There will be a Special Council meeting on Sunday,Oct.2 ,2011 at 10 am ...but don't bother to show up because......you guessed it !! It's In-Camera !!!
PUBLIC NOTICES
Notice of Special In-Camera Meeting of Council
Council Chambers, 380 Campbell Street
02/10/2011
Pursuant to Section 127(2) of the Community Charter and the District of Tofino Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1063, 2008,
TAKE NOTICE that a Special Meeting of the District of Tofino will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2011, in the Municipal Council Chambers at 10:00 a.m.
The purpose of the Special Council Meeting is to consider the following matter In Camera:
1. Consideration of information and related discussions regarding law enforcement based on Section 90(1)(f) of the Community Charter.
THIS NOTICE is given this 20th day of September, 2011.
Friday, September 30, 2011
School Joint-Use Agreement Update
According to School District 70 as of 9:30 am Sept. 30,2011 there is no "Joint-Use Agreement" in place.
Some Council members say that there are "interim options" in place to allow for the use of the gym but this was not confirmed by the School District.
For further information please contact the District of Tofino at 250-725-3229
Further meetings are pending between the parties involved.
Some Council members say that there are "interim options" in place to allow for the use of the gym but this was not confirmed by the School District.
For further information please contact the District of Tofino at 250-725-3229
Further meetings are pending between the parties involved.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Council Committee Appointments
Council Agenda Item – 2011 August 16 Report Date – 2011 July 25 File: 0550-04 Development Services
To: Braden Smith, CAO From: Madeleine Baldwin, Planning Intern Reviewed: Aaron Rodgers, Manager of Community Sustainability SUBJECT: OCPIMC Appointments
RECOMMENDATION
THAT: Council appoints the following four (4) individuals to serve on the District of Tofino Official Community Plan Implementation and Monitoring Committee for a two year period (August 16th, 2011 until August 15th, 2013).
1. Peter Robbins 2. Josie Osborne 3. Duncan W.McMaster 4. Keven Midgely
AND THAT: Council appoints the following two (2) individuals to serve on the District of Tofino Official Community Plan Implementation and Monitoring Committee for a one year period (August 16th, 2011 until August 15th, 2012).
1. Tammy Shymko 2. Laura Loucks
AND THAT: Council appoint a Council representative (non-voting member) to the District of Tofino Official Community Plan Implementation and Monitoring Committee
CAO’S COMMENTS
I concur with the recommendations.
So staff recommended that the volunteers mentioned above be put on the OCP committee but because some of them have been critical of Council,they weren't appointed ! Instead Council instructed staff to keep the positions open until more people applied.
I have applied to sit on various committees such as the DCC Committee and the Tofino Housing Corporation but got the thumbs down from Mayor and Council. Sometimes Council actually goes "in-camera" to select committee members !! Why would the few "friendly" council members go along with this treachery ?
To: Braden Smith, CAO From: Madeleine Baldwin, Planning Intern Reviewed: Aaron Rodgers, Manager of Community Sustainability SUBJECT: OCPIMC Appointments
RECOMMENDATION
THAT: Council appoints the following four (4) individuals to serve on the District of Tofino Official Community Plan Implementation and Monitoring Committee for a two year period (August 16th, 2011 until August 15th, 2013).
1. Peter Robbins 2. Josie Osborne 3. Duncan W.McMaster 4. Keven Midgely
AND THAT: Council appoints the following two (2) individuals to serve on the District of Tofino Official Community Plan Implementation and Monitoring Committee for a one year period (August 16th, 2011 until August 15th, 2012).
1. Tammy Shymko 2. Laura Loucks
AND THAT: Council appoint a Council representative (non-voting member) to the District of Tofino Official Community Plan Implementation and Monitoring Committee
CAO’S COMMENTS
I concur with the recommendations.
So staff recommended that the volunteers mentioned above be put on the OCP committee but because some of them have been critical of Council,they weren't appointed ! Instead Council instructed staff to keep the positions open until more people applied.
I have applied to sit on various committees such as the DCC Committee and the Tofino Housing Corporation but got the thumbs down from Mayor and Council. Sometimes Council actually goes "in-camera" to select committee members !! Why would the few "friendly" council members go along with this treachery ?
