocated.

I just slide into the shower now,” said Walter. “I feel safer and no longer dread trying to wash myself. What was previously a dangerous chore for me is now a welcome treat.”

Walter and Lorie hope to spend the rest of their lives in their home.

The HAFI program provides financial assistance to help eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities adapt their homes so they can continue to live independently.

7x77x7Make Your Home Safe for Independent Living

Material deadline: Dec 22, 2014

Send printable pdf to [email protected] line: BCH HAFI ad - January 7- 22, 2015 inserts HPlease contact [email protected] or 604-948-9699 if file problem

on

“

7x77x7 HAFI Funds Home Modifications for Disabled Man

Same product, new name for PolarisGazette staffPORT McNEILL—

Polaris Minerals Corporation, which opened the Orca Sand and Gravel Quarry here in 2007 with an estimated 50-year lifes-pan, is no more.

But that doesn’t mean the company is going any-where.

Vancouver-based Polaris announced that, effec-tive Jan. 1, it will now be known as Polaris Materials Corporation.

“The change of name is

considered important as the company strives to be cor-rectly identified as a pro-ducer of construction mate-rials, not a metal mining entity,” said Herb Wilson, President and CEO. “It was also considered important to retain the Polaris name which is well established in the construction aggre-gates sector and has gar-nered respect for its posi-tive relationships with First Nations, customers and all levels of government.”

The change of name was

approved by shareholders at the Company’s 2014 Annual General Meeting, where 99.3% of the votes cast were in favour of the proposed change of name. The Company will continue to have the same TSX stock symbol of ‘PLS’ and will adopt a new logo to accompany the change.

Polaris Materials Corporation will remain exclusively focused on the development of quar-ries and the production of construction aggregates —

sand and gravel — in British Columbia for marine trans-port to urban markets on the Pacific coasts of North America to meet growing local supply deficits.

After its construction near Port McNeill through-out 2006, Polaris in early 2007 began shipping sand and gravel from the Orca Quarry to San Francisco Bay, Vancouver and Hawaii.

The company began its local operation with a stake-holder share agreement

with both the Kwakiutl and ‘Namgis First Nations, and its workforce includes employees from both bands.

After suffering a down-turn in 2008-09 due to the economic recession that impacted markets through-out North America, Polaris has rebounded strong-ly as construction in the California market and in Hawaii has rebounded.

“We were especially delighted that the compa-ny’s efforts were recently

recognized when Polaris won the 2014 BC Export Award in the natural resources category,” Wilson said.

The Orca Sand and Gravel Quarry employs a low-impact conveyor sys-tem which moves material from the plant to offshore ships with a minimum of vehicle and fuel expens-es. Soil and surface mate-rial removed to access the aggregate material below is replaced for reclamation and re-growth.

Kelsey Bay Harbour served shot of ICET Gazette staffCOURTENAY – New

businesses and increased marine tourism could all be part of the plan for Kelsey Bay Harbour after an in-depth needs analysis is con-ducted thanks to a $5,705 grant from the Island Coastal Economic Trust.

“Over the years, Kelsey Bay has been recognized as a strategic asset for the west coast commercial fishery and a key access point for

marine tourism,” said ICET Chair Phil Kent. “Not only will this plan ensure Kelsey Bay keeps that position, it will further strengthen it and attract new businesses to the region.”

Identified as a key priority in the Sayward Economic Development Strategy Report, the Sayward Harbour Authority, Village of Sayward, Hub City Fisheries and other pro-ponents are committed to

ensuring any redevelopment capitalizes on all opportuni-ties. The grant will provide the funds needed to con-duct an analysis to ensure the needs of all harbour users, current and future, are properly assessed and integrated into the harbour development plans.

The project will include a complete site review and stakeholder consultations resulting in a report provid-ing an assessment of the

harbour’s current capacity and recommendations for the development required to accommodate future activities.

“We know there is great potential in rede-veloping the harbour,” said Sayward Harbour Authority President Fred Rhodes. “With proper planning and expan-sion we can expect to see increased employment during the fishing season,

marine sector business expansions as well as new tourism and hospitality sector opportunities. For a small community hard hit by the resource sector downturn, this is a huge opportunity to bring good jobs and vitality back to the Sayward Valley.”

Kelsey Bay is a small harbour located in the Village of Sayward, situ-ated between Campbell River and Telegraph Cove

on Northern Vancouver Island. The harbour pro-vides public, commercial, and private facilities to a variety of users.

The Island Coastal Economic Trust is a $50 million endowment estab-lished in 2006 by the Government of British Columbia to help diversify the economies of central and northern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.


sports & recreationSubmit results to 250-949-6225 Fax 250-949-7655 or email us at [email protected] • Deadline 10 am Monday

on deckTell us about items of interest to the sports community.

January 16-17Broughton Curling

Club ladies open bon-spiel, 7 p.m. Fri., all day Saturday. Theme: Curling Around the World, with costumes, Saturday evening social. $240 team/$60 per person until Jan. 15. Info, Lisa, 250-230-4749 or Charlotte, 778-686-7788.

January 16-18Minor hockey

Port McNeill Minor Hockey Novice Jamboree, Chilton Regional Arena. Game times tba; raffle table, 50/50 draws, conces-sion, more.

January 17Rep hockey

North Island Eagles bantams host Cowichan Valley, 2 p.m., Port Hardy; Eagles peewees hosts Juan de Fuca in league play, 4:15 p.m., Port Hardy; Eagles atom development hosts Victoria, 5 p.m., Port McNeill.

January 18Rep hockey

North Island Eagles atom development hosts Victoria, 9:30 a.m., Port McNeill. Eagles peewees hosts Juan de Fuca in league play, 10 a.m., Port Hardy.

January 23-25Curling

Fort Rupert Curling Club ladies open bon-spiel. Draw times to be announced; con-cession, lounge open throughout weekend. For info or to register, email [email protected].

Jan. 30-Feb. 1Minor hockey

Port Hardy Minor Hockey Bantam tournament, Don Cruickshank Memorial Arena. Game times tba; raffle table, 50/50 draws, concession, more.

February 7Rep hockey

North Island Eagles atom development hosts Sooke, 4 p.m., Port McNeill.

