INFObits (Theatre and Nature); 7:30pm Youth Ccl Main Items May 2nd (Eagleridge Bluffs; Awards); Reports from cmte mtgs including Finance, Rec Fac (Cmty Ctr) plus Lib and Police Bd, and Calendar to May 6th; Apr 18th Ccl Mtg Notes (Single Transferable Vote! with a bit of Evelyn Dr and C3 in PQP; May 2 Abbreviated Agenda; Year of the Veteran (90 yrs ago Ypres, 60 Holland); Quotation

Theatre:  Nicola Cavendish, our local star with incredible talent, stars in "Unless" until April 30th

Nature:  Incredibly the blue herons have many nests in the trees by the tennis courts in Stanley Park near the Fish House Restaurant.  What a sight.  One tree had at least 15 nests and the herons were gliding in carrying nest-building material.  Some of us cd only stand and stare transfixed.  Amazing they carry on undisturbed.

~ 8:30am ~ Sports/Rec Fac Planning Cmte: promised the figures re sports/space in gyms; C3 *** WAS CANCELLED ***

Well attended, good presentation, great to have such public information open houses as part of the process -- and they even say more to come!  Still time for you to provide input and PAC discusses it again May 4th.

~ 5:30 - 7pm ~ FAC at Hall, Reports/Updates EAC; Sports/Rec Fac Planning; Cmnty Benefit Review Grp; Water Conservation Grp; Work Plan Cmtes

What happened?  FAC Liaison again not allowed to participate in EAC mtg; Sports/Rec Fac Planning somewhat contentious and in limbo as reported in last WVM and at Ccl Apr 18th's mtg, we were told Council would make an announcement (more public input is guaranteed if Mayor Wood and Cclr Day's comments are to be believed, and I think they are); incredibly the Cmnty Benefit Review report from Planning still not available; Work Plan sounds much more constructive; also surprised to learn the Quarterly Investment Report gets posted on the website and is not included in the staff report to FAC.

Considerable discussion about whether it is appropriate for the Library Board to hold ACMs for the Provincial Election. General agreement that holding STV educational events were a good idea but a close vote in favour of holding two ACMs, one for each WV riding. Rumours Liberal candidates have been told to avoid all but a handful of ACMs and so after confirming, indications are that Joan McIntyre will not participate and Ralph Sultan may also be a no-show.  First one 7pm Apr 29th at Library.  Dennis Perry says he'll be there.

= THURSDAY, 21st =  ~ 6 - 8pm ~ NS Family Court & Youth Justice Cmte at CNV

~ 9am - 2pm ~ Seniors' Centre 2005 Flea Market at the Ice Arena, 786 - 22nd St.

~ 10:30 - 2pm ~ ADOPT-A-FISH DAY at McDonald Creek in Memorial Park at the corner of Marine Drive and 19th Ave.  This is a joint event of the The Coho Society of the North Shore and The WV Streamkeeper Society with the assistance of The Dept of Fisheries and Oceans for elementary school children.  Register at the Coho Festival tent at the Library. Fish will then be supplied at Memorial Park across the street, for release in McDonald Creek. 

~ 11am - 1pm ~  Official Opening of Dennis Perry's Campaign Office, 1573 Bellevue (bottom of 15th at Bellevue).  Refreshments will be served.  Any questions please call the office 925-8141.

~ 2pm ~ Capilano College Textile Arts Grad Show at Ferry Bldg Gallery, Artists' Talk

"What more monumental Finale could Sinfonia compose? Music of Beethoven is always a show-stopper, and with three of his greatest standards, audiences will stand and cheer Sinfonia on to our Sixth Season! Jennifer Lim, a native of Korea who was raised in Vancouver, is one of the finest pianists our country has produced. Her stunning musicality will uplift us in her interpretation of Beethoven's mighty Emperor Concerto, the fifth and finest of his great Piano Concertos. Sinfonia will end the season on a triumphant note with Beethoven's dramatic Fifth Symphony."

~ 1 - 4pm? ~ Open House at Lawn Bowling Club

~ 8:30am ~ Sports/Rec Fac Planning Cmte: Last week promised the figures re sports/space in gyms but mtg cancelled; C3 only item on agenda!  More info and choices to be provided at next week's mtg so info and recommendation can be made to Ccl for May 9th mtg.

