Thursday, March 31, 2011
Hot Dog Stand Update March 31,2011
The Hot Dog Stand will be open soon ! It still has a month left on the Temporary Use Permit. An application is in to have the high-priced permit renewed....I'll let you know when council makes a decision.....in the meantime buy a dog....the permit is 1300 bucks !! No word on the Taco Wagon.....
Guest Editorials
Good morning, I would like to put out the call again for guest editorials so that the blog can publish a variety of opinions.If anyone would like to do a weekly column that would be welcome.With the demise of the Westcoaster I have been swamped with requests to cover stories and provide information.If anyone wants to volunteer to cover stories or learn about the Freedom of Information process please contact me. thanks,Ralph
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Guest Editorial by Dorothy Baert March 30,2011
Hello Ralph and TofinoNewsBloggers
This is a bit of a long winded response to some of the comments I’ve read recently when I’ve visited the site. Bear with me and I welcome your feedback (which I know will be written on the blog whether I like it or not).
Budget Meeting
Concerned about the Districts finances? Wonder what happened today (Mar. 27th) when the Director of Financial Services, Nyla Attiana’s, report was presented at the Budget meeting? You can be informed of the correct details as the entire budget will be presented and Ms Attiana, the CAO and Council will explain allocations, audit procedures or anything else you want to know. There will be ample opportunity to express your views on the budget, whether in writing or through spoken comments and questions. I value the public exchange on the budget and hope, despite the cynicism I read on this blog, to see a good attendance and engagement at that meeting which should happen in a couple of weeks.
Mobile Vending, By-laws and Zoning
I have read so much misinformation on this blog and often it is on matters where the correct information is readily available. One current example is the headline ‘Hot Dog Stand’ Public hearing. The hearing and bylaw wasn’t about licensing the Mobile vendors though a positive resolution would have achieved that; the By-law was about Zoning and in the view of Council, it was unfortunately not a good Zoning policy and couldn’t be supported. Council though was assured that there is another avenue for the vendors to pursue and given the strength of community support, I sincerely hope they will be successful.
Recall and calling new candidates!
I also would like to address the blog initiative to send this Council to the garbage heap and start anew. When I read this blog I have to wonder who in their right mind would sign up for the job. I really want to encourage people to run and would like to think that there is sufficient generosity in this small community to see that people who are motivated to stand for office usually do so because they want to contribute solutions to our many community problems and challenges. Those new Councillors will inherit the work of many Councils past - and they will find it hugely challenging to bring forward what they see as important matters to address, to find support from the whole of Council and to feel interest or backing from the community that presumably supported them in taking on this job in the first place. Despite this, the opportunity to serve on Council is a real education on the complexities of making policy and the rules of governance.
Of course, there also are mistakes that all Councils can make when they misjudge a situation or make decisions where they also have incomplete information or they are sometimes just wrong. But vilifying people personally is not helpful if the desire is to attract new and perhaps better decision makers. Maybe this is why we only had seven people on the slate last time and no one put their name forward as a Mayoral candidate.
On that note, there has been tremendous turnover of staff over the past several years and it should be a big concern. This Council and future Councils will wrestle with finding a solution to this costly situation but the community will also have to be part of creating that solution.
As stated at the last Town Hall meeting, good communication would make a huge difference in closing the information gap on what is happening, why etc. It was a priority goal of this Council in our Visioning at the start of our term and I hope a more rigorous form of communicating will finally get underway in the next few months.
In the meantime, all Council members have contact information on the District website. Why not talk to them about what you are concerned about? If not these Councillors then which ones? The future Councillors? Will it ever honestly happen? Do you want communication or is this blog just a dumping ground?
As always my contact information is
Baert@tofino.ca
ph 250 725 2814.
This is a bit of a long winded response to some of the comments I’ve read recently when I’ve visited the site. Bear with me and I welcome your feedback (which I know will be written on the blog whether I like it or not).
Budget Meeting
Concerned about the Districts finances? Wonder what happened today (Mar. 27th) when the Director of Financial Services, Nyla Attiana’s, report was presented at the Budget meeting? You can be informed of the correct details as the entire budget will be presented and Ms Attiana, the CAO and Council will explain allocations, audit procedures or anything else you want to know. There will be ample opportunity to express your views on the budget, whether in writing or through spoken comments and questions. I value the public exchange on the budget and hope, despite the cynicism I read on this blog, to see a good attendance and engagement at that meeting which should happen in a couple of weeks.
Mobile Vending, By-laws and Zoning
I have read so much misinformation on this blog and often it is on matters where the correct information is readily available. One current example is the headline ‘Hot Dog Stand’ Public hearing. The hearing and bylaw wasn’t about licensing the Mobile vendors though a positive resolution would have achieved that; the By-law was about Zoning and in the view of Council, it was unfortunately not a good Zoning policy and couldn’t be supported. Council though was assured that there is another avenue for the vendors to pursue and given the strength of community support, I sincerely hope they will be successful.
Recall and calling new candidates!
I also would like to address the blog initiative to send this Council to the garbage heap and start anew. When I read this blog I have to wonder who in their right mind would sign up for the job. I really want to encourage people to run and would like to think that there is sufficient generosity in this small community to see that people who are motivated to stand for office usually do so because they want to contribute solutions to our many community problems and challenges. Those new Councillors will inherit the work of many Councils past - and they will find it hugely challenging to bring forward what they see as important matters to address, to find support from the whole of Council and to feel interest or backing from the community that presumably supported them in taking on this job in the first place. Despite this, the opportunity to serve on Council is a real education on the complexities of making policy and the rules of governance.
Of course, there also are mistakes that all Councils can make when they misjudge a situation or make decisions where they also have incomplete information or they are sometimes just wrong. But vilifying people personally is not helpful if the desire is to attract new and perhaps better decision makers. Maybe this is why we only had seven people on the slate last time and no one put their name forward as a Mayoral candidate.
On that note, there has been tremendous turnover of staff over the past several years and it should be a big concern. This Council and future Councils will wrestle with finding a solution to this costly situation but the community will also have to be part of creating that solution.
As stated at the last Town Hall meeting, good communication would make a huge difference in closing the information gap on what is happening, why etc. It was a priority goal of this Council in our Visioning at the start of our term and I hope a more rigorous form of communicating will finally get underway in the next few months.
In the meantime, all Council members have contact information on the District website. Why not talk to them about what you are concerned about? If not these Councillors then which ones? The future Councillors? Will it ever honestly happen? Do you want communication or is this blog just a dumping ground?
As always my contact information is
Baert@tofino.ca
ph 250 725 2814.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
What's going on ? March 29.2011
http://tofino.fileprosite.com/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=1667
please read ! from the report to council "In the past year there has been staff turnover in all management areas proving it difficult to obtain information and history on several matters,some being financial."
please read ! from the report to council "In the past year there has been staff turnover in all management areas proving it difficult to obtain information and history on several matters,some being financial."
Deputy Clerk Leaving District of Tofino March 29,2011
Dorothy Ng is leaving her job as Deputy Clerk at the District of Tofino.Dorothy had been with the District for over 3 years and had purchased a house in Tofino.Let's hope that council will insist on an exit interview to find out what is wrong here.Roberta Martell left after only a few months as did Jennifer Robb.
Council,please wake up !!
Council,please wake up !!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tsunami Sirens cost update March 28,2011
Sorry for any confusion over the cost of the Tsunami Sirens.After consulting with Federal Signals I found the cost of the sirens to be about $100,000.00 for all six units.Thanks to an alert reader that pointed out my mistake.
Lady Rose heading to Tofino March 28 2011
The Lady Rose has been reported to be under way to Tofino.She is slated to become a floating restaurant which makes me wonder if she will be outlawed as a "Mobile Food Outlet" ??? If she floats up and down with the tide I guess she will be mobile.....there should be some interesting discussion around this issue......
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Non-confidence Vote March 27,2011
Today's blog posting is simple. You can vote confidence or non-confidence in our municipal government.A vote of confidence indicates support for the mayor and council while a vote of non-confidence means you are no longer confident in their ability to manage the District of Tofino. After the Federal Government was brought down by a non-confidence vote many people have asked what can be done locally. In short....nothing can be done but this poll will let you express your wishes. Please vote only once and just post confidence or non-confidence , no other comments.Comments on other blog topics will remain open.Polls are now open ! let the voting begin !
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Illegal Mobile Food Outlet !!! March 26, 2011
I was unable to find a hot dog or a taco while out cruising but I found these brave kids selling lemonade from an unlicenced stand !! I admire them for risking the wrath of council !! They are set up at the Esso so go give them some business....Although not properly zoned the lemonade is tasty and look at the smiles !!