Wild atoms comeback falls shortJ.R. RardonGazette editorPORT ALICE—The

North Island Eagles atom development hockey team fell short of a win Saturday at Doug Bondue Arena. But after a couple of periods of misery, they at least managed 20 minutes of fun before falling 9-7 to Nanaimo in Division 3 play.

The atoms, miss-ing two top defense-men and playing just their third game in a month, looked sluggish while falling behind 7-2 through the first two periods. Then, in a startling reversal, the Eagles scored three quick goals on their first shift of the third period and twice closed within a goal before Nanaimo hung on to clinch the game with an insurance goal with 3:09 to play.

“We just weren’t moving our feet,” Eagles coach Ryan Handley said of the first two periods. “We were puck-watching.”

Atom development games are played with-out the ice-cleaning break enjoyed by rep teams at older levels — “We don’t get to come in the locker room and kick garbage cans around,” assistant coach

Steve Verbrugge joked.But that didn’t stop

the coaching staff from delivering a “pep” talk between the second and third periods.

“Our coach Ryan went Tortorella on us and we got our momen-tum back,” forward Tyler Roper said, refer-ring to the incendi-ary former Vancouver Canucks coach.

Handley himself was more circumspect, but did not refute young Roper’s claim.

“It was kind of quiet on the bench, and coach (Jason) Roper were asking them if they were having any fun,” Handley recalled of the break following the second period. “I came in and told them to look at the scoreboard, then asked if they were hav-ing any fun. They said, ‘No.’ So I said, ‘Let’s go have some fun.’”

The next few min-utes were a blast. Tyler Roper scored back-to-back goals on his first

two trips up the ice fol-lowing the puck-drop, nine seconds apart. Teammate Ethan Bono added another less than a minute later, and the 7-2 deficit was sudden-ly down to 7-5.

After a couple of shift changes, Bono was back at it, keeping the puck himself on a 3-on-2 rush and lifting the puck top shelf from the left circle to make it 7-6 at 4:18 of the third.

Nanaimo, which had switched goalies after

pushing its lead to 6-2 midway through the game, went back to starter Hayden Landa. It made a difference, slowing the Eagles’ charge and allowing the Clippers to go back ahead 8-6 on a goal with 9:54 to play.

But Bono capped his third-period hat trick with a power-play tally from the low slot to make it 8-7 with 6:31 left to play. But despite carrying the momen-tum, the Eagles were

unable to puncture Landa’s defence the rest of the way, and the Clippers’ Kane Law wrapped up the scoring on his own power-play goal later in the period.

The Eagles were without second-year defensemen Cole Klughart, on vacation with his family, and Skyler Evans, who was visiting his parents and a younger brother born 11 weeks premature in Vancouver just four days earlier.

But Handley thought the long layoff between games had more to do with the atoms’ slug-gish start.

“With the schedule we had in December, it’s been hard keeping them in game mode,” he said.

The atoms will have plenty of chances to get back in the groove, and most of them will be on the North Island. Saturday’s game was their first at home since early November, but they’ll finish up the regular season with seven of their last eight league games on the North Island.

That run begins this weekend, as the Eagles host Victoria in Port McNeill for games at 5 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Peewees rally late for win over Alberni Gazette staffRhys Dutcyvich scored a

hat trick and Luke Gage net-ted the third-period, game-winner as the North Island Eagles peewee hockey team rallied for a 5-2 win over the host Alberni Bulldogs in Vancouver Island Hockey League play Saturday.

After Alberni grabbed leads of 1-0 and 2-1, the Eagles roared back with the final four goals of the game, in the last 8:26 of the third period, to win going away.

Goalie Kayden Jones picked up the win in net and Joey Grant added a goal for the Eagles (4-3-2), who moved into sole possession of third place in the Division

3 standings.After the Bulldogs opened

scoring with the only goal of the first period, Dutcyvich drew the Eagles even at 5:35 of the second off an Avory Collins assist.

The 1-1 score carried into the third period, but Alberni struck again less than a min-ute in to restore its one-goal lead.

Dutcyvich again knotted the score at 11:34 of the third, and the Eagles took their first lead on Gage’s goal less than two minutes later. Dutcyvich completed his hat trick with 3:15 left to play to make it a 4-2 game, and Grant tallied with 1:45 left to provide the final

margin.Gage, Payton Laming and

Tynan Klein-Beekman con-tributed assists in the win.

The peewees return to play at home for the first time in 2015 this weekend, facing Juan de Fuca at 4:15 p.m. Saturday in Port Hardy.

Bantams lose, tieThe North Island Eagles

bantam hockey club bounced back from a loss to league-leading Oceanside Saturday to force a 5-5 draw with the Campbell River Tyees dur-ing a two-day road trip last weekend.

But the bantams probably felt it should have been a loss and a win.

The Eagles led Sunday’s game 4-1 after Evan Fox scored midway through the second period. But the host Tyees charged back with three straight goals in the first nine minutes of the third period to tie the game 4-4.

David Charlie put the Eagles back in front by con-verting a Mandy Foldy assist with just under six minutes remaining, but the 5-4 lead was short-lived as Campbell River scored again with 4:30 left to provide the final mar-gin.

Clayton Bono, Devin White and Tanner Roberts also scored for the bantams. Fox, Bono, Carson Strang and Bree-Anna Henderson

notched assists in the draw.On Saturday, the Eagles

suffered an 8-1 loss to Oceanside, the runaway Division 3 leaders. The teams skated to a 2-2 draw in Port Alice in November, but the bantams were unable to duplicate that defensive showing against the league’s top-scoring team.

Roberts scored the lone Eagles’ goal, with assists to Bono and Strang.

Oceanside, a Tier 2 club, wrapped up the regular sea-son with a 9-1-2 record and 20 points.

The Tier 3 Eagles are 3-5-3 and host Cowichan Valley at 2 p.m. Saturday in Port Hardy.

David Klatt of the North Island Eagles, right, dives to slow the charge of Nanaimo’s Lucas Laukkanen during their game at Doug Bondue Arena in Port Alice Saturday, Jan. 10. J.R. Rardon


North Island Youth Soccer Association

2015 AGMMonday, January 26th6:30PM @ NISSThe NISYA oversees soccer for all communities on the North Island.

VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED from Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Alert Bay and Port Alice. In order for soccer to happen this year you must volunteer. There are lots of positions on the executive to be � lled.

