Wednesday, February 29, 2012

R.I.P. Davey Jones

http://www.tmrzoo.com/2012/32700

Town Hall Meeting Tonight

Town Hall Meeting
Community Hall, 351 Arnet Rd
29/02/2012
All residents are invited to attend a Town Hall Meeting to provide their feedback on the 2012-2014 Strategic Priorities set by Council. The meeting is to be held in the Tofino Community Hall located at 351 Arnet Road on:

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 7 – 9 p.m.

The meeting will take place in an informal setting. Council encourages citizens to bring forward any issues or concerns facing the community.

Tofino Fire Department

There have been many resignations from the Tofino Fire Department in the last few months...many senior members have left....does anyone know what is going on ? I have heard that there is a new requirement for volunteers to be on call on the weekends.....comments please.....

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

2002 Water Report

While District staff seems to have difficulty finding archived information regarding our water system,Ken Gibson seems to have no problems.....thanks to Ken for this 2002 water report !!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Water Meeting Update

John Motherwell made a presentation regarding the District of Tofino water system but District staff did not provide any numbers or flow rates so the presentation had very little context. I had asked for some historical water data from the past few years as had members of Council but none were provided.Bob Schantz said he thought there were numbers from 2007 and up at his office but they weren't available at the meeting...

This means we have no idea how much water came from the Close Creek component of the system and how much we might be short as tourist season approaches.
I asked for these numbers nearly three weeks ago and cannot understand why staff is withholding this information not only from myself but from Tofino Council. They cannot make informed decisions without this information.

Add to the lack of historical data the lack of any accurate data from the last 7 or 8 months and it is apparent that our water system has been ignored for far too long...time for some changes !

Sechelt Gets 8 Miliion Dollars For Sewer System

http://www.coastreporter.net/article/20120113/SECHELT0101/301139981/-1/sechelt/district-gets-funds-for-sewer-plant


Sechelt was successful in its application for a sewer grant from the Gas Tax Fund. Tofino also applied for a grant from the Gas Tax Fund for a sewer project but was ineligible as the District had not completed the required stage 3 Liquid Waste Management Plan. It has still not been completed.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Feb.28 Council Meeting Agenda

https://tofino.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=6808


REGULAR MEETING OF THE DISTRICT OF TOFINO COUNCIL
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AGENDA: 2012-FEBURARY-28 AT 9:00 AM
A)
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
B)
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA
C)
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
D)
ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1.

Minutes of the Regular Open Council Meeting held February 14, 2012 for adoption.
2012-02-14 Regular Minutes
E)
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
F)
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
G)
DELEGATIONS

1.

Ted Olynyk, Manager of Cummunity Relations for BC Hydro, Vancouver Island Region to present Smart Meters to Council.

2.

Nick Jacquet, resident and business owner of Tofino to request that Council endorse the following motion: that Council amend Sign Control Bylaw No. 1079 to allow a portable sign (dawn to dusk) put out in front of my business, my house at 231 Main Street.
2012-02-09 Delegation Requrest to amend Sign Bylaw
Photo of sign
Photo of property
Photo of front entrance
H)
CORRESPONDENCE FOR INFORMATION ONLY



1.

UBCM Member Release providing Council with an update on the most recent correspondence from the federal government to FCM on CETA.
2012-02-22 UBCM Member Release re CETA

2.

UBCM Member Release providing Council with a background on two initiatives: 1) Expert Panel Review of Business Taxation; 2) Local Government Revenue Sources Review.
2012-02-10 UBCM Member Release re Provincial Tax Revenue Reviews

3.

UBCM In The House Release providing a synopsis of the 2012 Provincial Budget.
2012-02-21 UBCM In The House Release re Provincial Budget

4.

UBCM Member Release informing local governments on the status of the RCMP contract issues related to ongoing discussions between the province and the federal government.
2012-02-20 UBCM Member Release re RCMP Contract

5.

UBCM Executive Release providing highlights of the February 2-3,2012 Executive Meeting.
2012-02-15 UBCM Executive Release

6.

UBCM Member Release providing Council with information regarding Local Government Awareness Week & National Public Works Week: May 20 - May 26, 2012.
2012-02-21 UBCM Members Release re Local Government Awareness Week

7.

Letter from the Mayor of Maple Ridge to BC Hydro supporting residents option to refuse the installation of wireless smart meters.
2012-02-17 Letter from Maple Ridge to BC Hydro

8.

Letter from Dorothy and Ronald Arnet to the Editor of The Westerly News in response to their opinion question regarding historical signs increasing local pride in the community copied to Council.
2012-02-21 Letter from Dorothy and Ronald Arnet to Westerly News

9.