Editorial by Ralph Tieleman March 26,2011
I was debating with a friend yesterday over the merits of this blog.He was clearly not a fan of anonymous postings and my opinionated style of reporting. I don't pretend to be objective...I think our Mayor and council are totally out of touch with the people. I could be wrong.....many readers complain that their emails and phone calls are not returned by their representatives and that councilors are following their own agenda.....not the people's wishes......
Here's an idea....why don't councilor's have their own blogs ? before wasting council and staff time with ideas like municipal campsites and electric quads they could quickly post their thoughts on their blog and respond to public opinion.Blogs are relatively easy to run and they would have a good idea of public sentiment before they bring up motions at a council meeting.
I found it interesting that I had more feedback on council's decision to crush two small food outlets than I did on high water rates,Olympic spending or Tsunami sirens.
It was a single fruit seller in Tunisia that was harassed by local government and bylaw officers that led to the uprisings in the Middle East. After a bylaw officer seized his scales so that he couldn't operate his fruit stand he committed suicide by setting himself on fire.The response was overwhelming and the revolt was on.....
Here we have a functioning democracy so such extreme measures aren't necessary but it is clear that between elections democracy is not working.
Council has embraced Skype and other modern technology so why not blogs. It would work well as they could get information out to the people and the people could respond.
Hopefully it would lead to more open and accountable government.I would be more than happy to help set up the sites. thanks,Ralph
Here's an idea....why don't councilor's have their own blogs ? before wasting council and staff time with ideas like municipal campsites and electric quads they could quickly post their thoughts on their blog and respond to public opinion.Blogs are relatively easy to run and they would have a good idea of public sentiment before they bring up motions at a council meeting.
I found it interesting that I had more feedback on council's decision to crush two small food outlets than I did on high water rates,Olympic spending or Tsunami sirens.
It was a single fruit seller in Tunisia that was harassed by local government and bylaw officers that led to the uprisings in the Middle East. After a bylaw officer seized his scales so that he couldn't operate his fruit stand he committed suicide by setting himself on fire.The response was overwhelming and the revolt was on.....
Here we have a functioning democracy so such extreme measures aren't necessary but it is clear that between elections democracy is not working.
Council has embraced Skype and other modern technology so why not blogs. It would work well as they could get information out to the people and the people could respond.
Hopefully it would lead to more open and accountable government.I would be more than happy to help set up the sites. thanks,Ralph
Friday, March 25, 2011
Tourism Tofino Funding March 25,2011
Many blog readers have called wondering about funding for Tourism Tofino. I have filed a request for information with the District of Tofino under the Freedom of Information Act and expect a response in a timely manner....full details when they are available.If you have any information please write in or call.thanks,Ralph
Down the Drain Update March 25,2011
Reliable sources have indicated that the District of Tofino no longer flushes the sewer system with potable water.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Down the Drain ? March 24,2011
Someone asked me today how Tofino councilors can be so adamant about water conservation when we pour thousands of gallons of treated water down the sewer main....how can the District of Tofino justify charging so much for water when we obviously have so much that we can literally pour it down the drain ?? If anyone knows how much water we are using to flush the sewer system please comment.....thanks,Ralph
Tsunami Stuff on CBC Radio
CBC Radio will be running a segment on Tsunami awareness in the Pacific Northwest tonight at 8:30
Crosswalk signs going up !
Glad to see crosswalk signs going up at Lynn rd. Thanks to all that made this possible !
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
West Bay Hotel burns !!
http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/118510864.html
Port Alberni hotel destroyed by fire.The West Bay was built by Briam Kimola's father in the 70s after the park took over his Pineridge Motel which was at the corner by the golf course.
Port Alberni hotel destroyed by fire.The West Bay was built by Briam Kimola's father in the 70s after the park took over his Pineridge Motel which was at the corner by the golf course.
Quote from the Mayor regarding a Tsunami
Mayor Fraser on Global TV when asked about Tsunami preparedness : " the visitors....I think they'll be running around like crazy"
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Council votes against Hot Dog Stand !! March 22,2011
Council has voted against a bylaw amendment that would have allowed the continued operation of the Hot Dog Stand and the Taco Wagon. Thanks to Gord Johns who voted for the amendment.The businesses will be allowed to apply for another Temporary Use Permit but they are over One Thousand Dollars and give no security to the business. These people are insane....while voting against the amnendment some of council suggested that the District of Tofino embrace "true mobile food" and that a lottery system be set up for the awarding of street vending licences......it was also suggested by one councilor that food should be available at local beaches so as to cut down on traffic coming into town.....I can't wait to start up my granola and tofu wagon at Chesterman's Beach and then move into the Tonquin Park Village Campsite while I vacation rental my home for the summer....
Shore begins nightly rentals March 22,2011
http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g154942-d2052992-Tofino_Brand_New_5_Star_Executive_Rental-Tofino_Vancouver_Island_British_Columbia.html
I'm not sure if this has been approved by council but nightly rentals at "The Shore" seem to be proceeding....thanks to an observant blog reader for alerting Tofinonews
I'm not sure if this has been approved by council but nightly rentals at "The Shore" seem to be proceeding....thanks to an observant blog reader for alerting Tofinonews
Monday, March 21, 2011
Radiation Update March 21 ,2011
UPDATE: Monday, March 21, 2011
Health Canada has informed the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) that as expected, minute amounts of radiation from the reactor incident in Japan have been detected by radiation monitors in the province. These amounts are negligible and do not pose a health risk to British Columbians.
BCCDC will continue to work closely with Health Canada to interpret these results. We are expecting very slight increases in radiation until a week after the reactors are stabilized. These are not cause for concern, and are smaller than the normal day-to-day fluctuations typically seen in BC.
Hot Dog Stand Public Hearing
FYI there is a public hearing at the Council meeting tomorrow (the 22nd at 9AM) regarding mobile food units and their relationship within Tofino's zoning bylaw. If any of your blog readers would like to see the hot dog stand reopen this year, and have continuity for future years, having this zoning amendment pass is a critical part of that.
Tofino has most expensive hotel rooms in Canada ! March 21 2011
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Edmonton+room+rates+take/4478288/story.html
According to this article in the Edmonton Journal, Tofino has the highest hotel rates in Canada.......
http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/Tofino+tops+list+priciest+places+Canada+hotel+room/4479701/story.html
This Vancouver Sun article expresses the same sentiment.....there are lots of good deals right now on cabins and hotels here....let's hope Tourism Tofino counters this negative publicity !
According to this article in the Edmonton Journal, Tofino has the highest hotel rates in Canada.......
http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/Tofino+tops+list+priciest+places+Canada+hotel+room/4479701/story.html
This Vancouver Sun article expresses the same sentiment.....there are lots of good deals right now on cabins and hotels here....let's hope Tourism Tofino counters this negative publicity !
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Service for Mrs. Koreski
Service for Mrs. Koreski is at the Legion tomorrow (Saturday)at 1 pm. She was always nice to me.
Japan Blog Reader March 18,2011
This isn't Tofino news but my statistics showed that I had one loyal blog reader in Japan and that they hadn't checked the site since the earthquake. I have no idea who they are but I hope they are okay......
Cox Bay Lands For Sale ! March 18,2011
http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?PropertyID=10457123&PidKey=2080732388
Another large part of Tofino is for sale !
Another large part of Tofino is for sale !
Guest editorial by Jacqueline Windh March 18,2011
Hello Ralph and all -
Below is a response to some of the questions by “Anonymous Mar. 17 1:40am” posted as a comment in the previous thread. (And speaking of “anonymous,” I think one step that would help this town is for people to speak out with a face and name).
I have all ready written a huge amount, over a period of several years, about all of this tsunami and earthquake emergency stuff. I have made sure that everything is publicly available. These articles are really time-consuming to research and write, and the many interviews I have done require lots of prep time required before talking live on air. But I think they provide answers to your questions (as well as a whole lot more info). So here's a little reference list for y'all.
Please check out my posts on the Tofino Residents blog (which anyone can feel free to take over if they like, as I've given up on it since everyone seemed to think it was an excuse to tell me what else I should research and write about for free for the community, instead of contributing to it themselves):
http://tofinoresidents.wordpress.com/2010/01/26/earthquake-anniversary/
http://tofinoresidents.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/whatever/
http://tofinoresidents.wordpress.com/2010/06/23/let-them-eat-farmed-fish/
There is also my interview on CBC TV's "The National" last year:
http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/indepthanalysis/story/2010/06/01/national-bcearthquakes.html - scroll down on the "On Shaky Ground" window for Tofino)
And also my CBC Radio interview from last year:
http://jwindh.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/bcontheisland_2010063e2b14.mp3
(BTW, the June 23 Tofino Residents post links to the Mayor's infamous "Let them eat farmed fish" interview).
