A look back at some of the major stories and issues in the PQB News from May to August of 2024. Check back for further installments.
May 1
Report: Wolf-dog shot dead
A wolf-dog roaming loose in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area has been shot and killed, according an unconfirmed report by an area resident. Greg Salmon believes the animal known as WD-40 was killed on Easter long weekend in early April after it entered a farm in the area.
“I didn’t shoot it, but I heard the gun shot,” said Salmon. “It got into somebody’s pens there and it’s gone. It’s over.”
Salmon said he wants the community to know people can enjoy the trails and not be concerned about encountering the wolf-dog. His 18-month-old French Bulldog, Ocean, was killed by the wolf-dog while on leash at the Coombs Country Campground in November. A few days after the gun shot, Salmon said he was told the wolf-dog had been killed after being spotted on a trail and then later in someone’s pens.
May 8
Fighting forest fires at night
A Parksville-area helicopter company is off to fight forest fires at night in Alberta.
The crew from Ascent Helicopters arrived in Alberta on Sunday to do some initial training with personnel there, according to Trent Lemke, owner of Ascent Helicopters.
Ascent has experience doing search and rescue and air ambulance operations at night, but this will be their first night-time firefighting contract, he added. Alberta is the first Canadian province to do so, said Lemke.
Auditor reports Town of QB is in good financial shape
An independent auditor’s report shows the Town of Qualicum Beach is in good financial shape.
Micaela Roque of KPMG presented the town’s 2023 audited financial statements at council’s regular meeting on May 1. “Based on the financial assets figure, you would have excess funds sitting there including all your reserve monies,” said Roque. “There’s funds sitting there for the future but it’s in a healthy position from a financial asset perspective.”
At the end of year, Dec. 31, 2023, the town’s financial assets were up $32,881,076 from $25,294,633 the previous year. But the town’s liabilities also went up from $12,068,349 in 2022 to $16,156,116 in 2023. Roque pointed out if the town clears some of its financial obligations, the net financial assets of the town would be $16,724,958, which is a strong indication of the town’s ability to pay off their liabilities.
NANOOSE BAY: Community celebrates opening of sports courts
The Nanoose Bay community celebrated the official opening of the sports courts at the Jack Bagley Community Park on Saturday, May 4.
The new recreation facility is phase one of the park’s development project that now features a tennis court, five pickleball courts, a basketball hoop, a paved plaza with picnic tables, a new washroom building and accessibility improvements.
May 15
Future uncertain for tower
The future of the historic Parksville water tower is up in the air. Parksville council discussed options for the tower that include restoration on site, a relocation to Victoria and demolition during its May 6 meeting.
Council had previously donated funds to the the East End Track Gang (EETG), part of the E&N Railway Division of the Canadian Railway Historical Association in 2020, to restore the tower and relocate it in working condition to nearby Island Corridor Foundation property. The city had planned to demolish the aging tower for a cost of $35,000, when the EETG offered to instead preserve the tower, erected in 1910.
Fundraising provides headstone for Parksville’s ‘Flying Phil’ St. Luke
The final resting place of Parksville’s “Flying Phil” St. Luke is now marked with a headstone.
The Flying Phil Memorial Project released a cheque on May 8 for just more than $1,000 to purchase the stone, according to a news release. The money came from community donations meant to go towards a memorial project for the well-known St. Luke, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 71.
“It came to our attention that Phil’s grave is an unmarked grave,” said Coun. Adam Fras during council’s May 6 meeting. “Now anyone going to visit it will be able to locate it.” Fras was the chair and one of three councillors that sat on the Phil St Luke Standing Committee, which wrapped up its final meeting earlier this year, as the fundraising project is now a community effort.
May 22
Bennett sets world record
The records keep falling for Parksville’s Nicholas Bennett.
On Friday, Bennett, coached by his sister Haley, broke the world record in the men’s S14 200-metre individual medley on Friday at the Canadian Para swimming Paralympic Games trials in Toronto. Bennett is the the reigning world champion in the event, and finished in a time of two minutes, 5.97 seconds for the win in the multiclass race. The previous world mark of 2:07.50 was set by Gabriel Bandeira of Brazil.
