Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Brent Toderian, Vancouver's director of planning, has been fired

Brent Toderian, Vancouver's director of planning, has been fired

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Brent+Toderian+Vancouver+director+planning+been+fired/6078346/story.html

more info later today......

Monday, January 30, 2012

Tofino Advisory Goup Meeting ! Feb.8 7pm

A meeting will be held at the Community Center on February 8th at 7 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to give a voice to concerned citizens of Tofino. We've elected a new Mayor and Council and now it's time to let them know how we would like things to be handled in the next three years.
Whether you're concerned with Council meeting times,water and sewer issues,Resort Municipality Initiative spending,development issues,housing issues,culture and arts issues,recreation issues or anything else,this meeting is for you.
The formation of a group will lend some legitimacy to your concerns ;legitimacy that is not given to anonymous blog comments.
Please plan to attend and make your voice heard.Everyone welcome !
for more information please call 250-725-3428

Sewer Grant Update !!

The District of Tofino announced 2 weeks ago that it was unsuccessful in its application for a 2011 sewer system grant from the gas tax fund.The document below from the District would indicate that the grant application was premature as there is no Stage 3 Liquid Waste Management Plan in place. I don't understand why the District is spending time and money on a grant application that it seems to already know will be unsuccessful ? I don't understand why it takes years to come up with a Stage 3 LWMP when all the projected sewer flows were part of the agreement signed with Esowista in 2008 ? This application and the Stage 3 study were undertaken by the previous council but same staff.With millions of dollars at stake it is time to start taking the sewer problem and the grant process seriously !

Friday, January 27, 2012

Water Ideas

Some people accuse the blog of just whining but I actually did some research today into water systems...check out this website from sensaphone...
http://www.sensaphone.com/water_treatment.php
This would be an easy solution to notify District staff by telephone when there is a problem with turbidity or anything else with the system.
The other thing I looked into was a way to get water from the Sharp Rd. water treatment plant to downtown....this could be done with an inter-zonal valve and a pump to raise the pressure from the system south of industrial way so it could be used in the higher pressure system in town...this would be a bit of a band-aid solution but until we get both systems operating at the same pressure it would help...
Please write in if you have any helpful,constructive ideas to help our Tofino Council with our ailing water system.Please no crackpot comments as this is a serious issue and it is important that we work together to find solutions.
ps. It might be worth looking at running an underwater water line from Bay st. to the plant at Sharp Road instead of building a new water treatment plant at Bay st. A few miles of pipe would probably be cheaper than engineering and building a new plant.In the past there has been no issues with turbidity at Bay st but now it is a problem.The Sharp Rd. plant was designed to deal with this issue.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Council Meetings to Change to 4pm

It would appear at first glance that there are no evening meetings at all.Please let your council know when you would like meetings.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Perry-Schmunk-for-Tofino-Mayor/281934478495027

Beaver Creek Water Website

http://www.beavercreekwater.ca/BCID.htm
This would be a good thing for Tofino to have.

Water Update !

As of Jan 25, 2012, 2:00PM - Water Quality Advisory for areas north of Industrial Way recinded (sic) further details at the District website www.tofino.ca

Tofino Rate Payers/Residents Association -Water Situation

Anyone interested in forming a rate payers / residents group ? It is too easy for Tofino Council to regard your opinions on the blog as anonymous ramblings. Since the election the Council has changed but we have the same management calling the tune.There is strength in numbers.
We find ourselves in a situation where we have an unreliable water system when the tourism industry is fragile at best.The Aquaculture industry relies on clean water to process its products.Tofino families need to know that they have safe water.As of this writing the latest water quality update on the District of Tofino website was from 9:30 am on Jan.23,2012. 2 days ago.Tofino deserves better. There are six water quality notices on the District website.
It has been over 20 days since the first boil water order and we still cannot get water from the 2 million dollar Sharp Rd. water treatment plant to users North of Industrial Way.This is not rocket science.Tofino deserves better.
Anyone interested in making positive changes by forming a ratepayers/citizen based advocacy group can call me or write in to get started.I'm in the phone book.We have to be able to work with the new Mayor and Council. We have to encourage Council to make management changes.Some people have suggested that the cost of severance would be prohibitive but it should be obvious to all that we cannot continue as is.
Development here has been stalled for years.Our tax base has to expand if we are going to be able to afford necessary infrastructure upgrades.
What does it cost the District of Tofino when developers won't even consider projects here and even families think twice about building here ?? Anonymous comments won't change anything.Council needs to know we want change and it starts with you.Let's make the blog obsolete and start dealing directly with our Mayor and Council.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Storm warning

Winds
Issued 04:00 PM PST 23 January 2012
Tonight and Tuesday
Storm warning in effect.
Wind south 20 to 30 knots increasing to southeast 35 this evening and to 55 before morning. Wind diminishing to southwest 20 late Tuesday morning then increasing to 35 Tuesday afternoon. Wind increasing to southwest 45 Tuesday evening.
 
