THURSDAYNOVEMBER 20, 2014
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SMART METER KERFUFFLE
Battling BC Hydro
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Good time to make a deal o production year for this generation If price is more important than a specific colour and you can compromise on Matrix, a super reliable 5-door compact content, there are some good deals out hatchback based on the Corolla. there on brand new 2014 model year Discounted prices start at $16,395, but vehicles. my pick would be a nicely outfitted While most auto makers have had a Touring edition ($19,710 – including successful sales year, it’s clear-out time a $2,500 discount) with lots the on remaining 2014 models and the push convenience and power features. is on to achieve or exceed those end-ofA $4,635 discount is offered on the In the first of a year sales goals. Hyundai Elantra L, which drops the Before we jump into vehicles, a couple two-part series, Bob price of this stylish compact sedan to of consumer tips that will help make you an amazing $12,995. Elantra is also a McHugh seeks out a savvy new vehicle bargain hunter: good reliable car, but this is the base bargain car deals If you plan to finance your vehicle edition with a manual transmission. purchase, it’s best to first check on among the 2014 The list price for the 2015 version of loan (or line of credit) interest rates Elantra L has also been reduced to models. offered by your bank or credit union. An $15,999. Bob McHugh automaker “cash credit” option may be Minivans: The top selling and a better choice than low or even “0%” seeming perpetually discounted financing, if the informational APR Dodge Grand Caravan simply can’t be ignored (annual percentage rate) calculation is higher than in this category and the special offers come with the interest rate offered by your financial institution. a choice of two option packages. The list price is The devil is in the details (as they say) when it comes slashed by $8,100 with a Canadian Value Package to end of model year clear-out offers. Not only may and it sells for $19,995. With an Ultimate Family that great offer be restricted to a specific model, Package its discounted price is $27,888, which is a it may only be for a specific trim level. It’s usually $10,330 saving. a limited time offer and there may be regional Selected editions of the Kia Sedona ($28,695 to restrictions and/or local availability issues. $40,095) may also be a good buy. The cash discount So, here are some good 2014 model year vehicle can be as high as $7,000 or you can get $6,000 choices with attractive (limited time) special offer price cut plus 2.99 per cent financing. pricing: Wagon/Utility: Trendy exterior styling Small Cars: Toyota is offering $1,500 to $2,500 off the list price of a Matrix. It’s the last separates the Ford Flex from its people-mover
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Errington man has power cut off; Hydro not happy CANDACE WU news@pqbnews.com
An Errington resident who has ripped a Smart Meter off his house claims he’s been “degraded” by BC Hydro. Michael Meszaros contacted The NEWS last week, claiming BC Hydro disconnected his power without any explanation Wednesday. “I wasn’t given notice that my power was going to be terminated until they were there cutting the line,” Meszaros said in an e-mail. “I had talked to a supervisor at BC Hydro and he assured me that there were no problems with my account or threat of termination of the utility service and then a couple days later BC Hydro came to my property and cut my power line.” But BC Hydro manager of community relations Ted Olynyk said “this isn’t a billing issue.” Olynyk confirmed power was cut off from Meszaros’ residence along Elmdowne Road. Olynyk said it was because “he took his (smart) meter off and mailed it to us (BC Hydro) and put on another meter.” Olynyk expressed irritation about what he called “tampering with BC Hydro equipment,” and he said he believed Meszaros’ actions are illegal. Moreover, Olynyk alleges the company had been in contact with the customer and gave him “several notifications in writing and by phone” prior to cutting off his power supply. “It’s a bit disingenuous (for Meszaros) to say ‘I’m surprised Hydro did that,’” Olynyk said. “You can’t just go buy a meter — it has to be approved by Measurement Canada.” See HYDRO SAYS:, page A7
BRENDA GOUGH PHOTO
TOY DRIVE ON WEDNESDAY: A group of Tigh-Na-Mara staff members and some of their children enjoyed the sticky task of making a gingerbread house in the lobby of the resort on Tuesday. Little Elisa Burroughs, above, was hands down the most enthusiastic helper. The sugary shack is part of the annual Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive (Nov. 26 this year from 6:30-10 a.m.) for the Society of Organized Services’ Caring for Kids at Christmas campaign. See page A5 today for a story about the event.
CIVIC ELECTION SQUEAKER
No recount for Lasqueti Island JOHN HARDING
editor@pqbnews.com
It’s doesn’t get any closer. Incumbent Peter Johnston was on the outside looking in Saturday night after losing his Lasqueti seat on the Islands Trust board by one vote to challenger Timothy Peterson. Two seats were up for grabs on Saturday. Incumbent Susan Morrison was the top vote-getter with 142, fol-
lowed by Peterson with 113 and Johnston with 112. In municipal elections, no automatic or judicial recount is initiated in a close vote. It’s up to a candidate to ask for a re-count, and he/she must make a case for its need to a judge. Johnston told The NEWS he is not going to ask for a recount. “They counted them (the votes) a couple of times,” said Johnston. “I
have total trust in the people working (doing the vote counting).” Lasqueti Island, less than 20 kilometres off the shore of Parksville Qualicum Beach and home to about 400 residents, also sends a representative to the Powell River Region District board of directors. Incumbent Merrick Anderson was unopposed in this election and took his seat back by acclamation.
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