Offshore Parking at the School
I'm getting lots of conflicting information about the joint-use agreement.Please check with Parks and Rec if you think your gym time might be affected.Thanks to those councilors who have tried to keep me updated on this story.
Part of the joint-use agreement seems to be using school property for parking for people living offshore.The mayor has suggested that they can use golf carts to go from the dock to the parking lot at the school.....if you have any information please call or write in.
Council refuses to give out any information as this was discussed in a secret in-camera meeting.As I have said before this council is more obsessed with secrecy than Richard Nixon was during the Watergate years...he wasn't re-elected...
Part of the joint-use agreement seems to be using school property for parking for people living offshore.The mayor has suggested that they can use golf carts to go from the dock to the parking lot at the school.....if you have any information please call or write in.
Council refuses to give out any information as this was discussed in a secret in-camera meeting.As I have said before this council is more obsessed with secrecy than Richard Nixon was during the Watergate years...he wasn't re-elected...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Light the Mup
Sorry, I got this a bit late to post
Hi everyone,
Recent tragic events have started discussion both on the internet and on the street, about the state of the MUP - especially the MUP at night. I personally have not used the MUP much, but talking to others it sounds pretty sketchy at night, even if you do have a light.
How safe is it to walk / skate / cycle the MUP at night? With or without a personal light? Should the MUP be lit? What other alternatives are there to make the MUP easier to navigate at night? What about traffic barriers? How can we work with the town and others on this issue?
I would like to invite you all to the first meeting & discussion to "Light the MUP" on Wed, Sept 28 at 7:00PM. It's at the Sugar Shack not at the Legion as posted elsewhere.
The Sugar Shack itself will be closed at 6:30, but coffee will still be available. Bring a cup and a note taking device. We will form a group of interested and committed individuals to take on this task, figure it out, and work together to get it done.
I would especially like to hear from year round MUP users and property owners who have driveways along the MUP. If you can't make the meeting, feel free to comment on Ralph's blog. I know you will!
Best,
Luke
Hi everyone,
Recent tragic events have started discussion both on the internet and on the street, about the state of the MUP - especially the MUP at night. I personally have not used the MUP much, but talking to others it sounds pretty sketchy at night, even if you do have a light.
How safe is it to walk / skate / cycle the MUP at night? With or without a personal light? Should the MUP be lit? What other alternatives are there to make the MUP easier to navigate at night? What about traffic barriers? How can we work with the town and others on this issue?
I would like to invite you all to the first meeting & discussion to "Light the MUP" on Wed, Sept 28 at 7:00PM. It's at the Sugar Shack not at the Legion as posted elsewhere.
The Sugar Shack itself will be closed at 6:30, but coffee will still be available. Bring a cup and a note taking device. We will form a group of interested and committed individuals to take on this task, figure it out, and work together to get it done.
I would especially like to hear from year round MUP users and property owners who have driveways along the MUP. If you can't make the meeting, feel free to comment on Ralph's blog. I know you will!
Best,
Luke
Mayor and Council turn down joint use agreement with School !!!
The Corporation of the District of Tofino
PRESS RELEASE
2011-September-28
For Immediate Release
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
SCHOOL DISTRICT #70 JOINT USE AGREEMENT
District of Tofino Mayor and Council met with the Minister of Education this week at the 2011 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in Vancouver where they discussed the Joint Use Agreement between School District #70 and the District of Tofino for community use of the school and grounds.
This agreement remains unsigned as Mayor and Council have some key outstanding concerns that they would like to see addressed prior to executing the agreement.
At this time, the District is unable to administer any applications for use of the gymnasium. For more information on facility use please contact School District #70 in Port Alberni directly at 250.723.3565.
-30-
Media Contact
The District of Tofino
We don't have a lot of recreational facilities here....you'd think Mayor and Council could work out something with the School District so that the kids can use the gym !! Please remember this at election time !!!
UPDATE ! One councilor refused to comment on the agreement as he said it was an "in-camera issue"...