There is also the article I wrote on my own blog: more about the geology and how scientists figured out the things we know about our earthquake and tsunami frequency:
http://jacquelinewindh.com/2010/01/26/earthquake-anniversary/
There are also the two very detailed articles I wrote for the communities (I actually convinced the Westcoaster and Westerly to agree to publish the same material for the sake of public safety, which in itself was a feat) back in 2007:
http://www.westcoaster.ca/news/archives/2119-Earthquake-Tsunami-Advice-Not-Appropriate-Local-Scientist.html
http://www.westcoaster.ca/news/archives/2162-What-You-Need-When-Emergency-Strikes.html
And there is the long interview that I did with Geoff Johnson on Long Beach radio in January 2010, which you can listen to here:
http://jwindh.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/windh-interview-earthquake.mp3
And the one I did on CBC Radio on Monday (my part starts about 7 min; don't know how long this link will be "live" for):
http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/bcontheisland_20110315_46637.mp3
So that's a lot of info I have put out there. (In case anyone is wondering, I don't get paid for this stuff, it was volunteering for the community). So, some brief answers to your specific questions:
- going door to door only works if people actually DO it. Seems the district is saying they did it this time, whereas people I have talked to who live on Chestermans and Sandpiper Drive say they did not. Someone is lying.
- yes, warning sirens can be an issue if the weather is loud, which we know it can be - i.e. whether anyone actually will hear them or not
- the provincial PEP program was expounding on these little receiver things that we could all have in our houses, about 3-4 years ago, that would get rid of any need for outside sirens. They sounded great - like an alarm clock in each house that would go off on some radio signal or something. I do not know what happened to that whole idea. Someone should follow that up. Sounds cheaper and far more effective than sirens or PA addresses.
To me, the two biggest issues are:
- people need to know where the REAL safe areas are. For an earthquake from far away, we will have hours of time. When our own earthquake comes (remember, in that case, the earthquake IS the warning - you need to have your plan burned into your head for that one because you will have as little as 15 minutes before the first wave, and there will be mass destruction everywhere, roads impassable) we need to get to the nearest safe high area, RUNNING, forget about taking much stuff with you, you just need to huddle up and survive for 12 or so hours there. Hungry, cold, whatever... at least you are alive and in a safe place when the first wave comes in. You can be cold and wet and hungry for 12 hours.
- how to survive the weeks and months after the quake/tsunami (look at Christchurch and Japan right now; rebuilding is still on-going in Haiti and Chile a year later). Tofino will literally be an island, bigger towns cities will be receiving the bulk of the aid, not us, and those bigger towns certainly will not be in a position to give us aid (in spite of our Mayor's little fantasy that a ship will arrive from Vancouver within 24 hrs and that we can all survive on the farmed fish even though boats and fish pens will have been destroyed). If it is winter, we will be bloody cold and wet, for weeks. Or months. If it is summer, we will have 20,000 extra mouths to feed. (Who's stockpiling their food?) And think about it: stockpiling weeks of food only works if everyone does it - otherwise, what are you going to do, eat your food and go "ha ha I told you so" as you watch your neighbours starve? (Or beat them off with sticks as they struggle to feed their kids and attack you for your supplies?)
See why I'm not sticking around?
I’m pissed off with a Mayor and council and emergency planners who have dropped the ball on this for the four years that I have been lobbying for the safety of all of you. I have a whack of very polite and professionally worded emails that I have written to them offering my help in the planning (and I have phoned and gone in to talk to Dorothy Ng too, and talked to Crystal Ironside before her), and they have never once responded to me about this. Not even to say piss off and stop writing to us - even that would be better than what I have got.
I am really disappointed in a community that won’t speak out. I am disappointed that no one stood with me (even though so many people have told me privately that they support what I have been doing) - especially when the Mayor slagged me in that CBC interview last year. Sure, people are talking here on this blog - but anonymous comments do not have much sway in policy change. As you can probably tell from the tone of this, I am pretty burnt out after four years of lobbying for sensible emergency planning that might actually save lives (your lives) rather than cost them. I wish I could be one of those people who just doesn’t give a shit, but I’m not. That's why I can’t stick around, because if I stay I will keep wasting my time on this - or on other stupid things like fair water rates, or affordable housing for locals - like I am right now.
But this is why I care:
The events cannot be prevented. But with good planning, thousands or even tens of thousands of deaths can be prevented. Both during the event, and in the weeks and months following. On Friday, nearly 1000 people died in one town in Japan because they followed their municipal emergency instructions, which sent them to designated "safe zones" that were actually within the inundation zones (sound familiar?). They got swamped by the wave, and they drowned inside the buildings. See this article for details:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/tsunami-preparation-leads-citizens-into-low-lying-death-traps/article1943381/
In that case, the problem seems to be on the geoscientists' end, not the planners - they were preparing for a 3-4 m wave, and instead they got a 15 m wave. Supposedly we are expecting a max 6 m wave here - so 10 m above high tide is considered "safe" by the experts. I am wondering what the chances are of such an error in our predicted height here, too. It would really change the planning, if you are to prepare for a 15 m wave. You guys need some intelligent and informed people on this:(1) to understand the nature of the expected events, and (2) to know what to do to minimize loss of life and injury and damage. The probability of it coming is 100%.
(OK, so while I am putting in my "last words" - I'll add that the plan to have Tofino schoolchildren grab their desk legs and get slammed from wall to wall by a magnitude 9 quake is criminal. This is not a California or NZ magnitude 7 quake, it will be 100 times stronger, so using California or NZ types of planning is not appropriate for us. Also, Maquinna is not a big-city school where exits are far away or down stairs - it is a tiny little one-story school and there are doorways very close to (or in) all of the classrooms. Parents, please instruct your children to run outside the second the shaking starts, no matter what anyone else tells them - the school field will be the safest place in town, practically the only place where nothing can fall on you). Tofino's planning needs to be appropriate to here - not just lifting someone else's plan.
Anyway… maybe some day all the info I have researched and posted will help y'all. I hope so, because it was a hell of a lot of work.
Somebody needs to do something, and everyone should be part of that somebody. Not just one or two people alone.
Jackie
(And for anyone still questioning my background/expertise: My Ph.D. is in Structural Geology, which is the study of deformation of the Earth's crust, e.g. faulting, folding, fractures, tectonic movements.).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below is a response to some of the questions by “Anonymous Mar. 17 1:40am” posted as a comment in the previous thread. (And speaking of “anonymous,” I think one step that would help this town is for people to speak out with a face and name).
I have all ready written a huge amount, over a period of several years, about all of this tsunami and earthquake emergency stuff. I have made sure that everything is publicly available. These articles are really time-consuming to research and write, and the many interviews I have done require lots of prep time required before talking live on air. But I think they provide answers to your questions (as well as a whole lot more info). So here's a little reference list for y'all.
Please check out my posts on the Tofino Residents blog (which anyone can feel free to take over if they like, as I've given up on it since everyone seemed to think it was an excuse to tell me what else I should research and write about for free for the community, instead of contributing to it themselves):
http://tofinoresidents.wordpress.com/2010/01/26/earthquake-anniversary/
http://tofinoresidents.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/whatever/
http://tofinoresidents.wordpress.com/2010/06/23/let-them-eat-farmed-fish/
There is also my interview on CBC TV's "The National" last year:
http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/indepthanalysis/story/2010/06/01/national-bcearthquakes.html - scroll down on the "On Shaky Ground" window for Tofino)
And also my CBC Radio interview from last year:
http://jwindh.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/bcontheisland_2010063e2b14.mp3
(BTW, the June 23 Tofino Residents post links to the Mayor's infamous "Let them eat farmed fish" interview).
There is also the article I wrote on my own blog: more about the geology and how scientists figured out the things we know about our earthquake and tsunami frequency:
http://jacquelinewindh.com/2010/01/26/earthquake-anniversary/
There are also the two very detailed articles I wrote for the communities (I actually convinced the Westcoaster and Westerly to agree to publish the same material for the sake of public safety, which in itself was a feat) back in 2007:
http://www.westcoaster.ca/news/archives/2119-Earthquake-Tsunami-Advice-Not-Appropriate-Local-Scientist.html
http://www.westcoaster.ca/news/archives/2162-What-You-Need-When-Emergency-Strikes.html
And there is the long interview that I did with Geoff Johnson on Long Beach radio in January 2010, which you can listen to here:
http://jwindh.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/windh-interview-earthquake.mp3
And the one I did on CBC Radio on Monday (my part starts about 7 min; don't know how long this link will be "live" for):
http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/bcontheisland_20110315_46637.mp3
So that's a lot of info I have put out there. (In case anyone is wondering, I don't get paid for this stuff, it was volunteering for the community). So, some brief answers to your specific questions:
- going door to door only works if people actually DO it. Seems the district is saying they did it this time, whereas people I have talked to who live on Chestermans and Sandpiper Drive say they did not. Someone is lying.
