villagevibeMay 2007 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood

>> by Susan Salvati

The Fernwood Inn is a landmark in the

heart of our neighbourhood. Formerly

known as the George and Dragon, it was

purchased and entirely renovated last year creating

high-quality character space in this unique Tudor-

style building at the corner of Gladstone and

Fernwood.

Former owners, Jeff and Chris Wilson, had

experience in renovating heritage properties. Using

their background in development, entertainment,

and hospitality, they completed an extraordinary

upgrade, creating a brand new restaurant inside

this older character structure. Now the property

has sold again.

In April 2007, a syndicate of private investors

led by Michael Colwill, a renowned local

pub-style restaurant operator, purchased the

recently renovated property. Th e local group will

own and operate this entire complex of rental

apartments and the Inn. Michael Colwill said,

“We are grateful to the previous owners for having

upgraded this property to such a fi ne standard.”

Michael has brought together an outstanding

management team comprised of an experienced

chef, James Wolfe (of Sauce and Irish Times),

a fi nancial offi cer and an array of experienced

experts. Th e team has rehired current staff . Plans

are afoot to upgrade the patio and open the entire

facility for lunch, daily.

Why the interest in Fernwood? As Michael

explains, “Our preparedness to make such a

substantial investment in Fernwood was due in

part to the extraordinary community spirit which

exists here.” Th eir goal is to “enhance the feeling of

connectedness amongst local people. Our vision

for the Inn is as a neighborhood ‘Cheers,’ a place

where everybody knows your name.” For Michael

and his team, Th e Fernwood Inn is a perfect venue

to achieve that goal.

Th e new owners also have an interest

in sustainability; their mission refl ects this

vision. “Our mission appearing on the brand-

new menu is: A community gathering place

committed to providing locally sourced

organic products, wild seafood, and Victoria’s

best micro brews, where every element of

our Inn’s cuisine is created ‘Inn House’.”

Roger Colwill, Michael’s father and founder

of Green Drinks in Victoria, will act in the

role of Fernwood Inn Community Liaison.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out this

popular monthly event of the sustainability

minded, you may soon have a chance to try a

variation right here in the ‘hood. Roger and his

son Michael are launching “Green Lunches” at

the Fernwood Inn beginning Wednesday May

23rd from 12:00pm to 1:15pm. Reservations

are recommended. Th e new owners also intend

to continue the tradition of a Halloween Street

Party on Gladstone in the fall of 2007.

Th e Village Vibe welcomes you all to the

neighbourhood.

Fernwood Inn changes hands

Securing healthy food>> by Julia Adam

Wow – the March 31st Fernwood NRG

Food Security luncheon had quite

the turnout! Over fi ft y Fernwoodians

spent their Saturday sharing hopes, dreams, and

visions for food security in Fernwood, and toasted

the success of establishing a neighbourhood pocket

market. A diverse group of people, including City

Councilors Helen Hughes and Sonya Chandler,

parents, kids, avid gardeners, students, local

business and organization representatives, and

Fernwood NRG board members attended.

Who has access to aff ordable, personally, and

environmentally healthy food, and what can be done

to bring more of it to our backyards, public spaces,

balconies, and community centers? Th e new Fernwood

Food Security Action Group is fi nding tangible

solutions to these concerns, and having a great ole time

in this issueTh e dirt on CityFarm Page 2

Feature: Solar hot water: why wait? Page 4

Black gold rush Page 6

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Historic Fernwood Inn gets an upgrade and new owners

G R E E N P L A N E T I S S U E

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Page 2 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | May 2007 VillageVibe

We are committed to creating a socially,

environmentally, and economically

sustainable neighbourhood;

We are committed to ensuring

neighbourhood control or ownership of

neighbourhood institutions and assets;

We are committed to using our

resources prudently and to becoming

fi nancially self-reliant;

We are committed to the creation and

support of neighbourhood employment;

We are committed to engaging the

dreams, resources, and talents of our

neighbours and to fostering new links

between them;

We are committed to taking action in

response to neighbourhood issues,

ideas, and initiatives;

We are committed to governing

our organization and serving our

neighbourhood democratically with a

maximum of openness, inclusivity and

kindness;

We are committed to developing

the skills, capacity, self-worth, and

excellence of our neighbours and

ourselves;

We are committed to focusing on

the future while preserving our

neighbourhood’s heritage and diversity;

We are committed to creating

neighbourhood places that are vibrant,

beautiful, healthy, and alive;

and, most of all,

We are committed to having fun!

>> by Susi Porter-Bopp

“Fifty years ago, Fernwood was largely a

patchwork of fi ve-acre orchards,” Angela Moran tells me as

she squints into the sun one early April aft ernoon. Standing

next to her amidst pear trees and row upon row of bursting

greenery, it’s hard to imagine this lush oasis is in the centre

of a city.

Angela is one of two farmers at Up From the Ashes

CityFarm, which occupies just over a quarter of an acre in

the southwest corner of Fernwood. Tucked away behind

the bicycle wheel fence on Balmoral between Cook and

Vancouver and fl anked by housing on either side, CityFarm

is Victoria’s only urban farm.

Th e property is leased from a long-term owner who

gives the farmers complete creative and economic autonomy

over what is grown and how it is grown. However, without

a permanent lease or land covenant it has been diffi cult to

implement any kind of perennial food growing, particularly

of fruit and nuts.

