Sunday, July 31, 2011

First St Wharf Update July 31,2011

According to a report to council from Administrator Leif Pedersen dated April 25,2005 the District does own the wharf
"The transfer agreement has conveyed legal ownership to Tofino.There is no provision for return."

However in a report to council from May 24,2011 from Nyla Attiana it was stated "It was determined prior to the completion of the 2010 audit that the "Wharf Bridge" is not under the ownership of the District of Tofino.This asset was removed as an asset from the District's financial statements.The areas of the dock that the District does own are the two ramps and floats attached to those ramps."

A legal opinion from Lidstone,Young and Anderson dated April 12,2005 states "The Agreement to Transfer is the master document conveying legal ownership interest in the Wharf to the District.It is not conditional,not assignable,and no longer open to amendment,We cannot locate any provision that requires, or even enables,Transport Canada to review the transfer or exercise a discretion to "take back"the Wharf from the District now that the two-year Operating Agreement has expired.
The Operating Agreement is an additional contract between the District and Transport Canada that sets out the District's obligations with respect to operation of the Wharf for the first two years the District owns the Wharf.The Operating Agreement does not affect the ownership of the Wharf, and does not contemplate the re-conveyance of the Wharf back to Transport Canada."

It also states " We note that some of the Transfer Documents you provided to us for review are unsigned photocopies.If you locate copies of the full,executed originals,please forward them to us as any changes in the wording of the Transfer Documents may change our opinion."

The legal opinion also confirms that " Transport Canada provided a one-time contribution of $500,000 under the Contribution Agreement for the repair and upkeep of the Wharf"

I will attempt to get copies of the signed documents on Tuesday and will possibly have a better understanding of the situation by then.....if you have any information please write in or telephone me....thanks,Ralph

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Who's on First ? What ? July 30,2011

While reading the District of Tofino Financial Statement I ran across an interesting correction on page 12 regarding ownership of the First St Wharf:"During the year, the District noted an error in tangible capital assets.An amount for wharf infrastructure should not have been recorded as the asset is not owned by the District " This caught me by surprise as I had always thought that the District took it over from the federal government.....I know that for years the District has maintained it and Tofino bylaw has patrolled it but it was never owned by the District !! Subsequent investigation by TofinoNews staff has revealed that the District owns the two ramps that lead from the main wharf and the two floats on either side of the wharf but they don't own the wharf itself and never have.....being that the wharf is valued at $1,754,874.00 one would think that someone from the District staff or council would have noticed this discrepancy before now....good of current staff to notice this long overlooked error !! Tofinonews will have an update once we find out who actually owns the wharf !!

No Tsunami alert after Japanese Quake july 30,2011

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/07/30/japan-quake.html
No Tsunami Warning has been issued.The Tsunami sirens are still laying in the public works yard anyway......this is beyond a joke.....

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Westerly Council Report July 28,2011

http://www.canada.com/Tofino+council+meeting+July/5170903/story.html
Not surprising to see John Fraser and Donna Fraser supporting short term rentals at the Shore.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

CHMZ Fundraiser

Tomorrow afternoon our afternoon host Carrie-Ann will be out on the
sandbar in the Tofino harbour with a lemonade stand, raising money for the
Kids Community Access Fund which helps raise funds so less fortunate kids
can attend Tofino Parks and Rec programs.

We're not entirely sure how well this is going to work and the exact time
she will be out there will be dependant on a number of factors but we'll
keep you updated if you tune into the station. If we have any sort of
success we'll try to do this a few more times in the summer for other
causes.

Thanks

Water Rate Update July 27,2011

The following resolutions were passed at yesterday’s Council Meeting:



• That Council approves that the Water Capital Levy be discontinued and be replaced by a Property Value Tax Levy to be used for both water and sewer capital repairs, maintenance and improvements.

• And that the Property Value Tax Levy not exceed $485,000 in a year

• And that the Property Value Tax Levy only be charged if an approved Water and Sewer Infrastructure Plan is in place

• That Council approves the discontinuance of the Capital Levy at the beginning of Quarter 3 and for administration to begin preparing to implement the Property Value Tax Levy in 2012

Monday, July 25, 2011

Monday July 25,2011 slow news day

A slow news day....Good to see the crosswalk at Lynn Rd is working well...yellow flashing lights seem to get people to stop.....Other good news.....lots of "No Vacancy" signs seen this weekend....let's hope tourism picks up for the rest of the season...
Please remember that guest editorials are always welcome....need to use your real name and verify with me before its published...no shortage of topics....thanks,Ralph

Thursday, July 21, 2011

water rate update July 21,2011

This just in !! The internal allocation for Yard and Vehicle Rent will be examined as part of the 2012 budget process....
A review of the Ucluelet 2011 water budget showed no internal allocation for Yard and Vehicle Rent
In the current Tofino Sewer and Water budget there is a total of $100,000.00 allocated for yard and vehicle rent.....

