Food drive on Halloween night

All week CMESS students are collecting goods for the food bank. There will be a bin in the gym at the rec centre on Halloween night for your contribution.

Yoga changes to a 6:00 start

Flu Shots

Halloween at the Rec Centre

Local EMTs win awards

Tahsis had highest voter turnout in municipal elections

https://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/news?newsid=7436&fbclid=IwAR3cL6y_nxlP4cmf4pdGTI1OrwwXeVr2z39imMeLZp6wt3RZX7DG6EnnEHs

Senior Centre movie

Concert at school on Wednesday, October 24

Today's story time and craft 3:30 at Tahsis library

Pool schedule

Pool reopens Tuesday

November schedule for Tahsis health centre

Click for larger image.

Earl Johnson author reading

eHelp and Storytime Tuesday, October 23 at Tahsis library

Call the Tahsis Library (6621) to make an appointment for eHelp. 

Municipal Election Results

Highlights indicated elected.
MAYOR
Martin Davis         112 Votes             50%
Brenda Overton       68 votes             30.4%
Dave McIntosh         40 votes            17.4%

Coucillor
Josh Lambert             176 votes               78.6%
Bill Elder                   171 votes               76.3%
Lynda Llewellyn        163 votes               72.8%
Sarah Fowler              123 votes               54.9%
Doug Elliot                   84 votes               37.5%
Jeff Lancaster               53 votes              23.7%
Carol Finnie                  44 votes              19.6%

Ride to the poll on Saturday

If you need a ride to vote on Saturday, email me olson.stephanie2009@gmail.com and we will find a time that works.

Election night party

Vancouver Island Library job

Original post at http://virl.bc.ca/job/library-assistant-tahsis-0

Western Forest Products burn

Notice of Election by Voting

I've worked an election before and know that even if you know the person, you must ask them for proper ID as listed on the second page. Please make things go smoothly by bringing the required ID. Click to enlarge image.

Great Shake Out

Restart a Heart Day

Restart a Heart Day October 16 2018 is a global initiative to raise awareness and education of CPR and AEDs in our community. 

Statement by council candidate Josh Lambert

1. What made you decide to run in this election? Several members of the outgoing council have suggested that I should run for council during the time I’ve lived in Tahsis, as have neighbours and several of my fellow candidates. I decided to run for council because I have invested my life into Tahsis with our project up at Tahsis Farm, and committing my future to Tahsis like this means I care deeply about the decisions that will shape the village’s future. I’m running for council because I want to do everything I can to ensure that the village remains stable, and sees an appropriate amount of growth in terms of economic prosperity and year-round population. 2.What part of your background (experience, education, skills etc.) would make you a good person in this office?   I grew up in Sooke, another Vancouver Island fishing and logging town with a similar story to Tahsis. I have a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the University of Victoria, with a double major in anthropology and environmental studies. I also have a diploma in the humanities and a diploma in intercultural education and training. Doing thorough, complete research into a problem before deciding on the best all-round solution is my approach to life. University gave me formal training in terms of research skills and communication, and taught me to work well on complex research projects in groups of 4-6, which sounds a lot like council. My degree also instilled in me a healthy respect for our colonial past and present important for contributing positively to the progress made by the outgoing council on building a relationship of mutual respect with the Mowachaht Muchalaht and other First Nations around us. From 2014-2016 I built a successful business in a rural oceanfront community that provided a destination and draw for tourism. My dad and a family friend and I bought an old disused restaurant building and renovated it into an oceanfront pizzeria and gallery. One take-home insight from this experience was that people want a reason take a long drive to a beautiful place - we created that from a derelict building, a great pizza recipe, and a bit of love. Whether it’s increasing tourism, or inspiring young families to move to Tahsis and build our community, bringing new people in year-round to a place that’s a little far out is a challenge I’ve explored before. Since moving to Tahsis I’ve started working in the forestry industry, thanks to my wonderful partner Carla who convinced me to try tree planting. This has been a great opportunity to be a part of the industry that Tahsis was built on. I’d like to find ways to make sure Tahsis benefits from the logging that’s still going on around us, and ensure industry is paying its fair share to maintain and improve our roads and infrastructure. I consider myself to be a good listener, an objective thinker, and an empathetic and inclusive person who considers the needs and perspectives of others. 3. What is the most important issue facing Tahsis and what will you do to address it? The most important issue I see facing Tahsis is population. Tahsis has a lot of buildings and homes that sit empty, either all winter or year round. If our community is going to thrive and grow, we need to encourage more year-round residents, particularly young people and families. More year-round residents means more businesses, better health services, and more possibilities. I believe Tahsis is well positioned to attract the growing demographic of people who are able to work remotely, who seek an affordable lifestyle and good work-life balance. I think it’s important to work toward creating new jobs here in town, but I think that the low-hanging fruit in terms of economic development is to simply continue making the town more attractive to new residents who bring their own source of income with them. My priorities for making Tahsis more accessible to new residents will be to increase available rental housing, clean up derelict properties, improve access to fresh food and encourage local food production, and find ways to continue to improve the road into town and ensure good road conditions as often as possible. To increase rental housing, I will look into options for taxing empty homes, but also ways to reward and encourage owners who choose to make their property available for rent. I believe in positive reinforcement. I see derelict properties in two categories: Tahsis residents who aren’t able to maintain their homes, and non-resident owners leaving their properties empty. For residents particularly, I would like to explore positive solutions - how can the village and the community help and encourage people to repair and maintain their homes? I’m willing to show up with tools. For empty commercial properties providing an eyesore instead of a service, tax increases or fines might be appropriate, but positive incentives should also be explored. Ensuring that public trails are properly maintained is a third priority in this area. I’d like to imagine that Tahsis could be the village that feeds itself. At Tahsis Farm, our food goals are to be as self sufficient as possible, and I’d like the same thing for Tahsis. Food security is increasingly important to younger generations, and Tahsis’s slight isolation means a captive market for anyone producing food here in town. Aside from Tahsis Farm there have been several proposals put forward for small farming projects, and I would look for every reasonable way the Village can support those if I am on council. Finding ways to make Village-owned lands available for use or sale for prospective farmers or gardeners is a part of this. Regarding the road, our village sees a fair amount of industrial traffic that comes from outside, passes through, and leaves again. On council I will explore ways to ensure that industry pays its fair share for our infrastructure, so that Tahsis citizens are not subsidizing logging companies based outside of town. Perhaps Village roads should not be free for outside industrial traffic. I believe strongly that communities are built and grown by word of mouth and personal connection. Bringing more young people looking to start their lives into our village, even just to visit or work for a summer, spreads awareness of this place we love and inspires people who want to come be a part of it with us. Employers like Westview Marina and Nootka Reforestation have been a big part of this, and it’s one of the goals of our project up at Tahsis Farm. On council I’ll look into innovative ways the village can contribute to this, through opening up accommodation options, opportunities for artists and gardeners, supporting local music events, improving access to surf breaks and trails, internships, educational partnerships, and other ideas. 4. Any additional comments you would like to make? When I first came to Tahsis it felt like a place full of possibilities. The outgoing council had a part in enabling that feeling, and my greatest fear with a changing council is that Tahsis could no longer be open to possibilities, or that the new leadership might drastically change course in some way. If I’m elected, I promise to work toward positive, stable growth and progress, but also to do my best to make Tahsis a place where things are possible.

