D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Mar 20, 2007 5:50:25 GMT -8
Yes that is very true. Unfortunately as is the case in many "rural" areas in Canada, it can be very difficult to retain skilled and experienced doctors. The larger communities draw doctors and nurses to their greater pay-scales and better amenities, leaving the smaller communities with the less experienced and not so great medical staff. There are exceptions of course, but that is the typical trend, and people in the smaller communities recognize it and deal with it accordingly. If this means making the trek to Vancouver or Campbell River to receive the best possible care, people will do it.
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Post by DENelson83 on Apr 21, 2007 16:17:14 GMT -8
Powell River is still linked to the North Island electoral district. BZZZZZT! Wrong. Powell River is in the Powell River-Sunshine Coast provincial electoral district, not the North Island district. Federally, Powell River is in the West Vancouver--Sunshine Coast--Sea to Sky Country riding.
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 21, 2007 19:22:15 GMT -8
I am fairly sure that in the not-to-distant past Powell River has been lumped in with a Vancouver Island riding, at least at the federal level.
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Post by Scott on Apr 21, 2007 23:57:20 GMT -8
Powell River is still linked to the North Island electoral district. BZZZZZT! Wrong. Powell River is in the Powell River-Sunshine Coast provincial electoral district, not the North Island district. Federally, Powell River is in the West Vancouver--Sunshine Coast--Sea to Sky Country riding. You're right... I was off on my dates. Powell River hasn't been linked to the Island electorally for 10 years. However, this doesn't change my argument since it shows that there is a historic link between the two places.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Sept 21, 2007 10:58:17 GMT -8
More from the AGM, on service in the Powell River area. (Powell River Peak)Ferry chief advises cutback Laura Walz - Peak Editor 09/20/2007 Powell Riverites should discuss eliminating one run from the Saltery Bay--Earls Cove route to improve on-time performance, according to the president of BC Ferries. David Hahn made the suggestion of eliminating a round-trip more than once during the annual general meeting of the BC Ferry Authority and British Columbia Ferry Services Inc., held in Powell River on September 14. About 100 people, including the company's board of directors and senior management, attended the event, which took place in the Evergreen Theatre at the Powell River Recreation Complex. Elizabeth Harrison, chairwoman of the board of directors, Hahn and Rob Clarke, chief financial officer, gave presentations, followed by a question and answer period, moderated by City of Powell River Mayor Stewart Alsgard. In response to a number of questions about chronic lateness on the Saltery Bay--Earls Cove route, Hahn said members of the Northern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee could discuss, with the company and the community, taking one trip out from the day to accommodate a better schedule. "I think there is a built-in, inherent tight schedule," he said. Alternatively, the company could discuss expanding the workday, Hahn said, but that would increase the cost. "If the route wanted to absorb yet another cost increase, we could accommodate that as well," he said. "But an easy way is, again, if the ferry advisory committee can get an agreement within the community, to take out one round trip, I think you could make all those connections work a lot smoother." When asked about berthing the Westview--Little River ferry in Powell River, Hahn said he didn't see that happening unless the route had two smaller vessels, one of the options in the vessel and service strategy review, which has been sent to the provincial government. Moving the ferry would also disrupt the crew's lives, Hahn added, and people in Comox think it is rightfully berthed there. "Economics won't drive it and employees won't drive it," he said. "There may be two vessels and if there are two vessels, one would be housed in Powell River and one would be housed in Comox." Hahn noted that new vessels would be in place for 2015 at the earliest. Rising fares was the other issue that dominated the meeting. Ken Barton, a member of the ferry advisory committee representing Texada Island, said while service now was "terrific," island residents struggled with increased fares. "I can assure you that the old-time pioneers are saying, 'I can't afford to live on the island anymore,'" Barton said. He asked Hahn if he would come to Texada and hear "what the actual impact is on the little guy." Rising fares were a public policy issue that belonged with the government, not the ferry corporation Hahn said. "Government makes a policy decision around how much of a service fee they're willing to pay us to keep fares low. The company can only work with the fee we are given. The public policy issue is something that you need to take up with government." But that structure is what causes frustration, said Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, the only entirely ferry-dependent riding in the province. When he goes to the minister for answers, Simons said, he is sent to the ferry commissioner and the ferry commission sends him back to the company. "The fundamental issue facing us here in Powell River-Sunshine Coast is that the cost of the ferry fares is a huge impact on our cost of living and somebody has to be responsible for looking out for the interests of the residents," Simons said. But Hahn said the company operates the system, it doesn't determine the balance between user fares and government fees. "The issue of how to get the fares lower rests solely with the government," he said. "They make the public policy decision." The company's 2006-2007 annual report, annual report to the British Columbia Ferries Commissioner and 2007-2008 business plan are available on its website, www.bcferries.com.