 
Waves
Issued 04:00 PM PST 23 January 2012
Today Tonight and Tuesday
Seas 4 metres building to 5 to 7 before morning then subsiding to 5 late Tuesday morning. Seas building to 7 to 10 Tuesday evening.
Extended ForecastI
Issued 04:00 PM PST 23 January 2012
Wednesday
Wind southwest 35 to 45 knots backing to southeast 35 to 45 in the morning then diminishing to west 25 to 35 in the afternoon.
Thursday
Wind northwest 25 knots diminishing to 10 late in the day.
Friday
Wind light becoming southeast 10 knots late in the day.
 
 
Weather & Visibility
Issued 04:00 PM PST 23 January 2012
Tonight and Tuesday
Periods of rain.
 
 
List of Official Text Forecasts

Boil Water Advisory

Sorry I didn't get this posted earlier.I only was aware of the water quality advisory.
Boil Water Advisory
Tofino
21/01/2012

WATER QUALITY ADVISORY

For Areas North of Industrial Way

(Village Core)

Effective Date: January 21, 2012, 9:30AM

PLEASE NOTE THAT PEOPLE WITH COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEMS should boil WATER for DOMESTIC PURPOSES (drinking, cooking, etc.) before consumption. The boiling water should be at a rolling boil for a minimum TWO MINUTES.

District of Tofino staff are continually monitoring the water supply system and will provide updates as they become available.

This order will be in effect until further notice. Information will be available on the District web site www.tofino.ca.

For further information contact the

District of Tofino at:

District office 250-725-3229, Public works yard 250- 725-4212

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Hurricane Force Wind Warning !

Winds
Issued 09:30 PM PST 22 January 2012
Tonight and Monday
Hurricane force wind warning in effect.
Wind west 55 to 65 knots diminishing to southwest 25 to 35 late this evening then becoming 20 to 30 early Monday morning with gusts to 35. Wind becoming south 25 to 35 early Monday evening.
 
 
Waves
Issued 04:00 PM PST 22 January 2012
Today Tonight and Monday
Seas 7 to 9 metres subsiding to 5 to 7 early this evening and to 5 before morning. Seas subsiding to 4 Monday morning.

Global BC Water Story

http://www.globaltvbc.com/tofino+under+water+quality+advisory%E2%80%A6+again/6442564631/story.html

Storm Warning in Effect ! High Surf !

Marine Forecast
Winds
Issued 04:00 AM PST 22 January 2012
Today Tonight and Monday Storm warning in effect.
Wind southeast 20 to 30 knots increasing to 30 to 40 early this morning and to 50 to 60 late this morning. Wind diminishing to south 40 early this afternoon then increasing to west 45 to 55 early this evening. Wind diminishing to southwest 25 to 35 late this evening then becoming 20 to 30 Monday morning with gusts to 35. Wind backing to south 15 to 25 Monday evening.


Waves
Issued 04:00 AM PST 22 January 2012
Today Tonight and Monday Seas 5 to 7 metres building to 6 to 8 this morning then subsiding to 5 to 7 early this evening. Seas subsiding to 4 Monday morning.
Extended Forecast
Issued 04:00 AM PST 22 January 2012
Tuesday Wind southeast 40 to 50 knots diminishing to southwest 25 in the morning then increasing to 35 to 45 in the afternoon.
Wednesday Wind southwest 35 to 45 knots.
Thursday Wind northwest 20 knots increasing to 20 to 30.


Weather & Visibility
Issued 04:00 AM PST 22 January 2012
Today Tonight and Monday Rain ending this evening. A few showers beginning near midnight. Visibility 1 mile or less in showers.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Water Quality Advisory

_____________________________________________________________________________________



The Corporation of the District of Tofino

PRESS RELEASE

___________________________________________________________________

2012-January-21

For Immediate Release

DISTRICT OF TOFINO

Water Quality Advisory

For Areas North of Industrial Way (Village Core)

The heavy rains of January 3, 2012 created disturbances (slides) to the upper reaches of the watersheds that supply the High Pressure Water System (North of Industrial Way) for Tofino. These are Sharp and Close Creeks.

During heavy rains we are experiencing increased turbidity that is unusual for our water supply. As a result of the rain on January 20, 2012, we experienced another spike in turbidity. While the turbidity has not passed the threshold of 5NTU, as set by VIHA as the upper limit for turbidity in potable water, the increase in turbidity has resulted in the need for a Water Quality Advisory for areas north of Industrial Way. Staff is monitoring turbidity levels and will update as needed.

This will be effect until further notice.

For further information please contact the District office at 250-725-3229 or Public Works at 250-725-4212.