- yes, warning sirens can be an issue if the weather is loud, which we know it can be - i.e. whether anyone actually will hear them or not
- the provincial PEP program was expounding on these little receiver things that we could all have in our houses, about 3-4 years ago, that would get rid of any need for outside sirens. They sounded great - like an alarm clock in each house that would go off on some radio signal or something. I do not know what happened to that whole idea. Someone should follow that up. Sounds cheaper and far more effective than sirens or PA addresses.
To me, the two biggest issues are:
- people need to know where the REAL safe areas are. For an earthquake from far away, we will have hours of time. When our own earthquake comes (remember, in that case, the earthquake IS the warning - you need to have your plan burned into your head for that one because you will have as little as 15 minutes before the first wave, and there will be mass destruction everywhere, roads impassable) we need to get to the nearest safe high area, RUNNING, forget about taking much stuff with you, you just need to huddle up and survive for 12 or so hours there. Hungry, cold, whatever... at least you are alive and in a safe place when the first wave comes in. You can be cold and wet and hungry for 12 hours.
- how to survive the weeks and months after the quake/tsunami (look at Christchurch and Japan right now; rebuilding is still on-going in Haiti and Chile a year later). Tofino will literally be an island, bigger towns cities will be receiving the bulk of the aid, not us, and those bigger towns certainly will not be in a position to give us aid (in spite of our Mayor's little fantasy that a ship will arrive from Vancouver within 24 hrs and that we can all survive on the farmed fish even though boats and fish pens will have been destroyed). If it is winter, we will be bloody cold and wet, for weeks. Or months. If it is summer, we will have 20,000 extra mouths to feed. (Who's stockpiling their food?) And think about it: stockpiling weeks of food only works if everyone does it - otherwise, what are you going to do, eat your food and go "ha ha I told you so" as you watch your neighbours starve? (Or beat them off with sticks as they struggle to feed their kids and attack you for your supplies?)
See why I'm not sticking around?
I’m pissed off with a Mayor and council and emergency planners who have dropped the ball on this for the four years that I have been lobbying for the safety of all of you. I have a whack of very polite and professionally worded emails that I have written to them offering my help in the planning (and I have phoned and gone in to talk to Dorothy Ng too, and talked to Crystal Ironside before her), and they have never once responded to me about this. Not even to say piss off and stop writing to us - even that would be better than what I have got.
I am really disappointed in a community that won’t speak out. I am disappointed that no one stood with me (even though so many people have told me privately that they support what I have been doing) - especially when the Mayor slagged me in that CBC interview last year. Sure, people are talking here on this blog - but anonymous comments do not have much sway in policy change. As you can probably tell from the tone of this, I am pretty burnt out after four years of lobbying for sensible emergency planning that might actually save lives (your lives) rather than cost them. I wish I could be one of those people who just doesn’t give a shit, but I’m not. That's why I can’t stick around, because if I stay I will keep wasting my time on this - or on other stupid things like fair water rates, or affordable housing for locals - like I am right now.
But this is why I care:
The events cannot be prevented. But with good planning, thousands or even tens of thousands of deaths can be prevented. Both during the event, and in the weeks and months following. On Friday, nearly 1000 people died in one town in Japan because they followed their municipal emergency instructions, which sent them to designated "safe zones" that were actually within the inundation zones (sound familiar?). They got swamped by the wave, and they drowned inside the buildings. See this article for details:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/tsunami-preparation-leads-citizens-into-low-lying-death-traps/article1943381/
In that case, the problem seems to be on the geoscientists' end, not the planners - they were preparing for a 3-4 m wave, and instead they got a 15 m wave. Supposedly we are expecting a max 6 m wave here - so 10 m above high tide is considered "safe" by the experts. I am wondering what the chances are of such an error in our predicted height here, too. It would really change the planning, if you are to prepare for a 15 m wave. You guys need some intelligent and informed people on this:(1) to understand the nature of the expected events, and (2) to know what to do to minimize loss of life and injury and damage. The probability of it coming is 100%.
(OK, so while I am putting in my "last words" - I'll add that the plan to have Tofino schoolchildren grab their desk legs and get slammed from wall to wall by a magnitude 9 quake is criminal. This is not a California or NZ magnitude 7 quake, it will be 100 times stronger, so using California or NZ types of planning is not appropriate for us. Also, Maquinna is not a big-city school where exits are far away or down stairs - it is a tiny little one-story school and there are doorways very close to (or in) all of the classrooms. Parents, please instruct your children to run outside the second the shaking starts, no matter what anyone else tells them - the school field will be the safest place in town, practically the only place where nothing can fall on you). Tofino's planning needs to be appropriate to here - not just lifting someone else's plan.
Anyway… maybe some day all the info I have researched and posted will help y'all. I hope so, because it was a hell of a lot of work.
Somebody needs to do something, and everyone should be part of that somebody. Not just one or two people alone.
Jackie
(And for anyone still questioning my background/expertise: My Ph.D. is in Structural Geology, which is the study of deformation of the Earth's crust, e.g. faulting, folding, fractures, tectonic movements.).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Mayor defends Tsunami System location on CBC radio March 16,2011
Some comments from the Mayor on CBC this morning :
On the Chesterman's Beach location : " If we get that tsunami wave probably any siren is going to disappear"
On a tsunami response for residents : " we can easily notify people in their houses"
On why we have no warning system:"It's really a financial thing for us" "We've had money in our budget for a number of years and we've been kind of holding it in hopes of getting a ....grant from from the federal government to match our monies"
The mayor went on to say that the new tsunami warning system at Chesterman's Beach will be louder than the old fire sirens. I have the interview on tape if anyone is interested.
On the Chesterman's Beach location : " If we get that tsunami wave probably any siren is going to disappear"
On a tsunami response for residents : " we can easily notify people in their houses"
On why we have no warning system:"It's really a financial thing for us" "We've had money in our budget for a number of years and we've been kind of holding it in hopes of getting a ....grant from from the federal government to match our monies"
The mayor went on to say that the new tsunami warning system at Chesterman's Beach will be louder than the old fire sirens. I have the interview on tape if anyone is interested.
mayor on cbc about tsunami sirens
the mayor will be on cbc in a few moments....report later.....8:08 am march 16 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Provincial Health Officer Press Release March 15,2011
STATE MENT
For Immediate Release March 14, 2011
Office of the Provincial Health Officer
Radiation from Japan poses no health risk in B.C.
VICTORIA – British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall today issued a statement reassuring British Columbians that there is no expected health risk from radiation at the Japanese nuclear power plant.
"Based on present information, we do not expect any health risk following the nuclear reactor releases in Japan, nor is the consumption of potassium iodide tablets a necessary precaution.
"Small amounts of low level radiation released from the nuclear reactors in Japan will have been dispersed in the atmosphere there and are not a health risk to British Columbians.
"Modelling of possible scenarios suggest that any release into the atmosphere of nuclear particles would take five to six days to reach British Columbia, by which time it would be so dispersed as to be not considered a health risk.
"As a result of the terrible tragedy, emergency officials in British Columbia remain in constant contact with Health Canada, the lead department responsible for co-ordinating Canada’s nuclear emergency response. The BC Centre for Disease Control, provincial and federal governments as well as Washington State and international authorities such as the World Health Organization continue to monitor the events, including radiation levels. To date, there have been no reports of nuclear particles from the facility in Japan reaching the west coast of North America.
"It is recommended that pharmacies do not dispense or stockpile potassium iodide tablets. Some pharmacies are reporting a run on sales of iodide tablets, which can protect the thyroid gland from the impact of being exposed to high-levels of radioactive iodine 131.
"The consumption of iodide tablets is not a necessary precaution as there is no current risk of radiological I131 exposure. Even if radiation from Japan ever made it to British Columbia, our prediction based on current information, is that it would not pose any significant health risk."
Contact:
Michelle Stewart
Communications Director
Ministry of Health
250 952-1889 (Media line)
For Immediate Release March 14, 2011
Office of the Provincial Health Officer
Radiation from Japan poses no health risk in B.C.
VICTORIA – British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall today issued a statement reassuring British Columbians that there is no expected health risk from radiation at the Japanese nuclear power plant.
"Based on present information, we do not expect any health risk following the nuclear reactor releases in Japan, nor is the consumption of potassium iodide tablets a necessary precaution.
"Small amounts of low level radiation released from the nuclear reactors in Japan will have been dispersed in the atmosphere there and are not a health risk to British Columbians.
"Modelling of possible scenarios suggest that any release into the atmosphere of nuclear particles would take five to six days to reach British Columbia, by which time it would be so dispersed as to be not considered a health risk.
"As a result of the terrible tragedy, emergency officials in British Columbia remain in constant contact with Health Canada, the lead department responsible for co-ordinating Canada’s nuclear emergency response. The BC Centre for Disease Control, provincial and federal governments as well as Washington State and international authorities such as the World Health Organization continue to monitor the events, including radiation levels. To date, there have been no reports of nuclear particles from the facility in Japan reaching the west coast of North America.
