Recycling download
“The BC government is now off-loading our recycling decisions to Toronto.” I saw this in an ad in the Shopper on March 28. If I had seen this notice on April 1 (April Fools Day) I would have thought it was a joke. However, there is no joke here [“Changes on horizon for recycling,” March 5].
The current recycling program is run locally, is efficient and costs BC homeowners $35 per year. The “proposed” recycling changes will base BC recycling in Toronto.
The Toronto-based recycling does not guarantee service levels in BC.
I understand seven BC municipalities have refused to sign onto the new program. I hope Powell River is one of the seven, or will soon refuse to sign onto the new program.
I hope Premier Christy Clark will decide to keep BC’s environmental decisions right here in BC.
Heather J. Dyble
Strathcona Avenue
Step up with support
Powell River Kings Hockey Club Society President Rob Villani recently wrote, “If the new [ferry] schedule is imposed, in all likelihood we will be forced to cease operations.” The Kings have an annual operating budget of $800,000, most of which is spent in Powell River and their impact on our community is not only financial. They have a presence at community events and over the past 26 years have positively impacted the lives of many.
Many people say that it is too expensive to go to a Kings game every weekend. In response to this, the Kings have lowered their season ticket prices until May 15 to only $299 for an adult pass. This provides 28 games of local hockey entertainment and costs $10.67 per game.
The team creates jobs for locals ranging from team staff to city workers at Powell River Recreation Complex. Their budget includes expenses such as facility rentals, equipment, merchandise, and billet grocery cards. Opposition teams spend locally on ferry fares, hotels, gas for their buses, and at restaurants. Players call Powell River their home for approximately nine months out of the year and they also have a positive financial impact on the businesses in town with their recreational activities.
The Kings create a positive presence in our community with the multitude of causes they support. Their games provide a positive place for people to gather for family entertainment. This past season alone, the Kings have volunteered for at least 10 Powell River organizations.
I am writing this letter is an appeal to the local community to step up in supporting the team in whatever way possible. Attend games, purchase season tickets, billet a player, sponsor the team, join the Kings society, purchase merchandise or write to the province and ask government to reconsider the ferry schedule changes [“BC Ferries posts schedule changes,” April 2]. Powell Riverites need to recognize the simple fact that if we do not financially support this team, we will lose it. To quote Joni Mitchell, “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”.
Lisa Cimaglia
Kings Season Ticket Holder, Society Member, Former Billet and Volunteer
Volunteer coaches
As a parent you want the best for your child. As far as coaching staff for Atom Development Canadian Tire 2013-2014 team, I have to say we got it [“Awards night marks end of minor hockey season,” April 16].
These men spent hours of their time, volunteering away from their families, riding ferries, staying in hotels, controlling (or at least trying to) nine- and 10-year-old boys, endless ice times, including 6:30 am ice times (ugh), making sure children eat, as well as children who were homesick. You can tell they love the game.
I am sure I speak for all the parents of team members when I express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart to Scott and Mike Mastrodonato, Scott Peters and Adam Vallance. “You don’t have to be the best, but be the best you can be,” to quote Scott.
I truly believe that the children went with this advice and went on to win the league championship and the playoff championship.
Also, I do not want to forget Cindy Villani for organizing all of the money. I am very grateful.
Janet Street
Furness Avenue