Vancouver Island Regional Library From the Board Table Release providing highlights from the January 28, 2012 meeting of the Vancouver Island Regional Library Board of Trustees.
2012-01-28 VIRL From the Board Table
I)
CORRESPONDENCE: REQUIRING ACTION

1.

Letter from Chris LeFevre, Lefevre & Company, requesting that Council waive the development cost charges (DCCs) associated with the donation of the apartment unit to the District.
2012-02-13 Letter from LeFevre & Company

2.

Email from John Rowlandson, Velo Village Team Lead, Island Pathways, requesting Council's support by passing a resolution for the investment in rural cycling infrastructure.
2012-02-15 Email and Resolution from John Rowlandson

3.

Letter from Brad and Susan Dusseault requesting action be taken to improve the failing culverts and overall infrastructure of the District.
2012-02-09 Letter from Brad and Susan Dusseault
J)
TABLED ITEMS
K)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
L)
REPORTS
1.
Staff Reports

a)

Interzonal House (Report from Public Works Forman)
THAT Council approves the expenditure for upgrades to the interzonal house as outlined in the February 10, 2012 report from Koers and Associates Engineering in the amount of $148,500;
AND THAT Council direct staff to meet with Tofino Fish Hatchery representatives to discuss water demand needs related to the water treatment plant and to make recommendations on possible solutions.
2012-02-22 RCT Interzonal House

b)

Fire Chief Change. (Report from Fire Chief)
THAT COUNCIL accepts the resignation of Fire Chief Chris Ledger, and that they accept the nomination put forward by the members of the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department to appoint Deputy Chief Eric Graham to the position of Fire Chief.
2012-02-28 RTC Fire Chief Change

c)

Tofino Volunteer AGM held on February 14, 2012 for Council information. (Report from Fire Chief)
2012-02-24 RTC AGM.pdf

d)

Ambassador Program Partnership Policy (Report from Deputy Clerk)
THAT Council approve the Ambassador Program Partnership Policy as presented.
2012-02-22 RTC Ambassador Program Policy
Ambassador Program Partnership Policy

e)

2012 Budget Process (Report from Director of Financial Services)
THAT Council informs management on whether they would like the budget to be presented as ‘Summary by Department’ or ‘Detailed Line by Line’;
AND THAT Council directs management to hold a public meeting after third reading of the 2012-2016 Financial Plan Bylaw;
AND THAT Council direct management to include a minimum tax increase of 2.4% to the draft budget to reflect 2012 CPI (inflation);
AND THAT Council call a special budget meeting the week of March 19-23, 2012.
2012-02-23 RCT 2012 Budget Process

f)

Downtown Parking (Report from Manager of Community Sustainability)
THAT Council adopt the downtown parking policy attached as Appendix C;
AND THAT Council authorize staff to move forward with actions in support of the parking policies.
2012-02-09 RCT Downtown Parking

g)

Downtown Vitalization Implementation Committee Appointments (Report from Manager of Community Sustainability)
THAT Council appoints the following five individuals to serve on the District of Tofino Downtown Vitalization Implementation Committee for a two year period (February 28th, 2012 to February 27th, 2014).
1. Rod Cameron
2. Ken Gibson
3. Dylan Green
4. Brenda Huculak (past member Downtown Vitalization Committee)
5. Catherine Temple;
AND THAT Council appoint a Council representative to the District of Tofino Official Community Plan Implementation and Monitoring Committee.
12-02-21 RCT Downtown Vitalization Implementation Committee Appointments
2.
Committee Reports

a)

Minutes of the Light House Trail Committee meeting held February 8, 2012 including recommendations for Council's endorsement.
THAT Andrew Waddell be appointed to the committee and that Stephen Ashton be officially re-appointed;
AND THAT the following projects be considered by council for funding in the 2012 budget:
1) Extend the trail to Mackenzie Beach;
2) Provide signage at the trailheads;
3) Develop an interpretive strategy;
4) Erect safety barriers in danger zones, using cable;
5) Build a bridge over the surge channel near the maze;
6) Install Robinson’s gazebo, and
7) Construct a path and stairs to Second beach.
AND THAT this be done in preparation for the February 28th meeting of council;
AND THAT the trail is re-named the Tofino Lighthouse Trail, and that First Nations will be invited to name a portion of the trail once it is completed;
2012-02-08 Lighthouse Trail Committee Minutes

b)

Minutes of the Coastal Family Resources Coalition held on February 12, 2012 for Council information.
2012-02-01 Coastal Family Resources Coalition Minutes
3.
Council Verbal Updates
M)
BYLAWS

1.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1166, 2012, Pacific Sands for first reading. (Report by Manager of Community Sustainability)
THAT Council give first reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No.1166, 2012.
2012-02-20 Pacific Sands Rezoning - First Reading

2.

