Friday, September 29, 2017

TIME FOR WINTER TIRES IN B.C.



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Victor Mema Sued By Sechelt


It is being reported in the Bulletin and on Nanaimo News Now that Victor Mema is being sued by his former employer trying to recover nearly $10,000.00.

Mr. Mema was hired by the City of Nanaimo in Sept. 2015 replacing longtime finance director Brian Clements.

The claim being made is that Mema used the municipalities credit card to make purchases that were not approved. Mema has said he has a counter claim but did not divulge any details.

Nothing further will be made public until the matter is settled in court.

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Water Release - Nanaimo River Chinook

Increased flow Oct. 4 - 8

During the week of October 2, Nanaimo Forest Products and the City of Nanaimo will be releasing water from the Fourth Lake and Jump Creek reservoirs to provide a temporary pulse flow to the Nanaimo River.  A partnership between the Nanaimo Fish Hatchery and the two water licensees, in concert with Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has existed for a number of years.  The parties come together annually to coordinate an early fall flush of fresh, cool water to encourage Chinook salmon waiting in the Nanaimo River estuary to move upstream to begin spawning.

The pulse release will be noticeable starting Wednesday, October 4, and will taper off by the weekend of October 7-8.

Through careful management of the reservoirs, there is sufficient reserves available to be able to facilitate the pulse release, despite this year's drought.

Mature Chinook salmon typically wait in the tidal portion of the Nanaimo River, until the first fall rains provide enough flow to move upstream. The pulse release provides that flow, and over the past several years has aided in recovery of this species.

"With the recent rain, flows have increased slightly, but not significantly enough to trigger the Chinook in the lower Nanaimo River to migrate upstream.  A pulse release again this year will definitely be beneficial."
Brian Banks, Manager, Nanaimo River Hatchery

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Thursday, September 28, 2017

NEW CEO - NANAIMO PORT AUTHORITY

Ewan Moir
New President & CEO
Nanaimo Port Authority

The Nanaimo Port Authority board of directors has named Ewan Moir as the new President and CEO, effective October 10.

Moir’s long career has taken him around the world in senior management positions in Norway, United Kingdom, Singapore, Holland and India.

“The board conducted an extensive search and met with many highly-qualified applicants. Ewan's world-wide leadership and management experience really stood out and we were unanimous in our decision. His people-focused leadership style, vast industry expertise and exceptional business development skills will serve to build on the excellent foundation already established at NPA”, Jenkins said.
 
The 56-year-old Moir said his first order of business will be to focus on all issues related to the Port. “I want to take what my predecessor Bernie Dumas and his team and the board have done, and build on that,” he added.

“We are juggling a number of opportunities at present,” Moir said. “We have many stakeholders like the recreational boater, the businesses along the waterfront, the Assembly Wharf and Duke Point in our working relationship.”

His priority will be to engage the Port’s community partners – the City and Snuneymuxw First Nation – to develop a relationship that ensures all members with an interest in the activities of the Port work together for the future.

Moir has 20 years of senior corporate business experience contributing to strategy and operational performance and is known as an analytical thinker with a strong record of initiating and implementing business strategies to develop sustainable and profitable growth. He labels himself a team builder, coach in skills development with extensive experience in managing a union environment.

He has a graduate degree - MBA Queen’s University, and is a Certified Professional Accountant. He also has an HND in Mechanical Engineering, from Southampton University College, U.K.

The new Port President and CEO is completing his final duties as President and COO of Pacific BioEnergy Corporation in Vancouver which manufactures wood pellets at three plants in B.C. The pellets are sold  to European and Japanese electrical utilities. In addition, a subsidiary company has a B.C. Government license for harvesting timber, and a jointly-owned company, with a First Nations band.

He began his business career in 1988 at Ulstein UK in the marine ship building support industry. Ulstein then moved him to Holland in 1989, Ulstein Singapore, then to the Ulstein group head office in Norway and finally to Ulstein Martime Ltd in Vancouver. That company became part of Rolls-Royce Canada in 2000 when the Ulstein group was acquired by Rolls-Royce Plc. His resume includes duties as President of Mainland Sand and Gravel, a senior vice president at SNC-Lavalin, President and CEO of Fraser River Pile and Dredge Inc. He also held a senior position at Finning International.

Moir says he and his wife Lesley are looking forward to moving to Nanaimo in the near future. They have three adult sons.