Nanoose Bay resident wins $500,000 in Lotto 6/49 draw
Nanoose Bay’s Marie Hobenshield had some ‘extra’ exciting news to share with her family after winning the $500,000 Extra prize from the April 13 Lotto 6/49 draw.
“I went into [Casino Nanaimo] to check my ticket,” said Hobsenshield. “I thought it was $5 and the attendant said, ‘look again!’ People were hugging me and congratulating me.” Hobenshield first shared the news with her daughter and son-in-law. “They were screaming with joy and trying to settle me down!” she said. Hobenshield plans to use some of her winnings to help her grandchildren with university fees and looks forward to fulfilling her dream of taking her family to Germany, the birthplace of her late husband.
May 29
No extra food trucks
Parksville will not be adding more food trucks to Parksville Community Park, at least for now.
The Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce submitted a request on April 30 to amend the licence of occupation agreement to permit an additional daily food truck to be located in the new gathering plaza in the Parksville Community Park for the summer season, according to a news release by the City of Parksville.
Council decided to maintain the current terms and conditions of the agreement during its May 22 meeting.
Ballenas track upgrade project underway
The Ballenas track upgrade project is underway in Parksville after being initiated almost 30 years ago.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the old cinder track on Wednesday, May 22, attended by representatives from the Qualicum School District, City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach, Regional District of Nanaimo as well as local groups, business owners and individual supporters of the project.
Construction has now begun on what will eventually be called the Oceanside Community Track. It’s a name that aptly fits the new eight-lane straight, six-lane rubberized all-season training track because of the collaboration that occurred in the community.
June 5
Qualicum Beach: Aligning with Bill 44
Qualicum Beach council has given three readings to zoning amendments that will align it with the provincial government’s Bill 44 housing legislation.
The amendments were presented to council at its regular meeting on May 29 and are now a step closer to adoption, which the town needs to achieve by June 30.
Town planner Luke Sales indicated they have been working intensively on the town’s response to Bill 44 Housing Statutes in the last six months, with the help of Westplan Consulting Group. “It’s a comprehensive amendment and update to the town’s zoning bylaw as well as the introduction of two bylaws — one for the planning advisory commission and one for the board of variance,” said Sales.
Off-leash dog struck with machete
A Parksville Qualicum Beach man is upset his dog was seriously injured after being struck with a machete while walking the rural trails in the Grafton Road area in Errington. Adam Perret said the incident happened in the morning of May 23.
“I take my dogs to this public walking trail, where a lot of other people take their dogs for a walk,” said Perret. “I spent the night there in my camper and when I woke up in the morning, I got my dogs out to do their business. I looked away for a second and the next thing you know my dog was bleeding from the face and there was man standing there with a machete.”
Perret said he quickly called the Oceanside RCMP. Police responded to the call, identified all parties involved and spoke with them, said Const. Tim Kenning in a news release. Kenning indicated the investigation determined a large dog was off-leash and acted aggressively towards a couple out walking in the same area. The off-leash dog, according to the RCMP, advanced towards the couple and bit one of them on the left leg. In self-defence to stop the attack, the dog was struck with the machete, police said.
June 12
Shady Rest celebrates its centennial year
The Shady Rest in Qualicum Beach will mark its centennial this year, a remarkable achievement surrounded by interesting Parksville Qualicum Beach history.
The iconic waterfront pub is part of the legacy of the Kinkade family, who owned and operated it for 61 years, from 1924 until 1985, when it was purchased by Wayne Duncan.
“It’s 100 years of people’s stories,” said Tom Saunders, general manager of the Shady Rest for the last 14 years. “Life-changing things — anniversaries and meetups and birthdays, just kind of everything.”