While the land at CityFarm has been under various

forms of cultivation for the past decade or so, things have

really picked up in the last couple of years. Th is year is an

especially exciting one because it marks the inaugural season

of Angela’s farm partnership with veteran grower Jennifer

Freeman. Th e two hooked up last summer when Jen, who

was looking for a place to grow food in the city again,

approached Angela, who had been looking for an older and

more experienced farm partner. Both women are graduates

of the LifeCycles Youth Entrepreneur Program which

helps individuals develop small, ecologically sustainable

businesses.

“Farming means a complete reorganisation of your

life”, says Jen as she keeps an eye on her two young children,

Isiah (6) and Jada (4) who tumble back and forth across the

land during our interview. “You defi nitely need two people

to make a living off of it, especially in the city.” CityFarm

takes a minimum of 40 hours of work per week, which the

two split. Sundays are usually for planting and planning

and Mondays are harvest days. During the rest of the week

Angela works as the site manager at the Compost Education

Centre, and Jen runs the Good Food Box Programme out of

the Fernwood Community Centre and also grows her own

garlic which she sells to local restaurants.

Th is year CityFarm’s produce will go primarily to Mole

on Pandora and the new bimonthly CityFarm Food Box

programme, which costs forty dollars a month and is aimed

at Fernwood residents. Surplus will be sold at the Fernwood

Tuesday night market.

Beyond feeding the community with fresh and local

veggies, Angela and Jen hope that CityFarm can inspire

families in Fernwood to grow their own food.

“Th e world rests on the shoulders of farmers. If people

see an example of growing in the city, maybe they’ll try it in

their own backyards” says Angela.

And local food has never been more important. Only

fi ft y years ago, 85 percent of our region’s food was locally

produced compared to only ten percent today. In the past 30

years, despite the existence of a provincial agricultural land

reserve to protect farmland, some 50,000 acres have been

taken out of production on Vancouver Island.

Th is will be a telling year for CityFarm. With a new

solid partnership and a more sophisticated irrigation

system that will be installed this spring, Angela and Jen are

aiming to maximise the land’s growing potential. Increased

production is what it will take in order for CityFarm to

really get noticed as a working model of a sustainable market

farming business within city limits.

Grow on!

Angela Moran and Jennifer Freeman can be reached at velvetninja@gmail.com and kalamoon@telus.net

declaration of principles and values

Th e dirt on CityFarm

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The guys from Strongback

had obviously started working early

that morning. By the time I got to the

Cornerstone, they had not only cleaned

and swept our alley, but determined the

pattern for the pavers, laid out their guide

lines and begun leveling and tamping the

bedding sand. Th e two palletes of bricks

and HUGE mound of sand led me to think

that this would take a few days. Not even

close. Th e whole alleyway was prepped,

paved and cleaned up in one day! What’s

even more remarkable is that Adam at

Strongback donated the labour AND

materials for the alleyway project! (See next

month’s Vibe for more on Strongback.)

Sue Mulholland (who is also

organizing the Fernwood Market) donated

pebbles for Lenore’s Cornerstone mosaic.

Electrician Craig was at the building,

wiring the new restaurant for George

and Linda. He was up a ladder, running

wires through the bulkhead enclosing the

geothermal plenum. And then Fernwood’s

own Lance Priestley, our plumber and

gasfi tter extraordinaire for the Cornerstone

turned up. He was working on the

restaurant too. Al Hall came by with

his possee of craft smen. Th ey resumed

work transforming the abandoned bakery

into a stylish and inviting small plate and

wine bar.

Heading back to the offi ce grabbed

a java from the Café, and soaked up the

heavenly aroma of great brew, lovingly

roasted for us by our friends at Discovery

Coff ee, and served up with great pride by

the Café baristas. Smiled at the art on the

walls; bold paintings by Fernwoodians

Margaret Hantiuk and Deryk Houston.

Such talent!

Going out the door, I was greeted

by a bounding Michael Colwill, a new

owner of the Inn. We brainstormed

about rotating art shows between our

two venues, talked about Kasper and

how he’s bringing musical talent to the

Inn and the Café, coordinating Fernfest

and creating our third compilation

CD of Fernwood musicians!

Walked up Gladstone, back to

the Centre, and saw Tina and Joy

in the playground with the kids.

Th e kids were having a great time

riding a staff -created ‘bike rodeo’.

During that short walk, my energy

was renewed. I felt grateful for the all

the enthusiastic hard-work going on in

Fernwood’s village core. Th e increasing

appeal of Fernwood is due only in part

to its physical revitalization. What really

gives this place life is the beauty and

energy of people, passionately engaged

in their daily labour.

editorial : Beauty from the inside out

Spring tuning your bicycle >> by Susi Porter-Bopp

Turn off your engines! Spring is here. It’s time

to haul that bicycle out. I love spring not for its blooms,

warm rains, or earthy smells, but for the traffi c jams in

bike lanes and packed bike racks. Basic mechanical self-

suffi ciency is essential and easy for the city rider. Here

are some tips:

1. Chain lubrication and maintenance

Th e best chain lube is

White Lightning. On dry,

squeaky, and rusty chains,

dip an old toothbrush

in oil and brush it onto

the chain. On less needy

chains, apply link by link.

Get a friend to lift your back tire off the ground and turn

your pedals, shift ing through all the gears to ensure cogs

get covered. Wipe away excess. You can also use automatic

transmission oil and 3-in-1, but neither has the benefi t of

acting as a cleaning agent. Avoid regular motor oil; it will

gunk up your chain.

2. How to fi x a fl at tire

A bicycle wheel has three

main parts: rim, inner

tube, and tire.