~ 8:30am ~ Arts/Culture Strategy Select Cmte at Hall

~ 4pm ~ Police Bd at Chamber of Commerce Boardroom:

Question: how shd the $400K+ money given to DWV be spent?  See Press Release from Province in WVM Issue No 14.  NV put it aside for public debate.  Strange that Police Dept decided to do so in camera but not clear that was justified or in accordance with the Police Act.  Stay tuned.

confirmed to date:

~ 7 - 8pm ~ WV - Capilano: Ralph Sultan (Lib) and Terry Platt (NDP)

~ 8 - 9pm ~ WV - Garibaldi: Joan McIntyre (Lib), Lyle Fenton (NDP), Dennis Perry (Green)

~ 7pm ~ Another All-Candidate Mtg -- this time at the Library but maybe only Green and NDP candidates.

~ 11 - 4pm ~  "Beat the Heat" (3on3 Basketball Tournament), celebrating Youth Week, Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr

= SUNDAY, MAY 1st =  ~ 10am - noon ~ BC Special Olympics Walkathon (Seawalk- Ambleside-Dundarave)

JF (on holiday) and VD (unfortunately had to return to England where his mother was critically ill) absent

The Mayor also announced at beginning of the mtg that:

in view of the recent truck accident, DWV is responding to last week's in a number of ways.  Police and municipal staff are investigating institution of an approved hauling registry based on condition of vehicles and abilities of drivers;  intended to ensure only safety-approved trucking companies and vehicles will be able to operate on WV roads.  The Police Dept are stepping up speed enforcement on Folkestone, Westhill, and Chartwell Drive.  As well, the Police have initiated meetings with the Ministry of Public Safety, the Solicitor General, and ICBC to look at ways of further targeting problem vehicles through inspection.  These agencies already work together carrying out vehicle inspections on a regular basis and will explore all ways of improving truck safety.  In addition, municipal staff are undertaking reviewing bylaws re trucking policies and routes to make sure regulations effective and enforceable.

No meeting next Monday [Apr 25]; Council will have a planning session.  [Later he read out some of the events and activities.]  The North Shore Emergency Office has full information.

The following week [May 2] not having a mtg as well; it's the Youth Ccl mtg instead.

[In answer to Sop's question about creating a registry (wd we have trucking/contractors' names, demand sign up), the Mayor said that apparently the City of Vancouver has an approved trucking list.   How determined, don't know but staff is checking into it and will bring forward as a suggestion.  Sop said companies are getting a slap on the wrist and coming back.  If mandatory, contractor wd have to deal with registry and pay those prices, not what he cd find in the 'black market'.  Until a policy, still going to have a problem.]

Mayor: that's one approach, don't know how practical--

Dir/Engg: starting to look into the program and when more information will bring it forward.

Additions to Agenda: much correspondence and a couple of petitions re C3.

3.1.      ADOPTION OF MINUTES, April 04, 2005

Mr Eugene (Gene) Quan on Mackenzie in Caulfeild area, Julie Bxxx (didn't quite hear name) in Ambleside

Asked to come b/c not much information so formed alumni to explain and not partisan in any way

[slide presentation]

Ours FPTP (first past the post) or plurality

France has run-off for someone to get over 50%

Others proportional

Single Transferable Vote (STV) depends on more than one mbr per riding

zoned in on Mixed Mbr Plurality, used in Germany, used now in NZ

mixed system is a party-based system  and STV more of a candidate-based system

No countries using STV have them exactly the same

We asked what kind of system in BC

heard parties have too much power and MLAs powerless once elected

Fort Nelson said want our mbr to do what we want rather than send them to Victoria and then they tell us what Victoria will do

adversarial vs consensual

health/Medicare etc was passed during minority govts

accountability clear, system simple

big weakness now is lack of proportionality

1996 NDP got fewer votes but Liberals formed govt; last election Liberals got 57% but got all the seats but two so 43% of population was represented by two.

dictatorial govts b/c MLAs vote with party or else

50 public hearings since spring to get feedback

got rid of systems that didn't have those values

BC STV is fair, local representation will be enhanced, voter choice (preferential)

MLAs all from constituencies; boundaries wd hv to be redrawn, no change in number of MLAs

STV will mirror voter support

voters will have more choice, ranking candidates by preference

[showed sample ballot, names in random not alphabetical order]

[Pamphlet held up with the report mailed out]

Please vote

The Citizens' Assembly Alumni has offered to speak, provide more information

On May 17 you will have two ballots, the first FPTP and the second on how you select votes in future and we suggest you think of your grandchildren when you pass that ballot.