Qualicum School District plans to close ‘commons’ as rental facilities
Qualicum School District is looking to close Qualicum Commons and Craig Street Commons, with between $4 million and $5 million worth of capital work needing to be addressed.
The school district closed four elementary schools in 2014 due to low enrolment, including Parksville Elementary and Qualicum Beach Elementary, now known as Craig Street Commons and Qualicum Commons, respectively.
Since that time the facilities have operated predominately as rental space for outside organizations, according to Ron Amos, secretary-treasurer for the school district.
June 19
Pool costs now $26M
The latest estimated cost to upgrade the Qualicum Beach Ravensong Aquatic Centre now sits at $26,324,700.
The Ravensong Pool expansion project, initiated in 2021, was held back as the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) explored the feasibility of building a pool in the City of Parksville.
A proposed feasibility study failed to gain any support, prompting the RDN board to revive the Qualicum Beach pool project last March.
The RDN hired consultant FaulknerBrowns to update the design and Class B costing for the Ravensong Pool expansion project. The amount is now estimated at $26,324,700, not including a construction escalation contingency amount of $1,932,800 (12-month period to tender).
RDN wants to regulate sale of fireworks
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) will have a report done looking at potential options to regulate the sale of consumer grade fireworks in District 68 and 69.
The issue was raised by the City of Parksville at the RDN’s Fire Services Advisory Committee meeting last May. Fire chiefs in the region dis- cussed the risk of fireworks, leading to the FSAC recommending RDN staff members prepare a report on potential options for banning the sale of fireworks as well as as enforcement and cost recovery options for prohibiting the discharge of consumer-grade fireworks.
The motion was presented at the Electoral Area Services Committee meeting on June 13 where it was amended and passed, recommending instead for staff to explore potential options to regulate the sale and discharge of fireworks in District 68 and District 69 instead of banning them.
Town switches off streetlight complaints
The Town of Qualicum Beach will no longer accept complaints about bright BC Hydro-leased streetlights.
Last year, the town had BC Hydro replace 124 streetlights with reduced wattage and colour temperatures to address the concerns raised by residents who were given two opportunities to file their complaints and requests.
The town’s capital projects manager, Oliver Watson, informed council they have received a total of 35 letters. Some of them thanked the town for making the changes to the lights, some are requests for new lights to be installed at dimly lit areas, and others request streetlights be toned down at areas in Hall Road, Dogwood Road at Tyee Crescent, Fern Road East and Valdez Avenue.
June 26
Homeless solutions sought
When a single mother with young children faces eviction from their home, it can be a significantly stressful and depressing situation.
“Where would they go?” is often the biggest question that arises. The executive director of Island Crisis Care Society, Violet Hayes, one of the co-chairs of the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness, said they have been receiving regular calls from people facing eviction and losing their homes with nowhere else to go.
“There simply are no places for them to go anymore,” Hayes related during the Oceanside Non-Market Housing Task Force community information session on June 14, designed to discuss critical housing issues in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area. “You look around and you see these amazing buildings going up. Yes, they’re there but they’re very expensive.”
Hayes pointed out that some people end up living in their cars, streets and in some secluded areas.
“If we can prevent homelessness, that’s the first thing we want to do,” Hayes said. “Once people get out in the streets, desperation sets in. And then we see all sorts of things happening that wouldn’t happen likely if they could be housed right away.”
CUPE ‘beyond frustrated’ with personnel cuts
CUPE Local 3570 is not happy with some of the recent cuts made by the Qualicum School District Board of Education.
President Ewen Rycroft brought up concerns regarding cuts to employee hours during a recent board meeting. “We are beyond frustrated with the cuts to our clerical and library clerks,” said Rycroft.
School board trustees had to make some difficult decisions in order to pass a balanced budget in May and make up for a nearly $500,000 shortfall.
July 3
Clinic seeks funds to recruit health care staff
The Flowerstone Health Society, which operates a non-profit nurse practitioner-led model health care facility in Qualicum Beach, is seeking some financial assistance from the town to help recruit more nursing staff.