Unhook brakes. Unscrew

or loosen bolt that runs

through wheel.

Take wheel off . Defl ate

inner tube fully by depressing the centre of the tire valve

with a key or pen. Remove tire from rim. You can do this

without using any tools, but it’s easier to use a tire lever.

Patch inner tube. First, fi nd source of leak. Pump up inner

tube fully then work your way inch by inch along tube,

folding it against itself and keeping it close to your ear so

you can hear and feel the leak (see photo 2). When you fi nd

the leak, keep your fi nger on it to mark it while you defl ate

the tire fully. Patch using a patch and rubber cement from

your patch kit. Let dry for 24 hours. I make sure that I’ve

always got one patched tube that’s ready to go so that I can

still use my bike while I wait for the rubber cement to dry.

Th e one I’ve just repaired then becomes my spare.

Diagnostics. Before you put the wheel back together,

fi gure out what caused the leak. Start by running your

fi ngers along the entire surface of the inside of tire. Remove

anything sharp. Check tire sidewall for a busted or worn

tire that exposes your tube. Time to replace the tire.

Put wheel back together. Infl ate inner tube just enough

so that it has shape. Fit into tire. Take tire and tube and

seat tire back in the rim. You can do most of this by hand,

but eventually you will need your tire lever again. Be

careful not to pinch or snag the inner tube or you’ll have

to patch another hole! Once the tire is back on the rim,

lay the wheel fl at on the ground and pump some air into

it, checking every once in a while that the tire is properly

seated on the rim on all sides. Put wheel back in fork or

frame and ensure all bolts are tightened. Reconnect brakes.

3. How to fi x your brakes

If it takes you much

longer than 3 to 5

seconds to come to a

stop when riding down

a hill, it’s time to fi x your

brakes. Lots of would-be

do-it-yourselfers stop here

when it comes to bike maintenance. Adjusting your brakes

takes slightly more patience and skill than the previous

two tips, but it’s worth it. Before you start, ensure that all

adjustment bolts on bottom brake caliper (the scaff olding

for the brake pads) are screwed all the way in (see photo 3).

If cable is frayed replace it.

Th ere are lots of diff erent types of brakes. Th e following

steps are for V-brakes or sidepull brakes (see photo).

Make sure brake pads are square on and parallel

to rim by unscrewing the bolt on the pad. With

the Allen key, push the pad against the rim. Screw

it in place. Do the same with the other brake pad

and you’re done with the pad adjustment.

Unscrew retaining screw (the screw that secures the brake

cable in place), grab both callipers, squeeze, pull the slack

out of the cable, and tighten up the retaining screw.

To centre brake pads on wheel rim, play around with the

small adjustment screws at the bottom of the calipers.

Don’t be afraid to tinker!

If you have any questions, please email Susi at villagevibe@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

VillageVibe May 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 3

>> by Kasper

In last month’s Buzz, I asked you, the people of the Kingdom of Fernwood, to tell me... “How cool is the Fernwood neighbourhood?” by telling a story or describing the community in your own words...and this is what you said...

“I love Fernwood. Its charm, aura, and folks are

alright. My favourite thing is the unique painting and

architecture of the houses.” – Derek “Stu” Bowman

“Th e [Cornerstone] coff ee shop was a butcher shop.

Th e Belfry was the end of the Beacon Hill #3 streetcar ...

It was a wonderful area of the city.” – W.S. James

“Aff ordable housing, shops for the economy, and a

cafe that uses fair trade coff ee.” – Cindy.

“Fernwood is so cool that they let us, a Saanich

band, play FernWoodstock in 2004 and we felt at home.

Now we’re honorary Fernies. Much love.” – Th e Tom

Glenne 5.5

“I worked here 18 years ago and wow! has it ever

changed ... I have noticed that the area seems by far

more safe than it has been for years. I am so happy to

see Fernwood thriving! I love to go to Th e Belfry, to the

open stage at the Cornerstone, or grab some delicious

food & entertainment at the newly refurbished Inn.”

– C.P.D.

“With a downtown appearing out of nowhere

while travelling up Gladstone, the architecture speaks

of subdued style, like a 5-minute old cup of Americano.”

– P.D. Mott

“Th e ‘hood is beyond cool, it’s simply

neighbourhood nirvana ... I’m so proud, and lucky, to

own property in Fernwood now for the past 15 years.

I’ve seen the ‘hood shed it’s tarnished image of Victoria’s

drug Mecca, with all the nastiness that came with that

moniker, to the current bohemian-chic image now

evolving ... Great schools, my son attends Vic High,

home of Victoria’s best industrial arts curriculum. Arts

and live entertainment, Belfry Th eatre, 1st class. Even a

local coff ee shop where you support the ‘hood to boot.

Eclectic shops off the square. Walking tours and tons

of community events, live music and entertainment. I

could go on ...” – Grant Wittkamp

Th anks for your answers! E-mail comments to: james@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

bohemian buzz

views from the street : What actions are you taking that contribute to the health of the planet?

“We try to use our car as least as possible and I ride my

bike to school everyday. I also walk a lot.”

E: “I walk to school, recycle and compost at home. I know

I could defi nitely cut down on using the car and walk or

ride more.” C: “I make a conscious eff ort to recycle and to

encourage others to do so as well. I know that I should use

my car less and walk more.”

H: “I do not own a car and so I ride my bike and walk

everywhere. I also recycle.” J: “I also ride my bike,

skateboard, walk and take the bus everywhere. I am taking

a Chef ’s training course right now and there is no garbage;

absolutely everything is reused, recycled, and composted.”

