Comments on: Reader News

By: solutions

solutions — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:36:40 +0000

Coming Up:
Awareness Film Night: NEXT SCREENING March 7, 2012

Annual Farming and Gardening Gala co-presented with Sooke Region Food CHI and featuring the film “To Make a Farm”, a visually beautiful and very real exploration of the ups and downs in the lives of 5 young Canadian farmers over the course of an entire year. The evening will also feature a chance to discuss gardening/farming questions with local growers, booths, a seed exchange and tea and goodies (by donation) prepared by the EMCS Culinary Arts class. It takes a community to feed a community. 7 p.m. to 9:30 Edward Milne Community School Theatre, 6218 Sooke Rd. in Sooke. By donation. Proceeds this month to: Farmer2Farmer Network

http://awarenessfilmnight.ca/to-make-a-farm-march-7-2012/

By: Langforder

Langforder — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:22:07 +0000

In case anyone missed it, Len Barrie was evicted from his home near his bankrupt Bear Mt. Resort:

“Len Barrie told to leave mansion

Court orders Ex-Bear Mountain CEO to turn over property to HSBC Bank Canada”

By Andrew A. Duffy, timescolonist.com January 26, 2012

http://www.timescolonist.com/Barrie+told+leave+mansion/6058921/story.html

Wonder how goes the bridge to nowhere he was helping pay for……………..

By: InTheKnow

InTheKnow — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:11:10 +0000

The fact that Len Barrie blew up a scared First Nations cave in order to built his 14,00 square foot monstrosity of a house on top of it, and now has been booted out of said house, could be called pay back, and it certainly is in my books. Len Barrie’s legacy includes the destruction of all trust with his shareholders at Bear Mt., ignoring the Real Estate Board’s direct legal orders to cease and desist from selling any more properties on Bear Mt. amid repeated fines from them for continuing to do so, and let’s not forget forcing long time home owners and residents in Langford to sell their homes or move in order to destroy green space and build a road to nowhere that only serves Len Barrie and his cronies. I will repeat that last sentence again-I said this 5 years ago and it’s still true-a road to nowhere that only serves Len Barrie and his cronies. A road that leads to licentious parties, rampant spending, desperate deals and absolute bar-none destruction of all land surrounding a guy name Len, who now has a active RCMP file on his financial activities regarding Bear Mt. holdings and the legal teams of Bellagio after him for 2.2 million in B.C. Supreme Court. The funny thing is, if you look at the legal records it states that Len Barrie asked for the line of credit from Bellagio in 2008, right around the time he was blowing up sacred First Nations spaces, and fishing around for money from the province and municipal taxpayers to build his private road. The mayor of Langford, Stew Young, a long time crony and Las Vegas wingman for Barrie, at that time was pushing the taxpayers of Langford to buy into this ridiculous scam and foot the bill for the Bear Mt. Interchange. Thanks to people like myself and many, many others on the island, the province stopped any funding slated for the proposed Spencer Road Interchange. We also stopped the CRD from releasing water from the Highlands to Bear Mt.!!!! Ya, that idiot was even trying to get water from the Highlands for his ridiculous golf course! Does anyone really think that Len Barrie was doing anything other than living it up with all that money he was borrowing, begging and stealing from Vegas lenders, taxpayers and shareholders around 2008-2009 around the time all his ridiculous plans were falling apart???!!?? Unfortunately for the voters of Langford, Stew Young put their taxpaying dollars onto Len Barrie’s hook and they now have to pay for an unsustainable road that leads to an equally unsustainable luxury resort with no amenities whatsoever. Meanwhile, Len Barrie is off onto another project in Mill Bay, likely to be a eye-brow raiser also considering that it sounds like a load of crap plan and highly unlikely to unfold considering his current troubles. The Bear Mountain resort is really awful and anyone who has any love for the Island and has walked these lands knows it. This is not done yet because whether anyone who “believes” in Bear Mt., gets it or not, people have long memories and no one is ever gonna forget a man who fought like a mother- !#!?er so that he could proceed to destroy- proceed to destroy land, trees, caves, sacred spaces, trust in elected officials, trust in the shareholders and the frigging list goes on and on. The only way Len Barrie can redeem himself is if he plants trees, re-builds salmon habitat, rescues wild, etc., for the rest of his days and even then I don’t think the First Nations elders have any way to save him from the spirits in the sacred spaces he destroyed and then further desecrated by living on, from exacting a certain “influence” on his life. And don’t even get me started about Langford council. Where is Stew Young these days? Back in Vegas again? I see Ms. Blackwell will be acting mayor for Langford from January 1st to June 30th, whooee that’s a long vacation on the taxpayers money.