Above, Port Hardy goalie Aren Kufaas gets an inadvertent face-wash as teammate Owen Wilson skates back to help clear a rebound during the Port McNeill atom hockey tournament at Chilton Regional Arena Sunday.At left, Evan Wighton of Port McNeill, left, tries to disrupt a charge by Brandon Brotchie of Port Hardy along the boards during their playoff matchup Sunday.Below left, Zach Spafford of Port Alice tries to stay with the puck after being tripped up during his team’s game against Comox. J.R. Rardon

Shout out for shootouts

Port McNeill Minor Hockey Atom tournament

At Chilton Regional ArenaJan. 9-11

Sixth-seventh placePort Hardy 6, Port McNeill 5Port Hardy goals: Kale Hunt 2, Tye Morash, Brandon Brotchie, Rory Sinden. Port McNeill goals: William Grant 3, Evan Wighton 2.

Fourth-fifth placeComox 8, Port Alice 7, shootoutPort Alice goals: Dawson Twamley 3, Lilly Jorgenson, Andrew Rydalch, Zachary Spafford, Lucca Stewart. Assists: Twamley 2, Rydalch, Stewart, Jorgenson.

Second-third place

Nanaimo 5, Campbell River Snipers 4, shootout

ChampionshipCampell River Gladiators 6, Nanaimo 3

Round-robinCR Snipers 10, Port Hardy 2Port Hardy goals: Grant Joseph, Mason Northey.Gladiators 15, Port McNeill 0Comox 8, Port Alice 7Port Alice goals: Twamley 4, Spafford 3.Nanaimo 10, Port McNeill 3Port McNeill goals: Grant 3CR Gladiators 5, Port Hardy 1Port Hardy goal: Northey. Assist: Morash.CR Snipers 17, Port Alice 3Port Alice goals: Twamley 2, Stewart. Assist: Twamley.

Comox 6, Port McNeill 3Port McNeill goals: Sebastian Jolliffe, Grant, Owen Johnson.Nanaimo 6, Port Hardy 4Port Hardy goals: Morash 3, Brotchie.

CR Gladiators 13, Port Alice 3Port Alice goals: Twamley 2, Rydalch. Assist: Stewart.CR Snipers 17, Port McNeill 2Port McNeill goals: Grant 2Nanaimo 11, Comox 1

Sports Scoreboard

LUKE GAGEThe Port Hardy forward scored the

game-winner Saturday as the Eagles peewees rallied to beat Alberni Valley.

J.R. Rardon

ATHLETE of the Week

Gazette staffPORT McNEILL—After ral-

lying to tie the game 7-7 on a Dawson Twamley goal with

14 seconds left, Port Alice fell to Comox in a shootout in the fourth-place game of the Port McNeill atom hockey tourney

Sunday.Port Hardy edged Port

McNeill 6-5 in the sixth-place final.

Gazette staffThe North Island

Eagles midgets went without a tournament or exhibition hock-ey game during the recent holiday break. The extended inactiv-ity showed as they suf-fered losses last week-end to Juan de Fuca T2 and Nanaimo on a road trip to kick off 2015.

The Eagles (6-4-1 Division 3) slipped to third place in the league after identical 4-2 loss-es both days. Juan de Fuca and Nanaimo hold the top two spots with one league game

remaining.Brandon Purdey and

Tyren Dustin scored second-period goals Saturday as the Eagles closed within 3-2 at Juan de Fuca. At Nanaimo Sunday, Nick Klein-Beekman and Cameron Grant scored for the midgets.

The Eagles are back on the road this weekend to close out the regular season Saturday against Kerry Park.

The Tier 3 playoffs are tentatively sched-uled to begin the week-end of Jan. 31-Feb. 1.

Midgets fall


Relay for Life hopes to grow by shrinkingJ.R. RardonGazette editorPORT HARDY—

The North Island’s annual Relay for Life is looking to get big-ger. By going smaller.

The fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, facing declin-ing participation in both the Mount Waddington region and in Campbell River, is trimming the 12-hour, overnight relay down to a six-hour event in those communities this spring.

“Unfortunately, the numbers have been declining every year,” said Lisa Harrison, the Canadian Cancer Society’s Community Giving coordinator for the North Island. “We’ve found in sur-veys, talking to teams and participants, that 12 hours is just too much. We’ve decided to do a shorter event instead of cancelling it and losing those fund-

raising dollars.”The North Island

Relay for Life is sched-uled for May 23 at Port Hardy Secondary School track, begin-ning at 6 p.m. Campbell River’s relay

is scheduled for June 19 at Phoenix Middle School, also at 6 p.m.

Instead of the tra-ditional walk or run from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., participants will be released at midnight.

The Relay’s signa-ture moments — the Survivors’ Lap, the lighting of the lumi-naries for those lost to the disease, and the Fight Back ceremony — will remain and be

compressed into the shortened format.

“I believe in the whole 12-hour con-cept, because the point is cancer never sleeps,” said Harrison, who began volunteer-

ing with the North Island relay five years ago after watching her mother-in-law suc-cumb to cancer. “And I’m sure there will be survivors offended by (the change). But we’re trying a new spin on it and feedback has been really good. People can be there, bring their kids, and still be home at midnight.”

Harrison promised the North Island relays will still feature all the entertainment, food and fun of the 12-hour version. It will just be compressed into the shorter time frame. A theme has also been added this year — Super Hero: Saving the World from Cancer, One Lap at a Time.

Harrison and her fel-low North Island orga-

nizers are also look-ing to re-introduce the baton to give the event a true relay feel.

“The purpose of the relay will be the same — celebrating survi-vors and remembering those lost,” she said. “The important thing is raising money for can-cer research, and keep-ing the whole thing alive on the North Island.”

Registration for teams and individu-als is now under way at www.relayforlife.ca. The fee is $10 per person through the early-bird registration deadline Mar. 1, and $20 afterward. Those who sign up during the early bird period will also be entered in a draw for an iPad and a $100 Visa card.

