nanaimo-info-Blog

Siskins Don't Play Nice....

2012-01-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

Pine Siskins Don't Share Very Well Either

The recent touch of cold weather with snow for a few days resulted in much more activity at our bird feeders than normal, which actually sees lots of feathered friends any given day.

One of the less popular visitors are the Pine Siskins, which I dislike nearly as much as the Starlings. My dislike is twofold, firstly they travel in HUGE flocks, at one time no less than 100 descended on the feeders during the snow. That number has dwindled, but there will still be 30+ anytime they do show up.

The second reason for my dislike of these little fellows, is their ATTITUDE, which as the above photos show, is extended to each other, and not just 'birds of another feather'. I am sure that some of these feisty fellows expend as much energy driving others away from the food source as they gain from eating. They are also not intimidated by birds twice their size either and some of the bossier ones will chase off the much larger Toews.

If they arrived in lesser numbers, and left some of the attitude behind, they could be welcome as they are quite colorful with a striking flash of yellow, and they behave as if the bird seed had been laced with speed or at the very least large doses of caffeine..... GRIN

Canadians Living In LA LA Land

2012-01-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

Public Sector Wages & Benefits Simply Not Affordable
Neither Is Old Age Pension

I feel a rant coming on, so if you'd sooner read something telling you how wonderful everything is, you'll need to go elsewhere. The reason for this little ramble is not to preach doom and gloom, but rather face our current reality with an eye to keep it from descending into true doom and gloom.

Locally our public sector employees working for the city were awarded a 6% increase in their wages over the next three years, which in itself seems reasonable. Of course when you consider the pre-raise level of wages and benefits enjoyed by those fortunate enough to have a city job, it seems less reasonable. As could be expected the local fourth estate buys into the line that we need to pay all these high wages in order to keep our good city staffers. Question? Where do you really think they are going to go, given the fact there are 4 unemployed people in the province for every job available?

This raise will no doubt result in at least a matching raise for non-union staffers who already enjoy wages and benefits the rest of us paying the freight can only dream of. Don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting we all engage in a race to the bottom, but reality cleary shows, the rest of Nanaimo simply can NOT afford to keep paying this level of wages. The gap between taxpayer and tax harvester has grown to an unsustainable level in recent years and something has to give.

The recent shift from industrial and commercial taxation levels, with the reduction in those areas shifting to the residential tax base, is a clear example of how over-taxation has finally hit one wall...... the business sector. The reality is, that businesses will simply move elsewhere, or close completely if they can not earn enough to support ever-increasing taxes. Residents on the other hand simply have to suck it up, and in some cases make another trip to the food bank after they have forked over the extra $100 in increased taxes this year.

Past 'Prosperity' Was But An Illusion

Long gone are the days when we can believe the lies or misinformation foisted on society by politicians and union leaders seeking to occupy the seat of power voter support provides. For years auto workers felt they could earn 'over the moon' wages with equally as unrealistic benefits packages forever. Reality is, that the North American auto industry would have completely shut down if not for massive taxpayer bailouts. It is still not clear whether those bailouts will actually have saved the auto industry, or simply postponed the day it will be laid to rest forever.

A little closer to home, how many guys and gals who worked at Harmac during the Gravy Years are getting all the pension and benefits they felt they were entitled to??

The forestry industry and much of Canadian manufacturing suffered the consequence of believing the same lines, peddled by politicians and labour leaders. Yes, I am also sure that greedy industrialists have their share of blame for our current economic mess. But at the end of the day, there has to be something of real value backstopping our economy or it is simply an illusion that we can enjoy standards of living previously reserved for Royalty, while making over-priced widgets of all kinds.

We are now faced with the reality that our Old Age Security system is seriously flawed with it's cost increasing by 32% from 2010 - 2015. The fund itself was paying out $36.5 Billion in 2010 and will be facing a bill of $108 Billion by 2030. This 'pension' is not currently funded, which means those future benefits will have to be paid by those who are actually working during this period. If all those good paying jobs supporting future OAS are in the public sector, funded by the taxpayers......... well I'm sure if you understand Mr. Ponzi's idea, you will see how it applies here.

Post-Secondary Funding Available

2012-01-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

Nearly $300,000 Available

For Nanaimo-Ladysmith Students

Students Encouraged to Apply for Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries from the Schools Foundation $290,000 in Post-Secondary Funds Available

The Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation Awards booklet and application for Nanaimo and Ladysmith secondary students is now online. This year there are over 300 awards, bursaries and scholarships, totaling over $290,000 for students of all interests, abilities and academic levels.

Applications and further information can be found at www.nlsf.ca under the “Awards” tab. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 17th, 2012.

“The NLSF scholarships, awards and bursaries offer a wide range of categories for students to chose from,” said Erin van Steen, Executive Director, Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation “There are opportunities for students who are active in the community, excel in sports, have a specific study area they are pursuing or who have a financial need. We encourage students to apply for as many opportunities that are appropriate for them.”

ABC Precast Of Nanaimo Wins Award

2012-01-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

ABC Precast

Manufacturer Of The Year

BUSINESS EXAMINER AND BUSINESS VANCOUVER ISLAND NEWSPAPERS

AWARD PRESTIGIOUS MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR AWARD

ABC Precast & Ready Mix Limited has been awarded the MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR award sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC, Hayes Stewart Little Chartered Accountants and RBC Royal Bank . The ceremonies were held on the evening of January 26, 2012 at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria.

AJ Hustins, General Manager of ABC Precast & Ready Mix Limited said “On behalf of our entire team at ABC I am honored to receive such a prestigious award from the business community on Vancouver Island.”

The Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards are celebrated as an annual opportunity to highlight some of the biggest and brightest starts of the year.

NEDC CEO Offers Congratulations

“It is wonderful to see a local Nanaimo firm receive this type of acknowledgement of the excellent work they do. Along with exhibiting manufacturing excellence ABC Precast & Ready Mix is a strong community supporter and a valued corporate citizen. Congratulations to all,” said Susan Cudahy, CEO of the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation.

VICC Sudsidy To Reduce?

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Vancouver Island Conference Centre
Delegate Days Increases To 32,000 In 2012

According to an advertisement in the 'Nanaimo Magazine' Feb. 2012 issue the number of delegate days booked at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre has increased by approximately 225% to 32,000 from only 13,919 in 2011. It seems that powerhouse manager Denise Tacon is putting Nanaimo on the conference map!

Considering the Nanaimo taxpayer subsidized the company operating the centre last year by approximately $1,000,000 (not a precise figure) when they only had rental and catering revenue from approximately 14,000 delegate days a 225% increase must mean the centre is turning a considerably greater profit for the company now. In turn, this greater profit should provide a considerable saving for the Nanaimo taxpayer via a reduced subsidy.

The amount of the saving isn't known at this time, but I have asked Mayor Ruttan to respond letting me know what the saving to Nanaimo taxpayers will be resulting from this 225% increase in attendance at the centre.

If I am correct this is also the year, the current contract with the management company running the centre is up for renewal, and it will be interesting to see if the shrewd managers at city hall will be able to negotiate a much better deal in the new contract. Did you know, the city actually pays the management company a fee, every time they use the VICC?

Stay tuned for more details as they are made available.

Moorecroft Open House Feb. 11, 2012

2012-01-27T07:39:00.000-08:00

RDN To Host Moorecroft Open House

Local residents can get involved in the next phase of the Moorecroft Regional Park Management Plan at an Open House on Saturday, February 11. Participants will have the opportunity to comment on three different strategies for managing the park, as well as a draft park vision, management principles, and goals. The event is scheduled for 12 noon to 4pm at Kennedy Lodge in Moorecroft Park, located at the end of Stewart Road in Nanoose Bay.

"Moorecroft Regional Park is a beautiful place to explore the local waterfront surrounded by mature forests and wetlands, and we're committed to keeping it that way," said RDN Chair Joe Stanhope. "I encourage residents throughout the region to share their ideas and comments as we develop the Moorecroft Management Plan."

The Plan will guide operations, development, and stewardship of Moorecroft, based on a comprehensive analysis of property values and public and stakeholder consultation. RDN staff is working with O2 Planning and Design, the Nature Trust of BC, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada to facilitate and oversee the Plan, which is scheduled to be complete in November 2012. The Plan process was initiated in fall 2011.

Following the open house, residents will also be invited to participate in an online survey and provide feedback using an interactive mapping tool at www.rdn.b.ca.

The Regional District of Nanaimo and The Nature Trust of British Columbia acquired the park, formerly known as Camp Moorecroft, from BC Conference of the United Church of Canada on March 2, 2011 at a cost of $4.8 million. It is currently open for day use from 7am to 9pm daily.

For more information about the Feb. 11 Open House and other opportunities for public engagement, please Click Here, email moorecroft@rdn.bc.ca or contact Kelsey Cramer, RDN Regional Parks Planner, at 250 248-3252 or 1-888-828-2069.

VIHA Reducing Harm To Addicts

2012-01-27T07:11:00.000-08:00

VIHA Expands Harm Reduction Program

In an article in the Daily, Darrell Bellaart explains the reasons for VIHA increasing the number of places local addicts may get condoms, syringes, crack-pipe mouthpieces and other materials.

The article explains that the program is geared to slow the spread of diseases such as Hep C and encourage additcts to seek medical help.

The article says the goal of the program is to reduce addicts' harm and to relieve life pressures that tend to feed the vicious cycle of addiction, while at the same time reducing the harm to society from increased crime, policing and health care costs.

Perhaps it is time for society to simply admit there are some among us who likely will sooner or later die as a result of their dependency on drugs and rather than sentencing them to a life of misery and crime, should make safe alternatives available at a reasonable cost. It is highly unlikely that the cost of condoms and crack-pipe mouthpieces is what drives an addict into crime to support their habit.

I would suspect the righteous among us would oppose the proposal of taking profit out of the drug business, but also suspect that the criminals and perhaps even the legal system might be opposed to such a 'job killer' being supported.

It is hoped that VIHA is not making the central island any more attractive to drug addicts than other jurisdictions in the country, as our climate and welfare system already makes our area quite attractive to many.

Quinsam Mine Permit Granted

2012-01-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

Quinsam continues to provide hundredsof jobs on Island

CAMBPELL RIVER – Quinsam Mine, a coal mine located on central Vancouver Island, has been awarded a Mines Act amendment permit to extend its mining operations.

The Quinsam Mine will continue to provide more than 500 direct and indirect jobs in the Campbell River area, announced Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman.

Quinsam Mine, the only underground coal mine in B.C., will produce more than 500,000 tonnes of thermal coal a year. The mine started production in 1986. It has in excess of 40 million tonnes of coal resources, and is owned and operated by Hillsborough Resources Limited.

Located 20 kilometres west of Campbell River, Quinsam Mine provides wages and benefits for about 140 employees living on Vancouver Island totalling more than $14 million per year. Quinsam is traditionally a large supplier to the cement industry in the Lower Mainland, and also exports coal to customers offshore.

Quinsam Mine is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance. Among its other commitments to sustainability, it is dedicated to developing and implementing techniques to recycle old waste materials and convert them to usable products. Furthermore, it was the first mine to be permitted to dispose of coarse rock refuse underground in old mine workings.

As part of ‘Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan’, the Province expects to see eight new mines and another nine mining expansions operational in British Columbia by 2015. This is the second mine expansion announced and the first on Vancouver Island.
Provincial Government Press Release

Nanaimo Cruise Ship Schedule 2012

2012-01-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

Norwegian Pearl May 5, 2012, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

The World July 17 - 19, 2012, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Celebrity Millennium September 15, 2012 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Celebrity Century September 26, 2012 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sapphire Princess September 30, 2012 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Broken Water Main Causes Damage

2012-01-26T12:21:00.000-08:00

Water Damaged Sidewalk Closed

Construction workers at the Port Place Mall yesterday closed parts of Front Street when they broke a city water main that runs through the property.

At the height of the accident yesterday afternoon, Front Street was closed from Promenade to Wharf Street for a few hours as city crews dealt with the problem. Nanaimo Fire Rescue was also on hand as there was some concern a gas line could also have been damaged, it was not.

As of now, it is not known who is responsible for the event which has undermined an area of sidewalk along Front Street and while it is not apparent that amount of flooding could also cause issues with the road bed in that area. Crews will monitor the situation in coming days to make sure there are no other issues.

