The Nanaimo Things To Do Directory has over 160 different contacts for every interest from Air Cadets to Windsurfing and everything in between. To visit this directory click the banner above or use this Nanaimo Info LINK.
Nanaimo is a Winter Wonderland This Morning
Puffed up against the cold air, this forlorn looking Robin seems perplexed by what greeted his eyes this morning. Taking worms off of the menu and replacing them with a few berries still hanging on different trees and bushes.
This daffy daffodil wonders if he/she perhaps bloomed a little early this year. This is usually what gives us Nanaimoites bragging rights over the rest of Canada at this time of year.
The British Monarchy is Hiring ......Follows are quotes from the official website of the British Monarchy.
The Royal Household aims to provide exceptional advice and support to The Queen, enabling her to serve the nation and its people.
We employ approximately 1200 staff across a wide range of professions with varied skills including those relating to: catering and hospitality, gardening, finance, secretarial, media relations, marketing, human resources, IT, property surveying and maintenance, equine management, visitor management and retail, furniture restoration, curatorship and strategic planning and research.
Summer Jobs
Each summer during August and September the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace open to the public for eight weeks.
A team of approximately 300 temporary staff is recruited each year to welcome over 350,000 visitors from around the world to The Queen’s London home.
In our most recent staff satisfaction survey, 98% of summer staff enjoyed their experience and each year a large percentage of employees return to work again the following year.
We also recruit temporary staff to work during the busy summer season at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
For Entrepreneurs Looking
$250 Rebate Towards New Woodstove
Alice Frank-Campbell
Dreams of a Barren Woman
They Say Lightning Doesn't Strike Twice ....
Revenue Increases by $12.9 Million
The Sky Is Falling
School Trustee Ron Dale
The Nanaimo Things To Do Directory has over 160 different contacts for every interest from Air Cadets to Windsurfing and everything in between. To visit this directory click the banner above or use this Nanaimo Info LINK.
Nanaimo Arts Council
OTTAWA, February 19, 2009 — Housing starts reached 211,056 units in 2008, a decrease from 228,343 in 2007, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) first quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition report. Starts are expected to be about 160,250 for 2009 and about 163,350 for 2010.
“The new home market is moderating due to a number of key factors,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist for CMHC. “The economic downturn will result in a decrease in demand for home ownership leading to a decline in housing starts and existing home sales in 2009. Housing market activity will begin to strengthen as the Canadian economy rebounds in 2010 and the level of housing starts over the forecast period will be more in line with demographic fundamentals.”
Existing home sales, as measured by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®)1, are expected to decline 14.6 per cent during 2009 to 370,500 units. In 2010 the level of MLS® sales is expected to increase by 9.3 per cent to 405,000 units. The average MLS® price is also expected to decrease over the course of 2009. Average prices are forecast to be $287,900 for 2009, a decline of 5.2 per cent, while 2010 will see little change from 2009 average prices.
As Canada’s national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.
For more information, call 1-800-668-2642.
The B.C. housing starts outlook:
‘At the scene of a crash’ Experiencing a crash can be frightening and stressful to say the very least, so ICBC and its Autoplan brokers have teamed up to distribute a claims card – titled At the scene of a crash – to help customers remember all the vital information they need to gather in order to make a claim.
“Our customers who have never been in a crash may not know what information to collect, which only adds to an already stressful situation,” said Craig Horton, senior vice president of claims at ICBC. “We believe this card will help reduce the stress for those customers involved in a crash.”
The card will make it easier for customers to record important information at the scene, such as:
The claims card also includes a diagram to help customers illustrate what happened at the scene.
In addition to English versions, cards are also available in Cantonese and Punjabi.
“At the scene of a crash cards are available from local Autoplan brokers or ICBC Claim Centres, and will help ensure a hassle-free claims experience for our customers,” said Horton.
