Marine rescue organization needs help by Rob Stokes Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Chances are if I say the names “Jack Simpson” or “Brentwood Dory,’ many people will not rec- ognize them. Chances are, if I say the name “Sidney Marine Rescue Association” (S.M.R-.A.), many people will not recognize it either. But chances are very good that if you Own or operate a vessel, or know someone who does, you have been affected by one of the above names at one time or another: The S.M.R.A. (Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 36) is a non-profit group comprised strictly of volunteers, with no direct municipal funding. Our sole purpose is to offer aid, assistance and rescue duties to the general boating public in the surrounding waters. The names Jack Simpson and Brentwood Dory are the names of the two vessels we own and oper- ate. These two vessels are operated from both Sidney and Brentwood Bay, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, without fail. All of our volunteers are extremely dedicated. They spend vast amounts of their time in training and educating themselves in boat handling, radio work, search and rescue techniques, First Aid, boatmanship, local area knowledge, marine fire-fighting and many other disciplines con- cemed with marine rescue duties. Any one of the members will leave work or drop what they are doing, to render assistance to any- one who needs it. We also have individuals who use their own vessels as well as their time to offer assistance, again to anyone who needs it. The purpose of this letter is twofold. One is to introduce us to those who don’t know us, and the other is to voice a little disappoint- ment. With the exception of several local businesses who donate mooring facilities and meeting facilities, the S.M.R.A. receives very limited supported from the community. Our small town “Sidney by the Sea” seems to have thumbed their noses at our most valuable and most dangerous attraction: “the Sea.” Has our town grown so large that we assume that someone else will “take care of it,” that it’s not our problem? Wrong, it is our TheReview Wednesday, February 26,1992 — A8 problem. Our local municipality won’t even donate meeting space let alone assist with operating costs. It’s up to us, the residents of Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich to do our part. We are all proud to have such a beautiful’ setting in which to live. And all of us chose to live here. But that beautiful setting can also be dangerous, putting lives in dan- ger at the drop of a hat, and we, as citizens must do what we can to offer assistance to someone, any- one who needs it. Well, the S.M.R.A. does do what it can, but we need a little help. NOTICE OF INTENTION Take notice that Wende Smart and’ Loston E. Stanley of #6 McKenzie Cres. Piers Is., B.C. and 3290 Megan Place Vic., B.C., teacher/engineer. intends to make application to the Ministry of Crown Lands regional office in Victoria for a private boat moorage facility - 10 yrs. of land generally situated at Piers Island, B.C. on Colburne Passage and more specifically described: unsurveyed foreshore fronting lots #3 and #4; Plan 13051, Vic. Dist. commencing at a post planted 4 ft. west of the southeast boundary of Lot 4 thence: 8 ft. east: thence 162” south: thence 12 ft. east; thence 60’ south thence 32 ft. west; thence 60 ft north; thence 12 ft A PIERS _ IS. east; thence 165’ north to the point of een commencement; and containing 3225 sq. |yerse. % ees YORNER Lor Y PLAW 1305] ft. more or less. The purpose for which the land is required is to construct a private |¥e°%y é boat docking facility as access to Piers Is. | (7 0. ax 8 must be made by private boat. Comments | 2222 '*t* =) : i concerning this application may be made to : Pa : the Ministry of Grown Lands, 851 Yates | >” ~ g / COLBURNE PASSAGE .- Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X5 387-5011. File No. 1406556. Dated Feb. 12, 1992. AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOUSING Sidney and Peninsula Kiwanis Housing Society is planning a subsidized family housing project in the Sidney area. lf the project is approved, two and three Next time you see one of our green cans on a retail counter, or if you operate a business, think of Some- one you know who owns a boat, and know that they are a little bit safer because someone cares. All donations are tax deductible and every bit helps. We don’t need much but we do need you. If you are Curious about the S.M.R.A., or wish to help, please call 656-6346 and leave a message. We'd love to hear from you. Rob Stokes is a member of “C” Crew, Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 36. Continued from Page A6 Saanich, the ratio is approximately 1/700. How does our mayor and council justify this difference? Altogether, North Saanich and Sidney taxpayers foot the bill for 16 RCMP members. Central Saa- nich alone can afford 19 at the present time. Taxes in Central Saanich are not much different than ours, but somehow they can afford more policing. Crime rates have risen dramati- cally in Sidney and North Saanich over the past two years. Yet the RCMP continues to operate understrength with 16 rather than the required 20 police officers. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that we need to either pay for more policing or get more bang for our buck! If the RCMP is unable to meet our needs, why are we not shopp- ing around for a better deal? We may not have to look any further than right next door, at the Central Saanich Police Depart- ment. The idea of having a larger local municipal police department sounds like a quick, effective and , easily implemented course of action to combat our rising crime Tale. - Let’s deal with the problem at a local level and cut loose from the RCMP! S. Morris North Saanich Helping others revitalized us Editor: Paul St. Pierre is a writer of proven excellence. After many years reading his columns I still - relish his weekly Mexican eye- openers in The Review's regional newspaper, Section B. But I love Sidney and I want something homemade. Newman and Beyer. are no lon- ger fresh breezes, leaving Cy Hampson and occasional others to tend the bar. Now, a Grade 10 dropout ex-commercial fisherman is no match for Paul, but dammit I am going to take a crack at it. Helen and I chose to retire in Sidney after “shutting ’er down” up the coast. The first few months were worrisome, wondering if we had enough to last. However, since we were too old to supplement our income in the modern competitive market we decided that we should stop wor- rying and turn our efforts to do something to help others. Our retirement has since become excit- ing and meaningful. We made a list of benevolent societies and chose the ones that we could be of some assistance. We also made a list of the things _ we like about Sidney and placed it alongside a list of things we felt needed improvement. The positive side won hands down — and Sidney you deserve applause! As for the negatives — I will deal with them one by one. Bill Blackstock Sidney Grade 6 project helped by many Editor: I would like to inform you of what North Saanich Middle School is doing for the commun- Ly. Over the last month our Grade 6 class of 24 students has been planning and fundraising for a beautification project. On Tuesday we went to Sidney Elementary School to plant trees, flowers and shrubs. We would like to thank Snapdragon Nursery, Marigold Nursery and Adera Wholesalers for donating some trees and shrubs fo us. This project is part of our Skills For Adolescence course, a project at our school funded by the Lions Club. Special thanks to Sidney Chev- ron for supplying space for our car wash. We would like to especially thank all the parents who have helped bake goodies for our bake sales and to those who helped supervise the car wash. Graeme Hembruff Division 6 North Saanich Middle School Useful dogs and friendly neighbors Editor: We are neighbors of the Ash- bee’s, living directly behind them on Wain Road. Since this family moved into the district, we have Continued on Page A35 Ste ht Dean 102-9717 3rd Street Spring Spectacular! 10%. _ (With this coupon)! 655-4760 FREE CONSULTATIONS! canze GST INCLUDED! MON.-FRI. 9-5 Evening Appis. Available ALL PERMS AND PRODUCTS! bedroom rental townhouses will be available to qualify- ing applicants at 30% of household income. lf you are in need of affordable housing, please lend your support by registering with the Sidney and Penin- sula Kiwanis Housing Society. Application forms are available at: REMAX REALTY, 2444 Beacon Ave. until March 30th For further information, please call the Society at 656-7156 or 656-7717 Seminar on Pofential for Grape Production onthe Saanich Peninsula Date: March 12, 1992 @ 7:00 p.m. Location: Pavilion, Agriculture Canada Quarantine Station. 8801 East Saanich Rd., Sidney: Subject: Grapevine Cultivation on the Saanich Peninsula Speakers: - John Vielvoye and Brent Wamer from the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will discuss: @ Results of the Duncan Variety Trial @ Winery Regulations and Qualifications ®@ Costs Involved In Establishment of a Winery. NOTE: The meeting is open fo all members of the public. Province of British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, ( LEGENDARY COUNTRY DINING ) Luncheon Tues. - Fri. From 12 Noon es 2328 Harbour Road Sidney, B.C. 656-6622 The Miraloma A flakey, fresh croissant is smothered with brandied shrimp, garnished with sprouts and sliced egg and served with our vegetable salad. kc - LEGENDARY COUNTRY DINING | Sundown Menu 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Daily a, Choice of 5 Entrees Sundays from 11:00 a.m. Omlettes to Order, Salads, Seafood, Breakfast Meats, Eggs, $7 3 Carved Roast, Dessert Table & more + tax 2328 Harbour Road Fisheries and Food Foal Sidney, B.C. 656-6622 Including Soup and Salad, 95 Descent Coton ss *13 + tax 4 2328 Harbour Road Sidney, B.C. 656-6622 \ ( \ LEGENDARY COUNTRY DINING Sunday Buffet Brunch Vas of