Winter hours at Tahsis Supermarket and Oceanview Restaurant

Halloween costume party at Sally's Grill

Non-resident property elector consent form

Non-resident property owners in Tahsis can vote if they are BC residents, Canadian citizens and 18 years or older. Only one of the owners of a property can vote and must do so in person in Tahsis. The following form must be filled out by property owners in order to designate a voter on behalf of your property. If you have any questions, phone the village office 250-934-6344.

Bottle Drive for rock wall

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! 

Next Tuesday (October 16th) at 4pm sorting and loading bottles for the rock climbing wall bottle drive. Thank you in advance! Anyone can drop their bottles and cans off at the rec centre anytime before that day.

Today (Thursday, October 11) we will get a head start on sorting 4:00 at the rec centre.

Lifeguard training

Statement by council candidate Jeff Lancaster

1. What made you decide to run in this election?

I have run for office because as a resident of Tahsis I want to be part of developing Tahsis economy and give back to the township that I have been a part of for 9 years.

2. What part of your background (experience, education, skills etc.) would make you a good person in this office?

My background as a welfare worker in the downtown eastside of Vancouver coupled with my university education in business administration with a major in marketing. I would be of asset to the the Tahsis community and to the Tahsis office.

3. What is the most important issue facing Tahsis and what will you do to address it?

The development of local economy is paramount to me. I wish to develop local economy through the implementation of a computer voting application. This application gives every resident the ability to vote on any and all council issues 24/7.

Free Dental Clinic this weekend

Statement by mayoral candidate Brenda Overton

1. What made you decide to run in this election?

My response to your first question is as to why I decided to run? Or stand? In this election is 

pretty simple, my 7 years foundation of learning making mistakes and the final 3 years seeing the successes we have accomplished I.e. the relationship with Mowachat/Muchowlat 1st nation is why our Coast Guard made Tahsis its home. The ATV trail from Tahsis to Zeballos with both Mowachat/Muchowlat and Ehattesaht/Chinehkint 1st nations partnerships that benefit all communities, since I arrived all I heard was Tahsis is never going to get anything done on Head Bay road, perseverance added 13 km of chip seal, building relationships with ministers and stakeholders got that done and I don't believe we stop there. The the 3 million dollars we've acquired to address our infrastructure.  We have become the top most 40 places to live. With my experience and love of Tahsis how could I walk away without sharing my knowledge and contacts and great relationships that have added so much to our Tahsis? 