Council Procedure Bylaw Amendment No. 1165, 2012 for first three readings.
THAT Council give first, second and third readings to Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2012.
2012-02-21 RTC Procedure Amendment Bylaw 1165
1165 - Council Procedure Amendment
2012-03-08 and 2012-03-15 Procedure Amendment Bylaw Advertisement
N)
NEW BUSINESS

1.

Notice of Motion from Councillor Thicke in regards to the MRT and the agreement that the Province has with the District to be renewed prior to June 1, 2012.
MOTION TO BE CONSIDERED AT NEXT MEETING: The District of Tofino intends that the MRT tax monies will be used for marketing and management of the Resort Municipality of Tofino, and the development of a long- term sustainable Tourism Plan for the District
Cllr Thicke's Notice of Motion - supporting information
O)
15 MINUTE QUESTION PERIOD
P)
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE IN CAMERA AGENDA
Q)
ADOPTION OF IN CAMERA AGENDA
MOTION: “That the In Camera agenda be adopted as circulated; that the In Camera meeting be closed to the public pursuant to Sections 90(1)(c), (e), (g), (j) and 90(2)(b) of the Community Charter:

(1)

Adopt the minutes from the in-camera meetings held February 14, 2012.

(2)

Legal Issues Update:

* Section 90(1)(g) Legal Advice.
* Section 90(1)(g) Litigation.


(3)

Business Arising from the Minutes:

* Section 90(1)(g) Potential Litigation.
* Section 90(1)(g) Legal Advice.


(4)

Correspondence:

* Section 90(1)(g) Potential Litigation.
* Section 90(2)(b) Provincial Government Confidential Information.


(5)

Reports:

* Section 90(1)(j) Freedome of Information & Protection of Privacy Act s.21.
* Section 90(1)(c) Labour.
* Section 90(1)(c) Labour.


(6)

New Business:

* Section 90(1)(e) Land Acquisition.
* Section 90(1)(c) Labour.

R)
RECESS
S)
RECONVENE FROM IN CAMERA MEETING
T)
RELEASE OF CLOSED MEETING INFORMATION
U)
ADJOURNMENT

Friday, February 24, 2012

Special Water Meeting

There will be a special open council meeting on Monday,Feb. 27 at 9 am to discuss water issues. John Motherwell will be attending to address the situation at Close Creek etc....to be held at Council Chambers....please try to attend....thanks,Ralph

Gabriel Lavoie

Gabriel Lavoie R.I.P.

Search for Gabriel Lavoie Continues

Vancouver Province Story on Search

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Extensive+search+after+capsized+canoe+found+Tofino/6205747/story.html

Search Update

Search and Rescue are looking for a 27 year old male who was the operator of a red canoe that was recovered by Morpheus Island on Feb.22nd at 4:00 pm. Please contact Coast Guard at 250-725-3231 if you have any info.Thanks to all those helping with the search.

Search Underway

This just in from our correspondent in Ahousat : unconfirmed reports of a search under way for a missing boater....more info soon

Thursday, February 23, 2012

From Fernie BC's Building Inspector Description

The Building Inspector is instrumental in assisting the development of local regulations and bylaws regarding health, fire and safety. Assists the public with land use, zoning, subdivision and building requirements.
The Building Inspector provides vacation, sick leave and other leave coverage for the Bylaw Enforcement Officer and provides assistance to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer when required. The Building Inspector may also enforce and administer bylaws related to minimum acceptable property and building maintenance standards, heating, ventilating, solid fuel burning appliances, etc.
The Building Inspector should be familiar with current and past Provincial and National Building Codes and Standards, Federal and Provincial legislation and Municipal bylaws pertaining to health, fire and life safety in construction. Familiarity with all aspects of the construction industry, including construction methods, procedures, practices and materials is required of the Building Inspector.
The Building Inspector must display a great deal of tact and diplomacy while enforcing the foregoing laws, Codes, Standards, Regulations and Bylaws and assessing options for Code compliance.
Minimum Requirements
• Grade 12 or proven equivalent. • Thorough knowledge of all common types of building construction and materials. • Demonstrated knowledge of B.C. Building and Plumbing Codes. • Proven ability to read and interpret plans, drawings and specifications and enforce
regulations tactfully and with firmness. • Strong interpersonal and communication skills. • V alid Class 5 B.C. driver's license. • Familiarity and proficiency with office computers and databases.
Desired Attributes
• Possess and maintain Level 2 Building Inspection Certificate. • Possess and maintain Level 1 Plumbing Inspection Certificate. • A trades qualification in carpentry or plumbing. • A diploma in Building or Civil Technology.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Something Completely Different !