Update ! another councilor has stated that negotiations are underway.....
I seem to recall that they were underway more than ten years ago !!
Why the secrecy ??? I'll be filing an FOI for correspondence regarding this issue first thing in the morning !!!
PRESS RELEASE
2011-September-28
For Immediate Release
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
SCHOOL DISTRICT #70 JOINT USE AGREEMENT
District of Tofino Mayor and Council met with the Minister of Education this week at the 2011 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in Vancouver where they discussed the Joint Use Agreement between School District #70 and the District of Tofino for community use of the school and grounds.
This agreement remains unsigned as Mayor and Council have some key outstanding concerns that they would like to see addressed prior to executing the agreement.
At this time, the District is unable to administer any applications for use of the gymnasium. For more information on facility use please contact School District #70 in Port Alberni directly at 250.723.3565.
-30-
Media Contact
The District of Tofino
We don't have a lot of recreational facilities here....you'd think Mayor and Council could work out something with the School District so that the kids can use the gym !! Please remember this at election time !!!
UPDATE ! One councilor refused to comment on the agreement as he said it was an "in-camera issue"...
Update ! another councilor has stated that negotiations are underway.....
I seem to recall that they were underway more than ten years ago !!
Why the secrecy ??? I'll be filing an FOI for correspondence regarding this issue first thing in the morning !!!
Yew Wood Court Case Update !!
The following is the latest update found at the BC Court Services Online site.The Plaintiff is Yew Wood Properties Ltd.The case began in November of 2008
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:
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:
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Election heats up !!!
The following have also taken out nomination papers :
Cathy Thicke
Barbie Mayor
James Bray
Cory Crowley
Camilla Thorogood
Eileen Floody
Rod Cameron
Garth Cameron
Duncan McMaster
Perry Schmunk
Still time left to take out papers !!
Cathy Thicke
Barbie Mayor
James Bray
Cory Crowley
Camilla Thorogood
Eileen Floody
Rod Cameron
Garth Cameron
Duncan McMaster
Perry Schmunk
Still time left to take out papers !!
Incumbents take out papers !!
Sad to announce that two Councilors and the Mayor have taken out nomination papers !! John Fraser,Donna Fraser and Michael Tilitzky are all planning to run again !!
These are the same people that have brought us the highest water rates in Canada,the Olympic Party and the $500,000 Social Housing fiasco !! These are the same people that saw Jennifer Robb forced out as treasurer during the Olympic scandal !!
I've filed several Freedom of Information requests today so I should have more to report on this council prior to the election !! stay tuned !!
These are the same people that have brought us the highest water rates in Canada,the Olympic Party and the $500,000 Social Housing fiasco !! These are the same people that saw Jennifer Robb forced out as treasurer during the Olympic scandal !!
I've filed several Freedom of Information requests today so I should have more to report on this council prior to the election !! stay tuned !!
Firehall still neglected !!
Fall is setting in and still no action on our poor firehall !! What is wrong with this council ?? No problem with building the Mayor's new office but the firehall is left to rot !! The tsunami sirens still lay lifeless in the dirt at the District works yard while we spend thousands of dollars on consultants for "Downtown Re-vitaization " If this sounds the same as a post you read months ago you are right......
Cougar report
Unconfirmed reports of a cougar sighting in the RPM / Shelter area . Please keep an eye on kids and pets.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Lost Dog !!
Please call 266-0311 if you find a white boxer dog.Her name is Coral .Went missing around 8 pm at the Fellowship Drive area. Thanks, Ralph
UPDATE !!! Dog Found !! thanks !!!
UPDATE !!! Dog Found !! thanks !!!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Heavy surf advisory for Monday and Tuesday
Significant SouthSouthWest swell is forecast for Monday and Tuesday.Swell could reach 20 feet on exposed coastal areas.This will be accompanied by southeast winds of up to 80 kmh and fairly large tides. Please proceed with caution and if you have visitors pass on weather and surf warnings....thanks,Ralph
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Cougar shot in Ucluelet
This just in : reports of a Cougar being shot in Ucluelet near the elementary school !