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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

NANAIMO HARBOUR FUTURE - FORUM


The City of Nanaimo, in partnership with Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Nanaimo Marina Association is participating in a public forum entitled "The Future of Nanaimo Harbour" on Saturday, September 30. The forum is being hosted from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre's Shaw Auditorium.

The Future of Nanaimo Harbour is part of the City of Nanaimo’s ongoing commitment to work with the Snuneymuxw First Nation and marine industry to establish a new model to govern Nanaimo harbour. The forum includes presentations from subject matter experts from Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo.

As ‘The Harbour City’, the City of Nanaimo cares deeply about the environmental and economic sustainability and viability of the harbour and waterfront. The harbour is a cherished space of the city and is at the heart of our identity as citizens of Nanaimo.

Respecting Snuneymuxw treaty rights, encouraging economic growth and vibrancy, and ensuring the harbour is a meaningful part of the lives of Nanaimo citizens, are all important values the City is pursuing through this initiative.

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WATERFRONT WALKWAY PUBLIC INPUT

Trail in Departure Bay rendering

Open Houses September 28 and 30

Thursday, September 28 - 2pm to 7pm, 
Kin Hut 2730 Departure Bay Road

Saturday, September 30 - 10am to 4pm, 
Lions Pavilion, Maffeo Sutton Park, 2 Cliff Street


Work continues on the Waterfront Walkway Implementation Plan which sets out a vision of a continuous walkway from Departure Bay to the Nanaimo River Estuary.

Building on a series of successful open houses in May 2017 and a design workshop in June 2017, the City is in a position to present a draft plan to the public. The plan illustrates the proposed route, design and costs for the various sections of the walkway.




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NANAIMO MUSEUM FAMILY FUN - SEPT. 30


Culture Days - Self Led family activity
Saturday, September 30
10:00-5:00

Join us on Saturday, September 30 for an exciting line up of self led, hands on activities for families, kids and toddlers. Participate in a touch tour (where you get to actually touch some of the artifacts in the museum). Dress up like a Nanaimo student from the 1900's and try using a slate and chalk in our Century Classroom.  Colour a picture and make a petroglyph rubbing to take home. This event is free of charge.

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NANAIMO RCMP - 'CRAM THE CRUISER'

SUPPORTING NANAIMO'S FOOD BANK

On Saturday September 30 Cram the Cruiser is back in support of the Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes food bank. From 11 am to 3 pm in the parking lot of the Real Canadian Superstore located on Metral Drive, their employees and Nanaimo RCMP police officers with be on hand to Cram the Cruiser with non-perishable food items. Additionally there will be a BBQ by donation with proceeds also going to the local food bank.

"This is a great cause and initiative spear headed by the Real Canadian Superstore employees. The Nanaimo RCMP is proud to support their efforts and look forward to cramming our cruiser to support Nanaimo's local food bank," said Constable Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

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SMALL BUSINESS TAX FAIRNESS COALITON

"tax proposals will affect middle-class business" 
Leading tax practitioners say that business owners with income as low as $50K will be affected

Ottawa, September 27, 2017 – The Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness, a unified voice of more than 70 organizations representing hundreds of thousands of business owners across the country, has written a new letter to Finance Minister Bill Morneau with professional analysis confirming that Ottawa’s tax proposals will affect middle-class business owners, resulting in higher tax rates than other Canadians with similar income levels.

“We are alarmed by the huge gap between the government’s statements about the impact of their proposals and the detailed analysis by Canada’s tax professionals,” said Dan Kelly, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and member of the Coalition. “Tax practitioners are united in the view that these changes have the potential to affect all small business taxpayers, no matter their income.”

"It is the farmers, mom and pop shops, and entrepreneurs, who invested everything into their businesses, that will be most affected by these changes, instead of targeting the real problem. The government needs to go back to the drawing board, hold a real consultation and listen to what tax professionals, provincial governments and the business owners who fuel the growth of our communities are saying," added Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The government has claimed that these proposals would not affect business owners with incomes under $150,000. Tax practitioners disagree.

One of the new rules introduced by the government would restrict small business owners from sharing income with family members. Tax practitioners say that this can affect business owners with incomes as modest as $50,000. Also, as two-thirds of Canadian incorporated businesses are majority owned by men, the restrictions on sharing income with a spouse are likely to remove a disproportionately higher number of women from benefiting from their family’s business.