Some of the best views are on your doorstepUsually in winter, when

I’m trying to do some hiking without slushing through snow, I escape to a sea-shore where the snow has all been melted by a high tide; but my timing was a little off on this day because I arrived on the shore at high tide. In plan-ning this painting I was so delighted in the patterns that the new snow had cre-ated along the shore that I decided that a high tide was ideal.

As I sketched, the ocean was totally uncoopera-tive and lowered all the water, but my initial sketch remained, therefore I left the water exactly where it belonged.

SECRET (just between you and I): I always carry a little camera with me and use it to nail down details such as light and colour in the early part of my sketch.

Often, especially in the mornings and afternoons when the light does fantas-tic things to a scene with warmer colours and gor-geous deep colours in the shadows, this kind of light makes a very brief appear-ance before it changes to, once again, create a whole new feeling.

This scene is almost on my doorstep: the estuary of the mighty Nimpkish River. Most local people

still call this area Hanuse Beach, a hold-over from the days when the Hanuse family used it as a boom-ing ground. Many of the old timbers still remain as relics of those heady days when a railway from lower Nimpkish Lake brought the logs here to be dispersed.

I often paint here in the spring and summer when the area is alive with sea-birds, but this day was something special; I caught the snow when it was espe-cially creative.

I did the final painting on a support quite different from the usual watercolour paper; I painted with water-colour on canvas and hoped that this would enhance the feeling of texture for the snow. By Jove, it may have worked!

Gordon Henschel owns an art gallery in Nimpkish Heights. www.henschel.ca.

Brooklyn Cox of Port Hardy carries a candle just after sunset during the 2014 Relay for Life in Port McNeill. The 2015 event moves to Port Hardy and will be shortened to six hours, the Canadian Cancer Society announced last week. J.R. Rardon

The artist captures an image of high tide in winter at the Nimpkish River estuary in this watercolour on canvas. Gordon Henschel

“We’re trying a new spin on it and feedback has been

really good.”Lisa Harrison

A Brush with Hen-schel

with Gordon Henschel

www.northislandgazette.com Thursday, January 15, 201512A12 www.northislandgazette.com Thu, Jan 15, 2015, North Island Gazette

Richie was born in Campbell River and lived in Port Alice all of his life. He loved the ocean, lakes, forest and streams

dad and brothers, prawning, canoeing

dreams in a short lifetime.

together with more friendship and love,

long board games. We are so grateful to

bringing him so much happiness.He has now gone to join our Lord in heaven and is forever in our hearts.

Russ and Diane Inglis, brothers Chris,

uncles and cousins.

Richard James InglisApril 18, 1988 – December 17, 2014

Harry passed away on Monday, January 5th at Eagleridge Manor, long-term care facility in Port Hardy. He was two months shy of 85. He is survived by his wife Donna, his children Richard, Janice (Dave) and Tracy, and his brother Dick (Jean). A wake will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Alert

can be made to the Bev Mountain Cancer Fund, c/o Margie Popovich, Box 2 Alert Bay, B.C. V0N 1A0. Our sincere thanks to the folks at Eagleridge Manor who took such great care of dad and made his last days as comfortable as possible.

May, Herman Julius (Harry)

NOTICE OF PESTICIDE USE

Pesticide Use Permit (PUP) No 869-0002-2015/2017

Permit Holder: Marine Harvest Canada Inc.

Contact: Clare Backman 1334 Island Highway, Suite 124 Campbell River, BC V9W 8C9, (250) 850-3276 or fax (250) 850-3275

Notice is given that the pest control product Interox TM Paramove TM 50 (active ingredient Hydrogen Peroxide) will be used in the marine environment for the topical removal of sea lice from aquaculture fish. Registration Number: 29783 Pest Control Products Act PMRA.

Paramove 50 will only be used in accordance with the directions as per the product label and the PMRA. Paramove 50 will be administered by either using a well boat or enclosed tarpaulins. Tarpaulin treatments will require fish to be seined and placed into tarpaulin lined confines to contain the required bath volume with product administered as quickly as possible to attain the prescribed concentration. A maximum thirty (30) minute treatment with oxygen monitoring will ensure optimal efficacy. Tarpaulins will be removed after the timed treatment allowing sea water to neutralize the bath. Monitoring will be conducted by fish health staff ensuring treatment success and fish wellbeing. Well boat treatments will require fish to be seined and transferred to a bath pool located aboard a designated vessel. Treatment will be monitored and target a maximum (30) thirty minute dwell time. Fish will then be removed and returned to pens. Treatment water will be neutralized with sea water and released.

The treatment locations are Crown land leases located in the Quatsino Sound area in the vicinity of the town of Coal Harbour. The Crown land leases files Ref # 1406961, 1406960, 1407385, 1401722, 1407743, 1403748.

ParamoveTM 50Guarantee: Hydrogen Peroxide 50%For the Control of Sea Lice on Salmon in Fish Farms Registration Number: 29783 Pest Control Products ActPMRA

The proposed treatment start date is January 20th 2015. The treatments will be veterinarian prescribed with intermittent use. The proposed duration of use is approximately three years, ending December 30st 2017.

Detailed maps of the specific treatment areas can be examined at Marine Harvest Canada Inc. (address above), in Coal Harbour at the Quatsino First Nation Fisheries Office, or visit marineharvestcanada.com

Any person wishing to receive permitted pesticide use and related integrated pest management information about the planned treatment is invited to contact the permit holder at the address noted above or at www.marineharvestcanada.com

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS





IN MEMORIAM

The family of Robert Ricksman Belveal would like to express their

sincere thanks to Dr. Armagon and the nurses of Port McNeill hospital for their kindness & caring for Robert during this past few

years. A special thank you to nurses Kathleen & Maggie

at the Sointula Clinic. And to Dawn (neice) for always open-

ing up her home to all of us.We thank you so much for

all the visits and phone calls. Ingrid Aurora Belveal

and families.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

INFORMATION

Advertise in the 2015 - 2017

BC FreshwaterFishing Regulations

SynopsisPlease call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 or email:

fi [email protected]

DEATHS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

INFORMATION

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSIF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL

WE CAN HELPPort McNeill-Mon and Fri 8pm

Room 3 at the Old School. 375 Shelly Crescent.