In case you are tired of hearing about our troubled and crippled water system here's something completely different forwarded by a loyal reader :
http://www.revelstoketimesreview.com/news/139374563.html

Vancouver Sun Earthquake Story

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Tofino+Ucluelet+unprepared+quake/6179347/story.html

thanks to a reader for the forward

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Raincoast Water Numbers from Last August

http://www.raincoasteducation.org/res-water.php
Check out these numbers....I find it hard to believe that are water consumption doubles or triples from day to day in the summer.....I think the District had better start paying attention to its water numbers !!! there must be some inaccuracies here....

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Current Water Numbers

I asked the District of Tofino for recent water consumption records six days ago ...as of this post I have received nothing.....maybe Council has been updated but I have not....so much for transparency....I take the water issue very seriously....we are still suffering from bad publicity from the water mismanagement in 2006..
The water records should be on the Public Works computer and should be updated constantly....they should be available to anyone who asks with the click of a mouse....I have to ask what the District is trying to conceal ???...do they even keep accurate records ? I don't know....??? Do they have any information at all ??
Do we currently have enough water for sufficient fire flow ? Please ask your Mayor and Councilors !!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Motherwell Report on Close Creek

Mayor's Interview on Long Beach Radio

While I applaud the Mayor's attempt to explain the water situation I'm afraid he may have been misinformed in that there is no turbidity alarm at the Bay St. pump station.There is a turbidity meter installed but no alarm.This was brought up at the meeting the other night.If an alarm was in place it is possible that District staff would have had more time to react and the boil water order might have been avoided. I think it would be a good idea if an alarm system were to be installed with an automatic telephone alert system.This is not very expensive and should be installed as soon as possible. I fully support the Mayor and hope in the future that he is provided with accurate information.

http://www.longbeachradio.ca/2012/02/whats-up-with-tofinos-water.html

More on Water

If there is water flowing over the Sharp Creek Dam and we are not getting enough water at Bay St pump station it would seem that there is an obstruction somewhere in the system.This doesn't take an engineer to figure out.No need to send the District Public Works staff out in a tin boat every day to check turbidity at Close Creek.Let's find out why the water from Sharp Creek isn't getting to the pump station at Bay St.
Please comment if you have any information or thoughts on this.I have been wrong before but this seems pretty simple......

Thursday, February 9, 2012

New District webpage

http://www.tofino.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp?NewsID=263

More Questions About Water

From the West Coast Vancouver Island Aquatic Management Board Sept 7 2006 :

"After a week of wild rumor, panic and daily media scrums Tofino's water crisis has stabilized, at least for the time being. On Friday, September 1st Mayor John Fraser announced that businesses could remain open over the Labour Day weekend and into the coming weeks on the condition that the community as a whole uses no more than 250,000 gallons of municipal water per day until further notice. In a warning sent out to all business owners, if the consumption exceeds the 250,000 gal/day limit, "the District will provide three hours notice that commercial users must shut down or have their service disconnected."

At an emergency council meeting August 31st in Tofino, Mayor Fraser said that water consumption had been between 450,000 and 500,000 gallons per day with peaks at 600,000 gallons. Meanwhile, water levels in the supply creeks located on Meares had dropped significantly and was no longer servicing the demand. In an interview September 4th, Mayor Fraser said that figures he had regarding water flow on August 31st were from the town engineer, since then government hydrology reports have shown that the flow was not quite as low as originally thought and is in fact approximately 470,000 gallons/day, but still unsustainable at the pre-crisis consumption levels."

In 2006,the Ahkmahksis Water Treatment Facility hadn't yet been built and the Close Creek system wasn't functioning and yet the District of Tofino could still supply 250,000 gallons a day from #1 and Sharp Creek in the middle of a drought.
In 2012 with the Ahkmahksis Water Treatment Facility functioning and supplying the area south of Industrial Way ,the District of Tofino said yesterday in its Press Release
"With low turbidity readings at Close Creek, declining storage at the Bay Street reservoir day by day, and increased water demand at the fish processing plant, the Engineer recommended that the system be brought back online on Friday, February 1, 2012."
If we are that dependent on Close Creek in 2012 in the rainy season and are seeing declining levels in the Bay St reservoir without it, perhaps someone should check the output of Sharp Creek and Number One Creek ??
This information should be readily available and could be posted on the District website. Let's have the truth with regards to our water system !