Fern, 10 yrs old Hannah, 14 yrs old and Jesse, 15 yrs old Emlyn, 18 yrs old and Cassie, 18 yrs old

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Page 4 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | May 2007 VillageVibe

>> by Greg White

Solarcrest was started almost four years ago as a values-based business

with a triple bottom line. Th e founders are still based in Fernwood

and have come up with innovative ways to expand the business locally

and the capacity of the solar thermal industry throughout Western Canada.

Th e award winning company has installed over 200 systems throughout

Vancouver Island and is now one of the largest distributors of solar thermal

products in Canada. As president and founder Greg White says, “Solar water

heating installations are proven to be the most aff ordable and environmentally

benefi cial way to solve the issues of rising energy prices and climate change.

Our systems are close to 95% effi cient at converting the sun’s UVA and B

radiation into heat energy for domestic hot water, hydronic radiant infl oor

space heating, and pools.”

Climate change and its associated impacts have taken front seat in the minds of

Canadians and everyone is asking, “What can I do about it?” From the many

initiatives that the average homeowner can participate in, nothing compares

to the value that a solar hot water system can provide in off setting carbon

emissions and reducing energy consumption. Let’s take a look at how.

According to a CRD energy survey conducted in 2004, the average home

on Vancouver Island utilizes about 14,000 kWh of energy each year. For our

example, we’ll use 12,000 kWh. Of this energy, 55%-60% is used for space

heating, 25%-35% for producing hot water and the balance (15%-20%) for

appliances. Th at’s right, it takes twice as much energy to heat your water than all

of the ‘regular’ electrical items you use each day including the stove and oven.

A solar thermal system installed can provide 65%-75% of the annual hot

water demand reducing the hot water energy costs by an equivalent amount.

Th erefore, if we reduce the 3,000 kWh of energy needed to provide hot water

by an average of 70%, that’s around 2,100 kWh of energy savings – and a

greater off set than the total amount required to power all of the miscellaneous

loads in the house. So, even though changing to compact fl uorescents, turning

off the lights and disconnecting the numerous small appliances will reduce

consumption, a greater energy savings can be achieved with the installation of a

solar thermal hot water system.

How does it work? Solar collectors are connected to a heat exchanger and solar storage tank inside

the house via insulated, copper pipes. Th e collectors absorb energy from the sun

and heat up a water/propylene glycol (non toxic heat transfer fl uid) mixture

that is circulated through the closed loop solar piping. As this fl uid circulates,

it passes through an internal coil or external heat exchanger located in or on

the solar storage tank, dumping its heat into the potable water and storing it in

feature : Solar hot water:

The Rest of Victoria May Walk …

Fernwood Strolls

by Karen Skowron

Available at She Said GalleryFernwood Square

If 50% of the homes in Victoria installed solar hot water systems,

the net energy reduction would exceed 25% of the total residential

energy consumption for the city

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VillageVibe May 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 5

the solar storage tank. As long as the collectors are hotter than the water in the

lower part of the tank this process continues automatically. Even during cloudy

periods, the collectors are able to absorb heat energy due to the special coatings

which respond to UVA (sunlight rays) and UVB (the tanning rays) radiation

which are able to penetrate through light to moderate cloud cover. Th is system

is seamlessly integrated into any existing system making the existing system a

back up for when solar is not producing all the energy required.

When there is no hot water being used, the water in a standard hot water tank

cools. Even though the tank is insulated, the heat from the water dissipates

through the walls of the tank – this is known as ‘standby loss’. If the home has

a gas- or oil-fi red hot water tank, these standby losses are even more signifi cant

because of the venting that is required to allow the fumes from the burned

fuel to escape. Th is vent also permits the heat from the water to go up the pipe

– similar to an old fi replace chimney sucking warm air from the room. Because

of this enhanced loss of water temperature, gas- and oil-fi red hot water tanks

need to operate more frequently, thus increasing energy costs and, of course,

contributing to environmental problems. A solar thermal – or solar hot water

– system, essentially, preheats the water coming into your existing tank, thereby

reducing the amount of energy required to get the water up to its normal

temperature. During summer months, these devices can easily supply up to

100% of your hot water.

A common misconception is that these types of solar energy systems produce

electricity. Many people think of electricity when they think of ‘solar energy’.

However, there is a big diff erence between solar thermal and solar electric, as

they require completely diff erent equipment

What is the cost of solar hot water system?A solar hot water system installed in a typical home costs about $4,500 - $6,500

and continues to provide 60% - 75% of the hot water energy off set over the

duration of its 20 - 25 year life. Solar thermal systems can also be implemented

when hot water is used for space heating. If you compare this to the price of

replacing all of your major appliances (fridge, stove, washer, dryer, dishwasher)

with energy effi cient products, you will have to spend about $5,000 to get a

net energy reduction of about 2% - 5%. Add to this the fact that these items

continue to use power and will likely need replacing within 10 years, the

overall benefi ts, although valuable, do not compare to the value a solar thermal

renewable energy system can provide. Once installed, the energy the solar

thermal system produces is virtually free. It’s like having your own power plant

on your house.

With energy prices steadily increasing, homeowners face greater costs to keep

their homes operating at an aff ordable level. Projections are that electricity will

increase at an annual average of 10% over the next 20 years, while gas will rise at

12% and oil at 15%. Th is means that, for the average home currently spending

$9,000 on it’s annual energy, in 10 years that cost could be somewhere around

$20,000 – or more! Here on Vancouver Island, we’re faced with an added

energy dilemma. Th at is, as the price of gas and oil rises, many homeowners are

switching their older, fuel-based space- and hot water-heating systems to newer

electrical appliances, resulting in further demands on the hydro infrastructure.