The government is also proposing changes that would discourage small business owners from holding certain types of investments in the incorporated company. According to tax practitioners, business owners retain business earnings in the corporation to safeguard against economic downturns, secure bank financing and invest in other start-up companies.

Tax practitioners have confirmed that the proposed tax changes would result in higher combined corporate and personal taxes for business owners across the board and in many cases, small business owners would incur tax rates far greater than what an employee with a similar level of income would pay.

The Coalition, which has doubled in size since August 31, is asking the federal government to review carefully the analyses of tax professionals across the country, take these proposals off of the table, and launch meaningful consultations with the business community to address any shortcomings in tax policy.

The Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness is encouraging business owners and other concerned Canadians to contact their Members of Parliament and use the hashtags #unfairtaxchanges #taxesinéquitables on social media. For the full list of Coalition members, please visit smallbiztaxfairness.ca.

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Sunday, September 24, 2017

UNSOLVED CRIMES IN NANAIMO SEPT. 11 - 19

1. Nanaimo file # 2017-30432 Sometime overnight on Monday September 11 a boat trailer was stolen from a service road which runs parallel to the 300  block of Kennedy St. The trailer is a 1981 Roadrunner boat trailer with BC plate UYP80H. The plate and decal for the trailer were not attached at the time of the theft.

2. Nanaimo file # 2017-30526 Sometime between 10 pm and 5 am on Tuesday September 12 tools were stolen from a work site at 1690 Townsite Road. Taken was a blue Makita Power Planner and Jigsaw, along with batteries. No serial numbers were available.

3. Nanaimo file # 2017-30543 Sometime overnight on Tuesday September 12 a few cooper spools of wire were stolen from BC Hydro on Madsen Road. Thieves gained access to the compound by cutting through the chain link fence which surrounds the property.

4. Nanaimo file # 2017-30638 Sometime overnight on Wednesday September 13 unknown persons broke into an unlocked vehicle parked on Roberta Rd East and stole loose change and fishing hooks. This neighbourhood has seen an increase in petty thefts which are most likely the result of persons residing nearby and taking advantage of insecure vehicles, sheds and sometimes homes. Always ensure your vehicles are locked. This applies to shed doors, garages and even your tools. Take away the opportunity and you will reduce crime in your neighbourhood.

5. Nanaimo file # 2017-31045 On Friday September 15 a utility trailer with BC Plate 022475 was stolen from Fawcett Road. The trailer has a large black box in the front and a two foot rise extension in the bed for carrying wood. There is also a spare tire changed to the side of the trailer

6. Nanaimo file # 2017-31255 Reported on September 17 but stolen within the past week was fishing equipment taken from a boat parked in the backyard of a home in the 3400 block of Stephenson Point Rd.  Stolen were: two electronic Scotty downriggers, two mounts, two braided downrigger lines, two lure chargers and rigging, two cannon ball retrievers, two 20 pound cannon balls, one Magma stainless steel marine BBQ with mount and various tackle.

7. Nanaimo file # 2017- 31278 Sometime overnight on Sunday September 17 a black HEYS hard shell suitcase containing women's clothing was stolen from outside a residence in the 5900 block of Broadway. 

8. Nanaimo file # 2017-313318 Sometime overnight on September 17 a log splitter was stolen from the front yard of a home under construction in the 6400 block of Portsmouth Rd. The log splitter is very heavy and difficult to move. The suspect(s) cut the hydraulic lines then unbolted the splitter part and removed it. The splitter is a DHT22 ton log splitter with serial # 00019.

9. Nanaimo file # 2017-31319 Sometime overnight on Monday September 18 or over the weekend, a number of vehicles used by the Boys and Girls Club on Fifth St were broken into. This is an ongoing issue at this site.

10. Nanaimo file # 2017-31449 Sometime overnight on Tuesday September 19 a mountain bike was stolen the carport of a home in the 7200 block of Lantzville Road. The bike is a black 21 speed with 23" wheels, and has blue stripes with "Reactor" on the middle bars. 

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Friday, September 22, 2017

DRUM SET OWNERS SOUGHT

Are you missing your drum set? 

The Nanaimo RCMP is in possession of a three piece drum set and would like to return them to their rightful owner.

The drums were found on Tuesday September 19 inside an abandoned vehicle. The vehicle was later turned over to the owner who claimed no knowledge of the drums or where they may have came from. There were no identifying marks or serial numbers on the drums to assist the investigators.