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Post by WettCoast on Sept 21, 2007 17:09:11 GMT -8
The BCFS's official response on this issue is interesting. By next summer the I class vessel should be in service on this route. My expectation is that it will be much more efficient in its operation such that schedule adherence should not be an issue. Being double ended it will not have to to the 'Tsawwassen shuffle' on arrival at Saltery Bay. The car deck should also be a breeze to load when compared with the Tsawwassen.
On the other hand the new boat will have a relatively slow service speed, but will be a little faster than the Chilliwack.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 12, 2007 20:18:55 GMT -8
Here's a link to another forum, where someone has taken a lot of time to write an essay on why there should be a road/bridge route from Squamish to Powell River. I thought that this here thread was as good as any place for this 1-off item: www.discovervancouver.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=126366
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Post by Hardy on Nov 18, 2007 11:55:17 GMT -8
Here's a link to another forum, where someone has taken a lot of time to write an essay on why there should be a road/bridge route from Squamish to Powell River. This would, if it ever came to fruition, without a doubt majorly affect ferry traffic patterns throughout the entire system. Comox-Powell River, Langdale-Horseshoe Bay would be some of the INDIRECTLY affected routes, but it would affect them also. However, with the NIMBYistic attitude of the communities involved, I cannot envision this ever taking place in my lifetime.
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Post by Scott on Feb 17, 2007 23:25:10 GMT -8
Would anyone care to define "island time"? I'm a city boy who has many Island friends who often mention how "things go slower" on the Island. The fact that the Islands are connected to the rest of the world by ferries (mainly) and not highways and bridges seems to create a more laid back lifestyle on the Islands.
Could anyone elaborate on the term "island time" and could Islanders share some real-life examples of "island time" compared to Vancouver time???
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 18, 2007 5:53:56 GMT -8
LOL, "island time" - that state in which you have forgotten what day of the week it is, and the only reason you remember the time is because you have to catch the ferry. Dangerous cargo days define the week as you have to remember which sailing it is! ;D
I think island time is a world wide phenomena. It describes a laid back, "take your time because you're only going to be waiting", approach to life. I would suspect this comes from the fact islanders are always waiting for boats for pretty much everything. Boats for transport, boats for supplies, boats for friends and family, even in today's age of instant communication. A certain level of patience and acceptance is in order; none of the instant gratification of whims found in the city.
That leaves me with a question. How many of you who are on the Gulf Islands have a high speed internet connection? I know Texada doesn't offer it yet even though all the islands' telephone exchanges have been mandated to be updated to digital service.
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Post by Northern Exploration on Feb 18, 2007 8:44:19 GMT -8
When I visit Vancouver I notice that it has a more laid back feel than other cities. And the Island is even more laid back. Victoria, Duncan and Nanaimo are at a slower pace. Then the most extreme laid back feeling is in Tofino. It may be the same on some of the Gulf Islands I would imagine. Getting off the plane from Toronto and arriving in Tofino the same day is similar to flying to one of the Caribbean Islands as far as culture differences go (not the weather though ) A couple days in Tofino and each day I can feel the stress melt away. The routine is the same. Land in YVR. Go to White Spot. Take the ferry. Drive the crazy road to Tofino. And heaven. lol
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 18, 2007 10:07:06 GMT -8
Here's a slightly off-topic contribution to this discussion.
Mrs. Horn & I have experienced many different gulf islands and coastal locations in our life & travels on the coast. Our home-base is Nanaimo, so that provides our point of reference.
It seems that, no matter which island we are visiting, there is a similar feeling that we get, as soon as we drive off the ferry onto the roadway. The feeling of peace & tranquility is likely enabled by the narrow roadways, lined by arbutus trees, and adorned by pottery and stained-glass studios.
I've considered if this peaceful, easy feeling is mainly because of a vacation purpose of travelling, but I've also encountered that feeling while visiting SaltSpring Island for business.
The Horn family has experienced different degrees of "Island Time"; which is likely a relative term. We even notice a slow-down in lifestyle/attitude while visiting Powell River, likely because we visit south of town by Lang Bay, in a rural area.