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:37:21 +0000

And here’s the coverage on Len Barrie’s casino debt in the Times Colonist:

Vegas casino files against Len Barrie
Bellagio says it is owed $2 million for a line of credit from 2008
By Andrew A. Duffy, Times Colonist January 20, 2012

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:13:43 +0000

The Len Barrie story is explained further on CTV Island News, including how someone can end up owing a casino money, that Barrie will be in BC court late Feb. for not filing corporate tax returns and that the RCMP investigation around his dealings with Bear Mt. Resort continue……………….

By: Langforder

Langforder — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:41:10 +0000

Len Barrie in the news again and there’s more this time:

RCMP turns investigation into Len Barrie’s finance dealings over to crown

by David Shoalts
Globe and Mail Update
Published Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 1:00AM EST
Last updated Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 1:34AM EST

“The results of an RCMP investigation into Len Barrie’s financial dealings with his former Bear Mountain golf resort and real-estate development were recently turned over to the B.C. Attorney general’s office, according to two sources.

Barrie is also facing a civil claim in the Supreme Court of British Columbia for $2.2-million from the Bellagio, an upscale casino and hotel in Las Vegas. The claim was filed Dec. 16, 2011, three months after the Bellagio was awarded a judgment by a Nevada court for more than $2-million (U.S.), which it was unable to collect from the former NHL player. No statement of defence could be found in the B.C. court’s records.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/rcmp-turns-investigation-into-barries-finance-dealings-over-to-crown/article2308965/

By: Langforder

Langforder — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:33:46 +0000

Len Barrie makes the news again, and it never seems to be good.

Casino sues former NHLer for alleged $2M debt

One-time forward Len Barrie allegedly has not repaid casino for May 2008 debt

“A former National Hockey league player and developer of a failed Vancouver Island real estate project is being sued by a major Las Vegas casino for an alleged debt of more than $2 million, CBC News has learned.”

CBC News Posted: Jan 19, 2012 8:05 PM ET
(Last Updated: Jan 20, 2012 12:04 AM ET)

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/story/2012/01/19/bc-len-barrie-casino-lawsuit.html

By: Anne Onymous

Anne Onymous — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:05:27 +0000

I hope that this website will respect the will of the voters. Perhaps it is the 99%, or some majority portion thereof who are satisfied with the work that the current Council is doing.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:28:21 +0000

You bet it’s relevent as much today as it ever was.
In my view, the only reason this Bridge to nowhere was “fast tracted’ was to assist in the marketing of Bear Mountain ( needs a second access to the Island Highway before any more significant construction would be permitted. To confirm just ask the Fire Chief).
Again ,in my opinion, the owners of Skirt Mountain couldn’t say no to having a second access to Bear Mountain constructed through their property. Essentially ,they would receive upzoning of their property,virtually overnight, and be given exemption from paying MILLIONS OF $$$$$$$ in future Development Cost Charges!!!! WHAT A WINDFALL.

Cheryl, make sure you ask the City for the documention of all the costs associated with this project once it is completed

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:22:56 +0000

Old news but seems still relevant today:

That’s me getting interviewed about the petition to stop the City of Langford borrowing $25 million for the bridge to nowhere. And they continue to borrow, $3 million more to do the left hand turn and plan on borrowing the full $25 million. And that is my car with the petition sign atop it in front of city hall – coincidentally the same night the glass repair people suspect that my my windshield was shot with a beebee gun cracking the front windshield the full length. Welcome to the wild wild west of old Langford. Good times, Mayor Young in fine form screaming at folks, including me and other citizens who dared to disagree with him that perhaps banking on the success of Bear Mt. resort might just wee bit risky in the inflated real estate market……….. So how exactly are the current Langford Council so very fiscally responsible exactly? And by the way, Mayor Young is incorrect as I understand it. Once completed, the bridge to Nowhere is owned by the provincial Ministry of Transport as it arches over a provincial highway.

