Mid Island News » Gabriola Island

Poets wanted in Nanaimo & Poetry Festival on Gabriola Island

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:45:51 +0000

The mid island is turning to poetry! The City of Nanaimo is looking for a poet laureate to serve a three year term. A minimum of one original poem is to be produced per year. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2012. For more information email Bob Kuhn at The City of Nanaimo, bob.kunh(at)nanaimo.ca.

On Gabriola Island, they are kicking off 2012 in a big way – with the 8th Annual Poetry Gabriola Festival! This year’s celebration of literature, spoken word, and music runs from February 16th to 19th 2012, at the Dragon’s Lodge on Gabriola Island.

The four evening mainstage performances feature artists from across Canada, including six British Columbia poets commissioned to create new works. This year’s commissioned poets are Susan Musgrave, Gregory Scofield, Barbara Adler, C.R. Avery, Jordan Scott and Tim Lander.

As well as four feature evening presentations, 2012 will offer afternoon events, salons, workshops, school shows, cameo performances, and the return of the hit event, “Knock-Knock, Who’s There?”

Mid Island News

CKGI Gabriola Island Radio making waves

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:30:03 +0000

A belated congratulations to CKGI – Gabriola Co-op Radio 98.7 FM for getting a broadcasting licence to operate an English-language community FM radio station on Gabriola Island.

It took 11 years from concept to getting permission to proceed, but Gabriola Radio Society (GRS) got the green light from the CRTC to start a community radio station on Gabriola.

If you would like to support Gabriola Radio you can check out their fundraiser event coming up this January 7, 2012. This event called, “You turn me on – I’m a radio” fundraiser will kick off a year in which the Gabriola Radio Society aims to raise $320,000 to establish a tower, studio, and offices on Gabriola Island.

Mid Island News

Call for submissions: Vancouver Island Short Film Festival

admin — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:55:35 +0000

Calling all film artists, the deadline to enter your short film is February 1, 2012.

It is year number 6 for The Vancouver Island Short Film Festival!

This film festival is extra special because it specifically features short filmmakers from Vancouver Island. The length of film is maximum 12 minutes including credits.

The Vancouver Island Short Film Festival creates opportunities for local filmmakers to screen their films, network with other film professionals and inspire.

For more information visit the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival website.

Mid Island News

Vancouver Island Symphony Hero Concert

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:11 +0000

The Vancouver Island Symphony will be starting 2012 with a concert to honour first responders and four Mid Island heroes.

This is your opportunity to nominate someone who has made a difference or saved your life! Local heroes should reside between Ladysmith and Nanoose Bay.

Four heroes will each receive four free symphony tickets and the nominator will also receive two free tickets to the celebration concert on January 28, 2012.

Deadline for Nominations:
Friday December 9, 2011 to the Vancouver Island Symphony office: Box 661, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5L9 OR
150 Commercial Street (Wharf St entrance) OR fax: 250-754-0165
OR email: info@vancouverislandsymphony.com

The four heroes selected will be notified by January 9, 2012.

All Nominations will be on display for the community to view on Saturday February 18 at the Symphony’s Community Day from
11:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Mid Island News

Gabriolans dodge bullets

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:00:14 +0000

If you visit or live on Gabriola Island, take care where you go! There has been increasing conflict between residents and hunters as the hunting season runs from August 25th to December 10th.

There have been many complaints from residents about people hunting at night and close to residential properties. This has become an issue in recent years as Gabriola grows.

According to the provincial wildlife office, there is to be no discharge of firearms within 100 metres of a church, school building, school yard, playground, RDN parks, dwelling houses, or any farm or ranch building occupied by persons or domestic animals.

Also, when it comes to public roadways, hunters can’t discharge a firearm within 15 metres of the centre line.

Mid Island News

Earthquake News Update

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:50:35 +0000

The Mid Island News earthquake page has been updated. Come and have a look and see the changes.

Also, there will be a Great BC Shakeout at 10:20 am on October 20, 2011. You can go to the site to register and get all the information you need, so you can get ready for the big earthquake if it comes.

Here is a list of items they suggest you include in a ‘Grab & Go’ bag:

Water
Can Opener
Utility Knife
Flashlights
Batteries
Campstove
Emergency Food (canned and dry)
First Aid Supplies
Water Purification Tablets
Toiletries
Money
Blankets

Other tips:

Leave sturdy shoes under your bed to avoid injuries from things like glass shards on floors.
Move heavy/breakable objects to lower shelves.
Secure bookshelves, hot water heater, etc. to walls.
Know how to turn off gas, hydro, water, etc.

Mid Island News

The Dancing Man Festival – Gabriola Island

admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:00:30 +0000

Time to get your tickets for ”The Dancing Man Festival” being held on Gabriola Island on July 15th, 16th & 17th at The Roxy, The Theatre Centre and multiple live musical performances on a new outdoor stage at The Gabriola Commons.

There will be a mix of local and visiting talent in a variety of genres including everything from contemporary electronics, blues, funk, bluegrass, Indian raga and cross-genre contemporary dance-vocal collaboration.

For more information on go to The Dancing Man Festival

Mid Island News

Dogs in Pick-up Trucks

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:21:19 +0000

Our fellow bloggers at the “Gabriolan” have reported that there have been dozens of sightings on Gabriola Island of dogs loose in the backs of pickups.

Each year in mid Vancouver Island, hundreds of dogs are injured from falling out of trucks.

Now that it is almost summer, take time to ensure that your dogs are safely secure in either a crate or on a short leash.

Safety: Dogs restrained with loose ropes or ties can accidentally hang themselves. Exposing your pet to the elements can also lead to heatstroke and hypothermia, depending on the weather.

Cost: Your pet could fall or be thrown out, sustaining serious injuries or death, leaving you with expensive vet bills. If your pet causes a subsequent collision, you could be held responsible for the costs.

The law: It’s against the law. Section 72 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act prohibits the transport of an unsecured pet in the back of a pick-up truck. Also, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act you can be charged for cruelty to animals if your pet is injured.

For more information on how to properly restrain your dog, check out the BC SPCA website

Mid Island News

Public Input Wanted on Island Transportation

admin — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:00:29 +0000

How will Islanders get around in the future? Cheap gas will not last forever!

The E&N Railway needs $15 million in order to repair hundreds of rail ties between Victoria and Courtenay. Until the repairs can be made, the trains are at a standstill. The Island Corridor Foundation needs your help to let the government know that rail is important to Vancouver Island. Their goal is that one day, someone can commute to work by train from Nanaimo to Victoria.

Another transportation issue is the ferries. The recent ferry rate hike April 1st, was just the beginning. There will be more rate hikes each and every year until 2015. BC Ferries set up various “Ferry Advisory Committees” in select coastal areas in order to say that they have consulted with the public. Do you feel consulted? A Gabriolan resident has set up a petition. If you are interested in voicing your opinion, follow the link or contact Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Transportation at Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca.

Mid Island News

Gabriolans upset over missing lounge

admin — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:00:35 +0000

BC Ferries has demolished the ferry lounge at the Nanaimo Harbour.

On Monday, April 4th, BC Ferries removed the waiting room for Gabriola bound foot passengers and replaced it with a temporary awning and nearby portable toilets. From now until July, construction will be taking place on a new building.

In the meantime, I hope you find some shelter from the rain and wind!

Mid Island News