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT

The District of Tofino

Committee of the Whole Agenda

https://tofino.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=5522


THE DISTRICT OF TOFINO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AGENDA: 2012-JANUARY-24 AT 10:00 AM
A)
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
B)
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA
C)
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
D)
DELEGATIONS

1.

James McManus and Walter Pleasant to provide an update on their development proposal for 1140 Pacific Rim Highway.
E)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1.

Letter referred from the January 10, 2012 regular meeting:

Letter from Wendy and Michael Amrhein
2012-01-10 Letter from Wendy and Michael Amrhein

2.

Report referred from the December 14, 2011 regular Council meeting:

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1131, 2010 - 1140 Pacific Rim Highway, Lot 3, District Lot 127, Clayoquot District, VIP 20090. (Report from Manager of Community Sustainability)
2011-12-14 RTC Zoning Bylaw 1131

3.

Memorandum referred from the December 14, 2011 regular Council meeting:

Memorandum from AVICC requesting the submissions of nominations and resolution requests for the AVICC Executive.
2011-11-10 AVICC Memo
F)
REPORTS
1.
Staff Reports

a)

Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) Update. (Report from CAO)
2012-01-24 COW Report
Presentation
AHRT RMI Update
2010 Tofino RMI Annual Resort Reporting
2012-2016 Resort Development Strategy
Addenda Item

b)

2012 Downtown Vitalization Projects. (Report from Manager of Community Sustainability)
2012-01-24 COW RTC - 2012 Vitalization Projects
Tofino Vitalization Plan

c)

Resort Services - Special Events and Festival Support. (Report from Director of Parks & Recreation)
2012-01-24 COW RTC - RMI Festival Support

d)

Water Meters Project Update. (Report from Manager of Public Works & Building Inspection is forthcoming)

e)

Commissions, Standing and Select Committees (Reports from Deputy Clerk is forthcoming)

f)

Committee of the Whole Meeting Schedule. (Report from Deputy Clerk)
2012-01-24 COW RTC - Committee of the Whole meetings

g)

Monthly Status Report on Council Directives. (Report from CAO)
2012-01-24 COW RTC - Action Tracking Update
G)
NEW BUSINESS
H)
20 MINUTE QUESTION PERIOD
I)
ADJOURNMENT

Storm Warning in Effect ! Still !!

Storm warning in effect.
Wind westerly 25 to 35 knots diminishing to southerly 15 to 25 this evening then increasing to southeast 30 to 40 before Sunday morning. Wind increasing to southeast 45 to 55 Sunday morning then diminishing to south 30 to 40 Sunday afternoon. Wind veering to west 35 Sunday evening.


Waves
Issued 04:00 AM PST 21 January 2012
Today Tonight and Sunday Seas 3 to 5 metres building to 5 to 7 early this afternoon.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Storm Warning in Effect !

Today Tonight and Saturday Storm warning in effect.
Wind southeast 40 to 50 knots diminishing to southwest 25 early this evening then increasing to west 25 to 35 after midnight.


Waves
Issued 04:00 AM PST 20 January 2012
Today Tonight and Saturday Seas 3 metres building to 4 this morning and to 5 early this afternoon. Seas subsiding to 4 near midnight then building to 6 Saturday afternoon.

Jan. 24 Tofino Council Agenda

REGULAR MEETING OF THE DISTRICT OF TOFINO COUNCIL
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AGENDA: 2012-JANUARY-24 AT 9:00 AM


A) CALL MEETING TO ORDER


B) ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA


C) ADOPTION OF AGENDA


D) ADOPTION OF MINUTES


1. Amended Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held December 14, 2011.

2011-12-14 Regular Meeting Amended Minutes





2. Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held January 10, 2012.
2012-01-10 Regular Minutes





E) BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES


F) ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE MAYOR


G) CORRESPONDENCE FOR INFORMATION ONLY


1. Letter from Lyn Brown, VP Marketing & Corporate Responsibility, Catalyst Paper Corporation, providing Council with an update of their progress they have made to date.
2011-12-09 Letter from Catalyst





2. Letter from Bill MacGougan, Assessor for Central Vancouver Island, introducing himself as the local assessor and advising that the 2012 property roll, includeing news releases is available on their website.
2011-12-09 Letter from BC Assessment





H) CORRESPONDENCE: REQUIRING ACTION


1. Letter from James Costello, President of the Tofino Business Association, requesting Council to direct the Superintendent of Public Works to investigate the roadbed on the 4th Street hill for any necessary infrastructure repairs.
2012-01-12 Letter from TBA





2. Letter from Sumitra McMurchy, Vancouver Island Harmony Run, requesting Council's assistance in obtaining a coordinator for their event.
2011-11-29 Letter from VIHR





3. Email from Emma Neill requesting that the District consider an alternate location for the Lone Cone Community Garden.
2011-08-04 Email from Emma Neill