2. What part of your background (experience, education, skills etc.) would make you a good person in this office? 

As to your second question, my experience,  15 years managing my husband's contracting business, volunteering has given me community knowledge and social conscience, my 7 years on council, various boards, being part of a team that has brought around 6 million dollars in grant money, Tahsis has never seen that. Since the passing of our Mayor, I have taken over her duties and appointments with Hospital and Solid Waste, Regional boards where I  speak for Tahsis best interest.

3. What is the most important issue facing Tahsis and what will you do to address it?

I believe replacing infrastructure and building a viable economy is our major concerns. Without water and sewer we have no Tahsis, I will continue to access grant funding, build a viable financial reserve to maintain and replace our sorely neglected infrastructure.  As for our economy, I want to hear from my community as to what they would like to see in their Tahsis.  

Thanksgiving at Esperanza

As always, Esperanza invited Tahsis and Zeballos to come for Thanksgiving dinner. They have a worship service followed by a great meal prepared by the Esperanza staff.

Thanks for the hospitality.

Library activities on Tuesday, October 9

TVD open house

Public consultation at the school

Statement by mayoral candidate Martin Davis

1. What made you decide to run in this election?

I truly believe that I have the skill set, knowledge and experience necessary to create positive change in Tahsis.  The decline in our infrastructure and the steep tax burden on the citizens of Tahsis needs to be reversed and this will only happen by bringing in investment and creating an environment where more people are willing and financially able to live in Tahsis full time.  Many ideas need to be explored or just restarted such as establishing a community forest around town, bringing in investment in our dormant shellfish aquaculture leases, broadening our tourism base, and making village-owned lands available for sale in order to increase our food security.  I should also say that many people have been lobbying me to run again as they also feel that I am qualified to actually bring progress to Tahsis.

2. What part of your background (experience, education, skills etc.) would make you a good person in this office?

I have experience on Tahsis council which has given me a strong grasp of the issues here.  I have learned through experience what works and doesnt work for this community.  My work experience includes decades in the forest industry, management planning and environmental studies for government and industry, running a sewing business here, and bat research.  For the last four years I have been coordinator for a bat research program across western Canada (Batcaver.org) with an annual budget of about $250,000.  This includes planning, coordination, funding, logistics, field work, data analysis, writing reports, and media releases.  Through my environmental research, I have successfully lobbied to protect rare ecosystems in BC.  Weymer Creek Provincial Park and BC's first Wildlife Habitat Area just across the inlet from Tahsis are direct results of my work. I have developed many contacts in the BC government over the years and will be meeting soon with Premier Horgan regarding the McKelvie logging issue. I am the president of the Tahsis Heritage Society which runs the museum and I am also a director of the national Canadian Cave Conservancy. So, I have strong organizational skills and lots of experience with running meetings, lobbying and dealing with bureaucracy.

3. What is the most important issue facing Tahsis and what will you do to address it?

I would have to say economic development, because we cant fix our infrastructure or stave off bankruptcy without more investment in this town.  I have suggested a few ideas for this in the first question but would also like to hear input from community members regarding this. Raising our profile beyond Tahsis will go a long way toward achieving economic self-sufficiency.

4. Any additional comments you would like to make?

Community building is from the ground up and the best I can do to serve this community is to use leadership to cut through the bureaucratic inertia that has stymied our efforts so far.  Another community building effort I would like to see is establishing a local radio station to showcase our talent, engage the students, and use for announcing community events and safety issues.

The McKelvie Matters campaign which I cofounded is important to our future as we are talking about maintaining our access to safe water, reducing flood risks to town, saving our last unlogged watershed, protecting salmon and endangered species.  We also want to eliminate the risk of slides from the planned roadbuilding and logging directly above town, which puts the safety of our school and town at risk from rockfalls.  The fact that the logging has been delayed a year and that Premier Horgan has agreed to meet with me and discuss these issues is a positive first step, but as mayor, I could be much more effective in representing our concerns.

I love living in Tahsis and to this end have built many trails in the area, including the Leiner Boardwalk Trail.  Anything that can be done to bring the great beauty of Tahsis to tourists is worthy of consideration.

I am a strong believer in community self-reliance and security.  This means producing more local food, shellfish aquaculture, locally milled lumber, enhancing our planning and response to natural disasters, and improving our services to seniors so that they can live their lives in our village with dignity.

Bear attack number two

Amanda called at 9:00 this morning to say the bear had struck again.

Every single pottery letter was broken.

The bear especially liked the mustard and rose lotion.

It looks like it tipped the stand over and tried to rip off the back.

I have scrubbed everything three times and emptied all items. For now, we will leave it empty and decide what to do when the bears hibernate.