Claims can be filed 24 hours a day, seven days a week using ICBC’s Dial-a-Claim lines. Customers in the Lower Mainland should call 604-520-8222, while those elsewhere should call 1-800-910-4222.
Download a copy of the At the scene of a crash card.
Island Projects To BenefitThe Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, along with Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon and Community Development Minister Kevin Krueger, announced an investment of over $110 million for 41 infrastructure projects to help smaller communities throughout British Columbia meet their pressing infrastructure needs, help stimulate the economy and support continued economic growth.
"We are teaming up with the B.C. government and local governments to deliver results to British Columbians by building roads, bridges and water systems," said Day. "The combined investment of more than $175 million from the three levels of government will make a difference in our B.C. communities by creating jobs, improving our quality of life, and helping our economy now and for years to come."
"The B.C. government has been working with the Government of Canada to get these dollars flowing quickly into communities across the province," said Falcon. "Not only are these projects important improvements to local infrastructure, they're an important stimulus to local economies, and it's estimated that this investment will create 1,750 direct and indirect jobs."
As an example of a project that will be funded, the City of Kamloops will receive $14.2 million from the federal and provincial governments to upgrade and update the existing wastewater treatment plant to provide tertiary treatment and nutrient management. The project benefits the 85,000 people served by the treatment plant as well as residents of surrounding rural areas who rely on the plant for their sewage disposal. The upgrades will reduce greenhouse gas emissions through methane capture, allow for the reuse of reclaimed wastewater effluent and composted sludge, and increase effluent quality for the protection of the Thompson River.
The federal and provincial governments are providing up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible project costs, with local governments covering the remainder of project funding. Together with funds from the communities, the investment in community infrastructure will total more than $175 million.
"Local governments receiving this funding will be glad to know that the decisions have been made and that the projects can begin shortly," said Union of B.C. Municipalities president Robert Hobson. "Funding through the Communities Component will provide some welcome support to a number of communities across British Columbia.
Communities that applied in the first intake will be informed within the next couple of weeks as to the status of their applications. The federal and provincial governments will launch a second intake soon and will consider applications received by March 16 for the next round of approvals. Applications received after that date but by the deadline of April 24 will be considered in a subsequent round of approvals from this intake.
For more information on the Building Canada plan and the next intake, visit this Nanaimo Info LINK or this Nanaimo Info LINK.
Elections BC Job Openings
BUDGET 2009 BUILDS STABILITY,
Back Country Roads Can Be Hazardous
Port Alberni: On Monday night February 16, 2009 at approx 11:00 p.m. two fishermen were reported overdue. The left their residence in Nanaimo late in the afternoon to go fishing in the Nahmint River approx 30 km's south of Port Alberni. By 11:00 p.m. they had not returned home and were reported missing.
The two men one 34 and the other 35 years old apparently were not prepared to spend the night in the bush. RCMP patrols were conducted in an attempt to locate their vehicle. The roads in the area were mostly impassible due to the amount of snow in the area. When their vehicle was not located, the Alberni Search and Rescue Team was activated. The Alberni Search and Rescue Team and the RCMP were able to locate the vehicle at approx 10:30 this morning. The vehicle was stuck in the snow and there was evidence of a fire. From the evidence at the scene it appears as though the two attempted to hike out of the area. At 11:50 a.m. the two were located as they were attempting to walk out of the area. They appear to have survived very well and are in good shape.
As this search ends, the Port Albern RCMP are monitoring another situation involving a stuck vehicle on Mt. Arrowsmith. Apparently a family from the Parksville area decided to drive to the old ski hill on Mt. Arrowsmith yesterday and got stuck. They contacted a friend to assist and he drove to the area and also got stuck. The group were prepared to spend the night, and one person in the group was given a ride out to get equipment and friends to retrieve the vehicles.
The RCMP are reminding all users of back country roads to check to make sure the road they are using is passible. Although there does not appear to be much snow at the higher elevations the mid elevations have seen a lot of snow and there have been numerous reports of vehicles getting stuck. The RCMP will ensure the occupants are safe, however the recovery of a vehicle is the owners responsibility.