The chair of the society, Rosemary Graham, appeared as a delegation at the Qualicum Beach councils regular meeting on June 26. She informed council that since they opened in 2020, during the midst of the COVID-19, it has been an uphill climb with many lessons learned.
To date, the clinic serves 4,000 local residents and Graham indicated they have the capacity to up that number to approximately 7,500. Currently, Flowerstone has only five nurse practitioners but Graham said they have the capacity to accommodate nine nurse practitioners or physicians.
No enforcement for now on use of RVs as longterm homes
People living in the Regional District of Nanaimo and currently using their recreation vehicles as a permanent residence will be allowed to continue to do so, for now.
That is until the RDN has updated its Land Subdivision Bylaw 500. The bylaw amendment aims to clarify the definition of length of stay from ‘temporary’ or ‘seasonal’ to a set amount of time of six months or less at campgrounds, RV parks and RV resorts.
At the Special Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) meeting on June 19, the issue was discussed and voted on, to endorse a staff recommendation that the board suspend bylaw enforcement for length of stay of existing RVs located in campgrounds, resort vehicle parks and RV parks in Electoral Areas A, C, E, F, G, and H until the completion of Phase Two of the Bylaw 500 review.
July 10
‘End’ of municipal prayers
The BC Humanist Association (BCHA) is declaring ‘the end of municipal prayers in British Columbia’ following a commitment from the City of Parksville that there will not be prayers in the city’s next inaugural council meeting.
The decision avoided a lawsuit against the city by the BCHA, who dropped the threat of legal action over prayers provided at inaugural meetings in 2018 and 2022.
Town creates community wildfire resiliency plan
The Town of Qualicum Beach has adopted a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.
The town has hired Diamond Head Consulting to look into ways to prevent wildfires within the community. A report of the plan for 2024 was presented at council’s regular meeting by Matthew Shields, a professional forester and arborist, and it was unanimously adopted by council.
The study shows moderate risk is typical throughout the wildland-urban interface.
District postpones ‘commons’ closures decision
The Qualicum School District’s board of education has decided to postpone a decision on whether to close the Craig Street Commons and Qualicum Beach Commons as rental facilities.
The district announced in May it planned to close the commons buildings since there are approximately $4 million to $5 million in capital costs that need to be addressed between the two.
The school district shut down four elementary schools back in 2014 due to low enrolment, including Parksville Elementary and Qualicum Beach Elementary, now known as Craig Street Commons and Qualicum Commons, respectively.
July 17
School district grants access to Qualicum Commons for adaptive fitness program
The Qualicum School District will allow Oceanside Integrated Fitness Society access to the Qualicum Commons to continue with its initiative that provides community access to adaptive exercise equipment.
The society operates an adapted and sustainable accessible fitness centre, for use by elderly people and people with disabilities, in the Qualicum Commons, which is owned by the Qualicum School District.
Hirschfield tabbed for Canadian wheelchair rugby team
Parksville’s Trevor Hirschfield is one of two Island wheelchair rugby athletes that were among the dozen nominated to Team Canada in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Hirschfield and Byron Green of Victoria are among the nine returning members from Tokyo 2020, the CPC and Wheelchair Rugby Canada said in a news release.
July 24
Danger zones: Worst intersections in PQB area named
The worst intersection in the PQB area (in terms of motor vehicle accidents) was Corfield Street at Island Highway East, according to ICBC collision statistics for 2023.
That spot saw 17 crashes, an increase from the 11 reported in 2022, including five that caused death or injury. Not far behind were two intersections in Nanoose Bay. There were 16 collisions at Bonnell Creek Bridge, Island Highway East and Northwest Bay Road and 15 at Island Highway East and Northwest Bay Logging Road.
The latter tied with the intersection Franklins Gull Road and Island Hwy East (Parksville) for intersections with the most crashes that caused death or injury (eight).
Residents frustrated by noise from Qualicum Beach Airport
Some neighbourhoods in Qualcum Beach are located along the extended flight path of the Qualicum Beach Airport runway.