"It is recommended that pharmacies do not dispense or stockpile potassium iodide tablets. Some pharmacies are reporting a run on sales of iodide tablets, which can protect the thyroid gland from the impact of being exposed to high-levels of radioactive iodine 131.
"The consumption of iodide tablets is not a necessary precaution as there is no current risk of radiological I131 exposure. Even if radiation from Japan ever made it to British Columbia, our prediction based on current information, is that it would not pose any significant health risk."
Contact:
Michelle Stewart
Communications Director
Ministry of Health
250 952-1889 (Media line)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tofino classified ads March 14,2011
With the demise of the westcoaster.ca there is a gap in classified ads......I have been using www.usedtofino.com It's a free site with easy photo upload.They have rental listings.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Japan reports possible nuclear meltdown March 12 2011 7:12 pm
A meltdown may have occurred at at least one nuclear power reactor in Japan, the country's chief cabinet secretary, Yukio Edano, said Sunday.
He also said that authorities are concerned over the possibility of another meltdown at a second reactor.
"We do believe that there is a possibility that meltdown has occurred. It is inside the reactor. We can't see. However, we are assuming that a meltdown has occurred," he said of the No. 1 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility. "And with reactor No. 3, we are also assuming that the possibility of a meltdown as we carry out measures."
I know this isn't Tofino news just thought I'd put it out there....ralph
Tsunami Discussion March 12,2011
I'd like to open a new thread for discussion about the Tsunami Advisory and related topics.After seeing the reports from Japan I think most people will agree it is a serious topic. I think most people will now agree that locating the first Tsunami warning system at North Chesterman's beach at the tide line is not a good idea.
Many people were asking about the operational status of the old fire sirens.Does anybody know if they are still operational ? I know back in the 70s they could be heard all over town....they are on relatively high ground.
Comments and input please.....
here is a copy of Tammy Shymko's letter to council written before the Tsunami in Japan :
To Council and The District of Tofino: I would like to pass on a few thoughts to you as I can not make the council meeting on tuesday and do hope these points can be made during the discussion of the Tsunami Siren or Warning System? I would like to thank Dorothy and Gord as they are the only 2 councillors that answered my letter I appreciate it.1. It seems to be new, news to us taxpayers, that it is not a siren that we are getting and now a system that is a voice message pa system. In all the literature I have read that mentions the Tsunami Siren its says Tsunami Siren ( The lands stake claim on the beach even states "proposed site for Tsunami Siren"). As Dorothy Ng is quoted in the Westcoaster that it is a Tsunami Warning System.To me this is just another example of the misinformation that is available to the community as wrong or poorly communicated or the district not being forthright with the correct information.All the information we seem to get as a community has to be searched out on our own, which has a very poor reflection on the district and council.I can use my experience with doing film jobs in the community, I must paper a neighborhood informing the near bye residents to what dates, times and what that production will be doing in their neighborhood and attach my # and productions # and Sally Mole's # if any one has concerns or questions. I would think if we have such a policy for filming, it would only be common decency to have the district inform neighborhoods of intended projects that may or may not affect their property or neighborhood directly.2. If this Tsunami System is a symptom of spending money that has to be spent in a location due to available funding, I have difficult time accepting that. I have to point out again that no report has been forthright proving the Tsunami Siren location. Now learning that it is a PA system I even have bigger doubts as we all no, the only way you will be able to hear the words clearly is if the weather is dead calm (no wind and the seas flat). We have all been to a surf contest here and I would like to know how many people can understand what the announcers are saying? You must stand directly in front of the system, because with the wind and noise of the surf, the words are washed away on either side of the booth, its just noise. This system is also assuming everyone understands ENGLISH. I have to question why its not a siren when a siren is the universal sound for an evacuation.3. My last point: I have been told this is one of seven PROPOSED (siren/system's) well, unless you all can guarantee that more money will become available to make every neighborhood safe and beach safe immediately, a disservice is being done, by not putting the first one in a spot that would service a wide area, to cover all grounds. If for what ever reasons the other FUTURE sirens do not get funding, I would have to say the district is leaving it self open to a possible law suit, if some one or some area, that did not have a siren survives and uses that against the district.I am not against a Tsunami Siren, I would just like to see it put in the best location that could service much more of the Chesterman Beach, Jensen's Bay and Rosie Bay area because no one can say if or when more will be installed and legally it should all be done at once because who decides what area is more important than another. I do believe it should be a siren and not a pa system. Leonard Island is still the most obvious location (the fog horn makes that case I would think). I understand this grant money is the driving force here, but maybe we could do the unthinkable and not spend it all and come in under budget instead of inventing things to spend it on just for the sake of using it up. Fiscal responsibility as it is still TAXPAYER'S MONEY???I would appreciate it if you can express these in council on Tuesday.Thank you, Tammy Shymko
Many people were asking about the operational status of the old fire sirens.Does anybody know if they are still operational ? I know back in the 70s they could be heard all over town....they are on relatively high ground.
Comments and input please.....
here is a copy of Tammy Shymko's letter to council written before the Tsunami in Japan :
To Council and The District of Tofino: I would like to pass on a few thoughts to you as I can not make the council meeting on tuesday and do hope these points can be made during the discussion of the Tsunami Siren or Warning System? I would like to thank Dorothy and Gord as they are the only 2 councillors that answered my letter I appreciate it.1. It seems to be new, news to us taxpayers, that it is not a siren that we are getting and now a system that is a voice message pa system. In all the literature I have read that mentions the Tsunami Siren its says Tsunami Siren ( The lands stake claim on the beach even states "proposed site for Tsunami Siren"). As Dorothy Ng is quoted in the Westcoaster that it is a Tsunami Warning System.To me this is just another example of the misinformation that is available to the community as wrong or poorly communicated or the district not being forthright with the correct information.All the information we seem to get as a community has to be searched out on our own, which has a very poor reflection on the district and council.I can use my experience with doing film jobs in the community, I must paper a neighborhood informing the near bye residents to what dates, times and what that production will be doing in their neighborhood and attach my # and productions # and Sally Mole's # if any one has concerns or questions. I would think if we have such a policy for filming, it would only be common decency to have the district inform neighborhoods of intended projects that may or may not affect their property or neighborhood directly.2. If this Tsunami System is a symptom of spending money that has to be spent in a location due to available funding, I have difficult time accepting that. I have to point out again that no report has been forthright proving the Tsunami Siren location. Now learning that it is a PA system I even have bigger doubts as we all no, the only way you will be able to hear the words clearly is if the weather is dead calm (no wind and the seas flat). We have all been to a surf contest here and I would like to know how many people can understand what the announcers are saying? You must stand directly in front of the system, because with the wind and noise of the surf, the words are washed away on either side of the booth, its just noise. This system is also assuming everyone understands ENGLISH. I have to question why its not a siren when a siren is the universal sound for an evacuation.3. My last point: I have been told this is one of seven PROPOSED (siren/system's) well, unless you all can guarantee that more money will become available to make every neighborhood safe and beach safe immediately, a disservice is being done, by not putting the first one in a spot that would service a wide area, to cover all grounds. If for what ever reasons the other FUTURE sirens do not get funding, I would have to say the district is leaving it self open to a possible law suit, if some one or some area, that did not have a siren survives and uses that against the district.I am not against a Tsunami Siren, I would just like to see it put in the best location that could service much more of the Chesterman Beach, Jensen's Bay and Rosie Bay area because no one can say if or when more will be installed and legally it should all be done at once because who decides what area is more important than another. I do believe it should be a siren and not a pa system. Leonard Island is still the most obvious location (the fog horn makes that case I would think). I understand this grant money is the driving force here, but maybe we could do the unthinkable and not spend it all and come in under budget instead of inventing things to spend it on just for the sake of using it up. Fiscal responsibility as it is still TAXPAYER'S MONEY???I would appreciate it if you can express these in council on Tuesday.Thank you, Tammy Shymko
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tsunami Advisory cancelled March 11 2011 6:49 pm pst
Tsunami Advisory has been canceled for British Columbia as of 6:49 pm pst. March 11,2011
Tsunami Update march 11 2011 4:18 pm pst
Tsunami Advisory for west coast Vancouver Island still in effect as of this post
Update from Alaska and West Coast Tsunami Centre
http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2011/03/11/lhvpd9/16/messagelhvpd9-16.htm
Updated at 12:46 pm pst.Tsunami Advisory still in effect
Updated at 12:46 pm pst.Tsunami Advisory still in effect
Tsunami Update march 11 2011 !0:32 am
Garth Cameron form Westcoast Search and Rescue reports that Pacheena Bay reported significant wave action and that Ucluelet experienced unusual tide and current patterns. He advised that people should exercise caution and stay away form tidal areas.