Mayor: for referendum to pass?

Ans: No allowance for education, just hired two well-meaning ladies, clerks; website no longer being updated, handing out dwindling supply of this report

Our role was over when recommendation

Sop: how many, 160 from throughout the prov on the cmte?

not ability to inform the public

a month for education?

not a skeptic but have some questions

Some vote for two in a constituency and others for seven

Julie: you don't vote, you show preferences

can be distributed proportionally

Sop: so 50%

Julie: it's not, 50% + is majority system; it's FPTP

Sop: a two-mbr riding will need a third of the vote

by the time seven, 12.5%

Eugene: yes, plus one

ridings are 50,000 so seven wd be 700,000; two wd be 100K

numbers don't change

the larger the riding, the more competitive it is

the system is one vote and you have to rank preference

Sop: if north and four mbrs from Alberta to coast, how effective is that mbr going to be?

Julie: boundary commission will decide

you have to remember 160 sat down and said we'll take our chances, high majority only a couple didn't agree; thought it was better than we have now

Sop: in effect a party system, forget the individual?

Eugene: no, not the system; that's a list as in other countries

Will have to field candidates that will be attractive to the public, not the one they're going to stuff down your throat

Sop: 79 constituencies

Sop: if three candidates be put up by party wd all? voted as candidate of choice?

Eugene: you mean the nomination process?

Sop: yes

this is strictly provincial but in NZ they have switched to STV for municipal and county

G-J: trying to think about this from point of view of voter who's thinking to vote strategically

Wd there be an advantage voting for someone you think will win so your vote wd be transferred?

wd there be an advantage of voting for who you think will win so your votes will count?

b/c you're reflecting, how do you get around it, how do you beat it?

simple fact you don't, this gets around that; you vote for preferences

G-J: I understand that, I'm trying to go through the process of unlearning and learning

take NSh as an example choosing five MLAs from a field of eighteen?

Gene: cd be 25

G-J: having been a student of local politics for a long time, that's tough

that's when name recognition counts

bigger area than you're used to

hard and expensive to make yourself known

Julie: candidates do tend to get more votes in their area

idea of looking outside nbrhd will take some learning

get to know candidates outside their area

voter sees gets more of a choice, has more of a say

some parties might have enough money, only big parties enough to vote ppl in

don't think ppl of BC that stupid; came out in our discussion ppl don't follow necessarily parties

maybe some people won't know what to do

perhaps by second election, their vote can make a difference

seeing their vote can count more than once

last Friday someone said I don't want to vote more than once

ask but then what happens to my vote?

if you don't vote more than once, the rest of your votes don't count

Mayor, referring to Speaker List: someone has name to speak

Ccl doesn't allow questions during delegation period, if you have a question for them, suggest speak to them privately afterward

will have to wait until PQP at end

Voice: it's not a question, it's a statement, historical point

Mayor: well, ccl policy is to wait until end

[She does; see PQP for some historical context]

RD: interesting what you're doing; system wd be more democratic, parliamentary

nevertheless favour this, is more democratic and more fair

more representation in parliament worth the risk

sorry the prov govt is not giving more support

wish you the success and do hope this system passes

Julie: public education; think mbr of audience was going to refer to system of voting in early 50s

this system has never been used before

Gene: in 1952/53 prov system was changed from FPTP to the alternative vote

Conservatives hoped they cd end their coalition with the voters having a second choice to elect either the Liberals or the Conservatives

Guess what, it didn't do that.  Produced Social Credit Party

all of this is available on the website (elections.bc)

when he got back in second time in 1953, he realized he'd get more seats with FPTP

he changed system; if you were voting then he didn't ask if you wanted to change the voting system

changed by Legislative Assembly and guess who controlled it

this is a rare opp for all citizens to have a say on electoral change

Julie: important as well, there were multi-mbr ridings

Gordon Wilson on radio recently saying we had it before but we haven't

Gene: newspapers sell papers

not all very accurate

JC: once transferring completed, how govt formed?