Add to this the increasing demand from the new residential and commercial

development that is taking place on the island and it becomes evident that we

are creating an energy issue that needs to be addressed.

If 50% of the homes in Victoria installed solar hot water systems, the net energy

reduction would exceed 25% of the total residential energy consumption for

the city. Expanding on this idea, if 50% of the homes on Vancouver Island

implemented these systems, the net energy reduction would be around 5%

of the total residential energy demand for the island or about 30 megawatts.

Th ere’s also the resulting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of more

than 300,000 tons per year. If we include the use of hot water for apartment

buildings, condominiums, hotels restaurants, laundromats, and hospitals, the

amount of overall energy reduction and environmental benefi t is extremely

signifi cant. Th ese fi gures are just projections and do not include the potential of

solar thermal space heating.

We welcome new clients with free estimates and encourage anyone who is

interested in the technology to contact us for more information. Contact

greg@solarcrest.ca

Th ank you from the Solarcrest family.

Carole James, MLAVictoria - Beacon Hill

Our Office is Open to Serve YouCommunity Office1084 Fort Street, VictoriaP: (250) 952-4211F: (250) 952-4214carole.james.mla@leg.bc.cawww.opposition.bc.ca

Denise Savoie, MP

A Voice for Victoria inOttawa

970 Blanshard Street363-3600www.denisesavoie.ca

Why wait?Q: How much does it cost?

A: $4500 - $6500 installed or low monthly payments

that are off set by the reduction in utility bills.

Q: How long does it take to pay for itself ?

A: 4 -10 years depending on fuel and off set.

Q: How does it work?

A: Seamless integration into existing system.

Q: What are the environmental benefi ts?

A: 1-2 tons of green house gases per year (25 yr life).

Q: How much electricity does it produce?

A: None, it heats water.

Page 6 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | May 2007 VillageVibe

>> by Margaret Hantiuk

We often hear that a good gardener has a

‘green thumb’. I have come to realize that this means

that they love plants, are experienced gardeners, and

that plants seem to love them back. I think too that

these gardeners work ‘with’ nature well. Th eir yards and

gardens, even their houseplants and contained plants,

all seem to thrive and create an oasis of natural radiant

beauty and well-being. Is this talent inherited or learned?

I think it is both. To have a green thumb, interest

and a commitment of time and patience are required.

If you are new to gardening and to growing plants, I

recommend joining a gardening society. I have personally

learned tons from the Victoria Horticultural Society

(www.vichortsociety.org), which has informative

monthly newsletters and meetings, a library, and

inspiring open garden visits. Th eir motto is “Share what

you know and show what you grow.”

Th e Horticultural Center of the Pacifi c (also known

as Glendale Gardens, 479-6162) is a teaching garden;

visits are not only enjoyable but also educational as

plants are labeled. Th eir Winter Garden is a stunning

example of what we can grow here in the winter shade.

Th ey also have a library and many inexpensive, expert-led

courses for new gardeners.

Talking to neighbours, friends, colleagues, and

relatives who love to garden is another great way to learn.

Th ere is also wonderful information online and at our

public libraries. Th en there is the Victoria Compost

Center right here in Fernwood that holds courses on

many aspects of gardening and on how to build up your

soil. Successful gardening is always from the ground up

– start with your soil!

Developing a green thumb comes down to taking

the time to get to know your ‘site’, its soil and its

microclimates. Observe, pay attention. We get to know

the plants by putting them in the right spot. Like

parenting, or any big project, we learn as we go along

– the more attentive and observant we are, the more we

know what to do next. We make mistakes as we learn. I

have moved plants (not in the hot, dry summer months!)

to help them be either happier or to satisfy my overall

sense of aesthetics.

Th e Italians have a term for having an artist’s eye:

‘bel’occhio,’ which translates as ‘beautiful eye’. Th is

inherited part does help, but anyone can become a good

gardener and end up with a lovely yard and garden just by

learning the basics and ‘being there’ for the plants.

Being a good gardener means noticing when it is dry

and providing water. It means getting to know the needs

of your plants and fulfi lling them. It means protecting

tender ones if the winter weather gets ugly. It means

learning how to prune properly and wisely. It means

learning how to best feed plants – with wholesome

compost that will give them the strength to be resilient

to bad bugs and diseases. It means slowing down and

understanding the inter-relatedness in the garden.

It means accepting the imperfect and realizing … it’s

perfect! Th en we relax and enjoy. We heal along with the

earth. We become part of creation.

I once read the recommendation of an eco-activist:

get to know a spot of earth. I can’t think of a better

way to do this than getting to know your own garden,

whether in your yard or on your balcony. Th e lessons we

learn will not only give us a ‘green thumb’, we will also

be rewarded with a beautiful, peaceful, and satisfying

environment that all who live in it or come into it will

enjoy. We will have assisted in turning a small piece of

earth into a harmonious refuge for its countless natural

inhabitants – all alive and contributing their part as well.

We then learn our place in this great planetary ecosystem

– a great gift indeed.

garden gleanings : Having a green thumb

>> by Caitlyn Vernon

What does climate change mean for Victoria

residents and what we can do about it?

Composting is one way to prevent climate change. For a

limited time only, the Greater Victoria Compost Education

Centre is off ering subsidized compost bins and follow-up

composting support to eligible community groups who

would like to “Compost for our Climate and Community.”