9th ANNUAL MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL
Save Money and Water
In many instances, family, friends, relatives and associates know exactly what criminal activity a person is engaged in. These people are enabling violence to continue by not notifying the police. We need your assistance to put a stop to the violence before more innocent lives are lost.
Now more than ever, anyone with information HAS TO COME FORWARD TO POLICE.
Investigators from the RCMP and VPD will appear on Global TV News at 6:00 pm tonight and on Wednesday night to discuss what police are doing to target organized crime in the province of BC.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team tip line 1-877-543-9217 will be answered live from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm tonight and tomorrow night. Calls that can't be answered live will be directed to voice mail and someone will call you back.
This tip line is always in effect - so if you can't call tonight, please call anytime and IHIT investigators will follow up on your call.
If you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Do your part in keeping yourself and your family safe
Anyone that decides to associate with people who are involved in gang activities in any way are simply putting their own lives at extreme risk. If you are going to choose to associate with those involved in organized crime, then you are knowingly putting yourself at risk.
You may say “how was I supposed to know?” Your instincts are a great measure. You are likely dealing with someone involved in criminal activity, gangs, or organized crime if a person:
- has an abundance of cash,
- drives high end vehicles,
- seems to have more money than his salary would provide, or
- doesn’t appear to have a real job
Ask your young adult children the hard questions about their friends and associates. Don’t settle for a vague answers. “If you’re are thinking there may be an issue, there likely is an issue”.
Criminals with guns pose a clear and present danger to our communities. The police are doing everything in our power to take guns like these out of the hands of criminals. If you have information about illegal guns, then it is up to you to do the right thing and come forward with that information to police. If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.
Call Now!
IHIT Tip Line - 1-877-543-9217
Crime Stoppers - 1-800-222-TIPS to make an anonymous call.
Exists In B.C.
Building British Columbia’s economic strength to create jobs, stability and confidence for families and capitalize on the opportunities of the new world economy was the focus of the speech from the throne that launched the fifth session of the 38th parliament today.
A staged accident ring, a bribe and a fraudulently reported stolen motorcycle are among ICBC’s 2008 list of Top Five Frauds, highlighting individuals and groups who were caught trying to defraud the public insurer and its customers last year. They were among 2800 cases of fraud investigated and 54 convictions achieved by ICBC’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in 2008.
“We estimate fraud and exaggeration costs each of our 3.1 million customers in the range of $100 to $150 per year,” said Steven Tripp, manager of ICBC’s SIU. “That amounts to theft from our customers. We’re committed to protecting them and to keeping rates low and stable.”
No. 1 ‘Staged accident ring’
In September 2008, a court awarded ICBC more than $369,000 from 22 people who worked together to defraud ICBC. This group of friends and family members staged 12 intentional crashes dating back to 1995. In addition to the court award, ICBC secured $226,000 in settlements from various defendants.
No. 2 'It’s not a bribe, it’s a tip’
A Vancouver woman, who’d failed the knowledge test three times and the driving test another three times, placed two one hundred dollar bills on the driver examiner’s seat before he got into the car. She told investigators she thought the ‘tip’ would ensure she passed the test. The woman was sentenced to nine months conditional house arrest after pleading guilty to trying to bribe the driver examiner.
No. 3 ‘ Maybe if I destroy the evidence…’
An Abbotsford man reported his motorcycle stolen. After paying out the claim, ICBC discovered the bike had been abandoned in Sasquatch Provincial Park weeks before the alleged theft.
SIU officers interviewed the man and during a recorded statement, he claimed he lent the bike to a friend who crashed it and wouldn’t return it. The man then grabbed the digital recording device and ran out of the Claims Centre. The SIU officer caught up to him but not before the man smashed the recording device to the ground, in an unsuccessful attempt to destroy the evidence.