Gene: only a couple of cases in BC's history, 50 to 60 years, only two instances govt won by over 50%, true majority

if that trend continues, won't see more than two majority govts in the next 50 years

STV, so majority will be minority govts, Assembly prefers to call it coalition

we want more consensual politics not adversarial

look at voting patterns all these years in the prov, ppl voted moderately

ppl in this province, consistently voted whether NDP or Lib, in a moderate way

think time politicians realize voters want them to grow up a bit

want them to work consensually

only four democracies use FPTP, Gt Brit for fed system, US, Canada, and India

France uses the majority system; every other democracy uses a proportional system

in Britain, for our NSh ppl, you shd know they imposed on Wales and in Scotland a mixed, a proportional system

and how do the British elect their mbrs for the Common Market, wch is a big fire engine of the economy, a single transferable vote

but media doesn't tell you this

how mindful Assembly was in coming to this recommendation

Sop: one party for a number of years

Gene: Alberta, one; powerful

Sop: what's wrong with that

Quan: it works great for Albertans but they're also talking about electoral reform

bit of trivia; we used data from AB, their election results during 50s

used sgl transferable vote in their prov system

the ridings around Calgary and Edmonton use the STV; the ridings outside of those cities, the rural ridings, use sgl-mbr plurality

the results of those STV ridings, gave us a perfect correlation

gave us confidence wd work in Canada

Julie: question whether how a coalition wd work, we did consider ev for hours and hours

of course there's no perfect system, no perfect answer

one of the points that came out over and over was there were no checks and balances in these false majority systems

take a chance on a coalition

how does premier in front of a coalition, a premier represent us federally, can he represent him better, more honestly?

the answer, we, 160 ppl with no political experience, perhaps foolishly said, we feel that a premier cd represent us far better at a federal level b/c he has something honest behind him.

RD: existing system, a false majority, the only check is really the press, public opinion manipulated by the press essentially, and neither is democratic

nor is a media manipulated by a small number of ppl

advantage is more democratic and more parliamentary in nature

coalition may be weaker but more parliamentary

govt has to pay attention to its coalition to its majority in parliament, therefore listens to parliament more; that's the beauty of the system

I think you're right BCians more moderate and tend to vote moderate, favour a moderate approach  or coalitions but confronted with a party system more radical than they wd like

BCians more moderate than parties, or a coalition

speak to them, wd like to see more middle of the road but they get right or left, left or right, mostly right and feel uncomfortable

wd like something more moderate and think your system wd provide that

BCians don't vote for extreme parties

problems earlier, particularly in Europe, had communist, far right, Fascist, in the past, had a number of small parties anti-democratic in nature, and they weaken the system

not likely to happen in BC, the smaller parties wd be democratic for the most part b/c BCians are moderate in the way they vote

don't think there'd be any dangers, I think the system wd work, a little complicated but wd be a big improvement

Gene: sounds like you were at our debates!

[Motion of Receipt re BC STV delegation]

8:01

5.         REPORTS

RECOMMENDED: THAT the plan as provided in Appendix B be authorized

Geri Boyle, Planning Staff: difficult terrain

on one lot wd like to have a smaller bldg envelope

Sop: putting in pool on sloping site

GB: lot hasn't been subdivided

living on westerly lot and want to sell the easterly

Sop: greenbelt on both; is there a covenant?

GB: is a covenant setting out a specific bldg envelope

Sop: at our request

GB: b/c of difficult terrain

8:04

5.2       Controlled Substance Nuisance Bylaw No. 4417, 2005

RD: a couple of letters expressing concerns such as I expressed

owners who've rented; know some who've had that unhappy experience

renters limits inspection, have to knock on door

often grow op owners respectable, those were

in a way, blaming the owner, a victim

blamed for renting to ppl who do this

want to be assured my fears are exaggerated

Mayor: Ms Scholes, do you wish to comment on that?