Advisory Group Update

About 25-30 people showed up for the meeting...water issues were discussed...staff issues were discussed but probably the most important issue raised was that people want a return to a "common sense" approach to running the District of Tofino.The Mayor,CAO and some council members were present......some good questions asked and I think the format of open discussion worked well.....special thanks to Ken Gibson for his historical perspectives.......
I hope to have an update on the water situation soon.....thanks,Ralph

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

No Boil Water Advisory

The District of Tofino has confirmed that there is currently no Boil Water Advisory .

VIHA BOIL WATER NOTICE SITE

Tofino doesn't appear on the VIHA site so I have no idea what is going on with the water system ?? Current Boil Notices

Important Information About Boil Water Notices

Facility Name Location Boil Advisory Start Date # of Boil Advisory Days
BROWN'S BAY RESORT HOLDINGS WATERWORKS Campbell River 25-Jul-2007 1659
B.C. PARKS FILLONGLEY CAMPGROUND Denman Island 14-Aug-2009 908
CAYCUSE WATER SYSTEM/CAYCUSE CAMP Honeymoon Bay 22-Nov-1994 6287
CORDERO LODGE - WATER Cordero Channel 18-Jun-2009 965
COWICHAN RIVER PROVINCIAL PARK Duncan 12-Oct-2010 484
CRITTER COVE MARINE GROUP Gold River 12-Mar-2010 698
DENMAN ISLAND LOCAL SERVICE AREA Denman Island 1-May-1997 5396
DESCANSO BAY REGIONAL PARK Gabriola Island 10-Jun-2008 1338
DIONISIO PROVINCIAL PARK Galiano Island 30-Jun-2010 588
FORBES LANDING RV PARK Campbell River 21-Sep-2010 505
GOD'S POCKET RESORT - WATER Port Hardy 4-Aug-2004 2744
HAGUE LAKE WATER SYSTEM Cortes Island 4-Aug-2011 188
HIGH SALAL STRATA CORP Hornby Island 15-Feb-2006 2184
INTERFOR-CHAMISS BAY LOGGING CAMP WATER SYSTEM Kyuquot 11-Mar-2004 2890
ISLANDS TRUST - GABRIOLA ISLAND Gabriola Island 16-Dec-2011 54
KITTY COLEMAN PROVINCIAL PARK Courtenay 28-Feb-2001 3997
MENZIE BAY DRYLAND SORT Campbell River 26-Oct-2004 2661
MINER'S BAY TRADING POST Mayne Island 20-Nov-2009 810
MYRA FALLS OPERATIONS WATER SYSTEM Campbell River 14-May-2010 635
NANOOK LODGE Stuart Island 30-Aug-2004 2718
ORIGINAL CABLE COOKHOUSE Sayward 14-Oct-2009 847
PACIFIC OUTBACK RESORT Hanson Island 24-Jul-2008 1294
PEDERSON WATER SYSTEM Errington 29-Sep-2011 132
PETE'S LAKE WATER USERS SOCIET, WWS Lasqueti Island 21-Apr-1994 6502
PIERRE'S AT ECHO BAY Simoom Sound 28-Aug-2008 1259
POWELL BROOK Simoom Sound 1-Aug-2007 1652
PUB AT FULFORD HARBOUR Salt Spring Island 16-Dec-2010 419
PUNTLEDGE TOWNSITE WATER USERS COMMUNITY Courtenay 23-Aug-1996 5647
RACE POINT BARRON CREEK WATER SYSTEM Campbell River 10-Nov-2003 3012
REFUGE COVE GENERAL STORE WATER SYSTEM Refuge Cove 18-Jun-2008 1330
RICMAR TRAILER PARK WATER Sayward 14-Oct-2006 1943
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION # 154 Quadra Island 23-Aug-2005 2360
SHAWL BAY MARINA-WATER Simoom Sound 23-Jun-2004 2786
SLAM BANG FISHING LODGE LTD. Kyuquot 7-Jul-2007 1677
SLOW RISE BAKERY Gabriola Island 30-Sep-2011 131
SOLLAN ROAD PUMP Hornby Island 21-Jan-2005 2574
SOUTH BAY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Port Alberni 26-Oct-2000 4122
STRATA PLAN 1306 WATER SYSTEM Courtenay 13-Jan-2012 26
STUART ISLAND COMMUNITY STORE WATER SYSTEM Stuart Island 5-Jun-2007 1709
SULLIVAN BAY MARINA LTD. Sullivan Bay 24-Jun-2008 1324
SURF LODGE Gabriola Island 16-Dec-2011 54
TRUDE'S CAFE Cortes Island 16-Apr-2010 663
WALLACE ISLAND PROVINCIAL PARK Wallace Island 27-May-2009 987
WHITE RIVER RESORT-WATER SYSTEM Sayward 20-Jul-2007 1664
WINDSONG PROPERTIES LTD. Port McNeill 17-Dec-2008 1148
WISE ISLAND Wise Island 3-Aug-2010 554