Call Greg 250-949-0153 or Cody 250-230-4218.

Sointula-Thur 7:30pm at the Sointula Medical Centre.

25-2nd St. Call Annie 604-250-7085.

DID YOU KNOW? BBB pro-vides complaint resolution ser-vices for all businesses and their customers. Look for the 2014 BBB Accredited Busi-ness Directory E-edition on your Black Press Community Newspaper website at

www.blackpress.ca.You can also go to

http://vi.bbb.org/directory/ and click on the 2014 BBB

Accredited Business Directory

DEATHS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

PERSONALS

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSPort Hardy meets every Wednesday & Saturday at the Upper Island Public Health Unit on Gray Street at 8pm. Sundays at the Salvation Army Lighthouse, 8635 Granville St., at 7pm. Contact Ed at 250-902-0310 or 250-949-9655

DEATHS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

PERSONALS

MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real peo-ple like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and con-nect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851.

DEATHS

INFORMATION INFORMATION

fax 250.949.7655 email [email protected]

Your community. Your classifieds.

TOLL FREE 1-855-310-3535

$2998plus tax

SELL YOUR STUFF!Private Party Merchandise Ad1" PHOTO + 5 LINES (99¢ extra lines) Runs till it sells, up to 8 weeks!

BONUS!We will upload your ad to

Choose two of these Black Press Community Newspapers!

FREE!Ask us for more info.

WE’RE ON THE WEB

ALL YOU NEED IN PRINT AND ONLINE

bcclassifi ed.com

Thursday, January 15, 2015 www.northislandgazette.com 13North Island Gazette Thu, Jan 15, 2015 www.northislandgazette.com A13

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 921 of the Local Government Act that the Board of the Regional District of Mount Waddington (RDMW) will consider adopting a resolution to approve the issuance of Temporary Use Permit TUP-02-2014 at its meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, to be conducted in the boardroom of the RDMW administrative offi ce located at 2044 McNeill Road in the Town of Port McNeill, commencing at 2:00 p.m.If approved, the Temporary Use Permit would allow, subject to conditions, siting and conditional use of a single detached dwelling and accessory structures at 10 Kaleva Road, Sointula (Block A of the Fractional SW ¼ of Section 9, Malcolm Island, Rupert District). A copy of the proposed permit and related information can be inspected at the RDMW administrative offi ce located at 2044 McNeill Road, Port McNeill, B.C., between the offi ce hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from January 9, 2015 until January 19, 2015. Written submissions regarding this proposal can be sent by email, facsimile, mail or hand delivered using the contact information below. All submissions must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2015.Jonas Velaniskis, Manager of PlanningRegional District of Mount WaddingtonP.O. Box 729, Port McNeill, BC V0N 2R0Tel: 250-956-3301 Fax: 250-956-3232 Email: [email protected]

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF MOUNT WADDINGTON

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT

Come grow with us.A leading Canadian manufacturer of mechanical printing papers in western North America, Catalyst is every inch a paper company of today—efficient, customer focused and continually developing new products and markets. Ranked by Corporate Knights as one of the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada, Catalyst strives for the highest standards of corporate and environmental responsibility.

Our Port Alberni division is now accepting résumés for a:

Maintenance Supervisor/Planner – Electrical & InstrumentationExpertly navigating our computerized maintenance management systems, you will create maintenance plans and schedules to optimize equipment performance and availability. Along with determining the time, resources and budget required for various tasks and projects, you’ll also develop quality control standards and assess and mitigate risks to ensure the E/I trades team achieves safety, production, cost and other objectives.

In addition to having your E/I trades certification, an engineering degree, technical diploma OR acceptable related experience, you’ll also need to be proficient with staffing and resource levelling.

At Catalyst, we offer challenging careers and a relaxed pace of life, along with competitive wages and benefits and the chance to advance your skills within a supportive peer environment. Your unique skills and talents will find a good home here.

To join us for a strong future together, apply without delay at catalystpaper.com/careers.

www.catalystpaper.com

DISTRICT OF PORT HARDYDIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING &

OPERATIONAL SERVICESLocated on the northern most tip of beautiful Vancouver Island, Port Hardy is a wilderness paradise that invites both locals and tourists to “Live the Adventure.” World-class diving, sports fishing, caving, kaya-king and hiking are just a few of the excursions that provide year-round entertainment for the outdoors person. With a significant municipal infrastructure, a natural deep sea harbor, an extensive transportation network, which includes air, ferry and marine transport, the District offers the ability to support growth in population as well as new business and tourism.

The District of Port Hardy is seeking a results oriented professional who is passionate about improving service delivery and public service. This is a senior management position reporting to the Chief Adminis-trative Officer and a key member of the District’s management team.

The position is responsible for providing advice on the planning and operations of the District including, but not limited to: roads, water, sewer & storm systems, risk management, facility maintenance, recycling, parks, playfields and harbours.

Required Abilities, Education & Training• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory and conflict management resolution skills and experience in a unionized environment;• Proven ability to develop operating and capital budgets and oversee department expenditures;• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the department and to develop and implement strategic and tactical plans to ensure the department’s effectiveness;• Demonstrated experience in civil engineering, design, inspection of infrastructure and capital works projects with thorough knowledge of methods, material and construction practices and project man-agement;• Thorough knowledge of Provincial Legislation relating to sewer, water and solid waste.• Ability to prepare and interpret comprehensive technical reports, plans, legal / contract tender docu-ments, statutes, standards and bylaws.• Exceptional communication, computer and written skills.