SSch [MClk]: wish to defer to MMgr

[laughter]

RD: he can't defer!

MMgr: intent is to defer costs

opportunities to dissuade this type of activity difficult

visitations to encourage more due diligence

is it the best answer, no but have to take to encourage owners to take some responsibility as to what's happening in their communities

there's a danger to rest of cmnty by having this activity occur

one step we and many other Ms are taking in BC to reduce the number of grow-ops

sorry, can't assure you there won't be hardship; hardship exists now

owners who haven't been diligent having to undertake these repairs

one of the tools we have, Cmnty Charter now allows us and that's why we place it before Ccl for consideration.

[RD moved receipt of correspondence on this]

Sop: in duty of owner, part 6, p 73, it says, ev owner of a building or structure subject to a tenancy agreement

must inspect once ev three consecutive calendar months

ev three months owners have to go

Mayor: or their agent

Sop: look through them, how is that enforced?

MMgr :like many of our bylaws, wd not have a registry and poll ev landlord and ask have you dropped by

we've established a standard and up to owners if they wish to abide

encourage more responsibility wrt visitation

we know from talking to Police Depts, these setups done quickly and damage occur

taking into consideration the value of your property in WV

visiting three or four times a year to make sure your investment is secure seems a reasonable precaution

Sop: within 24 hours of a contravention there's a contact

 what if year goes by and suddenly grow op, and haven't been paying attention to quarterly visits?

MMgr: that's the risk they've taken

under the bylaw, those that incur some of these costs if they can demonstrate diligence can be exempt from costs

can't demonstrate, if you haven't visited can't apply

Sop: going to be v costly for the owners

construction costs, spore, mould, and mildew removal......etc.... all new carpets, inspectors' attention -- fire, police, and all those with fees

all has to be paid prior to getting occupancy back in the place

ppl have to realize costly

queried 6.3 have all walls cleaned and disinfected, or replaced if necessary

we know moisture, if to interior of walls, mildew, professional cleaner can make outside look very nice; how can inspector tell about inner wall

MMgr: whether we have a bylaw in place or not, those are some of the concerns the owner is going to face

we know it's v v costly

as a M, we have costs

we also have issues with owners doing superficial jobs and then asking us to certify occupancy safe

this ensures the kind of work to be done, a list, right kinds of work to be done

providing additional safeguards for those who move in after the fact

Sop: Sched B, before occupancy required to inform prospective occupants have complied

how is that enforced?

MMgr: wd not allow certificate of occupancy unless letter

Sop: so some notification back to District?

MMgr: yes

G-J: Look, marijuana and methamphetamine labs serious

we can turn a blind eye or say this is going on

allow ppl to learn about it, hope they'll be proactive, protect

no question I'll support it

8:15

5.3       Development Variance Permit No. 04-026 (2925 & 2935 Marine Drive)

RECOMMENDED: THAT the Municipal Clerk give notice that DVP Application (2925 & 2935 Marine Drive), which would provide for a future subdivision of two lots into three lots with variances to site width and lot depth for proposed Lot B, will be considered at the meeting of Council on Monday, May 09, 2005.

G-J: this is an unusual proposal

in anticipation -- will nbrs be notified?

GB: yes

Sop: looked unusual to me until I looked back and three lots backing on to it

then..

Mayor: huge lots

Sop: yes, they are

8:18

5.4       Rock Breaking by Blasting - 6063 Blink Bonnie Road

RECOMMENDED: THAT the application for the Rock Breaking Permit to remove 215 cubic metres of rock for a pool construction at 6063 Blink Bonnie Road be approved.

GB: under bylaws, allowed to break rock to build a pool

deep about 9 and a half ft, other end 4ft, it's a lap pool

G-J: we received a letter and I don't have it

re drainage and wd like a staff report on that

MMgr: no connection; will follow up though

another question as to whether it exceeds limit

original home was constructed in 1995; blasting permit issued at that time; a total of 509 was the max limit allowed, 286cu m were blasted, and that left 223 cu m available so amt left, albeit for pool, is still less

8:20

5.5       Request from Antonio Bay Productions for Noise Bylaw Exemption During Proposed Filming in West Vancouver (Whytecliff Park)

RECOMMENDED: THAT an exemption from sections 4(e) (i) and 6(n) of the District's Noise Control Bylaw No. 3908, 1994 be approved for Antonio Bay Productions for filming in Whytecliff Park after 11:00 p.m. Friday April 22, 2005 until 2:00 a.m. on Saturday April 23, 2005.