This is likely a case of the contractor not knowing where the water main was, either because they did not have an accurate 'locate' to work with, or perhaps city works are not exactly certain where all the water lines are. Last year there was an issue across the street when there was some difficulty locating the water main for the new Gabriola Ferry Terminal hydrant.

Things On The Net That Make Ya' Smile

2012-01-26T09:11:00.000-08:00

No Helmet? No Problem?

The Motorcycle Equivalent of Airbags!

Motion Defeated

2012-01-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

Allen's Motion Defeated 6 - 2

The local daily reports that the motion requiring criminal record checks for school board candidates was solidly defeated this past Tuesday.

I can only speculate what kind of Pandora's Box would be opened if there was a serious movement to have all elected officials submit to a criminal record check with the results being made public. Trustee Brennan is reportedly going to table a motion requiring elected trustees to submit to a criminal record check , with the results being kept confidential.

The idea of keeping the results confidential would seem to defeat Ms. Allen's purpose of full disclosure BEFORE someone gets elected to the board. If records are to be open to the public before an election, then surely they should also be after someone is elected.

Yes, indeed, a Pandora's Box I doubt many will really want to see open. Once open, what possible reason could you have for keeping the results private? Isn't a criminal record a matter of public record? Anyone coming before the courts and convicted of a criminal offense, unless a minor becomes a matter of public knowledge.

No, this is one of those sleeping dogs, the vast majority would gladly see left lie.

Hospice Opening Second Location

2012-01-26T06:54:00.000-08:00

Seeks Volunteers For New Location

Nanaimo Community Hospice Society’s Hospice Thrift Shoppe is more than just a store where the public can purchase gently-used or often new items.

It also offers a friendly and safe place for individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one to volunteer, meet others and find healing.

More than 80 volunteers from a variety of backgrounds have found their way to hospice for a variety of reasons. And there is now an opportunity for more people to take part.

Hospice is recruiting volunteers for its second shop in Bowen Centre at 1925 Bowen Rd.
The shop, opening this spring, features electronics, garden tools, books, household goods, clothing and more.

For more information, or to apply for a volunteer position, please drop by the Hospice Thrift Shoppe at 5-4286 Departure Bay Rd. at the corner of Norwell Drive or call 250-758-8886.
For more information, please go to www.nanaimohospiceshoppe.com.

Nanaimo Museum Feature Exhibit

2012-01-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

New Feature Exhibit

Our Feathered Friends

Mon. to Sat., Feb. 3 to May 21 2012, 10am - 5pm

Why are feathers important to understanding birds? Why do some remain close to home year-round and others migrate for thousands of kilometers? Answers to these questions are an integral part of Our Feathered Friends, a travelling exhibition from Ottawa’s Canadian Museum of Nature. The exhibition ‘takes flight’ at the Nanaimo Museum, from February 3 to May 21, 2012 and is suitable for all ages.

The exhibition’s display units and graphics provide an introduction to birds and birdwatching. “Visitors’ skill when identifying local birds will be enhanced via the exceptional photography of Ralph Hocken and study specimens loaned from VIU’s Museum of Natural History, “said curator David Hill-Turner. “Novice birders will find the exhibition and programs very helpful in learning more about the hobby”.

Public programmes offered as part of the exhibition will appeal to various birding interests. They include: a photography contest, Urban Bird tours, birding and nature photography presentations and ecology programs for elementary school students. Please contact Aimee Greenaway at program@nanaimomuseum.ca for more information on these programs.

Come along to the workshops and demonstrations, try your hand at the oriental art of Origami and even learn to prepare a meal for your favourite backyard bird. Using photos, specimens and video, learn what makes birds special, how they soar and glide and how to identify them. More than 400 species of birds have been identified in BC, more than any other province in Canada.

Whether you are an indoor or outdoor birdwatcher you will find something of interest in this traveling exhibit, Our Feathered Friends at Nanaimo Museum.

This exhibition is sponsored by THE BACKYARD Wildbird and Nature Store.

Nanaimo Urban Bird Tours

2012-01-26T06:30:00.000-08:00

February 11, March 10, April 14, May 5, 2012
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Kevin Storey, experienced Nanaimo Museum tour guide and local birder, will take visitors on an urban bird walk. The tours are a unique combination of birding and historical walking tour that will provide a glimpse into Nanaimo's past while sighting many urban and shoreline birds that reside downtown.

The tours take place on the second Saturday of the month from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm on February 11, March 10, April 14, and May 5. The cost is $15 per person and pre-registration and payment is required. Space is limited so call soon to book your spot. The tours depart from the Nanaimo Museum. Please contact Aimee Greenaway at program@nanaimomuseum.ca for more information or to reserve your spot.

Annual Quilter's Bee Jan.29

2012-01-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Nanaimo Quilter's Guild will be holding it's annual quilt bee this coming Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Oliver Woods Community Centre at 6000 Oliver Road Nanaimo. The Bee will be held from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

All quilts will be donated to the Nanaimo Haven Society. The guild meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month at Brechin United Church on Estevan Road, from 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

For more information about the Nanaimo Quilters' Guild you can visit their website HERE.

Mt Washington Powder Alert!

2012-01-25T07:53:00.000-08:00

Snow Information

Overnight: 1 cm
Snowbase*: 376 cm
24 Hrs: 17 cm
48 Hrs: 61 cm

Snow Conditions: Powder Alert - Powder Alert

For more information visit the Mt. Washington website HERE.

Who Watches Nanaimo Spending??

2012-01-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

An Example Of How YOUR Tax Dollar$ Are Spent

At the City of Nanaimo council meeting on January 23, 2012 on staff's recommendation council approved awarding a contract to MWH Canada Inc for preliminary engineering services for South Fork II Dam. The value of the contracted amount is $460,000.00.

Sounds like a reasonable amount as soon as you say 'engineering services' which we all know are in a stratosphere of their own.

Now for the part that is a prime example of why city hall will never be serious about controlling spending. In addition to the agreed amount of $460,000, city staff recommended that council approve another $100,000 for a contingency should it be necessary to do other investigations. In other words, they had a contractor agree to do preliminary engineering work within established parameters and then have volunteered to give them another $100,000 just in case they may need more money to do the study!!

That would be akin to me or you hiring a contractor to give me a price to build a garage, and after getting a price, offer to pay the contractor another 20% if they thought they needed to!!

Only Councilors Bestwick, Kipp and McKay were opposed to the $100,000 contingency, with the balance of council thinking it was a sound financial decision.

Just wait until this same bunch starts awarding the $65+ million contract to build the new filtration plant.... let's see $65 million plus another 20% contingency just for good measure......

Celebrate Black History On Vancouver Island

2012-01-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

An Evening of Art & Entertainment

Thursday Feb 2nd

Nanaimo Museum

Doors open at 4:00pm

$10 tickets

Entertainment by Rodrigo Figueroa

Take a look at the Black History surrounding Vancouver Island with a new exhibit by the Nanaimo African Heritage Society. Come share the experience, appetizers and live music!

Nanaimo Taxation Excessive

2012-01-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

Cracks Beginning To Show

In Ability To Keep Paying Tax Increases

The recent effort by the city of Nanaimo to attract a new hotel to downtown Nanaimo by offering tax incentives is yet another example of how some tax sectors have paid all they can afford to pay. The move to reduce industrial tax rates over the coming years is yet another sign of the negative impacts of excessive taxation that we have become reliant on in past decades.

Unless city councilors wake up, the same result will happen in the residential sector if continually taxing and spending is not brought into line, we are heading for an over taxation disaster in Nanaimo. We are headed for another 16% (at least) residential tax increase over the next four years, 20% increase in water rates in the same time period and who knows what other 'surprises' are lurking at city hall, waiting to be sprung on the already over stretched taxpayer.

Municipalities have heard loud and clear from business and industry, that they are killing the goose that lays the golden egg with over taxation and municipalities are being FORCED to respond, or risk driving business out of town altogether. With the reality that business and industrial taxes must reduce, local government who are as dependent on taxing and spending as the drug addict is dependent on their next fix, have only one other source for their 'fix'. That is the unorganized, nearly naked goose who think their elected officials are looking out for them.

The truth is, councilors just can't wrap their heads around the concept that this gravy train is nearly off the rails and the days of living in la la land where you simply raise more taxes to fund your latest boondoggle are pretty much over.

All senior levels of government are wrestling with getting a grip on out of control spending, but local government on the advice of city hall management are still labouring under the illusion that the residential tax purse has no bottom.

2012-01-24T08:23:00.001-08:00

City Launches Strategic Planning Initiative

At its regular meeting on Monday, January 23, 2012, City Council voted unanimously to launch a strategic planning initiative. The consulting firm of Rethink (West) will assist with the process. Rethink is a Ladysmith-based company with significant experience in municipal strategic planning.

The strategic planning process will be a comprehensive exercise, including a review of the community vision, interviews with community leaders, a strategic planning blog, a public survey, and the establishment of task teams to develop action plans for implementation.

Jim Kipp, Chair of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, said, “a strategic plan is a guiding document that provides a long-term vision. The process will help to align City activities, mobilize available resources, and ultimately to clarify, measure and achieve results in support of community well-being.”

“I am looking forward to engaging the community in a visioning process that should reflect the desires and aspirations of all of Nanaimo’s citizens, “said Mayor John Ruttan, “The only way to do this is to get everyone involved in defining the vision and then supporting it as we move forward into the future.”

The process is expected to take about 6 months, with consulting fees of approximately $100,000, an amount that had previously been put in the budget. Facility rental for community workshops is expected to cost an additional $20,000.

(City Hall Press Release)

Family Cut Energy Use By 50%

2012-01-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

Belbin Family Reduced Energy Usage By 50%

Come And Hear How They Did It

Energy Solutions for Vancouver Island (Society) is pleased to present the Nanaimo family that reduced their energy usage by 50% in a national competition (they came in second in all of Canada!)

Sunday February 5, 2012 @2:45 p.m.

Brechin United Church, 1998 Estevan Rd. Nanaimo

Admission is FREE

How did this family reduce their energy usage, including travel, by 50%? How is it that their family life actually improved (and has remained better since)? What motivated them to do this? Their presentation promises to be informative, interesting, and engaging. A very engaging family and compelling story.

Strategic Planning Consultant Contract

2012-01-23T21:26:00.000-08:00

Nanaimo City Council Approves $121,400 Contract

Council upon city staff recommendation has approved the awarding of a contract to Rethink (West) Incorporated to develop a strategic plan to guide the city of Nanaimo forward.

City manager Mr. Kenning urged council to approve the proposal. In the draft city of Nanaimo Financial Plan he stated:

When staff looked at core review work done in other communities, one of the frequent recommendations of the consultant hired to undertake the review is that Council engage in a strategic planning process. The reason to do this is because without a strategic plan it is virtually impossible to structure an organization and decide on what priorities it should focus on (and what priorities, if any, it should stop putting resources to). In my view, there is no point doing a core review without first undertaking a strategic plan. The strategic plan will provide the necessary guidance as to the community‟s priorities to provide direction to any follow-up organizational or core review. Only when you know what you want to accomplish as an organization can you then address the question about how and when you want to get there. I therefore strongly urge Council to support this $100,000 funding allocation.

I have put in bold type the parts of Mr. Kenning's rationale I found interesting which supported the developing of a strategic plan for the city.

It does raise a disturbing question however:

Since WITHOUT A STRATEGIC PLAN IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO STRUCTURE AN ORGANIZATION AND DECIDE ON PRIORITIES IT SHOULD FOCUS ON........
(Remember, this is the reason given by the city manager for spending $121,400 to develop a strategic plan.)

Am I the only one wondering how the $160,000,000.00 corporation of the city of Nanaimo, with it's 700+ employees and a payroll in excess of $55,000,000.00 has been structured to date WITHOUT A STRATEGIC PLAN!!!

It makes the mind wobble !

Nanaimo Financial Plan

2012-01-23T13:41:00.000-08:00

Any More Surprises??

About this time every year city staff and city council present the Nanaimo taxpayers with a 'draft' five year financial plan. Up until the final plan is adopted in May the public is invited to offer input directly at city council meetings.

Right about now a common refrain coming from city councilors and city staff goes something like: "we are doing our very best to hold the line on city taxes, but taxpayers must realize that it is they who are demanding the high level of services and they have to be funded by taxes", the average taxpayer is then invited to make suggestions as to which of these valued services they would like to see cut. Of course no one wants the basics like water, sewer, garbage pick up, fire protection or police protection reduced and council would like you to believe those are your only options.