QualificationsThe ideal candidate will have a Civil Engineering Technology Diploma and a minimum of five years experience in a local government setting.The District offers an excellent benefit package and competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, detailed resume and references by February 6, 2015 via mail, email or fax to:

Rick Davidge, Chief Administrative OfficerDistrict of Port HardyPO Box 68, Port Hardy BC V0N2P0email: [email protected]: 250-949-6665 Fax: 250-949-7433www.porthardy.ca

Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

North Island Church ServicesPORT HARDY BAPTIST

CHURCHCorner of Trustee & Highland

Morning Service 11:00 am Plus regular family activities

Office: 250-949-6844www.porthardybaptistchurch.ca

Pastor: Kevin Martineau 11/14

NORTH ISLAND CATHOLIC CHURCHES

Father Scott Whittemore 250-956-3909

Sunday MassesSt. Mary’s 430 Chapel St.,Port McNeill:

9amSt. Bonaventure 4750 Byng Rd.,

Port Hardy: 11amSt. Theresa’s corner of Nigei St. and

Marine Dr., Port Alice: Saturdays 5:00pm

Alert Bay: 65 Hemlock St., 2nd & 4th: Saturdays 10am

11/14

ST. COLUMBA ANGLICAN UNITED

Reverend Wade Allen9190 Granville St. Port Hardy

Phone 250-949-62471:00 p.m. Sunday School and Service

Tues., 1:00 pm Bible StudyEveryone welcome

Meeting rooms available [email protected]

11/14

FULL GOSPEL CHURCH2540 Catala Place Port McNeill

(across from Firehall)Sunday

10:30 am - Morning Worship Church Office 250-956-4741

Pastor Stan Rukin Visitors always welcomewww.ptmcfullgospel.org

11/14

CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICANAlert Bay

Sunday Services - 10 amReverend Lincoln Mckoen

1-250-974-5844Warden Flora Cook

250-974-5945Warden Joan Stone

250-974-2234 11/14

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

4680 Byng Rd. Port HardyPastor George Hilton

250-949-8925 or 250-949-8826“Everyone welcome”

Saturday Services9:30am - Bible Study groups

10:45am - Worship/Praise serviceWednesday @ 7pm - Prayer meeting

Avalon Adventist Jr. Academy Offering Christian Education

250-949-8243 11/14

PORT MCNEILL BAPTIST CHURCH

2501 Mine RoadSunday

9:45 am (Sept-June) - Sunday School11:00 am - Worship Service

7:00 pm - Evening FellowshipYouth Group Wed - 7:00 pm

Children’s Programs & Adult Bible Studies are scheduled throughout the

year. For information contact

Pastor Dave Purdy • 250-956-4737 11/14

LIGHTHOUSE RESOURCE CENTRE

• Chaplain Services• Bible Studies

• Spiritual Counselling • Weekly AA Groups

(8635 Granville St. Port Hardy)250-949-8125

11/14

PORT HARDYCHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

at Providence Place, 7050 Rupert StSunday Worship 10:30 am & 7 pm

Tuesday Prayer 7:30 pmMidweek Biblestudies - Call the church

for time and place250-949-6466

Pastor George & Karen Ewald (home) 250-949-9674

E-Mail: [email protected]

11/14

PORT ALICE ANGLICAN- UNITED FELLOWSHIP

Reverend Wade AllenSunday Services - 4pm

1-250-949-6247 Box 159, Port Alice

You are extended a special invitation to share in our Services

11/14

ST. JOHN GUALBERT UNITEDANGLICAN CHURCH

250-956-3533Email: [email protected] call for worship times

Reverend Wade AllenAll Welcome

175 Cedar Street Port McNeill

11/14

GWA’SALA-’NAKWAXDA’XW SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

CHURCHat entrance to Tsulquate Village

(8898 Park Dr)Saturday/Sabbath

10:00 am-Sabbath School11:15 am-Worship Service

Pastor Randy Elliott 250-230-1885 cell

11/14

JOIN

THE

BLUE REVOLUTION

Marine Harvest is the world’s largest supplier of farmed salmon and produces 5 million healthy meals per day. We have 10,400 employees and activities in 22 countries. Through our vision of “Leading the Blue Revolution“, Marine Harvest aims to be the leading supplier of healthy, sustainable food from the ocean.

Qualifi cations include: Experience & knowledge of all facets of Occupational H&S admin including soft tissue injury prevention, WCB claims management, employee training, lockout, confi ned space, etc. Minimum 5 years experience in saltwater or processing environment supplemented with additional safety education is preferable.

We are looking searching for an ambitious person.

Please review the full posting and apply atwww.marineharvestcanada.com.This position closes on the 23 Jan 2015.

Health & Safety Advisor

HELP WANTED

INFORMATION

OPLACES F WORSHIP

HELP WANTED

INFORMATION

OPLACES F WORSHIP

HELP WANTED

INFORMATION

OPLACES F WORSHIP

HELP WANTED

INFORMATION

OPLACES F WORSHIP

HELP WANTED

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

HELP WANTED


HELP WANTED


COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONNECTING JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERSwww.localworkbc.ca

www.northislandgazette.com Thursday, January 15, 201514A14 www.northislandgazette.com Thu, Jan 15, 2015, North Island Gazette

Land Act:Notice of Intention to Apply for a

Disposition of Crown LandTake notice that 0917228 BC Ltd. of Campbell River, BC, intends to make application to Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), West Coast Service Centre for a Licence of Occupation – Finfi sh Aquaculture (Atlantic salmon in net cages) situated on Provincial Crown land located at the Eastern end of Clio Channel along the northern shore of West Cracroft Island, Coast District.The Lands File Number that has been established for this application are #1411170. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Section Head, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations at 142 - 2080 Labieux Rd, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6J9, or emailed to: [email protected] will be received by MFLNRO until February 15, 2015. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit our website: http://arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact the FOI Advisor at the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations regional offi ce.

Application Area Range 1, Coast District

West Cracroft Island

Minstrel Island

Land Act:Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition

of Crown LandTake notice that 0917228 BC Ltd. of Campbell River, BC, intends to make application to Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), West Coast Service Centre for a Licence of Occupation – Finfi sh Aquaculture (Atlantic salmon in net cages) situated on Provincial Crown land located at the eastern end of Clio Channel along the western shore of Minstrel Island, Coast District.The Lands File Number that has been established for this application are #1411171. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Section Head, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations at 142 - 2080 Labieux Rd, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6J9, or emailed to: [email protected]. Comments will be received by MFLNRO until February 15, 2015. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit our website: http://arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact the FOI Advisor at the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations regional offi ce.