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:09:03 +0000

Did you remember the time change? ‘Fall’ back one hour.

Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 2:00:00 AM clocks were turned backward 1 hour to
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 1:00:00 AM local standard time instead.

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/clockchange.html?n=1091

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:28:41 +0000

Ann interesting group has been created on Facebook:
Sewers for Langford
Open group — sewersforlangford@groups.facebook.com

The theme of the group seems to be sharing concerns about the cost to some residents of maintaining and repairing old septic fields when the sewer connection is coming, but not until as late as 2016 reportedly in at least one case.

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:24:25 +0000

Check out who is running in the local government elections:

West Shore civic election candidates

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/goldstreamgazette/news/131897058.html

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:15:47 +0000

In Langford, a self described activist who took part in protests over the construction of the Spencer Road overpass – Chris Johnson – has filed papers to run for mayor, challenging incumbent Stew Young. Johnson says his vision includes more public involvement in Langford politics, encouraging local food production, and protecting the last Garry Oak ecosystems within the city.

CFAX News:
http://www.cfax1070.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3366%3Amainlocal-news-template&catid=45%3Amainlocal-news&Itemid=155

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:29:39 +0000

Grant McLachlan (no relation as far as I know) has declared he is running for Langford Council.

Here is his blog:

http://www.blogger.com/profile/08193228422275636031

http://grantalynmclachlan.blogspot.com/2011/03/protecting-our-environment.html

Here is his FB page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grant-McLachlan/162384347154685?v=info

Editorial in Gazette

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/goldstreamgazette/opinion/letters/123029263.html

Candidacy mentioned on CFAX

http://www.cfax1070.com/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=details&id=3041:grant-mclachlan-langford-council-candidate&Itemid=139

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:09:16 +0000

“PARK PROTECTION NEEDED TO SECURE VICTORY AGAINST JUAN DE FUCA DEVELOPMENT”

http://wildernesscommittee.org/press_release/park_protection_needed_secure_victory_against_juan_de_fuca_development

“Victory! Vancouver Islanders send mainland developer packing
Grassroots uprising defeats unethical development”

http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/story/win-vancouver-island-sends-west-van-developer-packing/8149

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 07:41:36 +0000

“Nootka Island earthquake rattles parts of the coast

An earthquake that struck off the coast of Vancouver Island has now been downgraded to a magnitude 6.4 from 6.7.

It hit near Nootka Island at about 12:41 this afternoon and could be felt throughout the island and all the way over to the Mainland and Metro Vancouver.”

http://www.cfax1070.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2862:port-hardy-earthquake-rattles-parts-of-the-coast&catid=45:mainlocal-news&Itemid=155

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 05:28:16 +0000

“Malahat bypass frustrates Highlands”

By Charla Huber – Goldstream News Gazette
Published: August 10, 2011 7:00 AM

District seeks better traffic management for highway crashes

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/goldstreamgazette/news/127342628.html

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 05:24:35 +0000

As adults, special needs teens face tough barriers
By Edward Hill – Goldstream News Gazette
Published: August 02, 2011 12:00 PM
Updated: August 05, 2011 9:46 AM

“Since turning 19, the group aged out of their Belmont secondary lifeskills day program, but no similar programs for adults, at the necessary level of care, exist on the West Shore.

In response, the parents are launching their own program from scratch, called West Shore InclusionWorks. They are pooling limited funding resources to rent a suitable space, supply it with activity gear, and hire three specialized, full-time care workers.”

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/goldstreamgazette/news/126601428.html

By: Cheryl McLachlan

Cheryl McLachlan — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 01:56:41 +0000

Note RECALL of GROUND BEEF is from Colwood Thrifty Foods

A recall has been added to the CFIA’s Food Recall Report.

Class 1
Reason for Recall: Health Hazard – small pieces of metal and plastic
Product(s): Ground Beef Products
Recalling Firm: Thrifty Foods – Colwood
Distribution: These products were sold at Thrifty Foods, Store #8-Colwood, 1860 Island Highway, Victoria, British Columbia only.

Product details are available at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2011/20110810be.shtml