4. Letter from Beth Luchies, Child and Youth Mental Health Counsellor, Nuu chah nulth Tribal Council - Central Region, requesting that Council waive the $250 van rental fee for the West Coast Divsion of the First Nations Snowboard Team.
2012-01-17 Letter from Beth Luchies





5. Letter from Warren Munroe, Population and Analysis Specialist, offering his services to the District to prepare a population analysis of the 2011 Canada Census results.
2012-01-05 Letter from Warren Munroe





6. Letter from Gary Blundell inquiring if Council would like to purchase his works of art which were inspired from his time spent in Tofino in 2006.
2012-01-17 Letter from Gary Blundell





7. Letter from Carol Sedgwick, Principal, Ucluelet Secondary School, requesting Council's support towards their 2012 Global Education Volunteer Trip to China.
2012-01-17 Letter from Ucluelet Secondary School





8. Letter from Wendy Hainstock, Festival Coordinator, Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society, requesting Council support and an exemption to Policy 505-09 to extend the hours for their Martini Migration event.
2012-01-18 PRWFS Request for support





9. Letter from Daisy Foster, CEO, BC Water & Waste Association, requesting Council to appoint a Community Liaison to the BC Community Water Challenge and proclaim May 13-19, 2012 "Drinking Water Week".
2012-01-19 Letter from BCWWA





I) Convene COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE meeting at 10:00AM


J) REPORTS


1. Staff Reports


a) Revised Terms of Reference for OCP Implementation & Monitoring Committee (OCPIMC). (Report from Deputy Clerk)
RECOMMENDED: THAT Council approved the revised terms of reference for the OCP Implementation & Monitoring Committee.
2012-01-24 RTC ToR OCPIMC





b) Tofino Transit – 2011 Results Analysis. (Report from Director of Financial Services)
RECOMMENDED: THAT COUNCIL receives for information;
AND THAT COUNCIL determines to what extent the Tofino Transit service should continue from 2012-2016

2012-01-24 RTC Tofino Transit - 2011 Service Results Analysis
Tofino Transit Appendix - Summary 2011





2. Committee Reports


a) Committee Reports (verbal)






b) Minutes of the Arts, Culture and Historical Committee meeting held December 5, 2011.

2011-12-05 ACHC Minutes





c) RCMP Report for the month of December 2011.

2011 December RCMP Policing Report





3. Council Verbal Reports


K) NEW BUSINESS


1. Discussion regarding the cost of flushing residential and commercial water systems. (Verbal Report to be provided by Councillor Cameron)





L) 15 MINUTE QUESTION PERIOD


M) ADOPTION OF IN CAMERA AGENDA
MOTION: “That the In Camera agenda be adopted as circulated; that the In Camera meeting be closed to the public pursuant to Sections 89 and 90(1)(g), (j) and (l) of the Community Charter:


(1) Adopt the minutes from the in-camera meetings held January 10, 2012.





(2) Section 90(1)(g) Legal Issues Update.






(3) Section 90(1)(l) Annual Report





(4) Section 90(1)(j) Freedom of Information & Protection of Prvacy Act s.22(3)(f).





N) RECESS


O) RECONVENE FROM IN CAMERA MEETING


P) RELEASE OF CLOSED MEETING INFORMATION


Q) ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Sewer Grant Update

District of Tofino sources have informed TofinoNews that the 2011 grant application from The Gas Tax Fund for a Sewer Treatment Plant was unsuccessful.The District of Tofino will continue to be in touch with the Province of British Columbia and will try again in 2012.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Weigh West Court Case Consent Dismissal Order


2011 Weigh West Court Case

Please remember as you read this that it shouldn't matter who he applicant for development is and that everyone should be entitled to due process.Pay special attention to #13 on page 4.Click on pages for enlarged image.Comments on this post will be closed until TofinoNews can access and publish the Consent Dismissal Order from The Supreme Court of British Columbia.Please have patience.Thanks,Ralph





Saturday, January 14, 2012

Yew Wood Update !

Details for Document: 12 - Notice of Trial Close
Date Filed: 23Aug2011

Filing Parties

Defendant: BREMNER, Robert Scott
Defendant: DISTRICT OF TOFINO
Defendant: SMITH, Braden

Hearings For Document

Hearing Date: 04Jun2012
Hearing Time: 10:00 AM
Hearing Location: Victoria Law Courts
Hearing Reason: For Trial (Judge alone)
Hearing Result:



Last Name, First Name
Middle Name Role of Party
On File Counsel Name
Counsel Phone
BREMNER, Robert Defendant
Carfra, Neil
(250) 381-7188
DISTRICT OF TOFINO Defendant
Carfra, Neil
(250) 381-7188
SMITH, Braden Defendant
Carfra, Neil
(250) 381-7188
YEW WOOD PROPERTIES LTD Plaintiff
Klassen, P.
(250) 388-5421