It is a situation causing some residents frustration due to the noise. Coun. Anne Skipsey raised this issue at council’s regular meeting on July 17. She indicated she has had some discussions with the Qualicum Woods Residents Association and also heard their complaints at a Committee of the Whole meeting on July 10.
From Jan. 1 to June 15, the Qualicum Beach Airport Authority has received input from the public, raising concerns that include excessive noise, low-flying aircraft, helicopter noise, curfew, flight paths, air pollution and more.
Qualicum Beach provides $10K to help recruit more nurse practitioners
Qualicum Beach council has agreed to provide Flowerstone Health Society with one-time funding of $10,000 to help with their recruitment of more nurse practitioners.
The society, which provides health care services to approximately 4,000 residents in Parksville Qualicum Beach who find themselves without a family doctor, currently has five nurse practitioners and hope to add four more to boost the number of patients they can assist to approximately 7,500.
July 31
BeachFest a huge hit
The numbers are looking good for the first two weeks of the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Exhibition in Parksville Community Park.
The exhibition kicked off July 12 and the sculptures are available for public viewing until Aug. 18.
“We’ve surpassed over 40,000 people through — and counting,” said Cheryl Dill, Parksville Beach Festival Society president. “People are really enjoying the sculptures.”
The festival’s second week actually saw a better attendance than the first, likely because the weather cooled off.
Regional district waste separation bylaw set to take effect in 2025
The Regional District of Nanaimo’s new waste diversion bylaw that would require businesses, multi-family dwellings and institutions to have separate bins for different types of solid waste and recyclable material will take effect in January 2025.
The Mandatory Waste Source Separation (MWSS) bylaw will require all waste generators to have designated bins for garbage, recycling and organics. While the bylaw does not come into effect until early 2025, work is starting now to help people prepare for this change.
One person dies after crash near commercial vehicle scales
Oceanside RCMP are investigating a fatal single-vehicle incident near the commercial vehicle scales on Highway 19 near Parksville at approximately 6 a.m. on July 26.
Oceanside RCMP Sgt. Shane Worth confirmed that a person died in the incident, involving a commercial vehicle. Highway 19 was closed in both directions between Exits 46 and 51 as their analyst are investigating the cause.
Aug. 7
Benchmark home price near $900K: Up 1 per cent over 2023
Once again, the benchmark price for a single-family home in Parksville Qualicum Beach is close to $900,000. According to stats released this month by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB), that number is up one per cent year-over-year from the same period a year ago. In PQB, the price sits at $899,000. Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by one per cent to $815,800.
The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni was $531,800, up one per cent over the previous year. In Campbell River, the benchmark price was $705,700 last month, up four per cent from the previous year. The Comox Valley’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by five per cent to $842,100. In the Cowichan Valley, the benchmark price was $775,800, a one per cent decrease from July 2023.
Qualicum Beach earns special budget presentation award
The Town of Qualicum Beach has been honoured for its commitment to transparency and good governance.
It was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2024-2028 Financial Plan. The GFOC award recognizes adherence to high standards in governmental budgeting and reflects the efforts of the town’s governing body and staff. It also acknowledges budgets that meet nationally recognized guidelines.
Aug. 14
Future of flight: 87-year-old gets chance to fly electric airplane
Al Walsh, a former Royal Canadian Air Force captain, recently got the opportunity to experience flying an electric airplane.
The 87-year-old, who has plenty of flying experience under his belt, calls the Sealand Flight Pipistrel Velis Electro airplane, featured at the Qualicum Beach Airport on Friday (Aug. 2) “the future.”
“I liked it. I flew it over the gulf there,” said Walsh, who has flown a variety of military aircraft during his time in the RCAF, including fighter jets, a Buffalo aircraft and a Labrador helicopter.
Qualicum Beach woman awarded the B.C. Medal of Good Citizenship
Qualicum Beach resident Donna Furneaux has been recognized with a Medal of Good Citizenship for a lifelong commitment to resilience and community service, one of 18 citizens selected across B.C. this year.