Th is past winter we experienced severe weather conditions,

one impact of climate change that has long been predicted

by scientists. Climate change is no longer an unknown and

uncertain future. Community groups can take leadership in

addressing this issue and make a diff erence to the future of

their community by composting today!

What does composting have to do with climate change?

Composting food and yard waste means that fewer trucks go

to the landfi ll, less methane is released from the landfi ll, and

fi nished compost (“black gold”) replaces synthetic fertilizers

and prevents the emission of greenhouse gases associated

with their production and transportation.

Th e Compost Education Centre invites community

groups to join our Compost for our Climate and

Community program. For $35, plus the cost of subsidized

composting supplies, program involvement includes

a composting and climate change workshop, access to

subsidized composting supplies (while supplies last),

materials for joining the Black Gold Rush Challenge, and

follow-up support.

Participants will be selected through an application

process. To be eligible, you must be a registered charity, a

non-profi t, a cooperative, community centre, or community

group. Your community group must be located in the Capital

Regional District, have been in existence for at least one

year, have a minimum of 5 members, and have demonstrated

interest and dedication to continue composting over the

long-term.

For information and application form, please contact the Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre at 386-WORM or info@compost.bc.ca. Th is program will be off ered during 2007 only; please apply early. Th ank you to Vancity, the Capital Regional District and Environment Canada for making this program possible.

Black gold rush

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We will have assisted in turning a small piece of earth into a harmonious refuge

>> by Jerome Peacock

Many older homes in Fernwood have single

pane windows that are not energy effi cient. Th e

common solution is to retrofi t windows with double

or triple pane glazing. Th ese windows, combined with

vinyl frames, can greatly reduce energy loss. However,

they are expensive (about $500 each on average) and

are not very eff ective as insulation. Th ey still lose a

signifi cant amount of heat.

Th e alternative? Bubble glazing – it’s simple,

cheap, and very effi cient. What is it? Bubble wrap! A

sheet of bubble wrap applied to the inside of a window

will cost around $2 and save about twice the energy

of a double glazed window, according to Dr. Tom

Chalko, an Australian physicist who dreamed up the

idea. Aesthetically speaking, bubble glazing may not be

appropriate for all windows, but is it certainly practical

for some.

How To: For maximum eff ect, apply bubble

wrap to the inside of window, bubbles to glass. Fit

tightly for proper insulation. Secure to the window

with double-sided tape around the perimeter. For a

more attractive (and more expensive) solution, try

one of the following: where window frames are deep

enough, install wrap using wood or aluminum strips

(quarter round, fl at, or L shaped) screwed around the

perimeter of the widow frame, right up next to the

glass. Th e strips can easily be removed and the wrap

replace if damaged; or use a metal screen frame sized

to each window, with the wrap replacing the screen

– the advantage here is that the frames can be removed

quickly and stored.

VillageVibe May 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 7

real estate : Bubble glazing

doing it. Th e incredible lunch on March 31st, arranged

in a colourful display of salads, frittatas, marinated

veggies, and cheesecake tarts, provided by Up From

the Ashes CityFarm, confi rmed that it is possible for

us to eat delicious, healthy food grown right here in

Fernwood. People joked that the eggs were imported

all the way from James Bay!

We currently do not have a stable food system

in Fernwood that can provide such delectable food

for us all. With a new committed group balancing

long- and short-term goals, we may soon be on our

way to a neighbourhood packed with opportunities to

simultaneously eat well and tread lightly on our planet.

At a follow-up meeting on Th ursday, April

12th volunteers refi ned ideas, assessed skills and

time commitment, and created a list of exciting

projects that are already underway. Th ese include

creating a neighbourhood food security survey,

implementing Lifecycles’ Fruit Tree Project, which

involves mapping all of the fruit trees in Fernwood

and ensuring that no fruit goes to waste. Plans to

hold canning and preserving workshops with the

fruit are also in the making. Other projects that

will soon be underway include Food not Lawns, a

backyard garden-sharing initiative, and enhancing

food production on the Community Centre balcony.

Th is month’s meeting will be held on Wednesday,

May 9th at 7:30 at the Cornerstone Cafe. New

volunteers welcomed and encouraged! We are

all learners and teachers, so bring your ideas and

enthusiasm and let’s work together towards securing

healthy food in our own backyards.

Healthy food | fr om page 1

>> by Morgan Obendorfer

Several months ago, I encountered the term

“Deep Ecology” and was fi lled with curiosity. As I

investigated further, I soon realized that this was in fact a

topic with which I was intimately familiar.

Th roughout my life, I’ve had the inclination to look

at the big picture of what is unfolding in the world around

me, and to ask the deeper questions: What does the state of

the world mean for us personally and collectively? What is

the impact of our actions on future generations? Where are

we headed? What can we do to protect what remains of our

natural environment?

A holistic approach to these questions requires the

integration of many strands of awareness, from the gross to

the very subtle spiritual aspects. It requires us to go to the

depths, to defi ne our most fundamental beliefs and to align

our actions with those beliefs. Th is is the basis of

Deep Ecology.

Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess coined the term

“Deep Ecology” in the 1970s; he diff erentiated ‘deep

ecology’ from ‘shallow environmentalism.’ Th e diff erence

between these rests in the willingness to challenge the

following assumptions: that Nature exists for the use of

humans, that humans are the crown of creation and the

ultimate measure of value, and that humans can proceed

indefi nitely on the path of unlimited expansion with

regards to population, technology, consumerism, and the

appropriation of the Earth’s resources for human purposes.