They never mention that over 60% of every tax dollar collected in Nanaimo is used to pay staff wages and benefits. They also never say that sometimes, hidden within the draft financial plan are planned expenditures they don't want the general public to know about until after the fact.
For example last year at this time, the draft financial plan that came before the public made no mention of the the fact that $16 million was earmarked to build a new Annex (shiny new office for city staff), an amount that would equal the planned tax increase for 5 years.

Had city council asked the Nanaimo taxpayer if they wanted to build a new Annex or see their taxes remain the same for the next five years, we may still have decided to build the Annex, or we may not have a need to raise our taxes for the next 4 - 5 years. However, we will never know, as the last city council and city staff had no intention of letting the Nanaimo taxpayer know how they intended to spend YOUR money.

Only time will tell if this new financial plan contains any similar 'surprises' which will only be revealed after another of city council's famous in-camera meetings.

Colourful Backyard Visitor

2012-01-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

Brightly Plumed Thrush

The snow of the last few days has seen more than the usual activity at the feeders I have in our backyard. During the days the ground was snow covered there were at the very least 200 birds taking turns at the two feeders outside our kitchen window.

While the Thrush above is not a brand new visitor, there were no less than four of them visiting over the past few days. Watching bird behaviour at the feeders sheds new light on the old expression 'pecking order' as clearly some birds were never taught that it was nice to share.

Now that the green has returned the number of visitors has returned pretty much to normal however two Thrush were still stopping by yesterday. They certainly make a bright addition to an otherwise cloudy day.

Nanaimo City Council Meeting Jan. 23, 2012

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

Nanaimo City Council Meeting

Monday, January 23, 2012 - 7:00 PM
Shaw Auditorium

Vancouver Island Convention Centre

Democracy Works When The Public Stays Involved

It Is Too Important To Leave To Politicians

Dealing With 2012 - 2016
Financial Plan
Tax Increases Planned 16%
Water Rates Increase 25%

Attending in person is the best way to see your business being taken care of, second best is watching on Shaw Cable from the comfort of your easy chair, it is also available live online using this link, and last but not least is reading what the local press says went on.

Archived video is available of previous meetings at the same link used for live online coverage. You have to remember that the newspaper does not print everything that happens in a council meeting, and as a matter of fact, if their reporter dozes off at the wrong time, they might even miss something important. So, watch the meeting for yourself, and get involved with how YOUR city council takes care of YOUR business.

Past councils have been pretty generous with the way they have been spending your money, but don't blame them, YOU are the one who needs to keep on top of what is really going on if you ever hope for your taxes to quit going up every year.Remember taxes are scheduled to increase by nearly 16% in the next four years. If you don't think you can afford another $500 or so, then you need to be more involved with the process.

The past council voted behind closed doors to spend $16 million on a new annex for city hall staff, in spite of a report which said that $4.2 million would upgrade the existing annex. That's YOUR money they are playing fast and loose with, and they did it without going to public tender! GET INVOLVED!

You can view this week's Council Meeting Agenda here - - - Agenda .

Nanaimo Ferry Cancellations

2012-01-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

Stormy Weather Grounds Fleet

Before heading down to catch a ferry check current conditions HERE

When Countries Go Broke!

2012-01-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Confusing Language??

This story in the Financial Post is not talking about hairstylists in the nation of Greece, it is referring to the fact that people who loaned Greece money they thought would be repaid will likely be getting about 30 cents back for every dollar they loaned them.

The new bond will likely be for 30 years with no repayments for 10 years, which really means you still might be lucky to ever see a real penny repaid.

So what is the lesson from all this?? In my humble, untrained opinion, the world financiers and economists are just making this stuff (insert expletive) as they go along. When you or I can borrow mortgage money at 2.99% and countries in Europe are paying 6% and far more, something is seriously wrong.

This is an example of what happens when you spend more than you earn, and just keep wracking up the debt. While we are not as messed up as Greece, as a nation we are seriously in the hole, and this idea that as long as you can afford the payments, without paying down the principle will ensure that we are always a nation of slaves to whomever we owe the money.

It is also an example of what happens when far too many people work for the government and far too few people have to pay their wages. Canada, should be paying attention to this lesson as we become less and less a nation of bosses and workers and more and more a nation of taxpayers and tax harvesters.

Bastion City Wanderers

2012-01-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

Bastion City Wanderers Volkssport Club

Saturday January 21st

Registration 9:45 AM

Lobby Howard Johnston Hotel

More Information 250-756-9796

The Bastion City Wanderers from Nanaimo, BC, are part of the Canadian Volkssport Federation which are non-profit walking clubs, with activities in all provinces and territories across Canada.

For more information visit their website HERE.

Nanaimo Orchid Society Meeting

2012-01-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

Orchid Culture

Presented by Marilyn Light

January 21st, 2012, 12:00 Noon

Harewood Activity Centre

195 4th Street, Nanaimo

To visit the Central V I Orchid Society website click HERE.

Winter Storm Warning Issued

2012-01-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

Snow Mixed with Freezing Rain

The following warning was issued by Environment Canada at 10:55 am PST Thursday Jan. 19, 2012.

Summary
Snowfall amounts from 5 to 15 cm are expected to be mixed with freezing rain tonight and Friday morning. This is a warning that dangerous winter weather conditions are expected or occurring in these regions. Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements.

Details
An Arctic ridge of high pressure over the British Columbia interior is producing strong outflow winds through coastal valleys and inlets. The strong outflow winds in combination with very cold air are producing wind chill values exceeding minus 20 degrees for much of the BC coast with values ranging from minus 35 to 40 reported on the north coast. Wind chill values over the south coast will increase to above minus 20 later today. A significant winter storm with snow, areas of strong winds and possible freezing rain is expected tonight and Friday. Snow will begin over Haida Gwaii, Central Coast - coastal sections and North Coast - coastal sections tonight where 10 to 15 cm will fall by Friday morning. A further 10 cm is expected for North Coast - coastal sections on Friday. In addition very strong outflow winds gusting to 90 km/h combined with new snow will create blizzard conditions over North Coast - inland sections tonight through Friday. Strong southeast winds of 90 km/h will develop over North Vancouver Island early Friday morning. On Friday there will be a transition to mild and moist Pacific air over the south coast due to a southwesterly flow. A significant snowfall of 5 to 15 cm is expected for most of the south coast. Most areas can expect snow to become mixed with freezing rain as the changeover to rain occurs. A period of extended freezing rain is expected for eastern portions of Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Howe Sound. WWW.WEATHEROFFICE.GC.CA Road conditions can be monitored at WWW.DRIVEBC.CA. You can send us reports of severe weather on twitter, using the #bcstorm hashtag. Please be sure to include your location.

Nanaimo Man Missing

2012-01-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

Gordon David Krompocker

Nanaimo RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 35 year old Gordon David KROMPOCKER reported missing by his family from Nanaimo on January 4th.

KROMPOCKER’S parents told police they learned in late December their son was having some personal issues and he has not been seen or heard from since December 29th. Repeated calls to his cell phone and messages posted to his Facebook account have gone unanswered. KROMPOCKER was working full time at a local fast food business and has not contacted his employer.

KROMPOCKER disappeared six months ago and after 2-3 weeks, contacted his family from Halifax. He tends to utilize shelters and prior to his disappearance, he was residing at the New Hope Shelter in Nanaimo.

KROMPOCKER has some medical issues and requires medication. He is approachable and is described as being a white male, approximately 5 ft 10, slim build with light brown hair and hazel eyes. He has no tattoos or visible scars.

If anyone knows where Gordon David KROMPOCKER is, they are requested to ask him to call home and let his parents or friends know he is safe. If you have information on his whereabouts, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

ICBC's Winter Driving Tips

2012-01-19T08:49:00.000-08:00

With heavy winter conditions predicted to continue on B.C. roads this week, including continued snowfall in the Lower Mainland, ICBC is reminding drivers to prepare for winter driving conditions and be extra cautious.

According to an ICBC survey conducted in December, seven out of 10 drivers admit to feeling less safe or more frustrated on the roads when winter conditions hit and this is reflected in a spike in crashes at this time of the year. Over the past five years, there have been on average more than 24,000 crashes during the month of January making it one of the highest months for crashes on B.C. roads.

On a positive note, ICBC’s winter driving survey showed that drivers are doing what they can to prepare their vehicles for the challenging road conditions. Eight in 10 drivers topped up their water fluid to help to avoid freezing, while seven in 10 drivers checked their tire pressure – tires deflate more quickly in cold weather. A majority of the drivers said they install winter tires on their vehicle or keep an emergency kit in the car.

When thinking about vehicle maintenance at this time of year, drivers should also turn off their cruise control, use low-beam lights and keep their gas tank at least half-full.

Of course, adapting our behaviour behind the wheel is just as important. Nearly all drivers surveyed said they follow the two key rules of driving in winter conditions – increasing their following distance and driving slower. The latter is vital – speed limits are set for ideal conditions and conditions right now are far from ideal.

Slowing down gives you more time to see the road ahead and to anticipate potential hazards. As the snow begins to melt during warmer daytime hours, black ice becomes a potential hazard. It’s virtually impossible to see ahead of time, and that’s why it’s so important to slow down and keep your distance – so you can see how the vehicles around you are moving on the road.

While it can be a natural reaction to slam on the brakes, the best thing you can do if you do encounter black ice is to try to slow your vehicle down to regain traction by easing off the accelerator and shifting into a lower gear if possible. If you need to use the brake, be aware of the differences between using standard and anti-lock brakes (ABS). For standard brakes, pump them gently; for ABS, apply steady pressure and you’ll feel the brakes pulse (this is normal).

The majority of B.C. drivers we surveyed choose to wait until the morning before planning their commute. Four out of 10 B.C. drivers still choose to drive to work as they normally would. A smarter decision is to leave a little later than planned to allow crews to clear the roads or to consider working from home, if these are viable options. Other options to consider are taking public transport – let the experts handle the commute – or carpool with someone who is experienced at driving in the snow and has a vehicle prepared for the conditions.

Whatever decision you make, the best thing you can do is to learn as much as you can about the road conditions you may encounter on your drive. Drivebc.ca is a great resource for checking real-time road conditions across the province and will also have up-to-the-minute alerts on any possible road closures.

Allen Seeks Criminal Checks

2012-01-19T07:52:00.000-08:00

What became an issue after the last election with re-elected school trustee Donna Allen has resurfaced with news she is bringing a motion on the matter at the AGM of the BC School Trustees' Association.

Allen thinks it should be required of school trustees to submit a criminal record check when they file their nomination papers. It wasn't an issue with Allen, until the past election when Bill Bard was elected to the board.

The suggestion opens up a whole can of worms as to how such revelations might influence the public's view of those wishing to run for public office. If the purpose is to judge the character of a person seeking public office, perhaps submitting to a full credit report should also be required. After all if someone can't handle their own finances, do you really want them handling yours??

If the public thinks this motion is one worthy of support, I would presume it should be a standard applied to all elected officials.

Record Lumber Sales to China

2012-01-19T06:58:00.000-08:00

Pat Bell Minister Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

“In2008, I set a goal to export four billion board feet of lumber to China in2011. Many people told me it couldn’t be done. I encouraged industry to work collaborativelywith each other and the Province on a strategy to achieve this goal and itworked. Our results are simply astounding and now some two dozen sawmills across B.C.have re-opened or added shifts in part due to lumber exports to China, creatingthousands of jobs in communities from Vavenby to Fort St. John to Nanaimo.”

VICTORIA– The province has set a new record that many believed to be unattainable. Withlumber export sales of 4.28 billion board feet as of November, exports to Chinahave already surpassed the province’s 2008 goal of exporting four billion boardfeet in 2011.

Lastyear’s export sales to China, with December still to report, are already up 74per cent from 2010 and 200 per cent from 2009. Sales to China, now with a valueof more than $1-billion, make up about 29 per cent of all B.C. lumber exports. Only the U.S., at 42 per cent of exports, is alarger market.

Whenthe province challenged industry in 2008 to work collaboratively withgovernment to increase export sales, B.C. was shipping about 700 million boardfeet of lumber to China. The three-way market development program between theprovince, federal government and industry targeting China and other growthmarkets for B.C. forest products is paying off. Since 2003, when the programstarted in China, B.C. sales have surged over 1,300 per cent and more thantripled in the last two years.