If anyone has information on who own the drums or where they were taken from please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

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BUSINESS SEEKS PROVINCIAL SUPPORT

Small business calls on provinces to join campaign against unfair federal tax proposals
Winnipeg, September 22, 2017 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is urging Canada’s premiers to join small business owners in the fight against the federal government’s tax proposals. As part of this effort, CFIB president Dan Kelly is in Winnipeg today to meet with the Manitoba government about the proposed changes.
“Over the past decade, most provincial governments have worked hard to lower small business corporate tax rates to encourage job growth, investment and innovation,” said Kelly.  “Unfortunately, these positive provincial actions may soon be undone by federal proposals, which will dramatically change the way that small businesses are taxed in Canada.”
The federal government has proposed major changes to rules governing how business owners share income with family members, save through the business, and address capital gains during business succession. In a recent CFIB survey, nearly 90 per cent of small business owners indicated that these changes will significantly affect their businesses.  
CFIB is pleased that several premiers have already publicly expressed concerns about the proposed changes, including the impact on job creation and on rural communities’ ability to attract and retain health care professionals. These changes would also affect the provinces, as the Canada Revenue Agency collects provincial corporate income taxes on behalf of eight of them.
“We are urging all premiers to join us in asking the federal government to take these proposals off the table until they conduct a comprehensive consultation with the business community and provincial governments,” added Kelly.

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Six counts possession for the purpose
possession of prohibited weapon
possession of stolen property

A 30 year old male and 40 year old female were  arrested last night following a drug investigation spear headed by the Nanaimo RCMP Projects Team. The arrest occurred in south Nanaimo at approximately 7 pm on Thursday September 21.

30 year old Levar Anthony HAYDEN has been charged with a 6 counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking under the CDSA, Possession of a Prohibited weapon ( switchblade) and Possession of Stolen property ( various bank cards).The 40 year old female was released today with no charges against her. 

The arrest of the two led to a search warrant being carried out on their central Nanaimo home where a variety of illegal drugs were seized. Those drugs consisted of 49 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 15 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl and 2 grams of suspected cocaine. Additionally 30 suspected stolen credit cards, 4 cell phones, a switchblade and $1260 dollars in Canadian currency were seized.


HAYDEN appeared before a Nanaimo Provincial court judge this afternoon and was released from custody with his next court appearance set for October 26, 2017.

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Thursday, September 21, 2017

Product Of Our Edjamacation System?

Making change without a calculator
mind boggling for this generation ....

Me Missus was doing her bit for the local economy with the purchase of a new piece of clothing from a local shop, which will remain nameless to protect the guilty.

The person on the til was clearly no longer of school age but of course not nearly as old as us. She was indeed pleasant enough and made the obligatory chit chat as she rang up my wife's sale.

The total sale was $53.26 for which my wife tendered a $100 bill. The clerk punched the numbers into the register which of course told her how much change was due the customer.

My wife then realized she had the $3.26 and gave it to the clerk which would mean she would then be due $50.00 exactly.

This concept seemed to completely blow the clerks circuits as she first responded that she didn't think she could do it, and also noted that the til tape would no longer be accurate.

After much convincing on the part of my wife who tried to explain to the clerk her til would balance at the end of her shift and that everything would work out, the clerk finally relented and gave my wife the $50.00.

My wife was not convinced that the clerk actually believed. her.

I would have thought this was an isolated incident except for the fact I have also seen the same drama myself when the person on the til has to do some mental calculations that might differ from what the til says.

But not to worry this generation is much, much smarter than previous ones. Or are they? They do have smarter gadgets than I had, but I'm not so sure that has anything to do with being smart.

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Friday, September 15, 2017

Sad Day At Nanaimo City Hall - SFN Flag Returned

Note: email subscribers may have to visit Nanaimo Info Blog to view this video,


Video credit Nanaimo News Now

During a somber gathering at Nanaimo City Hall acting Mayor Bill Yoachim addressed the circumstances which have led to the returning of the SFN flag which had flown over city hall.

Yoachim also read a resolution of the majority of council (2 dissenters) which extend an apology to city manager Tracy Samra. The resolution accepts the findings of the Golder report.

Hopefully this will bring some resolve to the tensions that have existed at city hall which have their beginnings with McKay and Brennan opposing the hiring of city manager Tracy Samra.

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Cyclist Critically Injured Nanaimo Parkway

A cyclist has been critically injured after colliding with a cube van on the Nanaimo Parkway. The collision occurred at approximately 6 am on Friday September 15, 2017 and has closed the southbound lanes while RCMP officers examine the scene.

