Septic Tank Pump Out Share

Looking for someone to share a septic pump out - any takers? Or tankers perhaps?

Dave Macmurchie

dmacmurc@shaw.ca

Seeds at the Library

The seed bank at the library has grown. We have large quantities of: sprouting red clover, radish, kale, lettuce, zucchini, beet, peas, corn and bush beans.The seeds are all organic from West Coast Seeds, but are 10 years old, They do germinate, but at a rate of 35%- 50%, so you'll want to plant more of them to ensure you get a good crop.They should be used this year. There are enough clover and pea seeds to use as a ground cover (nitrogen fixing) if you want to amend your soil. Hoping to see them all put to good use.

Our gratitude goes to Maryanne Noad.

Maureen

Ferry Webcam Issues

As no doubt many have noticed, the ferry webcam has gone dark on us. The problem seems to be connected to the switch between web hosts, or ever-growing security rules at servers, or... something. We are working on this and will get it back up a.s.a.p.

Thank you for your patience! And a thousand thanks to Sony Falardeau and Capernwray for their help and support of the webcam.

Veronica
for TIRRA Communications

Soup’s On: Wednesday, February 28th at Forbes Hall

11:30 am until 1:00 pm (earlier if we run out :)

Gather at Forbes Hall for a very Thetis Island lunch!

Menu:

Hearty Chicken Vegetable GF DF

Vegetarian Option: Hearty Vegetable GF DF

Rolls

Treats and Goodies

Teas and Coffee

Suggested donation of $7 for soup, bread, treats and teas & coffee. 

Everyone is welcome to join us, seniors, seniors who don’t think they’re seniors, workers, families, and everyone who just wants a mid-day meal!

Menu remainders for take-out when available.

The Soup’s On Team

Property Tax by the Numbers

The attached link will take you to CVRD Schedule E which has all of the details about proposed tax increases and decreases across the region. Thetis Island is in Area G. Note the Regional Parkland Acquisition funding. While the increase "looks" large, It translates to an increase for a $1 million property from $19 per year to $74 per year. Or very close to $1/per week. This will generate nearly $2.5million per year to be used only for the future purchase of parkland. Something which I fully support. 

https://www.cvrd.ca/DocumentCenter/View/9540/Sched-E?bidId= 

David Slade

Info: re: CVRD Tax Hike

The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Board will vote on a 19.33% tax increase at their Feb. 28^th Board Meeting.

This issue has been reported recently in the press with the latest article in the Chemainus Valley Courier, More than 1,000 names on petition against CVRD tax hike - Chemainus Valley Courier. This article also provides links to why such a large tax increase.

There is a petition you can sign against this tax increase at https://www.change.org/CowichanTax.

Thanks for your consideration.

Paul Duncan, TIRRA Member

From the Library...

A Friend of the Library will be available Sunday 1-4 and Monday 10-1.

Did you know you can access the TICA library catalogue from home?

I have only finished Fiction so when you are at the site, below "TICA library", on the left, choose the fiction collection from the drop-down menu. The search window is on the far right of the same bar.

https://www.librarything.com/catalog/ticalibrary

Celine

Repair Needed for TIVFD Emergency Bicycle

Your fire department has been gifted with a bicycle for the rare emergency response that might benefit from its use (e.g. responding to Traffic Control at the dock from the hall with no vehicle available.) It has a flat rear tire, so we are looking for a volunteer with a patch kit, tools and the expertise to get this bicycle mobile. 

If you are able to help, please text Margaret at 778-682-9548 to arrange. 

Many thanks!

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck

For Sale

Cargo Rack -Hitch Mount-

Like the Amazon item: Husky 81148 Extra Wide Steel Cargo Carrier - 500 lb. Capacity https://a.co/d/7VwARJ9  

used one trip, worked well, no longer needed!

New $190.    

First $100 takes it home.

Email Greg at gnp.gall@gmail.com

Planned Power Outage

Saturday, March 9th, all day, for both Thetis Island and Penelakut Island: planned power outage while BC Hydro works on equipment.

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck
Thetis Island Vol. Fire Dept.

Drifting Dock Hazard

On Feb 3, a drifting dock floated south along the west shore of Thetis Island and into Preedy Harbour on direct course to the Ferry dock. It caught up before reaching the dock, presumably on a dragging anchor. The dock drifted with tides and currents for 3 days until a boat turned up and tied up. Within 2 days there were 5 boats tied up.

I have contacted RCMP, Canadian Coast Guard, and Transport Canada several times each. There has not even been anyone out to look at it as far as I know. It will likely become a navigation hazard for the ferry or recreational boats with the next storm. It’s looking to me like no one wants to be bothered with it so it may stay there indefinitely outside of any government or RCMP oversight or action.

Since action appears to be complaint driven, please contact the following if you are concerned about this situation:
Canadian Coast Guard 1-800-889-8852
RCMP Ladysmith +1 (250) 245-2215
Transport Canada 1 -604-754-5491

Norm Kasting

Thetis LTC ELECTRONIC Special Meeting to hold a Community Information Meeting and Public Hearing

Proposed Bylaw Nos. 113 and 114
March 7, 2024 - 5:30 PM

The Thetis Island Local Trust Committee has scheduled an electronic Special Meeting to hold a Community Information Meeting (CIM) and Public Hearing regarding proposed Bylaw Nos. 113 and 114 (Thetis Associated Islands Official Community Plan (OCP) / Land Use Bylaw (LUB) Marine Areas Review Project),on March 7, 2024 at 5:30pm. The Public Hearing will begin at 5:45pm.

Want to share your views in advance of the Public Hearing? Written submissions will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., March 6, 2024 to: Islands Trust, 700 North Road, Gabriola Island, BC, V0R 1X3 or email: northphsub@islandstrust.bc.ca.

Questions regarding the project or the proposed bylaws should be directed to the Project Planner at mthomaidis@islandstrust.bc.ca. The Public Hearing Notice will be published in the February 22nd and February 29th issues of the Ladysmith Chronicle and will be posted on Thetis Island at the usual location. Project information, a copy of the Public Hearing Notice and the Public Hearing Binder can be found on our website at https://islandstrust.bc.ca/island-planning/thetis/projects/.
Please note: No written or oral representations will be received by the Thetis Island Local Trust Committee, or its members, after the conclusion of the Public Hearing.

Join the webinar or call in to ask questions at the CIM and/or share your views on the proposed bylaws during the Public Hearing. Links to Attend or simply Watch the live stream are available on the meeting event page.

This meeting will be recorded and posted on the Islands Trust website.

Meeting Type: Electronic Meeting

Date: March 7, 2024

Time: 5:30 PM - Community Information Meeting
5:45 PM - Public Hearing

To join the webinar:  https://islandstrust.zoom.us/j/67855716026
To Call into the meeting: 833 955 1088 (Toll Free) or 833 958 1164 (Toll Free)
(For call in users: *9 to raise your hand and *6 to unmute)
Live Stream to watch:  https://collaboratevideo.net/islandstrust/E
Meeting ID: 678 5571 6026

Members of the public who do not have internet access may view the live stream in the Boardroom at the Islands Trust Northern Office, 700 North Road, Gabriola, BC.

Wil Cottingham

Office Administrative Assistant

Islands Trust