By The Numbers

Inthe more than 160 years since B.C. started exporting lumber, only the U.S. andJapan have previously imported more than $1 billion of B.C. lumber in acalendar year. Exports to the U.S were valued at $1.8 billion in 2010 andexports to Japan totalled $648 million.
Thelatest trade numbers for November 2011 show B.C.’s softwood lumber exports toChina were worth $84 million, pushing year-to-date for the year sales past $1 billion,an almost 80 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2010.
In2003, at the start of the joint provincial-federal-industry market developmentprogram in China, B.C. exported $69 million worth of softwood products to Chinaand Hong Kong. As of November 2011, B.C. exports have passed $1 billion – anincrease of well over 1,300 per cent.

Nanaimo Schools Are Open

2012-01-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

As of 8:30 AM the School District reports that schools will be open as usual as will all regular buses.

It is noted however, that Special Needs Buses will NOT be running today!

Council Nixes Internal Auditor

2012-01-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

At the Special Finance Policy Committee of the Whole meeting on January 17th, city council voted to not support the position of Internal Auditor.

This position was being recommended by city manager as a way to address a perception in the community that city hall does not always yield the best result for taxpayers.

A flaw with the proposal in my opinion, was it simply looked like another bureaucratic position within city hall, who would be responsible for offering reports on how well his/her boss was doing. On top of the $150,000 suggested salary, you can also include admin assistants etc. etc. and before you know it taxes go up again with little real benefit.

Alternate Suggestion

I would like to see city council consider contracting an external auditor, every two or three years to come in and do a complete forensic audit on one or more files where they examine everything with a fine tooth comb. They would examine method of procurement, contracts signed, practices employed, how administered etc. etc. The file or files they choose would be completely random, or perhaps they might solicit suggestions from the general public if there are certain 'projects' they would like to seem examined.

I would suggest that this type of audit conducted from time to time on a completely random basis might yield much more desirable results that just hiring another staffer to report to their boss.

Large Drug Bust In Nanaimo

2012-01-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

Note:Email subscribers may have to visit Nanaimo Blog to view video

Drug Bust Linked To Notorious Gang

Internet Blackouts Protest SOPA/PIPA

2012-01-18T07:08:00.000-08:00

Many of the webs most important and integral websites are protesting seriously flawed legislation called SOPA. It would greatly damage the linking structure of the internet, allowing companies to close down websites on flimsiest of premises. It would criminalize even pointing to any site that itself points to a site where there is a Copyright violation.

Over the years, the copyright cartel — this includes Disney and other major content companies — have bought themselves a Congress. They prevented works that were scheduled to enter the public domain, as envisioned in the US Constitution, from doing so.

SOPA is the latest attempt to censor the public’s access to independent information and manipulate copyright laws. The new law works to their own benefit and the public’s detriment.

For more info see Google’s Take Action, and Hacker News.

Nanaimo Snow Jan. 18, 2012

2012-01-18T06:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, It Is Snowing In Nanaimo

While other parts of Canada may laugh at the fact a snowfall is actually a news event in Nanaimo, those of use living in the Banana Belt of Canada are usually ill-prepared to deal with the white stuff.
It did start snowing this morning sometime around 5:00 AM and as of 7:00 AM it is still falling but if the weatherman has his/her guess right it shouldn't amount to all that much.

Could Be Very Icy

Driving in the light, powdery snow that is falling now just means taking a bit more time and keeping a light foot on the gas pedal, to get going without starting to spin. However, the challenge could come as even a small accumulation gets packed down under traffic, and the local plow does not get back down to bare pavement. The resulting packed snow will be the same as driving on ice, and no matter how good your tires are, they are no match for ice.

Warming And Returning To Rain By Friday

It looks like we will have to put up with one or two days of real winter-type weather before things warm again and we are treated to the more customary showers which of course "we don't have to shovel".

FREE Subscription Via Email

2012-01-17T14:09:00.001-08:00

You can have the convenience of having Nanaimo Info Blog delivered to your email address every day. That way you can keep informed of important local issues without having to remember to visit this website everyday.

It's quick, it's easy and it's FREE and FREE is good. So why not enter your email address on the Blog Updates Form and join the many happy readers who already have. You can rest assured your email address is kept completely confidential and the only thing it is used for, is sending YOUR copy of this website every day.

Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation

2012-01-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

“Nanaimo Business Counts” Program

January 24th Forum For Construction Sector

The retention and expansion of local businesses that have made Nanaimo their home is a fundamental strategy for the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation (NEDC). While some economic development efforts focus primarily on attracting new businesses, this program is designed to support the existing business base. Research across North America indicates that 60%-80% of new job creation is generated by existing businesses.

The Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation’s (NEDC) business retention and expansion program, Nanaimo Business Counts, is focused on creating a process in the community to support these businesses by building an ongoing dialogue and providing assistance in resolving issues, removing obstacles and expediting growth. To accomplish this NEDC will be launching facilitated monthly business sector forums. Each forum will be a fast paced session designed to garner feedback and solicit concrete recommendations from business owners and industry leaders.

“The NEDC is interested in hearing what our businesses need from us, so we can develop our workplan to impact their real concerns and make a difference” says AJ Hustins, Co-chair of NEDC.

Co-chair of NEDC, Moira Jenkins, shares that “participants will also discuss opportunities as much as the roadblocks they face. Exciting collaboration could come from these forums, when we share information on the existing strengths of our community.”

Information collected and resulting actions will be communicated on an ongoing basis via press releases, the NEDC newsletter and website. At the end of the year, the NEDC will host a special forum to present the findings of the sessions and the plan moving forward.

The first forum, scheduled for January 24, will focus on the construction sector. Invitation lists will include a cross-section of the industry. Businesses who do not receive an invitation but still wish to participate are asked to contact the NEDC at 250-591-1551 or katie.ferland@investnanaimo.com.

Clippers Host CJHL Western Canadian Championship

2012-01-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

Click Image For Full Details

Gasoline Pump Prices Explained

2012-01-17T05:28:00.000-08:00

It's Really Quite Simple!

They Charge What They Want

And We Pay What They Want

Port Theatre Needs Another $90,000

2012-01-17T04:09:00.000-08:00

$454,000.00 Not Enough To Avoid Changes

Mr. Halliday, manager of the Port Theatre asked city council to consider increasing the funding for the Port Theatre by another $90,000.00 to offset what he described as an operating deficit.

The poor financial showing is being blamed on declining ticket sales and higher operational costs. Not unlike the challenges all the business community has been wrestling with in recent years.

It did not seem that Mr. Halliday or the board charged with managing the theatre were considering addressing some of the 'harder' choices that may need to be made such as raising ticket prices or reducing overhead, such as either reducing staff numbers or rolling back staff wage packages. He did not seem to address the issue that some of the 'shows' they are booking are simply poor choices for the local market.

Mr. Halliday also said that the Port Theatre was the only 'presenting' theatre in the province, which I took to mean that they do not only rent space in the theatre but also enter into the arena of putting on events. A practice that other theatres may avoid for good reason, and one perhaps the local theatre may need to learn.

The Port Theatre makes the claim they have not had a deficit in the 14 years they have operated until this last year. Some, might consider they have been running a half million dollar deficit every year they HAVE been operating. How we look at things is sometimes skewed by where we sit.

It seems that the current economic realities are hard for local government run businesses to deal with as the private sector would have to deal. Enterprises 'run' by local government can simply come hat in hand to the public anytime they can't properly run their business. Ever increasing taxes is just another example of how local government can't seem to find the word reduce when it comes to spending YOUR tax dollars.

Perhaps the Port Theatre needs to be viewed more like the arena or swimming pool which also are not in the business of turning a profit and being self sustaining but are funded by the taxpayer as a result of a real or perceived community benefit. Or perhaps the theatre and the convention centre should be offered to the private sector via an expression of interest and for once and for all get city hall out of the business of running business, as clearly it is not something they do well.

Nanaimo and Canadian Home Prices Dec. 2011

2012-01-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

NANAIMO REAL ESTATE DECEMBER 2011

Total Nanaimo Home Sales

Decrease 11% Over 2010

Prices Down 7%

The average sale price decreased in December 2011 by 7% to $332,400.00. compared with $357,101.00 in December2010. For the month of December 2011 total number of sold homes in Nanaimo decreased from 64 units in December 2010 to 57 units for the month representing a decrease of 11%.

The prices on Vancouver Island seem to have not been subject to the same swings as other areas of the country. Nanaimo average house prices are still below their peak of $379,291 reached in Nov. 2008.

“Stability in the marketplace is the word of the day,” said outgoing VIREB President Jim Stewart. “Across the region the housing inventory remains stable. Homes that are priced competitively continue to sell. The opportunity for continued growth in 2012 is very strong, especially when compared to a lot of places in Canada.”

Comparing December 2010 to December 2011, the average sale prices across VIREB's six zones saw: Campbell River drop 11% (to $271,220), the Comox Valley went up 13% (to $364,422), Nanaimo went down 7% (to $332,400), Parksville/Qualicum was down 9% (to $343,292), Port Alberni/West Coast was down 26% to $177,179 and the Cowichan Valley was down 1% (to $363,172).

For more information about Nanaimo House Prices and comparisons use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Following sales figures are based on average MLS sales summaries for Nanaimo and other Canadian cities for November 2011.

National Average
December11 - $347,801
December10 - $344,782

Victoria BC
December 11- $469,484
December 10 - $496,814

Vancouver BC
December 11 - $689,057
December10 - $700,773

Calgary
December 11 - $392,661
December 10 - $381,308

Regina
December 11 - $273,919
December 10 - $251,690

Toronto
December 11 - $451,436
December 10 - $433,887

Ottawa
December 11 - $335,330
December 10 - $325,031

Nanaimo Prices December 11- $332,400.00 December 10 - $357,101.00(-7%)
Units Sold December11 - 57 December10 - 64 (-11%)

Remember that these prices provide a broad market trend only and do not necessarily reflect the true market value of real estate. For a proper evaluation of your property you need to consult one of the many professional realtors in Nanaimo.

Snow In Nanaimo Forecast

2012-01-16T07:38:00.000-08:00

Looks Like Winter Will Pay A Visit

According to the forecast on the Weather Channel it looks like Nanaimo may not have completely avoided Ole Man Winter after all. While so far it doesn't look like the forecasters are prediciting huge amounts of snow, they are predicting snow or snow showers for most of the week and with temperatures cold enough that whatever snow does fall will likely stay.

The colder temperatures will challenge your border line car battery, so know where your jumper cables are and start your car before the neighbours leave.

British Columbia Jobs Plan Website

2012-01-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

Click Image To Visit Website

THE BC JOBS PLAN

This BC government website offers job seekers and job creators the opportunity to participate on several different levels. There is the opportunity to share your ideas about creating jobs in your community and/or industry. You are invited to tell government what are the top three topics you would like to see discussed at a regional workforce table.

In addition there is good advice for job seekers outlining work search strategies, tools and services to help with their search. There is also a "Hot" Jobs page so you can find out where the jobs are - in your region.

This is a good interactive website which can give job seekers and creators some valuable information as well as the opportunity to help government form policies and make decisions that hopefully will provide good employment and business opportunities as we go forward in what are challenging times.

You can visit the BC JOBS PLAN website by clicking on the above image or HERE.

FPCOW Meetings Nanaimo City Hall

2012-01-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

Finance Policy Committee of the Whole Meeting

Monday January 16, 2012

City Hall Boardroom, 3:00PM

455 Wallace Street, Nanaimo

First be sure to note the start time for this meeting has changed from the usual 4:30 pm start to 3:00 pm.

This looks like a fairly informative meeting if you are interested in how various departments within the city use your millions of tax dollars. There will be presentations from The Port Theatre Society, Nanaimo Fire Chief, Police Support Manager and the Director of Strategic Relationships.

While sometimes these types of meetings contain 'too much information' they are usually very helpful in understanding the role different organizations and departments play within the day to day functioning of the city of Nanaimo.

There is also time allotted for anyone to address city council on matters related to the 2012 - 2016 Financial Plan, so if you have opinions on how and where and how much of YOUR taxes should be spent, now is the opportunity to let council hear from YOU.

You can view the agenda for this meeting HERE.

Special FPCOW

January 17th

There is also a special FPCOW scheduled for Tuesday January 17th at 1:30 PM which will also be held in the boardroom at city hall. While the agenda for this meeting is not posted as of this writing the link above for the Jan. 16th meeting agenda should lead to the Jan. 17th agenda once it is posted.

