THURSDAYMARCH 20, 2014
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PARKSVILLE PROJECT
WHAT EXACTLY DO WOMEN WANT?
A4
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Some answers are provided through a popular event returning to Parksville
City councillors seem to like proposal for 19A & Lombardy
WASTED WATER IN NANOOSE
Public in the dark
RDN chair calls lack of communication ‘a mystery’ CANDACE WU news@pqbnews.com
RDN chairman Joe Stanhope said he has a lot of questions for staff after learning 4.7 million litres of well water was discharged in a 45day period at the Nanoose Fire Hall — more than one year ago in late 2012. Stanhope said the water inefficiencies were only brought to his attention a few weeks ago. “Communication to the public is, as far as I’m concerned, probably one of the most important things we do,” said Stanhope, who has requested a full report on the issue from staff slated for Tuesday. Maybe staff didn’t Additionally, realize the significance Regional District until now of Nanaimo director George Holme, JOE STANHOPE who represents Nanoose Bay, said he only learned about the water issue “a few weeks ago from a colleague in an e-mail.” However, RDN manager of water and utility services Mike Donnelly said the inefficiencies “came to light right away.” “Back in 2012 when we fired up the system it became evident that more water was being used than what was initially defined,” said Donnelly. According to Donnelly, RDN staff tried to tweak equipment with little success and eventually stopped using the geothermal heat pump system and started using their backup gas boiler to heat the fire hall — in an effort to reduce inefficiencies. See IN RETROSPECT, page A5
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BRENDA GOUGH PHOTO
NEW ADDITIONS AT TIGER LILY FARM: Three-year-old Atticus Delisle, left, and his six-year-old brother Cooper, visiting from Castlegar, had fun kidding around with some baby goats at Tiger Lily Farm in Errington on Monday.
Curling club pleads its case JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
A new tax law at city hall has the Parksville Curling Club concerned about its future. Members of the club made a detailed presentation to city council Monday night, explaining how the disappearance of their tax exemption will cost them about $16,000 a year. The city changed its permissive tax laws recently after lengthy debates and the input of a citizens advisory council. It means recreation groups like the curling club that were 100 per
cent exempt from taxes, now have to pay 50 per cent. The annual tax bill for the curling club is about $33,000. “We knew this would come up,” said Coun. Sue Powell. The curling club’s building in Community Park — it served as the city’s arena before Oceanside Place was built — is owned by the Regional District of Nanaimo. Consensus around the table Monday was the aging structure would not be of much use for anything other than a curling facility. “I can’t see a lot of use for the building if it’s not used in its current state,”
said Coun. Marc Lefevbre. The club’s Terry Miller laid open the club’s books Monday night and spoke about the “active lifestyle” the club promotes, its history of finding “funding from alternative sources” and how its volunteers are the “lifeblood” of the club.” Miller, with club treasurer Nancy Douglas at his side, explained the club is a non-profit society with about 300 members. As for paid employees, the club has a part-time manager and an ice technician. See CLUB BOOSTS CITY, page A4
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