In a previous column I mentioned an Elder College course I took that Elphinstone SCRD director Donna McMahon taught last fall about understanding regional districts. It was excellent. The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) originated in the 1960s as a result of community members banding together to deal with water and garbage. And so it began – and now the SCRD now has 210 full-time employees! Each regional district in the province is unique and if you live in the one here, you’ll be interested to know that Donna is reprising her course “A Highly Opinionated Introduction to Regional Districts” starting on Feb. 27. More information: everythingelphinstone.ca/rdcourse/. Open to everyone, the course will run over four Sundays (3 to 5 p.m.) with a suggested payment of $40, proceeds going to the food bank. Donna makes what could be a dry topic into an informative and entertaining course. Register (soon!) at: bit.ly/3Iej0or.
Speaking of the SCRD, Hermann Ziltener, on behalf of the Elphinstone Community Association (ECA) once again appeared before the board to plead for the SCRD with its resources, to advocate with the province to have Reed Road Forest removed from BC Timber Sales logging plans. There were dozens of people on the Zoom call and directors were sympathetic, especially in light of the known effects of erosion/flooding that occur after clear-cut logging. The 120-acre forest was removed from the watershed reserve years ago, wiping out aquifer protections, as Donna said, “…that we are increasingly reliant on for our drinking water supply.” She went on to say. “We should not only preserve and protect this rare emerging old growth forest, but due to its location on the edge of the Town, it provides a unique opportunity to bring partners together to pursue research, education, collaboration and reconciliation.” Donna’s motion passed, asking staff to initiate a formal referral to the Skwxwú7mesh Nation regarding the protection of the forest, and notifying FLNRORD, BCTS, our MLA and MP. Part of the motion requests a meeting with the minister, and the SCRD board saw fit to include collaborating with the Town of Gibsons.
Although it’s been a cold week, spring is just around the corner. Before you do a lot of yard cleanup, consider the important overwintering insects! It’s usually in March that I spot the first bumblebees struggling out of their winter hibernation in piles of yard refuse, or emerging from cozy holes in untrod ground. Please leave wild areas for our beleaguered insect friends. In a related item, there will be a “Gardening in Harmony with our environment” event on March 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Quality Garden & Pet (325 Pratt Road). Community partners will be in attendance in the greenhouse. Check out their Instagram or Facebook for more info.
Looking for a unique spring break experience for children? The Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre is hosting a spring break camp focused on local marine ecology, biology and conservation. The camps will take place inside the aquarium and outside at nearby beaches and parks. Register at: gibsonsmarine-ed.org/camps.
Let me know your Elphinstone news: [email protected].