Nanaimo's Movers and Shakers

2012-01-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

Mayor Ruttan Top of The Heap

According to the Daily News Mayor Ruttan heads their list of the twenty most powerful people in Nanaimo. While the list makes for some interesting reading the accuracy of the list as to who the real Movers and Shakers are in Nanaimo is suspect. If the list is the product of the paper's editorial staff with the help of a few ballots from the public it makes for some interesting opinion and little else.

I suspect the REAL power brokers in Nanaimo shun the bright light of the camera's glare and choose to exercise their influence in the notorious 'back rooms' where of course we all know, the genuine power resides. It truly resides in the shadows where agendas are formed, politicians are funded and the direction of the community is planned and influenced by people, whose names will never make the 'most powerful' list.

One glaring example, puts Mayor Ruttan in first place with City Manager Al Kenning in 7th. Anyone who closely watches how city hall functions will realize the order here is completely reversed. You will seldom find a Mayor or Councilor who will not take the recommendations of the City Manager who, in my opinion is the one who actually crafts civic policy and directs city council in whatever direction he chooses.

Another name on the list which may not be entirely accurate is Mr. Duddy, publisher of the Daily News and others. While his influence at the helm of a large local media concern is considerable (presuming the public still reads papers) I would suspect the REAL power comes from his corporate bosses and local advertisers who may exercise considerable sway as to how his press handles different news items. Of course I could be wrong and in fact the local press may be fully autonomous and exists for the sole purpose of filling it's role as the fourth estate, desiring only to serve the public.

It could be my opinion is wrong and they did in fact fairly and in a balanced fashion report to the public on the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, low barrier housing and several issues flowing from city hall. Readers of this website will know, I sometimes feel that rather than printing presses, the local Daily engages spinning wheels as they craft their stories to influence public opinion at the direction of city hall and others.

Of course, I realize that is merely my opinion, and can remember finding myself mistaken many times over during my lifetime.

Congratulations To City Council

2012-01-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Overturns Committee Recommendation

Saves Taxpayers $3600

Councilor Brennan Opposed

Anyone reading this website will know I seldom find examples of fiscal prudence on the part of city council who seem to act as if how much they can spend shows how important they are.

That said, at the last City Council meeting they took the recommendation of city manager Al Kenning which saw a reduction in spending of $3600 from what the Social Planning Advisory Committee was recommending.

In a move that defies logic the SPAC recommended giving out grants which EXCEEDED the applicants request! The John Howard Society was asking for $2,000 and SPAC recommended $3,600, Independent Living requested $4,350 and SPAC recommended $5,350 and finally Tillicum Lelum was looking for $3,500 and SPAC recommended $4,500. The total number of YOUR tax dollars this committee was wanting to give away was $3,600 MORE than what was being asked for.

Councilor Brennan Supported Spending $3,600 More Than Asked For

It is noteworthy that Councilor Diane Brennan was the lone councilor who was opposed to the city managers recommendation to reduce the grants, meaning she alone supported spending $3,600 more than the applicants were asking for.

I am waiting for a reply from city hall as to who sits on this committee which seems hell bent on shoveling YOUR tax dollars out at a rate exceeding what is being asked for. When that information is available I will add it to this article. It will be interesting to see if these groups up their requests next round, as they clearly have been sent a message by this committee.

The message of course being that this committee with the support of Councilor Brennan can be quite generous with how they allocate tax dollars.

Finance Minister Kevin Falcon

2012-01-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

British Columbia Is Positioned Well

But Global Economy Still Fragile

At a short stop in Nanaimo, Finance Minister Kevin Falcon made it clear that the days of government running huge deficits and spending money like crazy are over, and that times of serious fiscal responsibility is the new reality with ALL levels of government. To that end his government is committed, and bound by legislation to deliver a balanced budget by 2013 - 2014.

While British Columbia is one of the few provinces enjoying a AAA credit rating which among other things makes borrowing money less expensive, it is not by any means immune from the ups and downs of the global economy. Pointing out the fact the province's debt to GDP ratio is 18% compared with a ratio of 140% for Greece among other factors makes the province very attractive for global investors who are looking for safe havens for resources.

Another focus for the future of the BC economy is less and less dependence upon the US market and a greater expansion into the Asian markets. The exporting of liquified natural gas to China for example would see revenues increase threefold.

The thrust of his speech addressed the opportunities facing BC as a whole and while there was nothing specific relating to Nanaimo those present should have been encouraged by the overall tone of his address.

It was good to note that MLA Ron Cantelon was able to participate in the short event as he is in recovery from his recent health challenges. Cantelon said in his introduction that it was REALLY good to be here.

Vancouver Island Short Film Festival

2012-01-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

FilmFestival Deadline Fast Approaching

Time isrunning out for local filmmakers to enter their films into the 2012 VancouverIsland Short Film Festival (VISFF).

Localfilmmakers have until Feb. 1 to enter this year’s VISFF, which is celebratingits seventh anniversary bringing filmmakers and filmgoers together. The VISFFis an annual event that continues to be the only short film festival on Vancouver Island that focuses on local talent.

“We’re excitedto see this year’s great entries,” said Johnny Blakeborough, VISFF FestivalDirector. “There’s still time left to finish up any film projects and get themto us before the Feb. 1st deadline, so we are expecting a lot of incrediblefilms from our local artists.”

Thefestival is open to all genres of films that are 12 minutes in length or less,including credits. In past years, the VISFF only accepted films of 10 minutesor less, but this year, the organizers decided to extend the time limit.

Anotherexciting addition to this year’s festival is the inclusion Grammy and Emmyaward winning film/animation producer Terrance Fitzgerald as a festival judgeand having this year’s awards designed by internationally renowned ceramicartist Brendan Tang.

“We arethrilled to have such an talented film producer as Terry as one of our judges,”said Blakeborough. “And having an amazing artist like Brendan Tang design ourawards is an incredible honour. It’s going to be a great year for thefestival.”

TheMalaspina Theatre on the Nanaimo Campus of Vancouver Island University willplay host to the Festival on April 13th and 14th at 7PM. Building on thesuccess of previous years, the 2012 show will be comprised of 12 -20 juriedfilms.

Filmsshould be submitted on MiniDV, DVD or VHS tape. Filmmakers may submit multipleentries, but each film requires a separate entry form and fee. Each film mustbe submitted separately (on a separate DVD etc.) and no filmmaker shall havemore than 2 films selected for the show. The VISFF is a juried event with filmsreceiving the distinction of official selection entitled to artist fees.

Entriesmust be dropped off or postmarked no later than February 1st 2012. Mail ordrop off entries to The Nanaimo Arts Council in Nanaimo North-Town Centre ormail to #259, 4750 Rutherford Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 4K6

Entry formsand guideline are available at www.visff.com/submission/

For moreinformation, email admin@visff.com or call 250-729-3947.

Nanaimo BC Ferries Cancellations

2012-01-13T05:03:00.000-08:00

Departure Bay, Horseshoe Bay & Tsawwassen Cancellations

Due to operational issues and mechanical problems BC Ferries is cancelling the following:

Friday January 13, 2012 sailings from
Queen of Oak Bay 6:30 am departing Horseshoe Bay
8:30 am departing Departure bay
Check for updates and current sailing status HERE

Friday January 13, 2012 sailings from
7:45 am departing Tsawwassen
10:15 am departing Departure Bay
Check for updates and current sailing status HERE.

For traffic updates or more information call toll free 1-888-BCFERRY (223-3779) or use the links above for current conditions. For more complete information including conditions at all terminals visit the Nanaimo Info website HERE.

Where Some Of YOUR Tax Dollars Go

2012-01-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

The above chart is the organizational chart as presented in the City of Nanaimo Financial Plan for the period 2012 - 2016, with dollar figures added for each position.

It should be noted that most of these numbers are understated from what they actually are because the source data is about 12 months out of date. I intend to update the chart as new data is made available.

You can bet that since the recent settlement of 6% over three years and a hefty increase in some benefits for unionized staff, the exempt city staff will also see their pay packets increased as well.

The number noted above 'Mayor and Council' is for 8 Councilors and the Mayor and includes their old wage scale plus a taxable benefit which not all Councilors take advantage of. It is noteworthy that the single position of City Manager is equal to 72% of the cost for the Mayor and 8 Councilors. Just sayin' ............

Nanaimo House Prices Dec. 2011

2012-01-12T07:27:00.000-08:00

Nanaimo Real Estate Home Sales

Nanaimo House Prices Dec. 2011
Prices Down 7% - Sales Down 11%

The following information is taken from the MLS sales data from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board. The information is based on single-family residential unit sales.

For the month of December 2011 total number of sold homes in Nanaimo decreased from 64 units in December 2010 to 57 units for the month of December 2011 representing a decrease of 11%.

The average sale price decreased in December 2011 by 7% to $332,400.00 compared with $357,101.00 in December 2010. It is off from the November 2011 average of $361,210.00
by nearly 8%.

VIREB cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time, but does not indicate the actual prices in centers comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas.

2011 Sales In VIREB Area Remains Stable

Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales summary data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) shows that 2011 was a solid and stable year for Real Estate activity on Vancouver Island. Across VIREB’s six zones average sales prices remained virtually unchanged from what they were in 2010. The 2011 average sales price for a home sold within VIREB’s coverage area was $341,537, down incrementally from 2010’s $342,324 average price

“Stability in the marketplace is the word of the day,” said outgoing VIREB President Jim Stewart. “Across the region the housing inventory remains stable. Homes that are priced competitively continue to sell. The opportunity for continued growth in 2012 is very strong, especially when compared to a lot of places in Canada.”

Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) statistics for December 2011 indicated a seasonal drop in sales activity for the month. Across the VIREB area there were 182 single family units sold in December, a decrease of 19% compared to December 2010 when 264 homes were sold. The average price of a single family home sold in December 2011 through the VIREB MLS® system was $315,239 down 6% from the $333,710 posted in December 2010.

However the MLS® stats also report that there were 5.5% more listings on the market in VIREB’s coverage area then at the same point in 2010. Currently there are 2,022 single family homes listed on the MLS® system as compared to the 1,912 homes listed for sale at the end of December 2010.

“Because we have a good foundation in our Real Estate market this is a good time to get into the marketplace,” explained VIREB President Guy Bezeau. “Price wise we’re pretty much unchanged when compared to last year. Overall there is stabilized, cautious optimism for 2012.”

Comparing December 2010 to December 2011, the average sale prices across VIREB's six zones saw: Campbell River drop 11% (to $271,220), the Comox Valley went up 13% (to $364,422), Nanaimo went down 7% (to $332,400), Parksville/Qualicum was down 9% (to $343,292), Port Alberni/West Coast was down 26% to $177,179 and the Cowichan Valley was down 1% (to $363,172).

Tell Government What You Think

2012-01-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

Click Image To Visit 'My B.C. Budget' Website

Have Your Say About The B.C. Budget

VICTORIA – Finance Minister Falcon has launched a new website that invites British Columbians to balance the budget for 2013-14.

The Finance Minister said: “Balancing a $44-billion budget for 4.5 million people demands difficult choices. I hope this tool will help demystify the budget process and give British Columbians an opportunity to learn about some of the choices required to balance the budget.”

The My B.C. Budget website — www.gov.bc.ca/mybcbudget — uses forecasts from Budget 2011 and the September quarterly report to let people see the effect of raising and lowering revenues and spending on the provincial budget, with the goal of eliminating the 2013-14 deficit, which was forecast in September to be $458 million.

Once people have achieved a balanced budget, they can send their solutions to the finance minister with their comments. The website also includes informative facts about the budget and is one of several ways the government is consulting with British Columbians in the lead-up to Budget 2012.

The government has a legislated commitment to balance the 2013-14 budget.

Comment: The government had a legislated commitment to NEVER run a deficit.... remember??

Mayor Ruttans Response Deceitful?

2012-01-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

In the January 5, 2012 issue of the Nanaimo Bulletin, Mayor Ruttan is asked whether the city can afford all of the projects being undertaken. His answer that because we have budgeted for them, therefore we can afford them strikes me as a little odd, or at least telling as to his logic. Simply becasue city staff recommends something and council rubber stamps it and puts it into a budget, does not mean the people paying the freight can actually afford it.

He also went on to say "People say they want a zero increase and our response is always, 'OK, what are you prepared to give up first?'."

This is the answer that I find difficult to take on face value when you consider how, this time last year, city staff and city council decided, behind closed doors to spend the equivalent of the next five years tax increases on a shiny new office for city staff.

I suspect that had the Mayor asked taxpayers last year "OK, are you prepared to give up the shiny new office for city staff in exchange for zero tax increases for the next five years", we would have seen the existing Annex either left as is, or improved which would have eliminated the need for tax increases for either 4 or 5 years.