Minstrel Island Turnour Island

Clio Channel

West Cracroft Island

Amendment Area

1411171 Current Area, Range 1, Coast District

g p

TRAVEL

GETAWAYS

LONG BEACH - Ucluelet - Deluxe waterfront cabin,

sleeps 6, BBQ. Fall Special. 2 nights $239 or 3 nights $299Pets Okay. Rick 604-306-0891

LEGALS

TRAVEL

TIMESHARE

CANCEL YOUR Timeshare. No risk program stop mort-gage & maintenance pay-ments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consul-tation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

LEGALS

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

RESORT RENTAL in Hemet, CA. Brand new one bedroom cottages with full kitchen, bath, queen bed, and living suite. Luxury Resort. 866-916-1316 or goldenvillagepalms.com

LEGALS

School District No. 85 requires the following REGULAR positions:Posting #1: Secretary, Sea View Elem. Jr. Sec. - $24.78 per hour, 25 hours per week, 10 months per year.Posting #2: Noon Hour Supervisor, Sea View Elem. Jr. Sec. - $19.84 per hour, 4 hours per week, while school is in session.Posting #3: Library Clerk, Sea View Elem. Jr. Sec. - $21.25 per hour, 2 hours per week, while school is in session.Posting #5: Secretary, Cheslakees Elem. - $24.78 per hour, 16 hours per week, 10 months per year.Posting #6: Library Clerk, Cheslakees Elem. - $21.25 per hour, 1 hour per week, 10 while school is in session. Further information regarding Position Duties and Qualifications can be found on our website at: www.sd85.bc.ca under “Career Opportunities”.

Please complete a CUPE Application Form which is available at our website and quote the appropriate posting number.

Closing date for applications is 4:00 p.m. Wed., January 21, 2015.

SD85 thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. These are CUPE Local 401 positions.

Apply to:Ms. Lori Walker, Administrative Assistant

School District No. 85,Box 90, Port Hardy, B.C. V0N 2P0

Port McNeill Harbour is looking for a Harbour Manager. This is a Permanent position. Winter hours are variable, including some weekend on call, with extended hours in the busy summer months.

The successful applicant will be prepared to handle all office functions including computers, cash receipting and prepare accounts receivable, as well as maintain radio contact with harbour traffic, work on the dock, complete minor maintenance and repairs around the harbour and be proficient in operation of a small work boat.

A detailed job description is available at the Harbour Office, 1594 Beach Drive, or the Town Office, 1775 Grenville Place or our website at www.portmcneill.ca.

Send your resume, together with references, no later than January 16, 2015:

Attention: Administrator, Town of Port McNeill, Box 728, Port McNeill, B.C. V0N 2R0 Fax to 250 956-4300 Email to [email protected]

TOWN OF PORT MCNEILLHelp Wanted

sustainable aquaculture

WAREHOUSE & LOGISTICS COORDINATORApplication Requirements

Special Requirements

How To Apply: ermaq ana a a mail [email protected]

Please state Shipping and Logistics Coordinator the subject line. eadline to apply riday anuary

PORT MCNEILL, BC

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

RV LOT Rentals $8.95 a day. 362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertain-ment. Reserve by 02/14/2015. www.hemetrvresort.com or call: 1-800-926-5593.

HELP WANTED

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

ROAD CONSTRUCTION Op-erations Supervisor wanted to lead our team. Want a fulfi ll-ing career that offers work life balance? You can be home every day; www.sturgeoncounty.ca

WAREHOUSE/FACTORYWAREHOUSE/FACTORY

HELP WANTED

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIP-MENT OPERATOR SCHOOL.NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.Weekly start dates. Job board! Funding options.SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions avail-able. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: Career-Step.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

NEW YEAR, new career! Can-Scribe Medical Transcription graduates are in high demand. Enroll today, be working from home in one year! 1-800-466-1535. [email protected].

HELP WANTED

HIRING MEDICAL Transcrip-tionists! Minimum 2 years re-cent acute care Medical Tran-scription experience or new CanScribe Career College MT graduates. Testing required. Email resume to:[email protected]

SETO’S WOK & GRILL is looking for P/T Server & dish-washer, a bar manager and a prep cook. Please apply in person.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Home Share Providers are urgently needed...

Do You Have a Safe and Welcoming Home?

Adults with developmentaldisabilities are in urgent needof safe, welcoming homes.Home Sharing Providers sharetheir home with the adult, on afull or part time basis, and arepaid room and board plus afee for service. Payment forfull time care starts at $1500per month. To learn more callJane toll-free 1-855-897-7581or email:[email protected]

TROYER VENTURES Ltd. is aprivately owned energy servic-es company servicing WesternCanada. All job opportunitiesinclude competitive wages,comprehensive benefi ts pack-age and room for advance-ment. We are accepting appli-cations at multiple branchesfor: Professional Drivers (Class 1, 3) and Mechanics.Successful candidates will beself-motivated and eager tolearn. Experience is preferred,but training is available. Validsafety tickets, clean drug test,and a drivers abstract are re-quired. For more informationand to apply, please visit ourwebsite at: Troyer.ca.

WE ARE looking for enthu-siastic news paper carriers to deliver the Gazette to sub-scribers in various areas in Port Hardy, Port McNeill and Hide creek. This is great way to gain experience with your fi rst job and to earn a little extra spending money! If in-terested please call the of-fi ce at 250-949-6225 and ask for Circulation.

TRADES, TECHNICAL

KAL-TIRE SECHELT requiresimmediately, an OTR TireTechnician with OTR, mediumtruck, light truck and passen-ger tire skills. Valid provincialdriver’s license. Competitivesalary and benefi ts. Reply withresume to [email protected] orcall Joe 604-885-7927.

POWERMAX CONTRACTINGis seeking Journeymen andApprentices for projects inNorthern Alberta. The shift is 2weeks in 1 week out withfl ights provided from regionalairports. Competitive wage &benefi ts package offered.Please email resume to:[email protected] call 780-714-9690 for de-tails.

• SAW FILER• ELECTRICIANS

• MILLWRIGHT/WELDER- Surrey B.C -

Searching for highly motivat-ed and ambitious individuals to work and be challenged in their fi eld. Competitive Wage & Good Benefi t Package Offered!