Hearing Date: 14Nov2011

Hearing Time: 10:00 AM

Hearing Location: Victoria Law Courts

List Type for the Hearing: Supreme Court Civil List

# Document Description Reason Result Canc.
10 Notice of Trial
For Trial (Judge alone) Adjourned Generally

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Contract Talks Approaching Soon

When Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 118 Tofino's contract expires on Feb.28,2012 I expect that they will be looking for a substantial wage increase. In the last round of negotiations they accepted a 0% settlement after being informed by the District of Tofino bargaining representative that there simply wasn't any money to pay for a small increase.Now that it has been revealed what outrageous amounts the District of Tofino pays out in upper management salaries, that argument won't fly.I have confidence that the new Council will come up with a fair and equitable settlement.The inflation rate for Canada in 2011 was 2.9 %.


From the CUPE website : VICTORIA—Eleven CUPE bargaining units have ratified new three-year collective agreements with their respective employers and the Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association (GVLRA).

CUPE 50, CUPE 333, CUPE 374, CUPE 410 and CUPE 1978 were all notified on December 14 that the GVLRA had voted in favour of ratifying the agreements. Included in the agreements are wage increases of two per cent in each of the three years, as well as a few minor improvements to benefits.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Tsunami Siren Report

The Corporation of the District of Tofino REPORT TO COUNCIL
Council Agenda Item – 2012/01/10 Report Date 2012/01/06 File: 0550-04 EPC
To: Braden Smith, CAO From: Eric Graham, Emergency Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Emergency notification systems update
RECOMMENDATION THAT: Council receives this report for information and discussion
CAO’S COMMENTS
I concur with the recommendation.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to provide an Emergency Preparedness status update with respect to the Tsunami Siren test of January 5th, 2012 and the District wide emergency notification system (OneCall).
DISCUSSION
TSUNAMI SIREN TEST The tsunami siren test went according to schedule and was well received by the public. The sirens were tested separately due to an issue with the amplifiers (see below).Two representatives from the tsunami siren manufacturer (Federal Signal/Adanac Sales) arrived in Tofino a day prior to the tests in order to ensure that the system would be online and provide basic training for EP staff on the operation and maintenance of the system.
Each tsunami siren consists of four separate sirens and an amplifier for each siren. Of the eight amplifiers shipped to the District, 4 were found to be faulty and inoperable. The technician reported that the fault was probably due to damage occurred during shipping. It was also recognized that the amps were an older model and should be replaced at no
cost to us. Eight new amplifiers are being shipped to replace all of the existing ones immediately to resolve this issue. District staff was instructed on how to install the amplifiers and will mount the new units on the sirens once they are delivered.
After servicing the sirens, the next step was to prepare the base station unit at the Emergency Operations Centre. While attempting to send radio signals or communicate to each site (siren), it was found that the only decent signal getting through was the installation at Cox Bay. Due to the topography, line of sight radio communication to the North Chesterman siren was unsuccessful. However, it was possible to use the Cox Bay site as a ‘repeater’ to activate the North Chesterman siren.
As is, the system can only be activated by an operator at the base station (Emergency Operations Centre) which means that there must be an operator in proximity to the EOC to activate the sirens immediately during an emergency. Staff have asked for more information about remote activation options in order that the sirens can be remotely activated by EP staff or hooked into a wider warning system.
An informal survey was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the two sirens throughout the District. The survey asks if the sirens were heard, the location that they were heard from and a scale rating regarding volume. Preliminary results indicate that of the 20 respondents 76% did hear the sirens; the majority of the responses were located around the Chesterman Beaches, the downtown core and Mackenzie Beach.
Staff have received comments via facebook, twitter, phone and in-person. A number of residents indicated concerns with the sound of the wail tone; many residents felt that it sounded quite similar to an emergency vehicle siren. Staff recommends testing a variety of siren tones in order to choose a tone that has a more distinct emergency sound and possibly implement regular system testing of the sirens during the next few months to familiarize EP staff with the operation of equipment and reduce lag time prior to activation.
A number of other residents have mentioned that they were not able to hear the siren from inside their homes. Tsunami sirens are primarily outdoor warning systems and are not meant to be relied upon to alert residents within their homes. This concern highlights the reasoning behind employing more than one type of notification system. Systems like the tsunami sirens, One Call, website bulletins, local and social media work best in combination when preparing for and responding to hazard events.
CALL ONE Now that the tsunami sirens have had their first test, EP is working to build our database of residents’ contact information in order to utilize our One Call Now notification service. This service will disseminate emergency messages for the District of Tofino to all who are registered.
Therefore, the next step is to get all residents of Tofino registered in the system. Staff proposes to use social media, the website, newspapers, Co-op boards, the radio, and
word of mouth to get the message out and get people registered.
The process will be for an individual to contact the District through by email, including last name, phone number and street address, at register@tofino.ca or by visiting the Village office. Once a person has registered their name, street address and primary phone number they will be able to go to our website, click on the One Call banner and add alternate phone numbers and email accounts.
The intent is that the next time that we test the Tsunami siren, we will also test the One Call system and try to identify gaps in coverage. The next siren test will take place sometime in the early spring.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________________ Eric Graham Emergency Program Coordinator
Appendices: 1.