Tofino Press Release

_____________________________________________________________________________________
The Corporation of the District of Tofino PRESS RELEASE ___________________________________________________________________
2012-February-08 For Immediate Release
DISTRICT OF TOFINO WATER QUALITY UPDATE
District of Tofino staff determined that the Close Creek system was the cause of increased turbidity following the rain events in early January 2012. As a result, the Close Creek system was isolated and taken off-line in order to maintain acceptable turbidity levels throughout the remainder of the water distribution system.
The District of Tofino’s project engineer was recently on site to examine the Close Creek system. With low turbidity readings at Close Creek, declining storage at the Bay Street reservoir day by day, and increased water demand at the fish processing plant, the Engineer recommended that the system be brought back online on Friday, February 1, 2012.
The District has again isolated (closed-off) the Close Creek system yesterday in expectation of the potential heavy rains commencing Thursday, February 9, 2012. This will allow District staff to monitor the situation at Close Creek for turbidity while ensuring the rest of the distribution system operates as usual.
It is anticipated that a detailed report including a professional assessment of the Close Creek system and recommendations from the District’s engineer will be included in the forthcoming Council agenda on 14 February 2012.
Press release issued 8:30am, Wednesday, February 8, 2012. -30-
MEDIA CONTACT The District of Tofino

Westerly Water Story

http://www2.canada.com/westerly/story.html?id=3730c1b3-92fb-454f-a736-eeb67fad0f6f

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Who's in Charge of Sewer and Water ?

I was trying to find out who is actually in charge of Tofino's sewer and water system when I came across this site.It would appear that no one has informed them that Bruce Forsyth left here years ago.As to who is in charge now...I don't know. http://www.eocp.org/ Facility Details
Facility Number = 701
Name = District of Tofino Wastewater Collection System
Address = 121 - 3rd Street
City = Tofino, BC
Postal Code = V0R 2Z0
Facility Classification = WWC-II
Classification Date = 2003-11-01
Telephone # = (250) 725-4212
Facsimile # =
Chief Operator = Bruce Forsyth
Operator Certification # = 4070
MOH Health Authority =

Facility Details
Facility Number = 636
Name = District of Tofino Water Distribution System
Address = 121 - 3rd Street
City = Tofino, BC
Postal Code = V0R 2Z0
Facility Classification = WD-II
Classification Date = 2002-09-16
Telephone # = (250) 725-4212
Facsimile # = (250) 725-4210
Chief Operator = Bruce Forsyth
Operator Certification # = 4070
MOH Health Authority =

Monday, February 6, 2012

Tofino Advisory Goup Meeting ! Feb.8 7pm

Just a reminder that there will be a meeting for everyone interested in Tofino issues at the Community Center on Feb.8 at 7 pm.

Whether you're concerned with Council meeting times,water and sewer issues,Resort Municipality Initiative spending,development issues,housing issues,culture and arts issues,recreation issues or anything else,this meeting is for you.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

No Tsunami

Web message at http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2012/02/04/lyvx58/01/messagelyvx58-01.htm

SEUS71 PAAQ 042009
EQIWOC

TSUNAMI SEISMIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NWS WEST COAST/ALASKA TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER PALMER AK
1209 PM PST SAT FEB 4 2012

...THIS IS AN INFORMATION STATEMENT...

EVALUATION
AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH A MAGNITUDE SUCH THAT A TSUNAMI
IS NOT EXPECTED. THIS WILL BE THE ONLY WCATWC MESSAGE ISSUED
FOR THIS EVENT.

PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
MAGNITUDE - 5.7
TIME      - 1106 AKST FEB 04 2012
            1206  PST FEB 04 2012
            2006  UTC FEB 04 2012
LOCATION  - 48.9 NORTH 127.8 WEST
             90 MILES/145 KM SW OF PORT ALICE BRITISH COLUMBIA
            265 MILES/426 KM NW OF SEATTLE WASHINGTON
DEPTH     - 7 MILES/12 KM

THE LOCATION AND MAGNITUDE ARE BASED ON PRELIMINARY INFORMATION.
FURTHER INFORMATION WILL BE ISSUED BY THE UNITED STATES
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY - EARTHQUAKE.USGS.GOV - OR THE APPROPRIATE
REGIONAL SEISMIC NETWORK.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

RIM compared to Tofino

The following is a quote from Christine Comaford regarding the situation at Blackberry maker Research in Motion.The District of Tofino is in the same position in that confidence in the organization is rapidly dwindling .

“Drastic change is totally needed. Management is out of touch. It has low emotional equity with customers, with the market and with internal staff. There's no marketing evangelism and there's no innovation. Its turn-around plan is vague and ambiguous.”

“The key is to establish a vibrant set of outsiders who ask tough questions. People on company boards tend to ‘go native' after 90 days. They want to be part of the tribe. They drink the Kool-Aid and keep asking for more. We need people who want water instead.”

The new Mayor and Council have to be asking the tough questions.

George Sawchuk R.I.P.

Rest in peace George.

Ken Gibson Editorial

I’d like to take a “shot “ at how I feel this could be solved .. With consultants &” green sticky fingers” we the ‘public ‘
don’t always’ s hear the truth –seeing it is a “rarity “
Nearly 50 years ago, Chestermans got going .. For a long time residents, had decide which side of their property
to put the “water well “ on...And it was often heard “I'm not drinking his sewer water”,, When the Chamber of Commerce pointed out the ratio of visitors coming to the west coast to the ‘House owner or resident ‘ It was , ,,say ”fifty to one “
And here again I don’t have the amount –But I recall 11,ooo,ooo grant dollars for the area being offered.
Tofino Village boundary’s only went to “Industrial rd. “,, We” North of that line” had John Motherwell as our
engineer and under “tight fisted rule “ of Don McGinnis & Hugo Peterson not many pennies escaped.. It was totally inconceivable that we could afford a water system for the( well to do) ‘son’s & daughter ‘s “ coming to
live on the beach in the summer at ‘Chesterman's ,”,, A group of “locals “ had formed a water board & had stated to formulate plan’s under a engineer named “Bullock” sp?,,, If my memory has this
“ right” these “plans “ were under way when the “wind-fall of grant money ‘ arrived ,, The million gallon low pressure tank at Industial rd was part of that plan & water was to come from Tofino to fill it ( Until ‘Ginnard creek “ could be realized) About this time the Governments stepped in & said “make love –not war “ –one district –one council- (south of Industrial Way became part of the Village)7 instead of 5- or” FORE GO” the grant . The vote was accepted, Projects in progress were allowed to continue & ..Mr. Bullock’s supply tank lost it’s bottom & a court case lasting seven years started -costing more than it was worth & fellow residents are still dealing with this “Creation “ useless as it was with no bottom ,,Unless we look at it as ” low pressure FIRE RESERVE” ,, & introduce Hi pressure to the South our problems are just beginning –We are no longer dealing with the low land that surrounds the beaches- but high land throughout the
the district-Rosie Bay –Industrial way –Hansen development & Higher peaks that now require ‘Pressure Pump’s”
I'm really surprised “Fire Underwriters “ have not introduced new rates,,, “Secrecy”.. Grant money & those that
“money mean’s every thing in design ‘ have “compounded” the problem with’ a lure for water at Tofino airport’,
with a gesture of more to be made at Kennedy lake, Part of that low pressure “Era”is the undisclosed amounts
& ever continuing expenses at the Six Mile , placing ‘band aid on band aid’ is not the answer ,, I’m not sure
where modern CAO’s have us ...I know there is 350,000 gallon mistake in elevation at the six mile & I now hear
its really low pressure (not Barr’s mt pressure that ‘Warren Bernard “had fought for ,) If this is the case “perhaps
our neighbours near Long Beach would like it . Its doesn’t suit ‘water treatment standards ‘ any –way as the
water sits idle should be moving on. These folk’s.. is what “administration – college degree’s & money can do
you. Lets welcome back “Old fashioned” John Motherwell & take our “Lump’s”
Ken Gibson –Water since 1949

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

More Close Creek Photos

More photos from TOFINONEWS AIR ONE of the Close Creek slide on Meares Island.

Close Creek Update ! More Pics

Some people called to ask about the significance of the slide.In short, the slide is directly above the gathering point for the Close Creek component of our water system.It works in combination with Number One Creek and Sharp Creek to provide water suppy to the Bay St. pump station.With Close Creek offline our water supply depends on the other two sources.The slide is much more severe than I had imagined and it will be some time before Close Creek will be back in operation.Fortunately the AHKMAHKSIS water system is completely independent of the other three sources and can provide suitable water to the town south of Industrial Way...feel free to write in with questions or comments

Close Creek Slide !!