Please forward your resume:

Fax:(1)604-581-4104 Email: [email protected]

Visit: www.tealjones.com

PERSONAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

ARE YOU $10K Or More InDebt? DebtGo can help re-duce a signifi cant portion ofyour debt load. Call now andsee if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thursday, January 15, 2015 www.northislandgazette.com 15North Island Gazette Thu, Jan 15, 2015 www.northislandgazette.com A15

Grayden Holmes of Port Alice took in the atom development hockey game Saturday at Doug Bondue Arena.

J.R. Rardon

Smileof the week.

PERSONAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s that simple. Your credit/age/income is not an issue. 1-800-587-2161.

TAX FREE MONEYis available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mort-gage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime1-800-639-2274 or

604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

COMPUTER SERVICES

COMPUTER Problems? Call Ken 250-334-6857. North Island Graduate with 14 years experience. Reasonable Rates :)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

FULL SERVICE plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. Call 1-800-573-2928.

PETS

BOARDING

‘TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL’, Travel with peace of mind. Parrot boarding in a home set-ting, “birds and only birds” budgies to macaws. Nightly rate $5, $10, $15. Small, medi-um, large. Concierge service and parking available for Na-naimo Airport and B.C. Fer-ries. 250-722-2201;www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com

PETS AND LIVESTOCK

PETS

GORGEOUS CKC black lab puppies, immunized, ready now. $1200. (250)338-1562.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

STEEL BUILDINGS / Metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100. Sell for bal-ance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206;www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE BY OWNER

WHOLE DUPLEX for sale- 1280sq ft per side, 3.5 bdrms, 1.5 bath. 9498 McDougall Rd, Port Hardy, BC. $225,000. Call (250)334-8474.tinyurl.com/duplex-ph

RENTALS

APARTMENT/CONDO

2 bedroom apt available, lo-cated at 1365 Alberni Hwy, Parksville. $650 per month. 250-954-9547

MARINA VIEW APTS & Townhouses. Professional building. 2 and 3 bdrm available, small dogs allowed. Call 250-949-0192.

PORT HARDY- Airport Rd. Large 1 bdrm apt. $450. and 2 bdrm apt. $550. Quiet, NS/NP. Ref req. 250-949-6319

RENTALS

APARTMENT/CONDO

PORT MCNEILL- 3 Bdrm townhouse. Call 250-956-3440. www.portmcneilltown houses.yolasite.com

PORT MCNEILLAPARTMENTS

Well managed 1 & 2 Bdrm suites

Gym & sauna on site Call for availability

Phone Rick250-956-4555

TWO OCEANS IN COAL HARBOUR

Large fully furnished 2 bdrm Apartment includes stove, fridge, washer, dryer & micro. Clean, comfy, quiet & upgrad-ed. Rural setting overlooking harbour. Satellite TV channels included ($90 value). Available Now. $650+ hydro with a 1 year lease. Pets considered. Call 1-250-949-8855.www.twoceans.com

COTTAGES

OCEANVIEW COTTAGESfor rent in Port Hardy

Includes satellite TV, internet, jacuzzi bath,

No pets.(250)949-7939

www.bearcovecottages.com

MOBILE HOMES & PADS

PORT MCNEILLMobile Home Park

Pads for rent.Short walk to shopping,

school & ocean.$300/ month

Call 250-758-4454

fi l here please

fi l here please

Before it was hip to be

green, Ducks Unlimited

Canada was committed to

saving habitat from coast to

coast. Now that being green

is everyone’s concern, our

job is more important than

ever. We need your help

to conserve wetlands and

promote a healthy, sustainable

environment for people and

wildlife.

Be green today.

It’s so easy

Support Ducks Unlimited


North Island LifeThis image of an alabaster nudi-branch, climbing atop a bull kelp in Bear Cove last year, earned Jackie Hildering a runner-up fin-ish in the 2014 Ocean Art pho-tography contest.

Below, Megan Hanacek earned a spot on the cover of BC Forest Professional magazine with her photo of a young grizzly climb-ing a tree for snacks along the shores of Knight Inlet.

Right, Jackie Hildering

Below, Megan Hanacek

J.R. RardonGazette editorPORT McNEILL—A

pair of local biolo-gists with a keen eye for the region’s wildlife and ecosystems were rewarded for their vision with wins in separate photography competi-tions this month.

Jackie Hildering, an environmental research-er who blogs as The Marine Detective, won second place in the nudi-branch category of the prestigious 2014 Ocean Art Contest for her image of an alabaster nudibranch clinging to the top of a giant kelp in Bear Cove near Port Hardy.

Megan Hanacek, a professional forester and biologist who works out of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and

Natural Resource Operations office here, earned the featured cover photo on the January-February edi-tion of BC Professional Forester magazine with a shot of a young griz-zly climbing a tree over-hanging the shore of Knight Inlet.

“It’s no National Geographic cover,” Hanacek joked of the in-house publication of the ABCFP. “It was a day off that we chartered a local guide to take us all around the archi-pelago to look at the awesome sites. We just lucked out with weather, whales, dolphins and this (bear).”

The winning photo was taken Sept. 15 and entered as part of the ABCFP’s National Forest Week photo con-

test.Like Hanacek,

Hildering was not out looking for an alabas-ter nudibranch photo when she dove with her Olympus camera and underwater housing near Port Hardy last fall. She was documenting the sea star wasting phenom-enon that has decimated the creatures’ population over the last year, when she looked up to see the delicate-looking, white nudibranch ascending a giant kelp overhead as the sun shined through the water.

“I positioned and wait-ed, desperately hoping that s/he would continue to the top and that the sun’s rays would then be streaming down,” Hildering wrote in her photo description with her entry. “It took about

five minutes, the sun-light flickering on and off … and it all came together, allowing me to capture this stunning moment.”

The 2014 Ocean Art Contest, described as “one of the most (if not the most) competitive underwater photo com-petitions in the entire world,” by judge and organizer Scott Gietler, drew thousands of entries from more than 50 countries.

For her runner-up showing, Hildering won a four-night, 12-dive prize package in Ambon, Indonesia. But her real reward, she said, was being able to share with a wide audience the life that exists — unknown to most — within three metres of the water’s surface.

Focus pays for photogs

north island gazette, january 15, 2015

Documents

nimmo bay resort

classifieds page

letters page

sports page

opinion page

nimmo notedlaura

vision resort

laura evans