The man pleaded guilty to making a false statement to ICBC and mischief; he was fined $2,000 and ordered to pay $3,069 in restitution. He was also sentenced to six months probation and 15 hours of community service.
No. 4 ‘Caught on tape, working’
After crashing his vehicle, this driver claimed he was too injured to continue to work or even drive. Surveillance video not only showed him working and driving but lifting heavy boxes and equipment as he moved his business to another location.
He pleaded guilty to making a false statement to ICBC and was fined $2,000. He also repaid the $4,400 ICBC had paid him for lost wages.
“Inflating injury and damage claims is a common form of fraud,” said Tripp. “We have to safeguard our customers from fraudulent acts and those whose false claims threaten stable rates for our customers.”
No. 5 ‘Restorative justice at work’
A young Kelowna man admitted to totalling his grandmother’s car, after first claiming he was the victim of a hit and run. He opted for the restorative justice program, writing a letter of apology to community members involved, speaking to media about his experience and lessons learned and performing two days of community service. He also had to repay ICBC $18,900 for damage to his grandmother’s vehicle.
ICBC takes all allegations seriously and follows up on all tips and information. The public can help by reporting suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claims to ICBC’s fraud tips line at 604-661-6844 or 1-800-661-6844, toll free from anywhere in the province. Tip information is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.
Sunshine and Springtime Temperatures
British and French Submarines
ICBC is a proud supporter and sponsor of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (2010 Winter Games), and is looking to share in the excitement.
ICBC requested 2,264 tickets for the 2010 Winter Games, and its sponsorship is funded entirely out of the marketing budget from the optional insurance side of the business, where ICBC operates in a competitive marketplace. There is no impact on basic policyholders.
As part of its sponsorship of the Games, ICBC will be using approximately 75 percent of its 2010 Winter Games ticket allocation to reward customers, business partners and suppliers.
ICBC is proud of its involvement with the 2010 Winter Games. More than 140,000 British Columbians have already shown their support by proudly displaying 2010 Winter Games licence plates on their vehicles as part of the ‘Behind the Drive’ campaign, and we will be thanking them for their support by entering their names to win tickets in a program soon to be announced. This is in addition to the 2010 Winter Games tickets we have already given away.
The remaining 25 percent will be used by ICBC employees that have a legitimate business purpose, such as hosting customers and business partners. In addition, a small number of ICBC employees who participate in various corporate health and wellness activities will also be entered into draws for 2010 tickets.
Frank Crane Arena
Beban Park Swimming Pool
Nanaimo Prices Off By 3%
On Gabriola Island:
Patrick Henry Olfert age 46 a resident of the Nanaimo area is in custody after an extensive police search stemming from a shooting incident on Rugg Rd Sunday February 8.
Olfert appeared before a Nanaimo Provincial court judge on Wednesday afternoon on numerous firearm related charges.
The incident began at approximately 2:30 pm on Sunday February 8 when a male called 911 from a property located in the 1500 block of Rugg Rd stating he had been fired upon by a male who had driven onto his property. After discharging the firearm, believed to be a shotgun, the suspect fled in the vehicle he had arrived in.
EHS attended along with Nanaimo RCMP members and examined the male who appeared to have been struck with some shrapnel related to the discharge of the firearm. His injuries were non life threatening and he was cleared by attending paramedics. Olfert then allegedly drove to several other residences and uttered threats to two separate males.
Police quickly responded to the residence and to the suspects known address. The suspect vehicle was located at the suspects home along with a pistol grip shotgun found in his vehicle. A high powered rifle and ammunition were also seized from the suspects home.
By Monday a Canada wide warrant was issued for Olfert. An extensive search was under taken and by Tuesday evening he was located and taken into custody without incident.
The charges against Olfert range from Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public Peace, Discharging a Firearm with Intent to Disfigure, Possession of a prohibited weapon and Uttering threats.