This just in !! TOFINONEWS AIR ONE just sent in these dramatic aerial photos of the Close Creek Slide !!! No rumors here at Tofinonews , just the truth !! Check back later for slide analysis and updates !! more pics to come !!

The Leadership Role of the Municipal Chief Administrative Officer

From David Siegel's report in Canadian Public Administration.Note the reference to the "Hourglass" This explains a lot about what is wrong in Tofino.The CAO prefers that employees of a municipality speak only to their supervisor who speaks only to the CAO or in some cases ,Council.All communication between employees and Council goes through the "Hourglass" of the CAO and is subject to spin and editing.Let's scrap this system and bring back "Freedom of Speech" ! Let's stop the "Tail Wagging The Dog" !

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Officials must also sometimes exercise a leadership role with regard to people who are the official's nominal superiors. In Canadian local governments, we take pride in the role of part-time amateur politicians. The phrase "part-time amateur" is not meant to be demeaning but rather just the opposite. A part-time amateur politician is someone whose full-time occupation keeps her or him in close contact with the community, which allows the politician to ensure that the community perspective is reflected in any decision. However, part-time amateurs usually do not have the same level of technical expertise about how to build a bridge or handle a planning application as do full-time officials.

The public servant has no real power over superiors; he or she must rely heavily on influence. External stakeholders or politicians will frequently listen carefully and easily accept the advice of nominal subordinates if they have confidence in the ability of that subordinate. In his seminal book, Leadership, James MacGregor Burns focuses on the mutuality of goals and the range of resources available to a leader: "Leadership over human beings is exercised when persons with certain motives and purposes mobilize ... institutional, political, psychological, and other resources so as to arouse, engage, and satisfy the motives of followers. This is done in order to realize goals mutually held by both leaders and followers" (1978: 18, emphasis in original).

The CAO will frequently have to take the role of mediator. Sometimes an impasse will develop on council. The mayor and councillors may be hopelessly divided on an issue. At law, the mayor and councillors are all equal. The mayor has a higher profile than councillors, but under the law in most Canadian municipalities, the mayor is not even primus inter pares like the first minister in a parliamentary system. In the event of deadlock, there is no one among the mayor and councillors to step forward to find a resolution. With no political axe to grind, the CAO is sometimes in the best position to mediate among these equals to try to breach the impasse.

In some cases, the CAO might want to act proactively before an impasse develops. In these situations, the CAO could seize on a policy that he or she feels is important for the municipality ("the politics of governing society") and try to find a coalition to support the policy. This is clearly not within the "politics of securing office," which would be a violation of political neutrality, but a CAO must proceed very carefully whenever he or she is working with some councillors to the exclusion of others (Masson and LeSage Jr. 1994: 233). The strategy could produce excellent results, but it could also put the CAO in an awkward position with some councillors.

The politicians and the CAO must recognize that they each have different contributions to make in the policy-making process. But, what are those contributions and how do those contributions fit together? Frequently, the distinction is seen as the separation of politics and administration, where the politicians make policy decisions and administrators implement them. Peter Self suggests that an

alternative distinction between politics and administration is in terms of process. We can envisage an arch with the left arc representing the political process and the right arc the administrative process. The junction at the top represents the critical point at which political will flows into and energizes the administrative system: and it is also the point at which influences that have been generated within the administrative process flow back into the higher levels of the political process. There is thus, at the apex of the arch, a fusion of political and administrative influences which have been generated lower down the two arcs (Self 1972: 150-51, emphasis in original).

Thus, Self sees a separation between politicians and administrators but a separation, which is quite permeable at the junction where the two meet, based on distinct processes.

This fluidity makes it very difficult to specify precisely the role of the CAO with regard to the mayor and councilor, in spite of attempts at great precision in bylaws or employment contracts.

Most organization charts are pyramids, with one senior person at the pinnacle. The organization chart of a municipality looks more like an hourglass, with a group of councillors at the top frequently pulling in different directions and a group of departments at the bottom each with a different mandate, and some horizontal task forces thrown in for good measure. The pinch-point in the hourglass, the place through which everything must flow, is the CAO. The role of each separate department head is to manage his or her department, including making sure that the department's interests are properly represented to council and the CAO. The role of the CAO is to meld these disparate interests represented by the various department heads into one corporate perspective.