Police, Fire and BC Paramedics attended. The cyclist was transported to local hospital by attending paramedics and was then airlifted to Victoria General hospital. There is currently no update on their condition. The driver of the cube van was not injured.

Southbound traffic on the Parkway between Northfield Road and the Jingle Pot intersection is closed and is expected to remain closed for some time. Motorists are asked to avoid this area while the lane closures are in effect.

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Nanaimo Water Parks To Close Sept. 17

Summer Water Fun Wraps Up 

As the cooler weather rolls in, Parks staff prepare for Fall. On the to do list is to tidy up and shut off the water to the water parks until next Summer. Due to construction of the Multi-Purpose Covered Court, Harewood Water Park has already been closed. The last day to play in the remaining water parks (Departure Bay Centennial, Deverill Square and Mansfield Park) will be Sunday, September 17.

We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful summer and had the opportunity to visit one or more of the water parks. Please be sure to move indoors to enjoy a fall and winter of water fun at Beban Pool and the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

Aquatic fun continues throughout the fall and winter at Beban Pool and Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre is currently closed for maintenance and will re-open September 25. Until then, Beban Pool has extended hours to accommodate the community's public swimming needs.

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Small Business Takes Another Hit

Ottawa, September 14, 2017 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is renewing calls for the federal government to reduce the overall payroll tax burden on small businesses, following today’s announcement of an increase in the 2018 Employment Insurance premium rate.
The 2018 EI rate for employees, set by the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC), is $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings, a three-cent jump from 2017. Employers will pay $2.32 per $100 of insurable earnings, an increase of four cents from the previous year.
“This latest increase means that payroll budgets of every business will increase for six straight years when you take into account that the 2018 EI increase will be followed by five years of CPP premium hikes starting in 2019,” said Corinne Pohlmann, Senior Vice-President, National Affairs at CFIB. “These tax hikes — which come amid the spectre of the federal government’s proposed tax changes — will make it more difficult for small business owners to hire more workers, raise salaries and grow their businesses.”
In a recent CFIB survey of members, Employment Insurance was identified as a “serious” concern for 43 per cent of small businesses; total tax burden, including EI, CPP, and Workers’ Compensation costs, was the top concern.
To reduce the payroll tax burden on small business, CFIB will continue to push the federal government to adopt the following measures:
  • Create an EI tax credit that recognizes the investments that small and medium-sized businesses already make in hiring and training employees;
  • Put in place a permanent, lower EI rate for small businesses (e.g. gradually moving from a rate that is 1.4 times more than the employee rate to a 50/50 split over time); and
  • Implement an EI holiday for hiring youth, as was promised in the federal government’s election platform.

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Tara Dawn Brown Missing - Central Nanaimo


Tara Dawn BROWN 

The Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public's assistance in locating 41 year old Tara Dawn BROWN who was last seen at approximately 7 pm on Wednesday September 13. Her disappearance is out of character as she requires daily medication and left her central Nanaimo home without it, her cell phone or purse which contained all her identification. BROWN does not have access to a vehicle and has some personal contacts and family on Vancouver Island.

BROWN is a white female, 5 ft. 5, heavy build with shoulder length brown hair, brown eyes and wears glasses. It is unknown what clothes she is wearing but BROWN often wears head coverings. The pictures provided are recent. If you have any information on the location of Tara Dawn BROWN please call Constable Mike Scott of the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

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Thursday, September 14, 2017

John Albert Buchanan Charged

Second degree murder charge sworn

A 46 year old Nanaimo man has been charged with one count of Second degree murder in the suspicious death of a Nanaimo man that was reported to the Nanaimo RCMP on Monday September 11.

John Albert BUCHANAN was arrested without incident at approximately 5:30 pm on Wednesday September 13 by officers with the Nanaimo Serious Crime Unit. Charges were sworn this morning and BUCHANAN has since been remanded into custody to await his next court appearance which is set for September 26.

The deceased male has been identified as 42 year old Richard Steven SITAR of Nanaimo. His family has been notified and a forensic autopsy is pending. As this matter is now before the courts no further information will be released to the public.

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Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Councillor Brennan Owes Taxpayers $1383.00 ?


Tamara Cunningham reports in the Nanaimo Bulletin that Councillor Diane Brennan has exceeded her annual expense budget by nearly $1400.00.