Deep Ecology maintains that all life has intrinsic value

and that we can genuinely experience our interrelatedness

with all life when we move beyond our own human-

centeredness. When we align with our fundamental beliefs,

there arises a conviction to act from deep principles. In this

way, Deep Ecology encompasses direct action and non-

violent civil disobedience. At the core of Deep Ecology is

a profound sense of reverence for the wilderness and an

appreciation that all life, the mountains and rivers, fi sh and

bears are continuing their own self-actualizing process. As

Chief Seattle said, “Humankind has not woven the web of

life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the

web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All

things connect.”

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to mentor

youth every week during my Deep Ecology workshop at

Oak and Orca Bioregional School. Here, we discuss climate

change, politics, human and non-human animal rights,

food security, and environmental activism. We process our

feelings about the future and discuss the impact of our

thoughts and actions upon future generations.

For more on our programs at Oak and Orca and on the

concept of Deep Ecology, please see a follow up article in

June’s Village Vibe.

Deep ecology: context for change

>> by Joseph Avi Lambert

Green’s moving into the mainstream and everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon. Some folks made a commit-ment to green issues long before green became a buzzword. Here are a couple samples of the ways two Fernwood residents are making their green commitment tangible.

Th e Home

Andrew Chapman settled in Victoria aft er working

around Canada in adventure tourism. He began working

in the local construction industry last January. Recently,

Chapman and his partner Piper Harris founded Green

City Enterprises, a residential green building company.

“Th e future of building is green,” Chapman says, “in

ten years it’s going to be the status quo.”

Chapman sees a growing niche in the residential

green building scene. He’s not alone. Green building is the

cutting edge of building technology today. Th e number

of recent green building conferences in our region is a

testament to how important this technology is becoming.

“Victoria is full of big ineffi cient turn-of-the-century

homes that don’t suit today’s families,” Chapman says. He

is passionate about shift ing the focus on green building

from large-scale developments to residential dwellings.

Green City Enterprises is in the process of getting

rezoning for a proposed green high-density model home

renovation on Denman Street. In May, the company

starts work with a local architectural fi rm.

Th e Landscape

Th e person to answer the question of landscape

aesthetics and quality is Michael Cowan, owner of

Edibella Organic Lanscaping. Cowan is a veteran of the

landscaping industry and one of the founders of SOUL

– the Society for Organic Urban Landcare, which he

started in 2003 with Heide Hemary.

“You are far more likely to be aff ected by

horticultural processes involving herbicides and

fungicides at the residential level,” he says.

SOUL was the fi rst certifying body for organic

landscaping in the world. Each member of SOUL must

have a demonstrated knowledge to carry out organic

practices in horticulture.

Before creating SOUL, Cowan had gone to the

third level of organic testing with the Certifi ed Organic

Association of B.C. (COABC). He was near to becoming

a board member when the COABC told him, “We don’t

certify business, we only certify facilities or land.”

SOUL’s standards and practices are now being

sought aft er. SOUL is in consultations with the BC

Landscape and Nursery Association; Oregon Tilth is

using elements of SOUL’s standards for their organic

business certifi cation.

Organic gardening is not any more challenging

than conventional gardening Cowan assures me. “It has

to do with the person,” he says, “where it becomes

challenging is in the standard of the individual’s

tolerance. If you can’t have any weeds in your lawn ... it’s a

matter of perspective.”

We are at a tipping point in consciousness

A slice of green

Making their green commitment tangible

Page 8 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | May 2007 VillageVibe

what’s on in Fernwood

Art, Theatre, and EntertainmentLive Entertainment at The Cornerstone CaféEvery Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening, 8 to 11pm! Check in @ the Café for details, 1301 Gladstone Ave.Call for Submissions from Fernwood musicians and poets to be featuredon our third Fernwood CD! e-mail: james@fernwoodneighbourhood.caTheatre InconnuThe Madwoman of Chaillot by Jean Giraudoux at The Little Fernwood Hall, 1923 Fernwood Rd., May 3 - May 19Info and Reservations: 360-0234Victoria Bluegrass Assoc. Jam Ongoing Tuesdays Orange Hall, 7:30 - 10:30pm, $2 to play, free to listen. (Last Tuesday of month is openstage/feature night; cost varies).Live Music at J.K. Do Forno Café In Fernwood Square. free! Mondays:Bill Cino, 6:30 to 9pm. Seeking musicians for other days. Call forinfo: 386-8446.Live Music at Logan’sFor listings, go to www.loganspub.com.Live Music at Fernwood Inn5 days/week, including Open Mic Thursdays, 8:30-11:30pm.BelfryMesa, by Canadian playwrite Doug Curtis. April 10 - May 6, 2007,Belfry Box Offi ce - 385-6815Metro Studio TheatreFamous Puppet Death Scenes,The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, MAY 2 - 6,8pm, May 6 Matinee at 2pm.The Adventures of Ali & Ali and the Axes of Evil with Neworldtheatre, Vancouver BC, May 9 - 13, 8pm, Sunday Matinee at 3pmKate Rubin Theater & Drama Studio presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Advanced Teen Performance Company, May 17 to 20, 8pm, Friday & Sunday Matinees.Intrepid Theatre presents The 10th Annual Uno Festival of Solo Performance, May 24 - June 4. Up to 3 shows nightly. TIX / INFO: Intrepid Theatre at 250.383.2663