To this day, you can't find out why council decided last year to be so generous with YOUR tax dollars! To say that we are ALWAYS asked what we are prepared to give up first is the answer that I would class as being deceitful or at the very least totally inaccurate.

Use Your Gift Cards

2012-01-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

Many Gift Cards Never Get Used!

Did you get a gift card for Christmas from family members, a friend or perhaps co-workers? Well, it may not look like cash, but it is as good as cash and it is amazing how many of these cards never get redeemed. Making them a very profitable item for the retailer.

In Canada gift cards can not expire, however, they are just as likely to collect dust on a shelf or in a drawer someplace and never get used if you are like many people. There is a gift card exchange website in Canada which claims we spend about $6 billion a year on gift cards, and that nearly $1 billion are never redeemed. The site www.cardswap.ca offers to sell your unwanted gift card for a % of the face value which may be an alternative if you have a gift card you simply would never use.

I know my wife has a $100 spa visit gift card she received as a gift two years ago, and it still occupies a space on the side of the fridge under a magnet. So, look around and you too could have a few dollars just laying around which you might be able to put to good use.

City Hall Annex Construction

2012-01-11T05:21:00.000-08:00

Click Image To View Live Camera

City Hall Annex Construction Live Camera

Watch Your $16,000,000.00 Being Spent!

Perhaps this is city managers idea of being open and transparent when it comes to the new city hall annex. A few of the questions still not answered, and hidden away in secret behind the 'In Camera' veil are:

Why choose to spend $16 million, when $4 million would have upgraded the existing building?
Why no consultants report prepared showing a cost/benefit analysis to renovating or building new?
Why the sudden urgency?
Why won't councilors bring this whole matter out into the open, are they afraid to have to stand behind their decisions?
Why was a $12 million building contract awarded without going to public tender?

Can Goose Stand More Plucking?

2012-01-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

Poor Old Goose Doesn't Even Hiss Anymore!!

The old saying that the art of taxation is to extract the maximum number of feathers with the least amount of hissing. Well, it seems as if our political masters be they civic, provincial or federal must have been slipping some Prozac into the goose's feed lately as the poor old thing doesn't seem to realize it is nearly naked!

Locally, while city council gave themselves a nice raise, city employees got another 6% increase over the next three years, on top of their already arguably out of balance with the private sector pay packet. There is at least a 4% residential tax increase in the works this year and 16% over the next five years (that is merely a pipe dream if you consider what is coming down the pipe) and 25% increase in water fees over the next five years.

If that isn't enough to rouse you from your Prozac induced daze consider a few other ways BC residents will be getting plucked this year:

Health care premiums went up 6% on January 1, meaning a family of 2 or more will pay another $84 a year.
ICBC raises it's basic premium by 11.2% or $68 a year for the average customer. This can be reduced if you don't buy third party insurance.
Hydro rates are going up nearly 4% on April 1 which will add another $36 year to teh average bill.
Another cent a litre on gasoline come July as the carbon tax increases to 6.67 cents/litre.
Unemployment insurance premiums and Canada Pension Plan payments will also be increasing adding another $142 leaving the average paycheque.

When you hear city hall tell you that another 4% tax increase is 'sustainable', taken in isolation that may be the case, however, when you add it to all the other 'sustainable' tax grabs it sooner or later is no longer sustainable. The fact is for the people living in Nanaimo relying on food banks, and school feeding program, the current levels of taxation are not sustainable.

However, when you are among the highest paid managers in the province (as our top level city managers are) the idea that a 4% increase may not be sustainable is a concept they simply can't identify with.

Things On The Net That Make 'Ya Smile

2012-01-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

Oh Lady ........ Forget Something???

Malaspina Gardens RNs Hopeful

2012-01-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

According to an article in the Daily News the union representing 22 RNs currently employed at Malaspina Gardens is hopeful some alternative can be found to avoid laying off their members.

To be clear, a total of 177 workers at Malaspina Gardens have been served with layoff notice, but this union is only representing the 22 RNs. The BC Nurses Union spokesman was under the impression their members would have been excluded by the layoff notice, but that assumption was based on a inaccurate interpretation of BC labour law.

The union for the nurses is hopeful their members can at least negotiate enhanced severance and retraining among other options. Apparently after working in geriatrics for a long period, it is often difficult for nureses to get hired within acute care.

What Is Really Going On??

The concept of a 'for profit' company trying to control labour costs is not an unreasonable one, however, you might think that 'qualified' workers should command a fair wage regardless if Chartwell hires them directly or indirectly through contracting out. In other words, you would think the people presently working at Malaspina Gardens would be first in line to be hired by another company at pretty much the same wage?

Another possibility which I am just throwing out here, is the notion that with the education industry busily churning out new students in their health care programs there may not be a shortage of new, inexperienced people in the job marketplace. These newbies, may very well be willing to take senior employees jobs for less pay to start,since they likely have a mountain of student debt staring them in the face.

It is also difficult to understand that with an ever aging population, and a health care industry which tells us a shortage of workers is a problem that qualified people would be unemployed for very long.

Port Theatre Nanaimo Jan. 13, 17, 19, 21

2012-01-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

NIKKI PAYNE

Friday, Jan. 13th 7:30 pm

Tickets & Details

CLASSICAL COFFEE CONCERT SERIES

Tuesday, January 17th 10:30 am

Tickets & Details

GERRY DEE

Thursday, January 19th, 8:00 pm

Tickets & Details

BOB SAGET

Saturday, January 21st 8:00 pm

Bob Saget's only show on Vancouver Island!

Tickets & Details

Nanaimo City Workers New Contract

2012-01-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Nanaimo Municipal Employees Ratify Agreement
6% Increase Over 3 Years

CUPE Local 401 workers and the City of Nanaimo have reached a new collective agreement. The three year deal covers January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013.

The new contract, recently ratified by both CUPE and City Council, includes wage increases of two percent in each of the three years, as well as some modest improvements to employee benefits and allowances. The monetary agreement is generally consistent with other recent CUPE municipal settlements on Vancouver Island.

“The City is pleased to have concluded this round of bargaining in a productive and professional manner and I want to thank all of those who were involved in the process,” Mayor John Ruttan said as he announced Council’s approval of the new contract. “We look forward to a continuation of our good relationship with the union and our employees who provide such excellent service to the community.”

CUPE Local 401 represents approximately 750 Nanaimo employees who provide municipal services.

Nanaimo and Area Woodstove Exchange Program

2012-01-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

Woodstove exchange program
$250 Rebate Available

While incentives last, home owners can access a $250 rebate when replacing an old wood burning appliance with an EPA/CSA-certified wood burning, pellet, or gas stove or insert. In addition to the rebates being offered by the Regional District of Nanaimo and member municipalities, many participating retailers are offering additional incentives towards the purchase of an eligible appliance.

Purchase of eligible products or services must be made after program start date January 16th, 2012. For complete details about the woodstove exchange program visit the RDN website HERE.

Things On The Net That Make 'Ya Smile

2012-01-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

Only A Slight Colour Mismatch

Otherwise A Great Bit Of Body Work

Tips For A Healthier You This New Year

2012-01-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA – Are you looking for ways for you and your family to lead healthier lives this New Year?
Here are our top ten healthy living tips for 2012:

1. Reduce theamount of sodium your family eats – We all need some sodium, but most of useat about 3,400 mg per day. That is more than double the amount of sodium weneed. Eating too much sodium can cause high blood pressure, stroke, heartdisease and kidney disease. Experiment with herbs and spices instead of salt toflavour your food. Use fewer processed and packaged foods. Substitute freshfruits and vegetables, unsalted popcorn or unsalted nuts for salty snacks.Small changes can make a big difference.

2. Limitconsumption of sugary drinks – Did you know that some sugarydrinks can have as many calories as a meal? These extra calories can lead toobesity and other health risks. Sugary drinks have little or no nutrition andoften take the place of healthier beverages such as milk. Make water your firstchoice to satisfy thirst and keep you hydrated.

3. Fit infitness – It’s not always easy to squeeze in a workout, but even smallamounts of physical activity can help improve your health. Try taking thestairs instead of the elevator, getting off the bus a few stops ahead of yourdestination or make walking the dog a family outing.

4. Quit smoking– The health benefits of quitting smoking start to occur almost immediately.After 20 minutes, blood pressure and pulse rate decrease and by a year, therisk of a smoking-related heart attack is cut in half. For helpful tools andtips, visit: www.quitnow.ca

British Columbians canalso access the Smoking Cessation Program by calling 8-1-1 for free nicotinereplacement gum or patches. Prescription smoking cessation drugs are covered asbenefits under PharmaCare.

5. Spend moretime with family and friends – There’s nothing like connecting with friendsand family. Think about ways you can mix it up for a healthier 2012. Put your coffeein a to-go cup and change your weekly coffee date with friends to a walk. Ifyou're at home with kids, get active by doing jumping jacks, playing tag ordancing around the house – or pick a healthy recipe and get the whole familyinvolved in learning how to make it.

6. Moderatealcohol intake – Many of us enjoy a drink when socializing, relaxing andcelebrating, but chronic heavy alcohol use, as well as occasional excessive useof alcohol, can harm your health. Drink slowly. Have no more than two drinks inany three hours. Eat before and while you are drinking. For every drink ofalcohol, have one non-alcoholic drink.

7. Control yourportions and eat healthier – Reducing portion sizes can help us cut back onunneeded sugar, fat and calories. Look at ways to incorporate more fruits andvegetables into your meals and snacks. Eating a wide variety of vegetables andfruit has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, high bloodpressure, stroke and diabetes.

8. Work/lifebalance for less stress – Working to achieve more of a balance between ourwork and personal lives can leave us feeling more rested and energized, helpimprove our relationships with family and friends, and leave us more time forphysical and mental wellness. It’s not always easy, but try to schedule timefor quick breaks throughout the day. When you get home, put aside unnecessarychores and take some time for you.

9. Get your flushot – Getting sick with the flu can sometimes cause serious healthconsequences for you and your loved ones. By protecting yourself, you also helpprotect others.

10. Get enoughsleep – Getting enough sleep can have an important impact on our overallhealth and mental well-being. Maintaining a regular bedtime routine, avoidingcaffeine before bed, and being physically active during the day can all helpmake getting to sleep easier.

MoreInformation and tips for getting healthier this New Year, check out: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca

Driving Knowledge Test

2012-01-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

Up For A Challenge?

By clicking the above image you will be able to take the online practice knowledge test on the ICBC website.

The test is designed to help new drivers assess whether they are ready to take the test to attain their learner's licence.

Been driving for years??? Take the test and see if they'd give you a learner's permit again!!

Nanaimo Unemployment Rate Dec. 2011

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Nanaimo Unemployment Rate 6.3%

Provincial Rate 6.4%

It would appear that the unemployment situation in Nanaimo is in pretty good shape, and compared to the 16% rate reported during 2011 it would seem the local job market has improved immensely.

That perhaps is the case, but seems to fly in the face of the reality of the increasing number of people relying on the food banks and signing up for Christmas Hampers this year.

Are these statistics reliable at all? I really have my doubts considering the swing from 16% to 6% with no apparent explanation that is tangible. I have not been able to find the source of information used by Stats Canada when calculating these numbers, I hope it is better than picking numbers out of a hat, but have my doubts.

The other huge question these stats raise, is what do the numbers really mean? If everyone in Nanaimo who was unemployed last month, moved to Alberta or Sask. where jobs are going begging, our unemployment rate would miraculously fall to 0%. Another question unanswered would be the scenario of a person who lost their job, have been collecting unemployment insurance, which finally runs out and are forced to collect welfare. That person, I presume would no longer be counted among the unemployed.

At the end of the day, society likes to have it's yardsticks, but if they are as unreliable as this stat may well be, you have to wonder if the money spent compiling these reports, couldn't be better spent some other way.

Nanaimo City Council Meeting Jan. 9, 2012

2012-01-06T14:19:00.001-08:00

Nanaimo City Council Meeting

Monday, January 9, 2012 - 7:00 PM
Shaw Auditorium

Vancouver Island Convention Centre

Democracy Works When The Public Stays Involved

It Is Too Important To Leave To Politicians

Dealing With 2012 - 2016
Financial Plan
Tax Increases Planned 16%
Water Rates Increase 25%

Get Your Picture Published

2012-01-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

Activity Guide Cover Contest

Do you have a picture that captures life in Nanaimo? The City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture department would like to share it with the city on the cover of the upcoming spring/summer Activity Guide. If you have an image of people enjoying city parks, taking part in recreation activities or exploring our local culture, you are encouraged to submit it. Three selected images will be placed on the city’s facebook page and fans will then choose the winning picture to grace the cover of the upcoming fall/winter guide. Submissions must be received by Friday, January 13th.

