Fire Penalties Under Review ~

Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Mike Morris has been tasked with reviewing the penalties for starting fires or breaking campfire bans.

The current (Provincial) fines include $115 for failing to report a fire, $173 for dropping, releasing or mishandling a burning substance such as a cigarette, and $345 for violating a campfire ban. 

Morris said he plans to introduce penalties that will be "at least" double or triple those figures.

"If somebody is disobeying a campfire ban, which is done on a daily basis ... we need something to deter people from doing that, because you never know which campfire is going to cause that massive multimillion-dollar forest fire. 

"We have to realize of course that men and women put their lives at risk to fight these fires."

The province has suggested that drivers who are caught flicking their cigarette butts out the window could also have their cars impounded.

"That's really hard to prove, but more and more authorities will be relying on social media as an investigative aid to help them out. If we can do that two or three times, it'll get their attention."

Morris also said he will review the Wildfire Act to make sure it can be interpreted to incorporate modern issues, including drone regulations.  CBC

TIVFD

Whale Watching

While Fisheries & Oceans Canada advise a 100 metere clearance, this is obviously not always adhered to.  This photo clearly shows the nearness of the whale watching boat to the small pod of Orcas off Pilkey Point, along with obvious wake, showing that the boat had its engine fully engaged and moving forward. 

Please contact Fisheries & Oceans whenever you see this abuse.  

Photo taked August 16th, by Dave Steen

Comment ~ Chris Kelsey ~ August 17th 2015

While it is certainly possible that the whale watching boat was too close, photographs can be deceiving, especially when using telephoto lenses. Typically, whale watching companies are pretty good. The flotilla following the killer whales last weekend at the south end, however, did seem to be very close, and it would be best if we all just got our binoculars out and left them alone altogether.

Truck for Sale ~ SOLD!

The perfect Island truck - Chevrolet S-10, extended cab, box 6 ft. (can easily take 10ft. boards), V-6, 3 l, approx. 290000km. I used this truck for 16 years, had it serviced regularly and kept it under a roof. The truck has a minor electrical short so that when parked for more than 1/2 day the battery needs to be disconnected (or a "kill-switch" could be installed). Otherwise runs well. Last service was done in May 2015.

Asking $300.

Zdenek 250 246 9103

Cedar Beach Pizza ~ closed until August 25th

Thanks,

Andy & Virginia

Lizard Lake Wild Fire ~ Smoky Skies Update ~ August 17

Ministry of Environment and Island Health have jointly cancelled the smoky skies advisory for

Port Renfrew area & the Cowichan Valley, including Cowichan Lake, Duncan, Crofton, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay & Shawnigan Lake. The full advisory can be read here.

Pioneer Pacific Open House ~ August 23rd

Pioneer Pacific Camp invites you to join us for an open house Sunday, August 23 from 12:30 to 4:30.

Come and see what all the activity was about this winter with tours of our new dining hall! 

Light refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon and an assortment of our summer land and water activities will be open to enjoy!

Cost: FREE!!!

Directions: Follow North Cove Road all the way to Pioneer Road

Please RSVP: 250-246-9613

Island Swap Meet ~ September 5th

End of Summer Swap Meet needs vendors! Do you have stuff? Do you need to down size? Are your attics and basements overflowing? Are you an artisan? Small home business? We have the deal for you!

Thetis Island Community Association is having a Swap Meet/ Cafe TICA on Saturday September 5th.

If you would like a table to sell your wares then you should contact: Gloria at 250-246-3091 or quackf@telus.net.

Tables are $10 each for the day, book early. First come, first table. Rain or shine. Details for the general public will be posted soon. (Please no baking or other food items).

Hi Speed Internet Issues - CRTC

Communication with CRTTC-Hi-Speed Internet Access Issues*

      File Number: 8663-C12-201503186

*Note: CRTTC-Canadian Radio Television Telecommunications Commission

I recently received a copy of: Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-134. This document is (represents) one phase of the CRTC’s consultation process regarding issues, complaints pertaining to Internet Access and Services. The copy of this information was sent to me by, John Traversy, Secretary General, (of) CRTTC. This document illustrates the questions posed to Bell Canada and Xplornet Communications (Satellite Providers). On Monday, I will have a chance to speak with Mr. Traversy, or his immediate executive assistant, Rachel Charron. Some of my questions posed will be: Where in the (queue) process are our questions and concerns for our geographical areas which include the Cowichan Valley region?

What if any progress is being made in working with TELUS Corporation on the issues regarding lack of Hi-Speed Service provisions?

Let me know if you have additional questions or need to see more information. Steve Frankel PH# 250-246-2099 (better to phone than E-Mail, at this end of the Island)

Free Barbecue and Mat

Free barbecue and mat. Works but needs repairs.

Call Dave or Liz at 250-210-8886

Lizard Lake Fire ~ Update

August 15, 2015 - 5:30 pm

The overnight winds have grown the fire to an estimated 250 hectares.

There is still no anticipated risk to homes, communities or structures.

The easterly winds pushed heavy smoke towards Duncan and spread it throughout the area. The public is advised to stay out of the restricted area and take appropriate health precautionsas provided by Ministry of Environment and Island Health. First Nations Health Authority also provides these health precautions.

Click here to view the BC Wildfire Service Update.

Shimmy Mob ~ Thetis is So Giving!

This is AWESOME!  We Thetis Islanders were 3rd highest in the world with our Shimmy Mob fundraising.

The video says it all...

Thank you to ALL who donated to this special event!

Char Aaberg

Photo Gallery of Orca Visit ~ August 14th

Enjoy some great photos of yesterday's Orca visit to Preedy Harbour and beyond.

Click on the image to enter the gallery.

Photo by Peter Osberg