Water Update !

The Corporation of the District of Tofino PRESS RELEASE
DISTRICT OF TOFINO BOIL WATER ORDER RESCINDED FOR AREAS SOUTH OF INDUSTRIAL WAY
VIHA has approved the rescinding of the Boil Water Order for all areas south of Industrial Way (low pressure zone).
The boil water order remains in effect for all areas north of Industrial Way (high pressure system) until further notice. Information will be available on the District website at www.tofino.ca. and http://www.viha.ca/mho/water/water_sampling_results.ht
The District in conjunction with VIHA will continue to monitor the water system on a daily basis. For further information please contact the District office at 250-725-3229 or Public Works at 250-725-4212.
Press release issued 10:30am, Monday, January 10, 2012 -30-
MEDIA CONTACT The District of Tofino
2012-January-10 For Immediate Release

Consultant's Report From Last "Visioning Session" in 2009

Money well spent ? Have a good look at the "Opportunities" section ! Thanks to a blog reader for sending this link.

https://tofino.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=980

Monday, January 9, 2012

Boil Water Order Still in Effect

From The District of Tofino website : As of Jan 9, 2012, 11:30am - There has been no change to the Boil Water Order.

The District of Tofino’s water supply is a surface water system and thus directly affected by significant precipitation such as Tofino experienced on January 3rd. Heavy rainfall can cause an increase in the turbidity of the water turning the water murky.
On January 9th, at 12:30 pm District staff inspected the water sources on Meares Island (Close Creek, Number 1 Creek and Sharp Creek) that supply water for the Bay Street pump house; which in turn supports the high pressure water system (north of Industrial Way). Both Close and Sharp Creeks had NTU’s above 5 (a measure of turbidity) which is above the limits set by VIHA for acceptable turbidity levels in a potable water system. Close Creek showed signs of heavy water flow, scouring and siltation. The Sharp reservoir itself appeared relatively clear but the creek feeding the reservoir was heavily silted. Weather permitting; District staff will be conducting a visual inspection of the watercourses above the reservoir in the next couple of days for evidence of a landslide, or other obstruction.
The test results of the water samples sent to VIHA on January 4th, 5th and 6th show no sign of fecal coliform or e coli bacteria.
The District is currently flushing the low pressure side of the District (south of Industrial Way) with clean treated water from the Ahkmahksis water treatment plant. The flushing is providing positive results in lowering the NTU (turbidity) to levels acceptable to VIHA. District staff has separated the low and high pressure water systems to isolate the low pressure system in order to prevent the turbidity from the high pressure system from entering the low pressure system.
The boil water order will be in effect until further notice. Information will be available on the District website at www.tofino.ca. For further information please contact the District office at 250-725-3229 or Public Works at 250-725-4212
Press release issued 4:30pm, Monday, January 09, 2012 -30- MEDIA CONTACT The District of Tofino

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Overseas readers

A warm hello to all our readers in Vietnam ,Japan and the Philippines !

Lillooet Update !! Consultant Update !

We can expect a new council to make a few missteps especially when they get questionable advice.They still need our support and should be encouraged to think independently of administration.If you have time to comment on this blog you have time to send a quick email to Mayor and Council to let them know how you feel about the use of consultants.All the addresses can be found at www.tofino.ca Let's not get into a situation like Lillooet where there are already insurmountable problems with their council.

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Lillooet+mayor+councillor+step+down+after+month/5963755/story.html



http://www.theprovince.com/news/Mayor+resignations/5963588/story.html

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Jerry Berry retuns to Tofino for consulting !

Sources have told TofinoNews that Jerry Berry will once again be doing consulting work for the District of Tofino ! Blog readers will recall that Jerry Berry had a close working relationship with former CAO Bob Long and had been hired previously been hired by the District of Tofino to create the controversial re-organization report.This report led to some District of Tofino employees being promoted to top management positions.This is the most promising council we have had in many years and it is a shame that staff is steering them towards keeping Tofino as a "Consultant's Paradise".
I have complete confidence in Tofino Council to act without input from consultants especially ones tied so closely to the Fraser/Long regime.Please let Tofino Council know that they have your support and offer input so that they can proceed without high-priced consultants ! Let's move forward without going back to the "Us and Them" attitude of the previous council !

http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/story.html?id=6b7a2568-026d-472e-bf1e-7f492365bca2

http://www.nanaimoinformation.com/forum/showthread.php?5136-Jerry-Berry-Resigns

http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=72e4f3ec-8e9c-4c3b-aadc-32f9495b5da7

Friday, January 6, 2012

Water Update 5:05 pm Jan.6 2012

Boil Water Order Still in Effect

Boil water order is still in effect as of 9:35 am Friday Jan.6 2012....Tofinonews will have an update as soon as it is available.