“Apart from the actual release date of the guides, this contest is the best part of the Activity Guide process,” exclaims Suzanne Samborski, Senior Manager of Recreation and Culture. “The images we receive always remind us of why we do what we do, and why we all live here!”
Submitted images must feature at least one person to a maximum of three people enjoying Nanaimo’s parks, recreation programs or cultural activities. Images must be high resolution (minimum 350 dpi) and of high quality to qualify. Photos should clearly represent the spring/summer seasons and what Nanaimo’s lifestyle is all about. People pictured must also be willing to sign photo releases.

Images can be submitted online at http://cnan.ca/ivveud , or by dropping off a disc at any city operated recreation facility. A full list of the contest guidelines can be found online. For more information please call 250 756 5200.

Lose Weight Cheaply

2012-01-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

Losing Weight & Staying Fit

Without Breaking The Bank

Here are some inexpensive ways to lose weight and stay fit:

Start a neighborhood walking club. Invite neighbors who have dogs to come along. Or join a local pick-up game of dodgeball, basketball or racquetball. At the most, you'll need the equipment for the game. Set a weekly time for games and a daily time for the walks. Having other people involved will help encourage you to continue moving and exercising.
Add healthy ingredients that benefit your body to your daily menu. For example, relaxing with a cup of natural tea can help you reduce body fat and increase your metabolism rate. Green tea leaves contain vitamins C and E and a good amount of fiber. If you prefer black tea, it's benefits include help with digestion.
Drinking a cup of tea (without the sugar or cream calories added) after each meal will help you slowly dissolve fat in your body. Premium tea leaves give you the best quality and best taste.
Do your own home workout. Grab a full jug of laundry detergent and use it for some lifting. If you're looking for something lighter, fill a plastic bottle with water to use as a weight. Start dancing around your house and in no time you'll break a sweat. This is great for cardiovascular exercise, and enjoyable if you can crank up your favorite tunes.
Borrow a fitness video from the library and tone your body with the experts. Repeat the video several times and then switch it for a new one from the library. If you have cable or satellite television, tune into some of the fitness channels for different programs. You'll find styles ranging from yoga workouts to belly dancing to step aerobics. Set specific times each week to run through a 30-minute workout.
Clean the house. Pushing a vacuum at a rapid pace is good exercise. So is scrubbing floors or bathtubs. These activities also are good for toning muscles.

Don't let money keep you from accomplishing your goal of losing weight and getting fit. If one exercise or activity gets boring, switch to another to keep your workout fresh and to target different muscles. And organize a plan with a friend or family member so you can help keep each other on task to accomplishing both of your goals.

FPCOW Special Meetings

2012-01-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Note Times For Special FPCOW Meetings

For those who follow such city hall business, you will be aware that most Finance Policy Committee of the Whole (FPCOW) meetings happen on the Mondays which are alternate to the regular City Council Meetings. They also usually start at 4:30PM (meaning most working people can't attend) and are held in the city hall boardroom as opposed the Shaw Auditorium where regular council meetings are held.

With the introduction of the new Financial Plan for the next five years, the city has scheduled several Special FPCOW meetings to deal specifically with the budget. This is the time for YOU to see how city council and city staff will determine how to spend YOUR tax dollars, and how many of YOUR tax dollars they are going to spend. If you aren't a fan of ever-increasing taxes,now is your chance to offer your input and make suggestions as to how you want to see YOUR city run.

Follows are the changes to the FPCOW meeting schedules for the first half of January 2012:

Tues. Jan. 10, 2012 City Hall Boardroom Starts at 1:30PM
Mon. Jan. 16, 2012 City Hall Boardroom Starts at 3:00 PM
Tues. Jan. 17, 2012 City Hall Boardroom Starts at 1:30 PM

Nanaimo Can Order Fresh Produce

2012-01-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

Faires farms are once again taking subscriptions for this year's weekly delivery of local and organically grown food. They deliver weekly to Nanaimo and have several different orders to choose from ranging from $18.00 - $28.00 per week plus a delivery charge of only $3.50 for Nanaimo customers.

Their delivery season begins May 15th but they begin planting Feb. 1st so they are encouraging this year's customers to subscribe now, so they can plan their growing season. They have limited spaces available, so to avoid disappointment you are encouraged to enter your subscription early.

You can visit the Faires farms website HERE or by clicking on either of the images above. One of the farms stated goals is "From our soil to your home in the same day".

Departure Bay to Tsawwassen Vessel Replacement

2012-01-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

Queen of Coquitlam January 5 - January 19,2012

Departure Bay - Tsawwssen

While the Coastal Inspiration is removed from service for repairs, the Queen of Coquitlam will sail on the Departure Bay – Tsawwassen route commencing January 5, 2012.

The Queen of Coquitlam does have a smaller carrying capacity for commercial traffic and reservations are strongly recommended. Commercial operators are reminded the Queen of Coquitlam has a height clearance of 15’0” and maximum width of 14’0”.

It is anticipated the Coastal Inspiration will return to scheduled service on approximately January 20, 2012.

For reservations or additional sailing information please visit www.bcferries.com or call 1-888 BCFERRY (223-3779).

Nanaimo Drinking Water

2012-01-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Is Our Water Safe??

The recent heavy rainfalls have surely increased the level of turbidity in the Nanaimo drinking water supply. Yet, I am puzzled as to why there has been no boil water advisory issued, since one of the reasons for spending $65 million on a new treatment plant is because our current means of treating water is not effective given high levels of turbidity.

It is not that long ago, that Mayor Ruttan graced the front page of the local daily with a warning that our drinking water may not be safe.

So, what is it really........if turbidity renders our drinking water treatment incapable of supplying safe drinking water, why is this apparent health risk being ignored?? Unless, of course the risk is grossly overstated and the taxpayer is being led down the garden path by the bureaucrats at city hall and at VIHA.

Harmac To Produce Electricity

2012-01-05T07:49:00.000-08:00

$45 Million Generation Plant Announced

The local daily reports that Nanaimo Forest Products has inked a deal with BC Hydro to supply 25 megawatts of green electricity, the equivalent to supply 17,000 homes for a year.

What is not made clear in the report is how burning wood waste (hog fuel) is considered to be a source of green energy. I believe sometime ago a gas burning, electric generation project planned for Duke Point was scuttled over environmental concerns.

The project to build the plant is reported to be worth $45 million and will provide 85 full time construction jobs for 18 months during the building phase. Apparently the project is being totally privately funded and whether or not any of the $27 million Harmac received in government grants will help fund this project is not clear.

Given that the source for fuel to run this electric generation plant is wood waste, it would seem the future of the generation station is directly tied to an active forest industry constantly producing waste?

It is also reported Mr. Sampson says the construction of the plant will begin "immediately"; which seems a little amazing considering how long it usually takes to get approval to build a storage shed on your property if you are a private citizen. How in the world Harmac has all the approvals in place to satisfy the environmental interests and be in the position to start immediately is perhaps the most interesting detail of this whole story.

To be continued .........

Finance Minister In Nanaimo

2012-01-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Finance Minister Kevin Falcon

BC Finance Minister Kevin Falcon will be in Nanaimo on January 13 as guest speaker for an event put on by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Falcon will be addressing the external factors that are a risk to the Province's outlook and options for British Columbians to help grow the BC economy into 2012.

The event will be in the Newcastle Island Lobby at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre starting at 10:00 AM on January 13, 2012.

While there is no admission charged, if you wish to attend please confirm your intent by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 250-756-1191 or via email to reception@nanaimochamber.bc.ca.

2012-01-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

‘Spirit of the Wild’ Evening

with Biologist Wayne McCrory -Valhalla Wilderness Society

Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, Friday, January 13, 2012 7-9pm Doors open at 6:30pm

Moorecroft Park Cougar Sighting

2012-01-04T06:33:00.000-08:00

The RDN is telling parents to keep their children close when visiting Moorecroft Park in Nanoose as a large cougar was spotted last Thursday.

While the event is not surprising, and there were no cougar/human conflicts people still need to be aware of the potential danger and keep a watchful eye out. Keeping an eye on your small pets is also a good idea.

Here are some tips of what to do if you encounter a cougar, more complete information can be viewed on the Ministry of Environment website:

Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous.
Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
Pick all children up off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily and their rapid movements may provoke an attack.
Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don't crouch down or try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.

Malaspina Gardens Layoff Notices

2012-01-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

150 Workers Affected By Notice

VANCOUVER, Jan. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - A nursing home operator in Nanaimo is bringing in the New Year by issuing lay-off notices to more than 150 local health care workers.

Mississauga-based Chartwell Seniors' Housing REIT— the operator of Malaspina Gardens - today gave six months' notice of layoff to its staff and confirmed that it will contract out their work.
It's a move that will disrupt the continuity of care for the frail elderly and others who receive care at the facility, according to the Hospital Employees' Union.

"Chartwell has decided to lay off this team of committed and experienced health care workers - some with decades of service at Malaspina Gardens - in order to protect its profit margin," says HEU secretary-business manager Bonnie Pearson.

"It's just one more example of how provincial government policies in this sector have failed seniors and their families and put the economic security of health care workers - mostly women - at risk."

Pearson notes that Chartwell will continue to receive public funding to operate Malaspina Gardens and will face no financial penalty for lowering the boom on its workers. It will be able to keep any savings that result from contracting out to a low-wage subcontractor.

At Least We Don't Have To Shovel It

2012-01-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

Your Gutters Shouldn't Look Like This

The weather office still has a rainfall warning in effect for the east coast of Vancouver Island with as much as another 40 mm of rain expected in some areas for Wed. Jan. 4.

Now is a good time to check and make sure your gutters are not plugged as overflowing gutters can cause serious water damage to parts of your house. If you are unsteady or uncertain about yourself on a ladder, look in the employment wanted sections for someone to come and clear your gutters. It could be money well spent. Make sure anyone you do hire, is properly insured and that they carry their own worker's compensation coverage.

If you rely on a sump pump to remove water from your basement, check to make sure it is working properly as they are known to fail from time to time.

In the meantime consider yourself fortunate that all that precipitation is not falling as the white stuff and remember that is one of the many benefits of living on the wet coast of Canada.

Port Theatre Nanaimo January 5th

2012-01-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

The Jim Cuddy Band

Thursday, Jan. 5th, 7:30 PM

Tickets & Details

Calling All Nanaimo Area Actors

2012-01-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

First Ever Nanaimo Group Audition

January 7 & 8, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Nanaimo Centre Stage

For the first time in the history of Nanaimo, three local theatre companies are working together to hold a general audition call for each of their seasons. All with upcoming projects this spring and fall, Schmooze Productions, Western Edge Theatre & Pacific Coast Stage Company (producers of Fringetastic) will hold collaborative general-call auditions at Nanaimo Centre Stage 1 - 4 pm on January 7 & 8.

The three companies are auditioning for separate musical projects in the upcoming year. Pacific Coast Stage is developing an adapted version of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog (January 25, 26, 27 at Vancouver Island University), Schmooze Productions is mounting the full-scale, critically acclaimed musical smash hit, The Full Monty (April 19 - May 12 at Nanaimo Centre Stage) and Western Edge is prepping for its original new musical, Moonbound! (Fall 2012, also at Nanaimo Centre Stage).

For those interested in attending, Auditions are from 1-4pm, January 7 & 8, and all auditioners are asked to prepare a short monologue (or a reading or just tell a good story). In order to be considered for a role in an upcoming musical, auditioners must also perform 16 bars of their best song, be prepared to test vocal range with an accompanist, and perform a short choreographed movement sequence.

For more information about specific projects, feel free to contact individual company’s websites or ask at auditions. Better yet, search facebook for the Name of the company, become a fan and “poke” us.

Company websites are:

Western Edge (http://westernedge.ning.com/)

Schmooze Productions (http://www.schmoozeproductions.com/)

Pacific Coast Stage Co. (http://fringetastic.com)

Recycling The Old Television

2012-01-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

Old Television Extreme Recycle

No need to invest in a new television stand to put the new flatscreen TV on, or haul that heavy old tube television to the recycle exchange. Two birds with one stone!