MClk: not able to meet original dates so back for alternate dates

Sop: same requirements as to original?  times, stated last time?

MClk: yes, and residents have been notified

8:21

* Mayor: took opp to attend official opening of homeless shelter in NV; don't want to ackn homeless on North Shore and was informed in fact full, 75 ppl, so v nec facility

prov and fed govt assistance as well as M

need add'l $750K

it is open and it is functioning

providing nec social function in our society

* G-J: want to congratulate organizers of MS Walk; last year raised  $77,000 , this year raised $120,000 at Ambleside, so they were thrilled; not a nice day

wrt Sun Run, important to note

[re WV residents]

in the male category 75 to 79, Frank Kurucz came first

in 80 to 84, Cliff Hill came sixth; over 85 Neil Grey came first -- talk about fit fellows!  well done

in female 75 to 79, two: Mary Wright and Mary Grant came sixth and seventh; 80 to 84,  Eleanor Cross Sprye came eighth

others too,, great testimony to WV lifestyle, fitness, health, and shd celebrate that

Mayor: shd mention re those who came in first, there was more than one runner

G-J: plenty

JC: ones that came in first and second

Mayor: first past the post; in any event some of those people, quite impressive

There's hope for us yet, Cclr Day

RD: not for me, I manage to swim a few laps.

JC: did have, my biz partner, Christine Barakas [sp?], age group doesn't matter, in race in a time of 6l [mumble] minutes

attended Ch of Comm Coho Society AGM Wed morning

v successful, Dr John Nightingale from Aquarium spoke

ev had something to say

Mayor: passion was directed toward?

JC: Ambleside revitalization plan

Mayor: that's encouraging

JC: it was terrific

as co-chair of school traffic safety cmte

some folks may be aware curb work done in front of Sentinel on Chartwell over spring break

attended those schools two or three times last fall and traffic a nightmare

little Tracey Hinder, Gr 8 from WV Secondary finished in final five in national Spelling Bee

off to Washington DC representing this end of the country

* RD: also attended Coho Society breakfast, and guess also Ch of Commerce

got up bright and early worth it, well attended

Dr Nightingale's talk about migration of salmon, and how measured; increasingly sophisticated means

after that Cclr G-J and I rushed down to Westcot School where they opened up a new playground wch parents, kids, and teachers had built; very interesting morning

Also, we've had young ppl assigned to us individually, as part of the youth mentor program

certainly turning out to be interesting, young woman who attended the HAC mtg with me, a 16-yr-old from WV Secondary

to my amazement took part fully in debate (in Heritage Cmte mtg); only 16 years old, as if lived here for 30 years

poise and ability to speak clearly and well, speaks for her and school system

she'll be attending the Amb Plan Open House with me in a few days.

8:28

7.         OTHER ITEMS

RECOMMENDED: THAT the continuation of Mayor Ron Wood as the representative for the District of West Vancouver, City of North Vancouver and District of North Vancouver on the E-Comm Board of Directors for 2005/2006, be confirmed.

[DONE]

7.2       Correspondence [full list in previous issue]

Sop: is this proper time to report GVTA's 50% increase to our citizens of WV

RD: 100%!

Sop:  $422 and some cents

Mayor: hold off on that; we are running a joint ad with other three Ms, will have a formal stmt, May 9th, well before tax season

8:32

Keith Pople: director of PWV; last week Ccl rejected a motion to receive a staff report dated April 7

[conscientious G-J rushed out]

re proposed amending bylaws for OCP rezoning Ev Dr, report essentially accommodated Millennium Prop's proposals

Joyce Hibberd: Keith Rd, want to take this opp to thank cclrs, and esp Kevin Pike who listened so carefully to my concerns about the proposed cmnty ctr

encourage all of you

pls come an watch us exercise Tu or Th mornings

the fit fellows fill gym 9 to 10

then Carol Peterson's class been going strong for 20 some years

providing fitness in a large space for a large number of ppl

JH: I'm 71 now and wd like to think I'll be participating as long as I can in the fitness classes

RD: you may be winning some of these runs, following in the footsteps of Frank Kurucz.