If anyone has reports or updates please call or write in.Thanks to CBC and Globe and Mail for keeping in touch.
If anyone has reports or updates please call or write in.Thanks to CBC and Globe and Mail for keeping in touch.
Tsunami Update from CBC March 11 2011 9:51 pst
The tsunami advisory for British Columbia remained in effect Friday morning, after the initial effects of an 8.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan passed the province's coastline without apparent incident.
Earlier, Federal Public Safety Minister Vic Toews had announced the end of the advisory, apparently too soon. The first effects of the Japan tsunami reached Canada's West Coast at about 7:30 a.m. PT, and wave-height changes were negligible.
Glen Plummer, communications manager for Emergency Management B.C., said that as of 9:15 a.m. PT, “the tsunami advisory is still in place — it was never lifted.”
Tsunami Update march 11 2011 9:31 am
Thanks to Braden Smith for the latest update.Provincial authorities maintain a Tsunami Advisory.Please disregard the information on the CBC.CA website.
Tsunami Update march 11 2011 9:25 am
Tofino staff has just informed me that the advisory is still in effect as of 9:25 pst. I'm getting conflicting information so please proceed with caution....I'll have updates posted as soon as available....thanks,Ralph
Tsunami Watch Update March 11 2011 6:14 am am
We are still only under a Tsunami Advisory. Do not panic.I will post if there is a change.The tsunami in Alaska measured 2 ft. but larger waves may follow.
Tsunami Watch Update March 11 2011 2:29 am
In response to a phone question: we are under a Tsunami Advisory not a Warning.
THIS MESSAGE KEEPS THE ADVISORY AND WARNING AREAS THE SAME AND ADDS MORE TSUNAMI OBSERVATIONS.
The Tsunami Warning continues in effect for the coastal areas of California and Oregon from Point Concepcion, California to the Oregon-Washington border.
The Tsunami Warning continues in effect for the coastal areas of Alaska from Amchitka Pass, Alaska (125 miles W of Adak) to Attu, Alaska.
The Tsunami Advisory continues in effect for the coastal areas of California from the California-Mexico border to Point Concepcion, California.
The Tsunami Advisory continues in effect for the coastal areas of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-Washington border to Amchitka Pass, Alaska (125 miles W of Adak).
THIS MESSAGE KEEPS THE ADVISORY AND WARNING AREAS THE SAME AND ADDS MORE TSUNAMI OBSERVATIONS.
The Tsunami Warning continues in effect for the coastal areas of California and Oregon from Point Concepcion, California to the Oregon-Washington border.
The Tsunami Warning continues in effect for the coastal areas of Alaska from Amchitka Pass, Alaska (125 miles W of Adak) to Attu, Alaska.
The Tsunami Advisory continues in effect for the coastal areas of California from the California-Mexico border to Point Concepcion, California.
The Tsunami Advisory continues in effect for the coastal areas of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-Washington border to Amchitka Pass, Alaska (125 miles W of Adak).
Hawaii evacuating March 11,2011
A loyal blog reader has advised that Honolulu is evacuating to higher ground due to the tsunami warning.2:16 am pst
Tsunami Siren location March 11 2011
This is why the Tsunami Warning System should be on higher ground and not in the high tide zone at Chesterman's Beach:
A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF LONG OCEAN WAVES. EACH INDIVIDUAL WAVE
CREST CAN LAST 5 TO 15 MINUTES OR MORE AND EXTENSIVELY FLOOD
COASTAL AREAS. THE DANGER CAN CONTINUE FOR MANY HOURS AFTER THE
INITIAL WAVE AS SUBSEQUENT WAVES ARRIVE. TSUNAMI WAVE HEIGHTS
CANNOT BE PREDICTED AND THE FIRST WAVE MAY NOT BE THE LARGEST.
TSUNAMI WAVES EFFICIENTLY WRAP AROUND ISLANDS. ALL SHORES ARE AT
RISK NO MATTER WHICH DIRECTION THEY FACE. THE TROUGH OF A TSUNAMI
WAVE MAY TEMPORARILY EXPOSE THE SEAFLOOR BUT THE AREA WILL
QUICKLY FLOOD AGAIN. EXTREMELY STRONG AND UNUSUAL NEARSHORE
CURRENTS CAN ACCOMPANY A TSUNAMI. DEBRIS PICKED UP AND CARRIED
BY A TSUNAMI AMPLIFIES ITS DESTRUCTIVE POWER. SIMULTANEOUS HIGH
TIDES OR HIGH SURF CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE TSUNAMI HAZARD.
THE ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIME IN HAWAII OF THE FIRST TSUNAMI WAVE IS
0307 AM HST FRI 11 MAR 2011
Tsunami Watch Update March 11 2011 1:41 am
Tsunami warnings are now up for for the states of Oregon ,California ,Alaska and Hawaii...please check back for updates.....thanks,Ralph
Tsunami Watch Update March 11 2011 1:33 am
The U.S. West Coast is under a tsunami watch following an 8.9-magnitude earthquake off northeastern Japan.
The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center says a watch is in effect for Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California and British Columbia.
The center says people in coastal communities should be on alert and prepare for possible evacuation.
The first waves are expected to hit San Francisco at 8:16 a.m., Santa Barbara at 8:24 a.m., Santa Monica at 8:39 a.m. and La Jolla at 8:48 a.m.
A watch can be upgraded to a warning if there are destructive waves or canceled if there's no further threat to the area.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a separate tsunami warning for Hawaii. The estimated earliest arrival of the first tsunami wave for Hawaii is 2:59 a.m. HST Friday.
tsunami hits Japan Mar 11 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBt5VlZkdyY
Tsunami warning up for Hawaii .....will post if anything here....ralph
Tsunami warning up for Hawaii .....will post if anything here....ralph
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Garth Cameron announces plans to run for office !!
This just in ! Garth Cameron has announced plans to run for office in the November election.
Council Meeting Update ! March 9,2011
Mayor Fraser excluded Luke Mussato and Mare Bruce from the downtown revitalization committee !! It doesn't pay to be critical of this regime ! Shame on the councillors that backed the Mayor in excluding these citizens. Thanks to Dorothy Baert who wanted them appointed.
Also thanks to Dorothy Baert and Gord Johns for questioning the initiative to build a Municipal Campground at Tonquin Park.Good to see some councillors exercising common sense....
In other news Tofino Council tabled a letter from the Tofino Business Association that asked some questions about the sewer system.
Also thanks to Dorothy Baert and Gord Johns for questioning the initiative to build a Municipal Campground at Tonquin Park.Good to see some councillors exercising common sense....
In other news Tofino Council tabled a letter from the Tofino Business Association that asked some questions about the sewer system.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Municipal Campground March 8 2011
The District Council was seriously debating the creation of a municipal campground at Tonquin Park ! It's not April 1 and I'm not making this up ! details as soon as meeting minutes are posted.
Vacation rental debate march 8,2011
the last post turned into a vacation rental debate so I'll open up this thread so everybody stays on topic.Please be civil and consider what you post.thanks,Ralph
Monday, March 7, 2011
March 8 2011 council meeting agenda
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DISTRICT OF TOFINO COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AGENDA: 2011-MARCH-08
1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda 3. Adoption of Agenda
4. Adoption of Minutes 1. Minutes of the Public Hearing Meeting held 2011-February-22 2. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held 2011-February-22 3. Minutes of the Special Council Budget Meeting held 2011-February-28
5. Business Arising from the Minutes
6. Announcements from the Mayor
7. Delegations 1. John Moncur, Terasen Gas, re: Community Energy 2. Keith (Gibby) Gibson, Tim May, Dave Taron, West Coast Multiplex,
re: Update from the past 18 months and plans for future accomplishments
8. Correspondence for Information Only - see attached list
9. Correspondence: Requiring Action
10. Tabled Items
11. Unfinished Business (1) Municipal Campground (Councillor Ashton)
12. Reports
Staff Reports:
1. Report from the Protective Services Officer (1) Whale Festival Parade, Report dated 2011-March-01
2. Reports from the Deputy Clerk (1) MTI Bylaw Amendment for Noise Disturbing the Peace, Report dated
2011-February-25
(1) (2) (3)
1st Reading of District of Tofino Municipal Ticket Information System Amendment Bylaw No. 1144, 2011 2nd Reading of District of Tofino Municipal Ticket Information System Amendment Bylaw No. 1144, 2011
3rd Reading of District of Tofino Municipal Ticket Information
System Amendment Bylaw No. 1144, 2011 (2) Whistleblower Policy, Report dated 2011-January-07
3. Reports from the Manager of Community Sustainability (1) Downtown Vitalization Committee Appointments, Report dated 2011-
February-28 (2) Development Variance Permit for side yard setback, Lot 4, DL 122,
Clayoquot District, Plan VIP68981 (1032 Campbell Street-Enns), Report dated 2011-February-28
1
Tofino Council Agenda 2011 March-08
(3) Zoning Text Amendment/Spot Zoning application for Lot 1, DL 130, CD, Plan 42973 [1180 Pacific Rim Hwy.][Liz Zed & Jean-Paul Froment], Report dated 2011-February-28
13. Reports
Committee Reports:
1. Committee Reports (verbal) 2. Adoption of the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting held 2011-
February-22 (1) Resolution No. COW-14-11
The Committee of the Whole recommends to Council THAT Council table the proposed Rezoning Text Amendment to allow Short Term Rentals at the Shore until such time as the amenities from the 2006-2007 rezoning process have been completed and the applicant has met with the CAO to discuss amenities.