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

water rates July 20,2011

I'm still working on analysis of our water budget....at first glance it would seem that some things that could be in other budgets are being charged to the sewer and water.....these could come out of general revenue instead of sewer and water....then we would have slightly higher municipal taxes but significantly lower water rates....I will see if I can get details from previous budgets for comparison.Let me know if you have any information on this subject....thanks,Ralph

Monday, July 18, 2011

Cougar in area July 18 2011

Several reports of a cougar in the Tonquin area.Also a report of a sighting by the school.please write in with pics or details. Thanks, ralph

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Water Rates and Levy Guest Editorial

I would like to bring some information to everyone that may not have attended the water meeting. I was unable to go, but I had the opportunity to sit down with Nyla the following day to go over the presentation. Thank you Nyla for the time and dedication you are putting forward on behalf of the community.
The presentation offered a number of options in regards to a proposed tax levy for water infrastructure. The district and council are leaning towards an option, not based on consumption, but based on our property tax assessment. I am having a very hard time accepting how the district and council propose this as a fair levy distribution for a service that has a cost based on use.


Currently our utility services are based on a charge for consumption. The cost of the service lies primarily on the responsibility of the homeowner to conserve water. I understand that the tax levy for infrastructure to provide all Tofino residents with water. How then is the distribution of this levy fair to those who have seen dramatic increases in their property assessments over the last 5 years?
Nyla was kind enough to provide an example based on my usage. I have provided the following scenarios below:


Using my current water usage the cost is as follows:


current usage $160.50 for the year of 2010 (yes I live in my house full time)
proposed levy, based on my assessment my water bill is now $467.67 an increase of $307.17


Scenario 2: a full time resident with a $500,000 home with the same usage as my household:
current bill: $160.50
proposed levy bill based on the assessment $220.60 for a total increase of $60.10


Scenario 3: full time resident with a $500,000 home with 4 times the use as my household (I was told this would be a typical usage)
current bill $600.00
proposed levy bill based on the assessment $220.60 for a total reduction of ($379.40)


Scenario 4: non full time beach front resident with a home valued at $2,500,000 with the same usage as my household:
current bill: $160.50
proposed levy bill based on the assessed value $1103 for an increase of $942.50


The result is, however conscious or unconscious I am of water usage, my water bill increases by an additional $307.17. These dramatic increases are to those who are conservative with their water consumption or simply do not live in a large household with the large water useage. Is this fair?
I understand that a levy is necessary to improve the current infrastructure for our water system however that levy should be equally distributed among homeowners and businesses. When asked why this option presents a good choice for council and the district, the explanation was the low users of water are not paying enough into the infrastructure because they are not consuming enough water. The argument is that the big houses sit empty and do not consume enough. The annual tax bill of those large homes contribute a lot of money to Tofino's tax base and they do not use anything in this community in terms of services, they do the opposite, they actually spend more money, by eating out and shopping and paying their taxes. A tax levy based on property values is not something I will support , if water usage is based on assessments and not usage there is no incentive to consume less, water is a finite resource and we all have to take resonsility for it EQUALLY. A base rate levy with a consumption (for additional use above the base rate) is the only fair way to tax anyone, as it distributes the burden to everybody equally, no one is paying more or less than what they use.


Whatever the value of these homes are, and whatever their consumption is, the council should not be unfairly distributing a utility levy to those who don't consume and giving those who do consume a break. I am not against paying more for infrastructure, as it has to happen in some form, but in a fair and equal dollar value.


Tammy Shymko

Friday, July 15, 2011

Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby

http://www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com/
Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby is on this weekend ! click on link for details

Helicopter complaints July 15,2011




Lots of blog readers have contacted me with regards to helicopters landing at the north end of Chesterman's Beach.....noise and safety issues have been raised....please write in if you have any details or pics......thanks,Ralph

Thursday, July 14, 2011

George Hubert Fire Department Party !!

The Tofino Fire Department would like you to join us in an evening of appreciation of George Hubert's 35 years of service.
July 16th 2011 4pm til late at Chinook Lounge Weigh West . BBQ !!
Hard to believe it has been 35 years.....seems just the other day that I met George ..........thanks for your service !