Mayor: remind you no ccl mtg next week

come along to a v interesting mtg May 2nd youth ccl mtg

issue that evening will be Eagleridge Bluffs, road vs tunnel lively debate

may even have judge's decision by that point from federal court

RD: students being assigned to each of us on Ccl; youth mentorship prog

purpose is to get to know students involved

these will be participating in youth forum as a model Ccl

idea was to assign each to an indiv ccl mbr so they'd get to know how the system works from inside Before, they came but hadn't been exposed to sort of inner sanctum, ccl policy and life, cmtes, and so on

that's why established, when then come in May 2nd not coming in cold

know the kinds of things we do

Mayor: are they going to make us look bad

RD: cd well

my experience on Heritage cmte, she was the star of the show

8:42   --  9.    ADJOURNMENT

90 years ago today....

The Second Battle of Ypres was the first time Germany used chemical weapons on a large scale on the Western Front in World War I.

The Second Battle of Ypres consisted of four separate battles:

        The Battle of Gravenstafel - 22nd to 23rd April 1915

        The Battle of St Julien* - 24th April to 4th May 1915

        The Battle of Frezenburg - 8th to 13th May 1915

        The Battle of Bellewaarde - 24th to 25th May 1915

       168 tons of chlorine gas were released on 22 April over a four-mile front.  Around 5,000 troops died within ten minutes by asphyxiation. The gas affected the lungs and the eyes causing respiration problems and blindness.  Being denser than air, it flowed downwards forcing the troops to climb out of trenches.

       Initially French Colonial and Algerian troops were attacked with gas. They died there or abandoned their positions, leaving a four-mile gap in the front line -- however, the German High Command had not foreseen the effectiveness of their new weapon, and so had not sent any reinforcements to the area. German forces were unable to take advantage of this gap, and the 1st Canadian Division reinforced the gap and held that part of the line against further gas attacks until 3rd May.

       The winds were blowing in favour of the Germans; this meant that anything short of a full retreat would leave Allied forces in contaminated areas. The Canadians, initially held in reserve, realized the only place with fresh air would be near the German lines, as the winds would blow the gas away from there (following the basic principles of gas warfare: infantry can only quickly occupy clean areas; therefore, the occupied areas would have to be uncontaminated). The Canadians fought through using urine-soaked handkerchiefs as primitive gas masks (for the ammonia in the urine would react with the chlorine, neutralizing it and allowing the soldiers to breathe). Although the battle was considered a stalemate, the act of reestablishing the front lines in such harsh conditions earned the respective Canadian regiments some of the highest battle honours ever awarded. In addition, this was the first time colonial forces (Canadian Expeditionary Forces, CEF) forced back a major European power (the Germans) on European soil. This occurred in the battle of St. Julian-Kitchener's Wood.

       The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) (C Scot R) 16th Battalion CEF received a distinctive shoulder flash for their actions in St. Julian-Kitchener's Woods. The shoulder title consists of a brass acorn in an oak leaf over a red felt backing with the name Canadian Scottish (the typical shoulder flash is strictly limited to the unit's name in brass). The acorn and oak leaf are based off the heavy oak forests of Kitchener's Wood, a very difficult environment to fight through under ordinary conditions.

Canadian Battle Casualties at Ypres 1915:

                6035 Canadian casualties in 48 hours.  More than 2000 Canadians died.

http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/ypres2.htm

[*  sometimes written Julian apparently]

It is said that Canada came of age at Ypres.  So sad it was done in war.  Times of crisis unite a country.   I don't wish for crises but it is important that we see ourselves as a community, a country of shared values with respect for free speech and liberty.

Too many parents make life hard for their children by trying, too zealously, to make it easy for them.

        -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, poet, dramatist, novelist, and philosopher (1749-1832)