(2) Resolution No. COW-16-11 The Committee of the Whole recommends to Council THAT the report from the Manager of Community Sustainability dated 2011-February-10 regarding Development Permit Application for Lot 1, District Lot 261, Clayoquot District, Plan VIP53757, Except That Part in Plan VIP17287, be received for information and discussion.
14. Bylaws 1. Adoption of District of Tofino Land Use and Development Procedures
Amendment Bylaw No. 1138, 2011 15. New Business
16. 15 Minute Question Period
17. Additions to or Deletions from the In Camera Agenda
18. Adoption of In Camera Agenda Motion: “That the In Camera agenda be adopted as circulated; that the In Camera meeting be closed and that the purpose of the meeting is to: (1) Adopt the minutes from the previous closed meetings held 2011-February-22
and 28, based on Sections 89 and 90(1) of the Community Charter; (2) Review legal issues based on Section 90(1)(g) of the Community Charter;
and (3) Review labour relations based on Section 90(1)(c) of the Community
Charter. 19. Recess
20. Reconvene from In Camera Meeting 21. Release of Closed Meeting Information 22. Adjournment
2
1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda 3. Adoption of Agenda
4. Adoption of Minutes 1. Minutes of the Public Hearing Meeting held 2011-February-22 2. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held 2011-February-22 3. Minutes of the Special Council Budget Meeting held 2011-February-28
5. Business Arising from the Minutes
6. Announcements from the Mayor
7. Delegations 1. John Moncur, Terasen Gas, re: Community Energy 2. Keith (Gibby) Gibson, Tim May, Dave Taron, West Coast Multiplex,
re: Update from the past 18 months and plans for future accomplishments
8. Correspondence for Information Only - see attached list
9. Correspondence: Requiring Action
10. Tabled Items
11. Unfinished Business (1) Municipal Campground (Councillor Ashton)
12. Reports
Staff Reports:
1. Report from the Protective Services Officer (1) Whale Festival Parade, Report dated 2011-March-01
2. Reports from the Deputy Clerk (1) MTI Bylaw Amendment for Noise Disturbing the Peace, Report dated
2011-February-25
(1) (2) (3)
1st Reading of District of Tofino Municipal Ticket Information System Amendment Bylaw No. 1144, 2011 2nd Reading of District of Tofino Municipal Ticket Information System Amendment Bylaw No. 1144, 2011
3rd Reading of District of Tofino Municipal Ticket Information
System Amendment Bylaw No. 1144, 2011 (2) Whistleblower Policy, Report dated 2011-January-07
3. Reports from the Manager of Community Sustainability (1) Downtown Vitalization Committee Appointments, Report dated 2011-
February-28 (2) Development Variance Permit for side yard setback, Lot 4, DL 122,
Clayoquot District, Plan VIP68981 (1032 Campbell Street-Enns), Report dated 2011-February-28
1
Tofino Council Agenda 2011 March-08
(3) Zoning Text Amendment/Spot Zoning application for Lot 1, DL 130, CD, Plan 42973 [1180 Pacific Rim Hwy.][Liz Zed & Jean-Paul Froment], Report dated 2011-February-28
13. Reports
Committee Reports:
1. Committee Reports (verbal) 2. Adoption of the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting held 2011-
February-22 (1) Resolution No. COW-14-11
The Committee of the Whole recommends to Council THAT Council table the proposed Rezoning Text Amendment to allow Short Term Rentals at the Shore until such time as the amenities from the 2006-2007 rezoning process have been completed and the applicant has met with the CAO to discuss amenities.
(2) Resolution No. COW-16-11 The Committee of the Whole recommends to Council THAT the report from the Manager of Community Sustainability dated 2011-February-10 regarding Development Permit Application for Lot 1, District Lot 261, Clayoquot District, Plan VIP53757, Except That Part in Plan VIP17287, be received for information and discussion.
14. Bylaws 1. Adoption of District of Tofino Land Use and Development Procedures
Amendment Bylaw No. 1138, 2011 15. New Business
16. 15 Minute Question Period
17. Additions to or Deletions from the In Camera Agenda
18. Adoption of In Camera Agenda Motion: “That the In Camera agenda be adopted as circulated; that the In Camera meeting be closed and that the purpose of the meeting is to: (1) Adopt the minutes from the previous closed meetings held 2011-February-22
and 28, based on Sections 89 and 90(1) of the Community Charter; (2) Review legal issues based on Section 90(1)(g) of the Community Charter;
and (3) Review labour relations based on Section 90(1)(c) of the Community
Charter. 19. Recess
20. Reconvene from In Camera Meeting 21. Release of Closed Meeting Information 22. Adjournment
2
Westcoaster Update March 7.2011
http://www.westcoaster.ca/tofino/10931-Westcoasterca-Cease-Publication.html
Sad to see the Westcoaster going out of business....It was a great source of information......best wishes to Keven and crew.....Ralph
Sad to see the Westcoaster going out of business....It was a great source of information......best wishes to Keven and crew.....Ralph
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The District of Tofino v Maria Lange court case
I don't have all the details of this case yet so please correct me if I am mistaken.Maria Lange had a water leak on her property that was unable to be repaired immediately.The District of Tofino was asked to shut off the water to the property.The water wasn't shut off and continued to run, resulting in a large water bill for the property owner.The bill was just under 2000 dollars.Several Tofinonews sources said that both the Mayor and the Chief Administrative Officer traveled to Port Alberni for the case and were unable to settle.I'll try to get documents from the court tomorrow but please write in if you have more info....thanks,Ralph
Guest editorial by Donna Dawkin March 6,2011
Personal Insults are not News.
Hello Ralph and Anonymous posters,
I am writing to address the negativity that seems to fester within the comments section of this blog. Comments that degenerate into personal attacks accomplish nothing, By way of the internet is this really the glimpse of Tofino we want the world to see?
Ralph, you have the power to deny posting inappropriate comments. What about blacking out obvious personal attacks? Even when names are only hinted at, it is clear to most of us who the subject of a rant is. Most of these people live and work in this town, have families and children that go to the school here. I find it shameful that the Grade Two class has learned how to behave in public and yet your blog posters cannot. I am not asking for you to shield or censor a news item or commenter. If the post is accompanied by a proper signature, then let it stand... If you believe enough in your words to sign your post, then power to you. But I really think the line should be drawn at the issue and not include gratuitous slander. This is a news blog, meant to increase awareness of what's going on. Not a stage for personal attacks. Include the relevant information and black out the rest.
This isn't about which side I’m on, I feel the frustration of the water bill, seeming lack of forward progress for families and recreation options for children. My family and I love this town and the people we've met in the last 7 years. Yet, I can't believe that some of them might actually write such poison and post it like porn. It must be a thrill to be so daring.
The recent posts about the scooter ( which I don't think belongs on the beach either) were just defamatory (I believe there was a name tagged to one of those posts.). The previous owner is rolling in his grave? How can that be appropriate? I have read the posts about revoking staff housing from families. Included accommodation was a deciding factor for our family to take a chance and move to Tofino. It was part of the job package. I think many of us started here that way. Rental vacancies were at 0% not too long ago. Comments on this blog are not helping to promote stability, or hope for the future. It's just potty talk.
I'm not here to complain any of the current/past or future projects that happen in our town. Instead, I am protesting the complete break down of civility generated by that convenient anonymous button. People feel free to spew sewage without repercussion. I wonder, if they met face to face on the street, would they speak so forcefully and spitefully? Would they be so free and harmful with their words? I think not.
There are people in this town who stand up everyday and work for things they believe in. Whether all of us agree with them or not, they show up each day to be in the line of fire. I can only imagine what backbone that must take when all their detractors can hide behind the click of a button.
Ralph and Posters, please take some initiative and keep the comments topic related. Constructive criticism is always welcome and paves the way for change. Personal attacks behind the anonymous button are small minded and bitter. Ralph, I had been enjoying your blog and the news items you brought to the surface. If the personal negativity continues, I think I will go elsewhere for my news-bites.