Small town politics

Some people feel that controversy in politics is unique to Tofino...in comparison to this story we have it pretty good ! http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/01/06/bc-lillooet-mayor-councillor.html

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Stop Sign at First and Neill st ??

A few weeks ago I wrote to council asking for a stop sign at Neil and First streets by Sobo.I've seen many close calls between cars headed towards town from the south and pedestrians crossing first st.I thought it would be relatively simple as there used to be one there.....not so....https://tofino.civicweb.net/FileStorage/3626262614C64E7FBFABC5B6519CBCB1-Workspace2012-01-10%20RTC%20Neill%20&%20First%20(Four%20Way%20St.pdf

Agenda for Jan. 10,2012 Council Meeting

https://tofino.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=5033

Request for Proposals-Arts,Heritage and Culture

1. Introduction
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The District of Tofino invites proposals from qualified applicants interested in conducting a cultural scan of the arts, heritage and cultural community of the District of Tofino.
The project must be completed by April 24, 2011 Outcomes sought:
a. Define the local arts community
To prepare a catalogue of community cultural assets, facilities, organizations and other resources. This inventory is intended to enhance and improve knowledge and understanding of the Tofino area arts, heritage and culture landscape leading to the effective implementation of the District of Tofino Cultural Plan and create new opportunities for the Tofino arts, culture and heritage community.
b. Identify the community’s strengths and weaknesses
To highlight any gaps/needs in the cultural community (including but not limited to facilities, resources, funding, investment and capacity).
c. Identify existing networks and effective working partnerships
To recognize existing and future synergies and/or partnerships to develop the cultural opportunities in the District.
2. Project Scope
The proposed project would entail undertaking an Arts, Culture and Heritage Scan for the District of Tofino that would include the following:
• Develop a comprehensive inventory of local arts, cultural and historical organizations and cultural industries, specifically identifying services provided, arts and cultural communities serviced, size and scope of the individual artist community, and the location whereby artists practice and produce their art.
• Prepare a detailed assessment of current cultural facility assets and their usage/capacity; and
• Gather data from a range of community arts, heritage and cultural organizations including current and future needs regarding arts services, working relationships and networks, capacity building opportunities within the cultural and business communities and specific recommendations to better develop the cultural economy in the District.
3. District Support
The District will provide copies of all relevant documents, including the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Official Community Plan and the Downtown Vitalization Plan, any meeting space required, copies of surveys to be distributed, and notices (both hard copy, media and web based).
4. Budget
A budget of $4,000 including all fees and disbursements has been assigned to this project.
5. Project Schedule
Key dates are:
• • •
January 20, 2012, 4pm – proposal submission deadline April 13, 2012 - Delivery of final draft report April 24, 2012 – Delivery of final report to Council
6. Proposal Submissions
All proponents are required to provide the following information (in order) with their submissions:
• Profile of the applicant including experience and qualifications specifically where tasks identified in the RFP have been completed within the arts and culture community;
• Detailed proposal of what will be delivered, including the expected outcome and benefits to the District of Tofino
• Detailed project timeline including milestones, project meetings, interim reports and progress reports;
• Detailed project methodology explaining each project task including what will be expected of the consultant, the District and its partners with respect to each task;
• Specific recognition of unique approaches or experiences of the consultant that would be directly applicable and beneficial to this project;
• Community and stakeholder consultation plan; and • A minimum of two references
7. Submission Details
Electronic proposals can be submitted to Sally Mole, Director of Parks and Recreation (parks_rec@tofino.ca), no later than 4pm, January 20, 2012.
The District reserves the right to cancel this Request for Proposals for any reason without any liability to any proponent or to waive irregularities at their own discretion. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice provided such notice is received at the District of Tofino prior to the date/time set as the closing time for receiving proposals.
All proposals will remain confidential, subject to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Any interpretation of, additions to, deletions from, or any other corrections to the Proposal document will be issued as written addenda by the District of Tofino. It is the sole responsibility of the potential proponents to check with the District of Tofino’s website, to ensure that all available information has been received prior to submitting a proposal.
8. Enquiries
Clarification of terms and conditions of the proposal and purchasing process shall be directed to: Sally Mole, Director of Parks and Recreation parks_rec@tofino.ca
250 725 3229 ext 37
The District, its agents and employees shall not be responsible for any information given by way of verbal communication. Any questions received by the District of Tofino staff that affect the Proposal Process will be issued as addenda by the District of Tofino.
9. Working Agreement
The successful proponent will enter into a working agreement with the District based upon the information contained in the request for proposal and the successful proponent’s submission and any modifications thereto.
10. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals shall be evaluated to determine the best value offered to the District against conformance, but not limited, to the following criteria:
• • • • • • •
Experience and qualifications of applicants Understanding of the project objectives/outcomes and vision Project deliverables Creativity in preparing the deliverables Long term value to the District and impacts on surrounding area Value for money References
The District has the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Cat Needs Home


