Fire Hazard Rating

The Fire Hazard Rating for our area rose to HIGH HAZARD on Monday.  

After today, Tuesday May 15th, no hand piled yard waste Fire Permits will be issued.  All present Permits for yard waste fires expire today.  

Campfire Permits are not affected at this time and small evening campfires, properly supervised and with water at site for thorough extinguishing are allowed.  

TIVFD

Important Message / Animal Control

There have been a number of incidents in our community involving aggressive behaviour of dogs, as well as dogs roaming unattended. There also seems to be some misinformation regarding who manages Animal Control and what authority, if any, is responsible for enforcement of animal control issues on Thetis Island. The answer is the CVRD, AKA, Cowichan Valley Regional Authority.

In fact, there is a By-Law Enforcement Agency that is responsible for handling animal control incidents and concerns for our Electoral Area (G)

Here is the information: 

Coastal Animal Control Services of BC; coastalanimalservices.com / PH# 250-748-3395

CVRD Info website: https://www.cvrd.bc.ca/2751/Dogs 

We have been assured, CVRD officers will get involved.

The CVRD has options for addressing these issues

Many thanks to Marnie Eggen, Islands Trust (Planner),

Peter Luckham, our LTC, Island's Trust for their support and following through with CVRD, and  many Thanks to the CVRD staff!

So, it looks like we don't have a "bone to pick" with CVRD!

Feel free to call: 250-246-2099 if you need more  information. Don't feel you're "barking up the wrong tree" either

Steve, (Acting).Chair/Pres, TIRRA Executive 

***Ahhh, the dog daze of summer are upon us***

Chest Freezer Wanted

Chris and Susy Fordham are looking for a chest freezer. Please call 250-252-0699

Wildfire Season

It's not even mid-May and a serious bush fire occurred in North Oyster on Sunday with three Fire Depts responding .  

The Sunday sun and heat saw our area nearing the "30/30" crossover...meaning that the temperature approached 30 degrees Celsius and the humidity dropped to close to or even below 30%.  

The 30/30 crossover means that fires will start faster and we should expect severe burning conditions, erratic fire behaviour, and rapid rate of spread. Please be very careful with your campfire sparks and embers.  If you haven't finished your yard cleanup from winter storms, consider chipping the limbs and branches or burying them.  

Never leave a Fire unattended. Wildfire season is upon us early so we must be extra cautious.

TIVFD

Looking for a Set of Used Oars

Jan and Ken are looking for a pair of old used 7' oars for Jan's picnic boat.

If you happen to have an old set kicking around and no longer need them, we would be happy to put them to use on the boat as the emergency backup.

Many thanks! secretsea@shaw.ca. Or 250-924-1822

Eurasian Collared Doves

These very pretty doves have arrived on Thetis.  You'll hear them first, as they're very talkative and social. As well, they're early risers, and start talking at the first hint of dawn.

Here's a site for more information about these relative newcomers to North America: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eurasian-collared-dove

We had a pair on Friday, and now have two pairs visiting.  Picking up grain from the chicken runs, and sharing the feeders with the Band-tailed Pigeons.

internet photo

Ann Dickie

Getting Ready for the Start

Thetis Island Regatta

Click on image to view in full size.

Courtesy of Keith Rush

Reminder ~ Birding Tours

Three May long weekend birding tours with Victoria ornithologist, James Clowater.

1. Saturday, May 19: 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. - Lawrence Valley Loop Trail / Lowland

2. Saturday, May 19: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Meadow Valley (wetland/pond, forest)

3. Sunday, May 20: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Lawrence Valley Loop Trail / Lowland

Each session is $35/person. 

To register or for further details, call Vicki Walker (246-9126) or email Pat English (puzzlnut@telus.net).  

This event is organized by ThINC and TIRRA Trails and is being sponsored again by the Jean Challenger family (thank you!) And a special thank you to Meadow Valley for this one-time use of their wetland/pond property.

Reminder ~ Butterfly & Dragonfly Tour

Sunday, May 20 from 1:00 - 3:00 a butterfly/dragonfly event at Lawrence Valley Loop Trail / Lowland with biologist Patrick Lilley.  

This is an open and free public event for all ages organized by ThINC and TIRRA Trails.  

For more information, call Vicki Walker (246-9126) or email Pat English (puzzlnut@telus.net)

Reminder: Chemainus Short Term Parking Lot: Paving and Line Painting

8 pm Sunday, May 13 to May 17, 2018

Please be advised that the short term parking lot at Chemainus terminal will be unavailable to customers May 14 to 17, 2018. BC Ferries will have a contractor onsite to pave the gravel lot and perform line painting. This work is not expected to affect sailing operations.

The parking lot will close at 8 pm Sunday, May 13. Due to the limited time to complete the necessary work, vehicles remaining in the parking lot after 8 pm will be towed. BC Ferries appreciates the patience and understanding of our customers and neighbours as we perform this required work to upgrade and maintain parking at Chemainus Terminal.

For traffic updates or more information please call us toll free at 1-888-BCFERRY (223-3779) or check our website at www.bcferries.com

Keith W. Rush 

Route 20 FAC

Hand-Built Dinghy Missing from Ruxton Island

Last seen Wednesday May 9, 5 pm in North Bay on the beach

8' east port pram

Marine plywood

Lap strake style

Painted white

Bow and stern are varnished cedar

Inside is varnished

Fore and aft seats made of cedar

Oars should be inside

Yellow bow line

Transom bow cutouts for handholds

If found please call Mickey 250-741-4742

$$$$$ Wow!

Wow! Thank you to everyone whom either were a part of our Fashion Show and Sale or a guest. In total we made $2300.00! Add the generous donation of a match for anything made at fundraisers that gives us a total of $4600! 

Helen and Gloria