According to a report released by the city Councillor Brennan expended nearly $8,000.00 on legal fees bringing her year to date expenses to $12,883.00. This exceeds her annual budget of $11.500.00 by $1383.00 which arguably should be paid by the Councillor.

Fees related to ongoing battle with city manager?

Brennan and McKay were the only members of council to run up legal fees during the second quarter of this year which begs the question of why?

The running gun battle between Brennan and McKay and Samra could be the reason for Brennan's astounding legal bill. In the Bulletin article Brennan is shedding no light on the reason for the legal bill which leaves the door wide open for speculation.

It will be interesting to see if there is any mechanism to hold Brennan responsible for the nearly $1400.00 or will the taxpayer once again have to pick up the tab. It's easy to run up legal bills when you aren't picking up the tab!

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Tuesday, September 12, 2017

HOUSING IS A UP TO THE PROVINCE

Click image to read Nanaimo News Now report

An article on Nanaimo News Now reports the city hopes to have an affordable housing strategy in place by 2018 for the new council to act upon.

When did this become the responsibility of city hall, and isn't the cost of housing well beyond the control of city hall? It is not hard to see why the city's social planner thinks it is up to the city, it would be called job security on his part. But really, is it the city's responsibility to try and wrestle with such a complex issue? They seem to be challenged just getting the garbage picked up without spending millions and millions more that comes with each 'improvement'.

Affordable housing is a provincial responsibility
local MLA's need to be held accountable

It is recently reported in the Globe and Mail that the NDP are funding 1700 affordable rental units and funding an additional 2,000 units for homeless people. It is also noted that the promised $400 renters rebate was absent from the first NDP budget. Funding for the other 3700 units of affordable housing is available according to their budget.

Our members of the Leg. Mr. Krog and Mr. Routley are members of the ruling class and therefore it is reasonable to expect Nanaimo will receive it's share of the promised affordable housing. For once Nanaimo is represented by the party controlling the purse strings so Krog and Routley will have no excuses for not delivering to the faithful in Nanaimo.

Shouldn't need a city social planner
if our local MLAs do their job

Now that Nanaimo has such strong representation with members of the party committed to affordable housing, there should be little need for a city social planner. It should be expected that Nanaimo will see some of that affordable housing stock in place long before the city has completed their 'plan' on how to deal with affordable housing.

Perhaps it is time for another look at city hall staffing??

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Monday, September 11, 2017

Downtown Property Owners Whining Again??

Click image for Nanaimo Bulletin article

From the News Bulletin article:

"The list of recommendations includes adding two RCMP officers to patrol the downtown area plus two additional bylaw enforcement officers who are trained as peace officers who would also conduct foot patrols and deal strictly with public safety.

A team of mental health and addictions workers would also be created to work in the office and respond where needed with services downtown.

The recommendations also call for ambassadors to assist the local public and tourists.
"

That sucking sound is downtown emptying your wallet!!

Over the past two decades downtown Nanaimo has become one gigantic black hole with an insatiable appetite for taxpayer dollars. In spite of the millions spent on downtown 'revitalization' which included the $100 million conference centre (should have cost $42 million) downtown property and business owners are still looking for more and more from the weary taxpayer.

For years and years they received a quarter million dollar a year gift from the rest of Nanaimo to bolster their enterprises. They have special tax concessions to aid in rebuilding the tired downtown and still they want more and more in the way of increased security.

What other group of businesses (any mall in town) gets special treatment from taxpayers and the RCMP and city hall? It's time this group of merchants and property owners stepped up to the plate and passed the hat among themselves and dealt with security matters, which arguably they bring upon themselves.

One other thing mentioned was for the city to pay more attention to sidewalk cleaning etc. Isn't keeping the sidewalk in front of your business presentable something you would expect each business owner to take upon themselves?

As for issues being caused by people with addiction and mental problems, that should be the purview of Island Health who should be putting forward a credible plan to deal with this ever-growing segment of our society. This is not an issue city hall councillors or staff are properly equipped to deal with. They need to quit letting Island Health duck their responsibilities as this is clearly not a policing or city hall issue, it is a health issue, plain and simple.



