Mayor’s report Oct 7

Since our last Council meeting, I have attended meetings of Strathcona Regional District, Comox Strathcona Solid Waste Management Board. The Regional District is considering a joint planning function for the region and we will be hearing more about this in future, including a visit from the SRD CAO to speak regarding benefits and risks of the proposal.

I recently attended the Union of BC Municipalities annual meeting. During this, I participated in meetings with government representatives where we discussed various Tahsis issues such as the road, clinic staffing, mental health supports, forestry and forest management, accessibility grants, funding for ongoing economic development between Tahsis and Mowachaht Muchalat First Nation, maintenance funding for the Leiner campsite and housing issues. I also attended a Truck Loggers Association dinner where a fascinating video called BC is burning was shown. This video documents the serious wildfire situation in BC and proposes forest management practices to mitigate this. During UBCM I also did two CBC interviews regarding the state of our road and advocated for sealcoating and other improvements.

On September 28 we had our official opening of our new fire hall. It was well attended despite the rain. The Mayor of Zeballos, Mowachaht Muchalat representatives, Zeballos and Campbell River Fire Departments, the Coast Guard, Members of BC EHS Station 133 Tahsis, Tahsis Fire Rescue and of course our Fire Chief were in attendance.

I would like to acknowledge the recent passing of Elder Sam Johnson of the Mowachaht Muchalat First Nation. He was a well known figure of this region. He has led many awakenings, purifications and blessings over the years, including in Tahsis. I remember him with light in his eyes,  fire in his heart and a smile on his face. He will be missed; condolences to his family. I will be attending his memorial service tomorrow.