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Service For Rob Today
There is a Memorial Service for Robert MacInnes at the Legion on
Tuesday, September 20th @ 2 P.M.
Tuesday, September 20th @ 2 P.M.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Cougar Update from Parks Canada
PARKS CANADA
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Cougar destroyed after stalking Cox Bay Beach visitors
TOFINO, September 17, 2011 – Parks Canada, in partnership with the Province
of BC and the Tofino RCMP, destroyed a cougar at approximately 5:30pm
today, that posed a significant risk to public safety.
Earlier in the day, the cougar exhibited stalking behaviour toward several
adults on Cox Bay Beach. The popular beach extends from Pacific Rim
National Park Reserve to various resort properties.
A wolf and cougar advisory has been in effect in the Long Beach Unit of
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, including Cox Bay Beach since August
13th due to an increase in carnivore activity in the area. The advisory
remains in effect since there are likely several different cougars involved
in recent activity.
Kennedy Lake day use area remains closed to the public, but all other areas
of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are open.
Parks Canada would like to thank resorts and property owners within Cox Bay
for their efforts this afternoon to reduce beach use while officials
responded to the cougar incident.
Parks Canada continues to ask the public to advise us on any wildlife
sightings. For sightings in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, please call
1-877-852-3100 and for those outside the park please call the Conservation
Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 with any specific details regarding the
time and location of the sighting and information about animal behaviour.
Parks Canada would like to remind the public of the following safety tips
for visiting wilderness that is shared by cougars:
- Keep dogs on a leash at all times
- Never approach a cougar
- Carry pepper spray and an airhorn
On first sight of a cougar:
- Take aggressive action to scare it away immediately
- Do not run
- Maintain eye contact and create as much noise as possible
- Wave arms to appear larger- Pick children up
-Use pepper spray and airhorn if available
Information:
Dave McVetty
Superintendent
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
250-226-1384
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Cougar destroyed after stalking Cox Bay Beach visitors
TOFINO, September 17, 2011 – Parks Canada, in partnership with the Province
of BC and the Tofino RCMP, destroyed a cougar at approximately 5:30pm
today, that posed a significant risk to public safety.
Earlier in the day, the cougar exhibited stalking behaviour toward several
adults on Cox Bay Beach. The popular beach extends from Pacific Rim
National Park Reserve to various resort properties.
A wolf and cougar advisory has been in effect in the Long Beach Unit of
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, including Cox Bay Beach since August
13th due to an increase in carnivore activity in the area. The advisory
remains in effect since there are likely several different cougars involved
in recent activity.
Kennedy Lake day use area remains closed to the public, but all other areas
of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are open.
Parks Canada would like to thank resorts and property owners within Cox Bay
for their efforts this afternoon to reduce beach use while officials
responded to the cougar incident.
Parks Canada continues to ask the public to advise us on any wildlife
sightings. For sightings in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, please call
1-877-852-3100 and for those outside the park please call the Conservation
Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 with any specific details regarding the
time and location of the sighting and information about animal behaviour.
Parks Canada would like to remind the public of the following safety tips
for visiting wilderness that is shared by cougars:
- Keep dogs on a leash at all times
- Never approach a cougar
- Carry pepper spray and an airhorn
On first sight of a cougar:
- Take aggressive action to scare it away immediately
- Do not run
- Maintain eye contact and create as much noise as possible
- Wave arms to appear larger- Pick children up
-Use pepper spray and airhorn if available
Information:
Dave McVetty
Superintendent
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
250-226-1384
Cougar Shot at Cox Bay !
Credible reports of a cougar being shot at Cox Bay this afternoon...more details as they become available...
Friday, September 16, 2011
Candidates
Tofinonews is happy to report that several potential candidates have taken out nomination papers !!! Any candidates wishing to announce their campaign platforms are welcome to post them on Tofinonews !
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Long Beach parking lots open
Long Beach parking lots are open today according to reports from several blog contributors.
No cougar update
I have been unable to get anything but recorded messages from Parks Canada......I'll try again later in the day
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
More Cougar Reports
Reports of Long Beach area in the park closed due to cougar sightings....more info as it becomes available.....write in if you know.....thanks,Ralph
Monday, September 12, 2011
Cougar sightings !