Kids & FamiliesCommunity Family Day Fernwood NRG invites families to come and get involved in Community

Day. Family-directed and facilitated programming. Mondays, 9:30am - 11:30am. FNRG Gym, Free!Parent & Tot Playgroup Ongoing Tuesdays & Thursdays. FNRG Gym, 9:30am - 11:30am, $1 per family, snacks/crafts/circle time.Rhythm Circle Time Drop-in - 10 Weeks per session Tuesdays 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room. Free!Mother GoosePre-register-10 weeks per session. Tuesdays (Call 381-1552 Ext.22 to register and for info) FNRG Multi-Purpose Room, 1:00pm - 2:30pm, Songs, rhymes & stories-Free! ($2 for songbook) Youth, Adults & SeniorsIntro to Body Mapping Workshop with Claire Paulette Turcotte May 31. 6:30 to 9:00pm. Body Mapping, a “homing device” for tracking the creative pulse in the body, is a simple practice that animates the creative process in writing, art making, meditation, healing, and dreamwork. $25 per person. Art supplies included. Call 381-1552 Ext.22 to register.Vocal Workshop with Harmony ProulxFriday, May 18 & Friday May 25, 5 to 6:30pm. Hum, sing, or just listen to your voice and ours in the beautiful acoustics of your old school gym. Harmony Proulx has been leading groups in singing for over 10 years and is on the lookout to get a local choir together to experience the freedom of improvisation and harmony through vocal rhythms. By donation.How to Record Your Own CD 101 with Jude Pelley (Producer/Engineer, Alone Stone Studios, Musician) and James Kasper (Producer of the Vancouver Island Music Awards, Musician), Date & details TBA. Call 381-1552 Ext.22 for further info.NEW! Youth Sports Drop-inAges 6 to 12, Ongoing Sundays, Noon to 2pm, $3 per child, Parent please accompany child, no fee for parent, rotating sports.NEW! Badminton Drop-in Co-ed Adult (18+) - Ongoing Sundays, 6:30 – 8:30pm, $3 per person.NEW! Volleyball

Drop-in Co-ed Adult (18+) - Ongoing Sundays, 8:30 - 10:30pm, $3 per person.NEW! Indoor SoccerDrop-in Co-ed Adult (18+) - Ongoing Mondays, 8:45 - 10:45pm, $3 per person.Free Internet and Computer AccessComplete your one-time registration and then get online through the Community Access Program. FNRG Community Room, 9:15am to 8:30pm, Monday to Friday. Free!Drop-in FloorhockeyDrop-in Co-ed Adult (18+), all equipment provided. Ongoing Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00pm - 9:30pm, and NEW!: Saturdays, 2 - 4:30pm. $4, or get a punchcard: $40/11 sessions. No wooden sticks.FREE Yoga!Tuesdays, 10:30am - 12:00pm, in the FNRG Multipurpose Room.Holistic Health & Healing Healing meditation based on Chinese Five Elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, plus discussion of topics chosen by group. Ongoing Mondays, FNRG, 10:00-11:30am, Free!Falun GongPeaceful meditation practice. Ongoing Wednesdays, FNRG, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, everyone welcome, Free!Fernwood Autumn Glow (55+)Gentle exercise, lunch & activities; Ongoing Fridays, FNRG, 11:00am, $5.50 for lunch.

Special EventsMother’s Day BreakfastSunday May 13 @ 9am in the community centre gym (1240 Gladstone Ave). Bring mom out and spoil her with breakfast and other nice surprises. Admission by donation to cover costs. Green DrinksAn inclusive gathering of the sustainability minded for refreshments conversation and inspiration. Queen Mother Waterside Café, 407 Swift St. Tuesday, May 8th. Youth event at 3:00pm, General event 5:00 - 7:00pm Green LunchGreen Drinks is now expanding its program to include regular Green Lunches. Meet, chat and connect with like-minded people over lunch. Wednesday, May 23, 12:00 to 1:15 Fernwood Inn, Reservations Recommended.

May 2007

Published by Fernwood NRG (Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group)

1240 Gladstone StreetVictoria, BC V8T 1G6T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509villagevibe@fernwood neighbourhood.cawww.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

Editor: Lisa HelpsPhotographer: Veronique da Silva

Contributors:Julia AdamSusi Porter-BoppMargaret HantiukKasperJoseph Avi LambertRoberta MartellMorgan ObendorferJerome PeacockSusan SalvatiCaitlyn VernonGreg White

The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily refl ect the views of Fernwood NRG.

villagevibe

TUESDAYS!

Beer and Burger – 100% Ground

prime rib burger or nutburger and a

Pint $7.95

1302 Gladstone 412-2001

Village VibeJoin us to brainstorm the June VIBE. Thursday, May 24, FNRG, 7:00 - 9:00Victoria: Vibrant City, Vibrant Neighbourhoods – Village Centers “The City of Villages” Monday, May 14, 7 pm - 9 pm City Hall Ante Chamber, #1 Centennial Square. How do we design and create liveable neighborhoods with a village feel? Share ideas, hear stories and experiences from neighbourhoods including Hillside/Quadra, James Bay, Fernwood, Cook Street Village and others.

Make Yer Neighbourhood NicerTotal Plastics Recycling Day(2nd Sat of every Month) Saturday,

May 12, 10am - Noon, Back of FNRG.

Recycle plastics of all kinds (Styrofoam

packing, soft plastics and bags, and

ALL hard/rigid plastics) plus old

electronics. By donation to cover

transportation.

Under new ownership!

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