Monday, July 11, 2011

Bears !! July 11,2011


Slow news day.....lots of bears in the area.....please remember the water meeting tomorrow night....7 pm at the Council Chambers

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Double Standard in Tofino !! July 7.2011

While the hotdog stand and the taco wagon were given untold grief by Tofino Council and forced to pay exorbitant fees for temporary use permits and licensing large waterfront resorts can do the same thing without a worry in the world.....
Let's hope that council drops its policy of attacking smaller operators !!!
http://yfrog.com/hsg7rdttj
In keeping with the same theme it seems that Tofino Council is bending over backwards to allow the "SHORE" to operate as a condo hotel....does Tofino need another hotel ? I'm all for free enterprise but this project went ahead as a residential development...now that the market for high end condos seems to be limited they want to run a hotel....I'll post details regarding the public hearing as soon as possible...

Sooke Blog

I thought some Tofinonews readers might enjoy reading the Sooke Residents for Responsible Governance Blog.....many problems in Sooke as well.....Council members bullying staff is a common theme....Parks and Rec seem to be under constant attack from some council members in Tofino....Sooke has actually hired an independent investigator to deal with their issues.....
other common issues are sewer treatment and staff wages......give it a read !!
http://srrg.org/

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Water Rates and Capital Levy - Open House july 12th, 7pm Council Chambers

Open house to discuss water rates !!! Try to attend !! July 12th at 7pm at the Municipal Hall Council Chambers.Make your voice heard !!

Canada Day Weekend Slow

While many businesses in Tofino reported a slow start to the summer season the Canada Border Services Agency is experiencing the opposite.The agency says it had a 25 per cent increase in border crossings near Vancouver compared to the same weekend last year.
High ferry fares,the HST,the carbon tax, the high Canadian dollar and generally higher prices are proving to be problematic for the Tofino tourism industry.
Gas prices in Bellingham,Washington are about 90 cents Canadian per liter while prices in Vancouver BC are around 1.30 dollars Canadian per liter.
Instead of banning RVs from downtown,council should consider opening up the parking lot next to the municipal hall for free RV parking during the day.....Let's all try to make Tofino as tourist friendly as possible !

Monday, July 4, 2011

Economic Diversification July 4,2011

http://www.geography.ryerson.ca/jmaurer/553Tofino.htm
I came across this link the other day...some interesting observations....the article is somewhat dated as it was published before the crash of 2008...
A special hello to our readers in Iran !

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Water Restriction Sign !! July 2,2011

From the Westerly News:

"Council has agreed to grant the Raincoast Education Society $1,000 "to support printing and shipping costs for signage to create awareness about water conservation restrictions for residents and visitors to the Tofino region," as stated in a letter to council.

The sign will be placed at the visitor information center across from Cox Bay.

RES staff will be responsible for changing the sign, or moving the arrow, when water restrictions occur.

Council will use funds out of leftover council grants for the signage."

So now when people arrive in town there will be a sign reminding them of the 2006 water fiasco ! How about a sign that says "We have spent millions and millions upgrading our water system so feel free to use the hot tub or dishwasher or whatever you like !! " The "War On Tourism" continues....

Press Release from Raincoast Education Society

Press Release – from the Raincoast Education Society
June 30th, 2011
Tofino, BC
The Raincoast Education Society (RES) is pleased to announce the 2011-2012 Tofino Water Stewardship Program. Over the next 20 months, the RES will be working with businesses, visitors and local residents to foster a water conservation ethic in Tofino. Through a comprehensive education, outreach and communication program, the RES will work to achieve the following goals:
(i) Increase water literacy (knowledge amongst water users of Tofino - residents, businesses, and visitors - about where our water comes from and how we use it).
(ii) Promote water-use efficiency and conservation practices to improve long-term water security.
(iii) Reduce overall Tofino water consumption.
Tofino receives over three meters of rain a year; however, very little of this water is collected for municipal use. In fact, the majority of our water comes from Sharp Creek on Meares Island, which, during our droughty summer months when water demand is highest, can experience extreme water shortages. For example, prolonged summer drought in the summer of 2006 led to Tofino water shortages that forced a temporary closure of almost all business. Indeed, we need to re-think our relationship with water and build an ethic to reflect a more sustainable and efficient use of this precious resource. The Raincoast Education Society’s Tofino Water Stewardship Program is here to make that happen!
Throughout the summer, we will be delivering public water conservation programs and outreach (come visit us on Canada Day at the village green) and we will be updating our website (www.raincoasteducation.org) with daily Tofino water use data so you can stay up to date on our summer water consumption. We also have a link on our website to an on-line survey where you can help us gauge local water awareness and stewardship practices.
In addition, we are offering FREE water conservation audits for residents interested in participating in a water monitoring program to track water use from 2011 to 2012. Someone from our team will come to your home to provide water conservation tips to help you reduce overall water consumption and save you money! If you are interested in participating in our water conservation monitoring program, please contact Kimberly Johnston: kimberly@raincoasteducation.org or call: 250-725-2560.
If you have any questions about our water stewardship program or if you want to share your water conservation tips, please send us an email (info@raincoasteducation.org), give us a call (250-725-2560) or visit our facebook page: TofinoH20 (http://www.facebook.com/home.php). We look forward to hearing from you!
The Raincoast Education Society

Sobo Safe Stolen !!!!