RID 911 Makes Road Safer

2012-01-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

Help Police Catch Drunk Drivers

A recent call to RID 911 by an alert citizen saw RCMP remove a drunk driver who blew 0.2 on a breathalizer test.

The legal limit for impaired driving is 0.08 so the level of intoxication in this case was quite high. The driver had been spotted weaving all over Lantzville Road and thankfully the call to RID 911 saw him removed from the road before harming either himself or anyone else.

New Church In Nanaimo

2012-01-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

New Horizons Church Opens

New Horizons is a new non-denominational church operating out of the Wellington Community Hall at 3922 Corunna Ave. They will be open for the first time on Sunday, Jan. 8/2012 at 10:00 am.

“In a world with so much uncertainty and instability, we desire to be a gathering of people who purposefully and actively reach out and make a positive difference in the lives of people in Nanaimo and it’s surrounding communities,” said Robert Dockerill, church pastor.

Dockerill believes there is room for more churches in Nanaimo since the uniqueness of each church reaches diverse groups of people in the city.

“History reveals that more lives are touched by the gospel of Jesus Christ through the planting of new churches,” he said.

All visitors are welcome to attend. For more information, please e-mail newhorizonschurch@shaw.ca.

Mt Washington Outback Open

2012-01-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

Mountain Information & Notices

On behalf of the staff and management of Mount Washington Alpine Resort we would like to wish everyone a happy, safe and healthy 2012!

The conditions are by far the best of the season so far. And great news, the Outback opened Sunday, January 1st. What an awesome way to bring in the New Year!! There's more snow in the forecast so bring it on La Nina, good on ya girl!

Things are getting deeper and looking sweet but some rocks and terrain obstacles are still lurking under the new snow so please use caution and ride smart! Early season conditions still exist so once again, use extra caution and access terrain through the gated areas.

Adrian Dix Attack Ad

2012-01-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

Note:Email Subscribers may have to visit Nanaimo Info Blog to view videos.

Attack Ads Already?

BC Liberals are warming up for the next election early it would seem. They have run the above Adrian Dix attack ad in some TV spots as well as setting up a website RiskyDix.ca where they take full aim at Mr. Dix.

NDP Ad Took Aim At Clark

Not long ago the NDP took a few shots at Liberal leader Christy Clark clearly attempting to tie her to the 'same old, same old Liberals'.

It Might Be Refreshing.....

If politicians of ALL stripes instead of being constantly in 'campaign mode' were in governing mode with the objective of working cooperatively for the good of the people as a whole! Let's face it, it takes very little skill to occupy the opposition benches as there is always something which can be criticized with ANY policy. But instead of constantly wagging fingers and telling us how bad the other party's ideas are, how about putting forward some concrete suggestions which can improve on policy being discussed. It seems as if all parties have to pretend that their ideas are the only valid ones and they can never acknowledge the upside of the other party's ideas.

Unproven System....

Let's face it, whether you are right wing, left wing or no wing this whole system of wealth distribution and self governance is a work in progress since we have no time in history to draw from as an example of a perfectly functioning democracy. As Churchill is credited as saying.... democracy is the worst form of government ..... except for all the others we have tried.

The Occupy movement of this past year is an example of an outward demonstration of the frustration experienced in some quarters by the current state of affairs. I would suggest, that as long as men have ruled over men there has always been inequalities in the system. That is just the nature of men.

Nanaimo School Registration 2012

2012-01-02T04:30:00.000-08:00

For September 2012 School Start

If you are the parent of a new student in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district who will be starting school in Sept. 2012 or if you wish to change schools or program, you can register starting this coming Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012.

If your child will be five years old before Jan. 1, 2013 you have the option of enrolling them for the Sept. 2012 school start, or deferring enrollement until the following year. If you wish to register your child for the 2012 start, the school board encourages you to register your child at the closest school as soon as possible, bringing your child's birth certificate and proof of address.

If you wish to register your child in a school outside your catchment area the deadline for that registration is March 30, 2012.

For more information about Nanaimo area schools visit Nanaimo Info HERE or the school district website HERE.

2011-12-31T00:30:00.000-08:00

BBC Symphony, Chorus & Singers - Auld Lang Syne

Email subscribers may have to visit Nanaimo Blog To View Video

Nanaimo Generosity Worthy Of Note

2011-12-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

Nanaimo Rises To The Challenge

While this past year has seen an ever increasing reliance on food banks in our city and an estimated total of 5,085 people being in need of a hamper over Christmas, Nanaimo residents have risen to the challenge.

Hamperville, a joint effort of the Salvation Army and the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank collected nearly 5,000 kilograms more food this year than last, when they collected 53,000 kilograms. This means they have been able to fill the 2300 hampers for Christmas as well as stock the shelves at the Salvation Army and the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank.

The Salvation Army kettle program saw that organization exceed their goal of $200,000.00 by raising nearly $210,000.00 representing about $10,000.00 more than was collected last year. All funds raised by the local kettle program are in fact used to help in Nanaimo.

Nanaimo Christmas Tree Chipping Lions Club

2011-12-30T07:06:00.000-08:00

Recycle Your Tree and Help Lions Club

The Lion's 49th Annual Christmas Tree chipping service will be available on Jan. 7 and Jan. 8, 2010 in the south west corner of the parking lot in Nanaimo North Town Centre (formerly Rutherford Mall).

Your donation helps the Wellington School Band and other youth programs and recycles your tree at the same time as the chipped trees get turned into compost at the Duke point composting plant.

Chipping is available both days between 10:00am and 4:00 pm.

Does The NEWS Really Matter??

2011-12-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

The local press, like news media everywhere usually devote some space this time of year to the 'top' stories from the past year. I think the biggest reason for these stories, is to fill the space between the ads as Christmas - New Years are typically slow days in the news room.

On reviewing the 'news makers' for 2011 in the local daily I began to realize that most of these events are really quite forgettable and have very little impact on the lives of the average person just living out their lives. The stories do however provide fodder to fill the 22 minutes of the scheduled evening news broadcast, or the space between the ads in the local print media. But it is highly doubtful if knowing all of this 'NEWS' makes any difference to us at all. It is little more useful than over the back fence gossip, interesting for the moment, but forgotten quickly. Perhaps to some degree we all suffer from attention deficit disorder which is why we allow ourselves to be so easily distracted listening to useless information.

One of the top local events highlighted in the daily was our recent local elections, the event that saw about 3 out of 4 Nanaimoites giving a completely indifferent flip of the middle finger, or so it would seem to the whole process. The election campaign certainly did nothing to spark any real debate, with the low barrier housing issue getting far more ink than it deserved but demonstrated the depth to which the local press is willing to delve. In typical fashion the electorate was dished up the usual helping of gruel cooked up by an unimaginative press pool. The local 'meet the candidates' meetings weren't a whole lot better, not really allowing for any real depth of discussion or debate among candidates. Something, likely appreciated by those running for office, who would be hard pressed to express in any real detail where they plan on seeing Nanaimo in the next ten years or how they intend to take us there.

If you took the time to listen to the video 'Trouble With Experts' posted a day or two ago on this website, you might have been taken by the finding that after studying 82,000 experts, and their expert advice over a 20 year period, it turned out their performance was no more accurate than chimps throwing darts at the wall. No better than random chance! Yet, these experts are highly sought after by the news industry so they can fill up the otherwise dead air, and fill in the blanks between the ads in the paper. Yet given their accuracy level, we really are wasting our time even listening to them. How many of us would consider the opinion of a chimp when it comes to financial matters?? Yet, the chimp tossing the darts is just as likely to be accurate as the talking head on the telly.

Perhaps That Is Why Many Have Quit Listening??

It could be that to preserve what remains of our sanity the vast majority have simply chosen to tune out the constant barrage of infotainment passing itself off as news and in so doing have made ourselves immune to the real NEWS which can indeed have a real impact on our daily lives and which we should be paying attention to. Of course I am referring to keeping ourselves well informed as to what our local elected city council and our unelected city hall managers are deciding to do when it comes to taxing local residents and spending those hard earned dollars on projects which they deem important.

It is safe to say, that their success rate is likely no more reliable than the 82,000 experts studied who produced results no better than tossing darts at the wall. Which is why, in order for the city to be run properly and most prudently requires the involvement and input from ALL stakeholders, which means each and everyone of us who call Nanaimo home.

It is hoped that the news you will find on this blog will inform without overwhelming it's readers on matters of genuine importance as it relates to local governance matters which are far too important to be left strictly to elected and non-elected officials.

Hot Spot In Canada

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Warmest Place In All Of Canada

Entrance Island

Now all of Canada knows we truly are the Sunporch of Canada after yesterdays record breaking high temperature of 13.4 degrees recorded at Entrance Island just outside of Nanaimo.

City of Nanaimo New Year's Eve

2011-12-28T14:44:00.000-08:00

Get ready to ‘walk the plank’ at Finale 2011 the annual New Year’s Eve celebration at Beban Park. The pirate themed family friendly event will begin at 5:00pm offering a treasure chest full of activities for you to choose from including; swimming at Beban Pool or skating at ‘Rockefeller Centre’ themed Frank Crane Arena. Also included will be big screen video games, and crazy pirate crafts in Beban Social Centre.

Main stage performances will begin at 6:00 pm and will continue through until 10 pm. The line up will include Illusion Entertainment, Jangano Marimba Percussion group, children’s entertainer the ‘Purple Pirate’, followed by Nanaimo’s own Vibe Dance Troupe and the Braeden Marshal Band. To accommodate younger children there will be an 8:00 pm countdown. The house will continue rockin’ until the final New Years Eve countdown at 10:00 pm.

Finale tickets are on sale now and are $25.00 per family (maximum of 4) or $10.00 per person and are available at Beban Park. Don’t worry about cooking or feeding the kids before the event because there will be a wide variety of children approved foods on site sure to satisfy. For more information about Finale call 250-756-5200.

Are Experts REALLY Experts?

2011-12-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

Documentary Shows The Trouble With Experts

I am reminded of an old description of what an Expert is, 'Ex' refers to something past, and a 'Spirt' is a drip under pressure!

If you are less than impressed with all of our expert leaders, be they local politicians or city managers, or those high placed international financiers and corporate leaders then this documentary may support your impressions.

Note: Email subscribers may have to visit Nanaimo Blog to view these videos.

The Trouble With Experts Part 2

The Trouble With Experts Part 3

Nanaimo Bus Service New Year's Day 2012

2011-12-28T08:40:00.000-08:00

New Year's Day Bus Service

Bus service will operate throughout the Regional District of Nanaimo on New Year's Day 2012, thanks to a partnership between the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System and Woodgrove Centre.

"Operating region-wide bus service on New Year's Day will provide added value for our customers and will also help to lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of vehicles on the road." explained Regional District of Nanaimo Chairperson Joe Stanhope.

The service provided will be the normal holiday (Sunday) schedule available in the RDN Transit System Riders' Guide and online at rdn.bc.ca. If New Year's Day transit use is significant, the RDN will consider including the service as part of its regular scheduling.

For up-to-date information about transit schedules, check rdn.bc.ca, visit the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System Facebook and Twitter pages, or call 250-390-4531.

To view the Holiday Service bus schedule which includes the Free modified Evening Service on New Year's Eve from 8:30 pm - 2:30 am click HERE.

New Year's Resolutions 2012

2011-12-28T08:11:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year many people reflect on the year just past and make a list of things they would like to do differently in the year to come. Follows are a number of suggestions for New Year's Resolutions gathered from the 'net. Some resolutions require a whole lot of will power and commitment but many are simple and just require the desire to actually do them.

So why not pick and choose from the following to add to the list you already have made for yourself, print it out and post it on your fridge on New Years Day. On Valentine's Day (Feb. 14), go down your list and see how well you are doing.

New Year's Resolution Suggestions

More Time With Family and Friends
Loose Weight
Quit Smoking
Start a Fitness Program
Get Out of Debt
Stop Drinking Alcohol
Learn Something Completely New
Enjoy Life More
Be More Helpful To Others
Get Myself Organized
Get More Sleep
Set A Budget and Stick To It
Give Blood
Be Nicer To People
Quit Overspending
Floss Teeth Regularly
Recycle Everything You Can
Be Your Very Best At Your Work
Show More Affection
Find A Better Job
Take A Hobby Class
Volunteer Time In Your Community
Save 10% Of Everything Your Make
Wait At Least 24 Hours BEFORE Making A Purchase
If I Think I Need Help I WILL Ask For It