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Jazz Festival Parade - Sept. 16



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Confidential Shredding Day - Sept. 16

Proceeds support your local Crime Stoppers 

Back by popular demand is a day of confidential shredding in support of the Nanaimo and District Crime Stoppers (CS) program. The event is set for Saturday September 16, 2017, 10 am to 4 pm at the Brooks Landing Save On Foods, located at 2000 Island Highway, Nanaimo. Google map link.
For a minimum donation of $20, your documents will be professionally and confidentially shredded by Best Shredding, a Vancouver Island based shredding and document storage company. As you wait and watch as your documents get shredded, help yourself by donation only , to a perfectly grilled hotdog or burger, graciously provided by Save On Foods.
 “Crime Stoppers is a registered non-profit organization which does not receive any form of government funding. Fund raising events such as these are essential to run a successful program. Shredding documents also significantly reduces your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft. This type of crime can destroy you financially, wipe out your good credit and could take you years to recoup your financial and personal losses, “said Constable Gary O’Brien, Crime Stoppers co-ordinator for the Nanaimo and District Crime Stoppers program.  
The Nanaimo and District Crime Stoppers hope to see you on Saturday the 16, rain or shine. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Constable Gary O’Brien, Crime Stoppers Co-ordinator for the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-755-3257.

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FEDS TARGET SMALL BUSINESS

PROPOSED FEDERAL TAX LEGISLATION 
“AN ATTACK ON SMALL BUSINESS”

If your business is incorporated, you could be facing a larger tax bill and big compliance costs from the government’s new proposals to change the way corporations are taxed according to the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.
Kim Smythe, Chamber CEO points out “This legislation will affect every business employing family members because the government wants to apply a much higher tax rate on income they consider ‘unreasonable’. If you invest profits from your business for the future – such as your retirement, the federal government is proposing to tax that income at an effective rate of 70%. And if you wanted to pass your business along to your children on retirement, tough new rules will make it difficult for young people to get the capital gains exemption and they could end up double-taxed. All of these measures translate to an attack on small businesses and the middle class.”
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are the engine of the Canadian economy – estimates range from 85 to 90% of all businesses in Canada are SMEs and in Nanaimo that number is over 90%.
“In 10 years at the Canadian Chamber, I’ve never seen an issue that has generated greater concern among our members. To make matters worse, allotting only 75 days for comment in the midst of the summer holidays is not a consultation, it’s a stealth attack on small businesses. The vast majority of the Canadian Chamber’s more than 200,000 members across Canada are small and medium size enterprises.” stated Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“The government’s proposals, while intended to target the wealthy, will hurt middle-class business owners from every sector of the economy. These are shop owners, farmers, doctors, financial planners, homebuilders, realtors, tech startups and trades—the entrepreneurial families who are the backbone of the economy and responsible for the majority of the job creation in Canada,” said Dan Kelly, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and member of the Coalition.
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce held a roundtable with MP Sheila Malcolmson and local business leaders and will be collecting letters of concern and individual case statements to forward to mid-Island MP’s to ensure the voice of our local business community is heard loud and clear. Businesses should check the resources made available at www.nanaimochamber.bc.ca. Deadline for input to the government is October 2.

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Wednesday, September 06, 2017

CONFLICTING HEADLINES ??

Interest Rate Hike -
economy's powerful performance
The Bank of Canada hiked interest rates again, citing the economy's powerful performance pointing to broader, more self sustaining growth.

Meantime, on the same day the following headline would seem to indicate that 50% of Canadians aren't really seeing the benefit of the economy's powerful performance.

Click images for complete Huffpost articles.

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STRAY BULLET STRIKES LANTZVILLE GOLFER

Golfer struck by errant bullet

A 60 year old Ladysmith male out for a round of golf at a Lantzville golf course is recovering after being struck in the lower leg by an errant bullet fired from an unknown area. The male is expected to make a full recovery.

At approximately 4:30 pm on Thursday August 31, 2017 the victim was just finishing up his round of golf when he felt a sudden sharp pain in his lower calf. A group of golfers came to his assistance and applied basic first aid then transported him off the course. The male victim drove himself home and later attended to the hospital in Ladysmith where x-rays confirmed a bullet was lodged in his calf. The bullet was removed and the wound dressed.

Investigators conducted neighbourhood inquiries and learned from nearby residents gunshots were heard throughout the afternoon on the day of the shooting. 

There is nothing to indicate the male was targeted and it may have resulted from an individual or others target practising in the adjacent rural area. Having said that, it is not only unlawful but extremely dangerous to discharge a firearm within 100 metres of any building. Additionally the basic rule of firearm safety is always know your background and beyond," said Constable Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. 


If anyone has information on this incident, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

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