SOBO SAFE STOLEN !!!
Ralph If you could post this somewhere that would be great. On Canada day night a couple people distracted our dishwasher at the back door at which time one individual went downstairs, into our office and stole a safe containing most of our staff tips, and paychecks. They knew where the safe was as nothing else was touched, laptop etc were left behind. The safe is a small fireproof, of about 40 pounds, full of colored fabric pencil cases with names of our staff on them. These are parents and rent payers, hardworking folk of our community, one new mum that is building a house had just over a thousand dollars taken alone. Every member of our team was violated on this one and it sure leaves a bad taste in our mouths as we have our annual staff party tonight. Any information concerning this matter would be greatly appreciated. thanks for the opportunity to disperse information about the goings on in our town Ralph.

District of Tofino Court Actions as of July 2,2011

Last Name, First Name
Style of Cause Classification
of File Court Location File Number Date File Opened Date Last
Updated View
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
QUEST RESORTS INTERNATIONAL INC v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Nanaimo Law Courts SC7853 06Oct1994 24Apr2008 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
GOODWIN, Janine v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Nanaimo Law Courts 24982 17Sep1999 13Oct2000 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Nanaimo Law Courts 25595 12Nov1999 24Nov1999 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
QUESTOR PARKS RESORTS CORP v OWNERS STRATA PLAN VIS3805 Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Nanaimo Law Courts 27306 13Apr2000 27Apr2000 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
DISTRICT OF TOFINO v PACIFIC RIM RESORT PROPERTIES INC Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Nanaimo Law Courts 28235 07Jul2000 07Jul2000 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Nanaimo Law Courts 39253 30Sep2003 30Jan2007 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
TOFINO LONG BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Victoria Law Courts 02-0134 09Jan2002 04Jul2002 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
PACIFIC RIM DISPOSAL INC v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Provincial
Small Claims Robson Square Provincial Court 200061584 02Jun2000 12Feb2002 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
661 CAMPBELL STREET INC v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Enforcement Proceedings Victoria Law Courts 043931 15Sep2004 10Feb2005 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
THE OWNERS, STRATA CORPORATION VIS4427 v GRICE ROAD HOLDINGS LTD. Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Nanaimo Law Courts 43305 26Jan2005 27Sep2007 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
THE OWNERS, STRATA PLAN NO. VIS3731 v THE TOFINO VILLAGE TOWNHOUSES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Nanaimo Law Courts 44115 29Apr2005 22Feb2010 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
MARTIN, Leah v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Motor Vehicle Accidents Victoria Law Courts 054215 31Aug2005 01Aug2007 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
TOD-HACKETT GROUP LTD. v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Victoria Law Courts 055303 08Nov2005 10Nov2005 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
MICHELSEN, Karen v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Victoria Law Courts 065520 20Dec2006 09May2008 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
THE OWNERS, STRATA PLAN NO. VIS 4341 v THE TOFINO VILLAGE TOWNHOUSES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Nanaimo Law Courts 48910 21Dec2006 23Dec2009 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
YEW WOOD PROPERTIES LTD. v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Victoria Law Courts 082972 14Jul2008 19Dec2008 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
1431 PACIFIC RIM HIGHWAY INC. v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Victoria Law Courts 084261 03Oct2008 12Jan2009 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
YEW WOOD PROPERTIES LTD v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Victoria Law Courts 085041 21Nov2008 02Mar2011 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
LANGE, Maria v LONG, Bob Provincial
Small Claims Port Alberni Law Courts 21153 25Aug2010 06May2011 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
WEIGH WEST MARINE RESORT INCORPORATED v DISTRICT OF TOFINO Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Victoria Law Courts 104404 28Oct2010 09Jun2011 View File Details
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
THE OWNERS, STRATA PLAN NO. VIS3769 v BERG, Lorraine Supreme
Supreme Civil (General) Nanaimo Law Courts 62883 20Apr2011 30Jun2011 View File Details
As you can see there is considerable problems with leaky condos.(strata plan cases).the latest being the Kingfisher....

Friday, July 1, 2011

Public Works Video from Victoria BC

http://vimeo.com/19723642
submitted by Garth Cameron

Happy Canada Day !!

10am skate competition
noon salmon barbeque
4pm Dinner and BEER GARDEN !!!!
10pm fireworks in the harbour