I wish the anonymous posters a taste of what they sow. Karma.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Donna Dawkin
Hello Ralph and Anonymous posters,
I am writing to address the negativity that seems to fester within the comments section of this blog. Comments that degenerate into personal attacks accomplish nothing, By way of the internet is this really the glimpse of Tofino we want the world to see?
Ralph, you have the power to deny posting inappropriate comments. What about blacking out obvious personal attacks? Even when names are only hinted at, it is clear to most of us who the subject of a rant is. Most of these people live and work in this town, have families and children that go to the school here. I find it shameful that the Grade Two class has learned how to behave in public and yet your blog posters cannot. I am not asking for you to shield or censor a news item or commenter. If the post is accompanied by a proper signature, then let it stand... If you believe enough in your words to sign your post, then power to you. But I really think the line should be drawn at the issue and not include gratuitous slander. This is a news blog, meant to increase awareness of what's going on. Not a stage for personal attacks. Include the relevant information and black out the rest.
This isn't about which side I’m on, I feel the frustration of the water bill, seeming lack of forward progress for families and recreation options for children. My family and I love this town and the people we've met in the last 7 years. Yet, I can't believe that some of them might actually write such poison and post it like porn. It must be a thrill to be so daring.
The recent posts about the scooter ( which I don't think belongs on the beach either) were just defamatory (I believe there was a name tagged to one of those posts.). The previous owner is rolling in his grave? How can that be appropriate? I have read the posts about revoking staff housing from families. Included accommodation was a deciding factor for our family to take a chance and move to Tofino. It was part of the job package. I think many of us started here that way. Rental vacancies were at 0% not too long ago. Comments on this blog are not helping to promote stability, or hope for the future. It's just potty talk.
I'm not here to complain any of the current/past or future projects that happen in our town. Instead, I am protesting the complete break down of civility generated by that convenient anonymous button. People feel free to spew sewage without repercussion. I wonder, if they met face to face on the street, would they speak so forcefully and spitefully? Would they be so free and harmful with their words? I think not.
There are people in this town who stand up everyday and work for things they believe in. Whether all of us agree with them or not, they show up each day to be in the line of fire. I can only imagine what backbone that must take when all their detractors can hide behind the click of a button.
Ralph and Posters, please take some initiative and keep the comments topic related. Constructive criticism is always welcome and paves the way for change. Personal attacks behind the anonymous button are small minded and bitter. Ralph, I had been enjoying your blog and the news items you brought to the surface. If the personal negativity continues, I think I will go elsewhere for my news-bites.
I wish the anonymous posters a taste of what they sow. Karma.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Donna Dawkin
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Blogger rides mini-bike on beach ! Feb.5 , 2011
Exclusive to Tofino News ! Blogger rides mini bike on beach ! This photo clearly shows blogger Ralph Tieleman riding on the beach without a safety helmet ! the bike appears to be gas powered with 60s style ape hanger handlebars.Authorities have been notified..
Friday, March 4, 2011
Yew Wood court date announced !!
November 14,2011 has been announced as the court date for Yew Wood Properties vs. Braden Smith,Robert Bremner and the District of Tofino. While I was investigating this case I ran across another District of Tofino case....this one is District of Tofino vs. Maria Lange in Port Alberni...apparently over a disputed water bill....if anyone has case details please post a comment.....the disputed amount was under two thousand dollars...curious how much staff time has been spent on this one.....??? something to do with a broken water line or fitting.......please post a comment if you know.....thanks,ralph
Toronto Social Housing Scandal update !
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2011/03/04/toronto-tchc-resignations.html
the trouble here is that Mayor and Council are the Tofino Housing Corporation board ! I know....you've heard it all before.....
the trouble here is that Mayor and Council are the Tofino Housing Corporation board ! I know....you've heard it all before.....
water testing results for Tofino March 4 2011
Today I received some historical water test results from Environment Canada for the Tofino area.All of the Tofino harbor waters and surrounding areas are currently closed for shellfish harvesting due to fecal coliform levels.
Areas are closed to harvesting when counts are above 14/100ml.Notable test results were a high of 350/100ml at Deadman's Island on Oct.5,1998 and a high of 130/100ml at Mackenzie Beach on Sept.16,2009. Beaches are considered unsafe for swimming at 200/100ml.
It would not be good if we start seeing beach closures during tourist season or at any other time for that matter.If you want to get a copy of this information just send a comment with your email and I will forward it. Comments with emails won't be published.thanks,Ralph
Areas are closed to harvesting when counts are above 14/100ml.Notable test results were a high of 350/100ml at Deadman's Island on Oct.5,1998 and a high of 130/100ml at Mackenzie Beach on Sept.16,2009. Beaches are considered unsafe for swimming at 200/100ml.
It would not be good if we start seeing beach closures during tourist season or at any other time for that matter.If you want to get a copy of this information just send a comment with your email and I will forward it. Comments with emails won't be published.thanks,Ralph
another storm warning March 4 2011
Marine Forecast
Winds
Issued 04:00 AM PST 04 March 2011 Today Tonight and Saturday Storm warning in effect.
Wind southeast 30 knots increasing to 40 early this morning except 50 northwest of Estevan Point. Wind diminishing to southwest 25 early this evening and to northwest 15 late overnight.
Wind southeast 30 knots increasing to 40 early this morning except 50 northwest of Estevan Point. Wind diminishing to southwest 25 early this evening and to northwest 15 late overnight.
Waves
Issued 04:00 AM PST 04 March 2011 Today Tonight and Saturday Seas 2 to 3 metres building to 3 to 5 early this morning and to 4 to 6 late this morning. Seas subsiding to 3 to 5 early this evening and to 3 Saturday morning.
Extended Forecast
Issued 04:00 AM PST 04 March 2011 Sunday Wind variable 5 to 15 knots.
Monday Wind northwest 10 to 20 knots.
Tuesday Wind southeast 15 to 25 knots.
Weather & Visibility
Issued 04:00 AM PST 04 March 2011 Today Tonight and Saturday A few showers changing to rain early this morning and ending late this evening.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Rental Scooters on Beach March 2 2011
Mant blog readers wrote in and sent pics of a scooter from a local company cruising on Chesterman's Beach.Comments ??
Tsunami Siren location March 2 2011
Maybe this isn't the best spot for the Tsunami Siren.......high tide today reached 20 feet inland of where the siren is supposed to go....
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Hurricane force wind warning !! March ! ,2011
West Coast Vancouver Island South
Warnings
* Hurricane force wind warning in effect
Marine Forecast
Winds
Issued 10:30 AM PST 01 March 2011
Today Tonight and Wednesday Hurricane force wind warning in effect.
Wind southerly 15 to 25 knots increasing to southeast 25 to 35 early this evening and to 35 to 45 near midnight. Wind increasing to southeast 45 to 55 late overnight then becoming 50 to 65 early Wednesday morning. Wind becoming southwest 45 to 60 near noon Wednesday then diminishing to 35 to 45 Wednesday afternoon. Wind diminishing to southwest 25 to 35 Wednesday evening.
Waves
Issued 04:00 AM PST 01 March 2011
Today Tonight and Wednesday Seas 3 metres building to 3 to 5 near midnight and to 7 to 9 Wednesday morning.
Extended Forecast
Issued 04:00 AM PST 01 March 2011
Thursday Wind southwest 15 to 25 knots increasing to 25 to 35 late in the day.
Friday Wind southeast 35 knots increasing to 35 to 45.
Saturday Wind southeast 35 to 45 knots diminishing to 20.
Weather & Visibility
Issued 10:30 AM PST 01 March 2011
Today Tonight and Wednesday Rain. Visibility 1 mile or less in rain.
Warnings
* Hurricane force wind warning in effect
Marine Forecast
Winds
Issued 10:30 AM PST 01 March 2011
Today Tonight and Wednesday Hurricane force wind warning in effect.
Wind southerly 15 to 25 knots increasing to southeast 25 to 35 early this evening and to 35 to 45 near midnight. Wind increasing to southeast 45 to 55 late overnight then becoming 50 to 65 early Wednesday morning. Wind becoming southwest 45 to 60 near noon Wednesday then diminishing to 35 to 45 Wednesday afternoon. Wind diminishing to southwest 25 to 35 Wednesday evening.
Waves
Issued 04:00 AM PST 01 March 2011
Today Tonight and Wednesday Seas 3 metres building to 3 to 5 near midnight and to 7 to 9 Wednesday morning.
Extended Forecast
Issued 04:00 AM PST 01 March 2011
Thursday Wind southwest 15 to 25 knots increasing to 25 to 35 late in the day.
Friday Wind southeast 35 knots increasing to 35 to 45.
Saturday Wind southeast 35 to 45 knots diminishing to 20.
Weather & Visibility
Issued 10:30 AM PST 01 March 2011
Today Tonight and Wednesday Rain. Visibility 1 mile or less in rain.