Ron James' Cat Asa Needs A Home!
Asa is a sweet and mellow 15 year old cat who became homeless when Ron James, her former caregiver and long time Tofino local, died last year. Asa is a loving, healthy and playful small black cat with white paws and face and big golden eyes. She loves to curl up on a warm lap and be patted, to play and to socialize. She’d like a loving home to call her own. Her current foster home has been flooded out by Tuesday's rain storm. Can anyone open their home to her. I'm sure Ron would be most appreciative. If not, please help spread the word and help Asa find a new home! For more info call 725 1254 Thanks!!

tsunami Siren test

Seems that the Tsunami Sirens work.....any reports ?

Water Questions

My phone has been ringing off the hook with readers wanting answers as to why we have a boil water order.
1. In a Westerly News article our CAO states that the problem is with our Bay St. pump station which feeds from Sharp Creek,Close Creek etc.Why is the Bay St. station incapable of processing water during heavy rain ?
2.We have a state of the art 2 million dollar water treatment plant at Sharp Rd. was it in use ?
3.Can the downtown access water from the new 2 million dollar Sharp Rd. treatment plant ?
4.Is there a regular schedule for inspection of the water sources on Meares Island ? There was a slide that affected the Close Creek system a few years ago ; have the other sites been checked for soil stability and debris ?
5.The heavy rainfall was forecast well in advance.With winter water consumption very low,why can't we use water from storage tanks for a few days until the turbidity levels drop ? We have a million gallon tank at the stump dump as well as tanks at Rosie Bay,DL 117 and Barr's Mt .
6.Do we have a heavy rain protocol for our water system ?
7. Is council going to adopt a "portfolio" system where one councilor will be responsible for the water system ?
If you have answers to any of the above questions or have questions of your own please comment.

CBC story

CBC will be running a story on Tsunami Debris in a few minutes.If you can't tune in you can access it online at "The Current" website on cbc.ca

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Boil Water Advisory Extended to Entire Village ! please read

BOIL WATER ORDER


Effective Date: JANUARY 4TH, 2012


Please note that WATER for DOMESTIC PURPOSES (drinking, cooking, etc.) should be boiled before consumption. The boiling water should be at a rolling boil for a minimum TWO MINUTES.


District of Tofino staff are continually monitoring the water supply system and will provide updates as they become available.


This order will be in effect until further notice. Information will be available on the district web site www.tofino.ca.


For further information contact the District of Tofino at:

District office 250-725-3229, Public works yard 250- 725-4212





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boil Water Advisory ! please read

Boil Water Advisory Has been extended to Entire Village !Updated 2:30 pm Jan. 4th NOTICE
BOIL WATER ORDER
Effective Date: JANUARY 4TH, 2012

Please note that WATER for DOMESTIC PURPOSES (drinking, cooking, etc.) should be boiled before consumption. The boiling water should be at a rolling boil for a minimum TWO MINUTES.

District of Tofino staff are continually monitoring the water supply system and will provide updates as they become available.

This order will be in effect until further notice. Information will be available on the district web site www.tofino.ca.

For further information contact the
District of Tofino at:
District office 250-725-3229, Public works yard 250- 725-4212

water problems

Just waiting to get an update from the District on the status of our water. Please stay tuned.thanks,Ralph

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Another Storm Warning

Winds
Issued 09:30 PM PST 03 January 2012
Tonight and Wednesday
Storm warning in effect.
Wind southeast 40 to 50 knots diminishing to south 30 to 40 early Wednesday morning and to southwest 25 early Wednesday afternoon.
 
 
Waves
Issued 04:00 PM PST 03 January 2012
Today Tonight and Wednesday
Seas 5 to 7 metres building to 8 before morning then subsiding to 5 to 7 late Wednesday morning. Seas subsiding to 5 Wednesday afternoon.
Extended Forecast
Issued 04:00 PM PST 03 January 2012
Thursday
Wind west 40 knots diminishing to 20 in the afternoon.
Friday
Wind south 25 to 35 knots.
Saturday
Wind southeast 20 to 30 knots.
 
 
Weather & Visibility
Issued 09:30 PM PST 03 January 2012
Tonight and Wednesday
Rain at times heavy.
 

Road flooded



Please watch for water on the road by Red Crow corner and Coop gas bar . Heavy rain ! Lots of water on Alberni Highway as well . Please proceed with caution .

Sunday, January 1, 2012