The Medal of Good Citizenship celebrates individuals who have acted in a particularly generous, kind or selfless manner for the betterment of their communities without expectation of reward. It was established by the Government of B.C. in 2015, according to a news release by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
Furneaux spearheaded the establishment of a school for lab technicians at a hospital, rallying support from locals, travellers, and embassy staff to secure essential supplies. Her initiative quickly turned the school into a thriving hub for training, benefiting numerous students.
Whalers star Barlow joins UBC Thunderbirds
Rohan Barlow was the heart and soul of the Ballenas Whalers senior high school football team last season.
Despite being plagued by injuries in his senior year and playing with a Whalers team that had a short bench, Barlow didn’t lose confidence. He showed resiliency, determination and character in leading the Whalers both defensively and offensively in BC Secondary Schools Football Association play.
The 18-year-old’s leadership on and off the field has been lauded by his coaches at Ballenas, along with his versatility on the field.
Barlow was the kind of player the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds were looking for and he committed to play for the T-Birds this coming school year. It’s an honour, Barlow said, that he truly appreciates. He plans to take full advantage of the opportunity.
Aug. 21
CVI youth mental health decline continues
Results of the 2023 BC Adolescent Health Survey paint a concerning picture for the mental health of Central Vancouver Island youth.
Only 56 per cent of youth aged 12 to 19 rated their mental health as good or excellent, compared to 80 per cent in 2013 and 69 per cent in 2018. Youth were also less likely to rate their quality of life positively — 74 per cent felt they had a good life versus 79 per cent in 2018.
“The local picture reflects what we are seeing across the province with young people less likely than those in previous survey years to re- port positively on their health and well-being, and particularly on their mental health,” said Dr. Annie Smith, co-author of the report and executive director of McCreary Centre Society.
Royals standouts advance to collegiate level
The Parksville Royals missed the BC Premier Baseball League (BCPLB) playoffs by a single game.
The Royals, made up primarily of Grade 11 players, closed out the regular season with 17 wins and 23 losses. They have players who will advance to the collegiate level. Leading the way is Walker Maximick, who will head to Kansas to play for the Garden City Community College Broncbusters in the National Junior College Athletic Association (Division 1).
Also moving on to the next level of baseball are Chase Little and Flinn Vlahovic. Little will be heading to the University of British Columbia and Vlalhovic has committed to play for the Victoria Golden Tide in the coming school year.
Aug. 28
115,000 visitors for BeachFest
The sand sculpting masterpieces at Parksville Community Beach entertained thousands for five-and-a-half weeks before reaching the end of their run.
Gate ambassadors for the 2024 Quality Foods Sand Sculpting exhibition recorded 115,203 visitors and event organizers noted a six per cent increase over last year, according to a news release by the Parksville Beach Festival Society.
“Strong visitor attendance is due to a fabulous exhibition, excellent weather and fewer challenges such as air quality and ferry transportation,” said Cheryl Dill, society president.
Qualicum First Nation program to distribute Indigenous resource kits around the province
The Qualicum First Nation Culture Program received funding to create and distribute free Indigenous resource kits province-wide during the next three years.
All Aboriginal Head Start programs across B.C. will be receiving a Traditional Food Kit that will be kept at their location, according to a news release by Qualicum First Nation. Childcare Resource and Referral Sites throughout the province will be getting a variety of Indigenous kits that can be loaned out within their community.
Tennis group unhappy court chalked with pickleball lines
Members of the Arrowsmith Tennis Club (ATC) were surprised to find someone drew pickleball lines, using chalk, on one of the tennis courts in Qualicum Beach.
They also discovered on Aug. 23 that the tennis net, which they said is “not cheap to replace”, was tampered with in an attempt to force the net down to the height for pickle- ball play.
Former ATC president Greg Bach called it an “act of vandalism”, noting one of the three tennis courts in Qualicum Beach currently has pickleball lines painted on it and people could have used that court.