Several reports of cougar sightings in the Fellowship Drive/Vinyl Village area yesterday evening.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Alberni Fall Fair this weekend !
http://albernifair.com/
Be sure to check out the Fall Fair in Port Alberni this weekend ! Lots of cool stuff to see and the forecast calls for sun with temperatures around 30 degrees C.
Yes ! There are Logger Sports !!
Be sure to check out the Fall Fair in Port Alberni this weekend ! Lots of cool stuff to see and the forecast calls for sun with temperatures around 30 degrees C.
Yes ! There are Logger Sports !!
EARTHQUAKE UPDATE
AN EARTHQUAKE HAS BEEN REPORTED 80 kilometers south of Port Alice BC with a magnitude of 6.7
No Tsunami warning has been issued at this time.stay tuned....
No Tsunami warning has been issued at this time.stay tuned....
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Cougar sighting at Vinyl Village
Unconfirmed reports just in about a cougar sighting in Vinyl Village.Please be aware and let me know if you have any info . Thanks, ralph
Guest Editorials
Once again I would like to invite the readers of Tofinonews to submit guest editorials. I am amazed at the number of people who are opinionated and vocal but won't submit even the most neutral of articles for fear of reprisals.What a sad commentary on what Tofino has become.....
Let's hope that fear of the existing staff and council doesn't prevent people from running for public office.
Let's hope that fear of the existing staff and council doesn't prevent people from running for public office.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Logs on Meares update
The logs on Meares Island belong to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations according to the District of Tofino.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Accident Update
Early Sunday morning, a man was struck and killed on the Pacific Rim Highway at Industrial Way in Tofino.
35-year-old Robert MacInnes was a longtime resident of Tofino.
He was born in Richmond.He was a good guy.
I'd like to remind everyone to watch your speed around town and to try to respect the 50kmh limit to Lynn Rd.thanks,Ralph
35-year-old Robert MacInnes was a longtime resident of Tofino.
He was born in Richmond.He was a good guy.
I'd like to remind everyone to watch your speed around town and to try to respect the 50kmh limit to Lynn Rd.thanks,Ralph
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Fatal Accident by Ambulance Station
The road is closed by the ambulance station due to a fatal accident.More info as it becomes available.....
Friday, September 2, 2011
Cougar Update from Parks Canada
PARKS CANADA
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Parks Canada continues efforts to protect visitor safety after cougar
attack
UCLUELET, September 1, 2011 - Parks Canada is continuing to search for the
cougar that attacked an 18-month-old boy on Monday evening (August 29th).
The remote Kennedy Lake day use area remains closed.
Parks Canada's priority at this time is the ongoing safety of the public.
By focusing on the Kennedy Lake day use area, Parks Canada is making every
effort to capture the correct animal. In the case of an animal capture,
various evidence collected from the attack will be adopted to ensure the
animal is positively identified.
As several days have elapsed since the attack occurred, there is no longer
an adequate scent for trained dogs to track the cougar. For this reason,
the province’s conservation officers and ground dogs are no longer involved
in the search. However, the teams are on stand-by and will return when
required.
In addition to the closure of the Kennedy Lake day use area, adjacent BC
Park lands have been closed to public access. The entrance gate to the
Kennedy Lake day use area will be monitored on a 24-hour basis to ensure
visitor safety. Parks Canada continues to ask the public to advise us on
any cougar sightings. Please call 1-877-852-3100 with any specific details
regarding the time and location of the sighting and information about
animal behaviour.
While all other areas of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve will remain
open, visitors should use precautions to reduce the possibility of
conflicts with wildlife. Parks Canada would like to remind the public of
the following safety tips for visiting wilderness that is shared by
cougars:
· Keep dogs on a leash at all times
· Never approach a cougar
· If approached by a cougar, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact
and create as much noise as possible. Wave arms to appear larger. Pick
children up.
· Carry pepper spray and an airhorn and use these items if approached by a
cougar.
Information:
Renee Wissink
Manager of Resource Conservation
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
250-726-7165 ext. 231