The Tofino and SaltSpring atmospheres bring a unique situation to "Island Time". Both of these locations are renowned as laid-back tourist destinations. But to some of us, they become busy, crowded places to avoid at some times of the year. I have been working in Tofino, and have had crazy lineps at the cafe (for which I only was seeking a simple sandwich), and I was behind yuppie tourists seeking the perfect latte and perfect scone, who wanted everything "just so".
I've also experienced "busy island time" on SaltSpring. Has anyone drove through dowtown Ganges on a summer's afternoon? Has anyone tried to park their car to shop at Thrifty's in Ganges? (go to Ganges Village Market, instead.....).
I know of people who have moved from Toronto to SaltSpring, and have done so for the lifestyle change, to a slower pace of life. This is where the "it's all relative" premise comes in. The Torontonian who slows his/her life down a few notches in SaltSpring is actually raising the busyness factor for the rest of the Island. This is true. I've encountered it myself. One culture's idea of laid-back is another culture's idea of too-fast.
The Horn Family has also experienced having a vacation on Galiano Island, and then returning home via SaltSpring....with a few hours spent in Ganges. I can tell you that after a week on Galiano Island, driving through downtown Ganges (on a summer's afternoon) felt like downtown Vancouver to me.
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Post by kylefossett on Feb 18, 2007 12:48:22 GMT -8
Flugel- i have told people that i can drive anywhere in the world because i lived on saltspring the first summer after getting my drivers liciense and know how to drive in the busy cities now. also the secret to finding a parking spot in the thrifty's lot or at grace point square(where the liquor store is) i could tell you but then my secret is out. put it this way i always find a spot in one of these locations and it only takes me 5 minutes and no i do not use handicap spots or park illegally. john- island time, yes it can be a drag. example we needed a plumber at our cabin to do the last couple of hook ups on the new hot water tank. he told us he would be there at 9 am but did not show up until late afternoon. did good work in a really short time but having to wait for him was a bit of a hassel. although he is not as bad as the appliance repair guy that doesn't own a phone.
question somebody had about highspeed internet on gulf islands. they do have it on saltspring now. offered by telus and i believe shaw is overing it too. they purchased saltspring cablevision last summer and upgraded the infrastructure to offer digital cable so i assume this means internet too.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 18, 2007 14:45:57 GMT -8
Like the Horns, I have spent day-trips visiting the Gulf Islands, sometimes by way of bicycle. In your car, I'll use Denman Island as an example, you realise that everything is very slow, and that there's no one really around you to speed things up. I visited the rural community of Ganges by way of bike, and the roads are packed. It might have been busier because I was there the same week as the Ganges Flea Market, but I think that's beside the point (and beside the Super Save Gas.) In some cases, it's like time of that spent on a farm or countryside.
In Little River, where I go every summer, you spend your entire day waiting for the Queen of Burnaby to pull around the point and B-Line it for Powell River, an event that only happens four times a day. Sometimes I get so bored there that I take bike rides, and don't really know where I'll end up. Some days, you just sit for the entire day waiting for something to happen and it never comes. That's what I look forward to.
Island Time (adjective) 1. Slow and peaceful lifestyle or attitude towards an isolated location or place. 2. Quick refferance to the time zone of the Hawaiian islands.
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Post by kylefossett on Feb 18, 2007 17:54:46 GMT -8
the flea market you are talking about is the saltspring island farmers market and is held every saturday from spring to fall
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 19, 2007 7:45:06 GMT -8
The Tofino and SaltSpring atmospheres bring a unique situation to "Island Time". Both of these locations are renowned as laid-back tourist destinations. But to some of us, they become busy, crowded places to avoid at some times of the year. I have been working in Tofino, and have had crazy lineps at the cafe (for which I only was seeking a simple sandwich), and I was behind yuppie tourists seeking the perfect latte and perfect scone, who wanted everything "just so". I've also experienced "busy island time" on SaltSpring. Has anyone drove through dowtown Ganges on a summer's afternoon? Has anyone tried to park their car to shop at Thrifty's in Ganges? (go to Ganges Village Market, instead.....). Ahh yes, Texada on Sand Castle weekend...
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Post by NMcKay on Feb 19, 2007 8:07:26 GMT -8
Protection had High speed, but it was wierd, using telus not shaw, and it was slower.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 19, 2007 8:37:58 GMT -8
Thanks, I've been wondering how Telus has been progressing with the upgrades to service. I would have expected them to move a little quicker with the internet service since, as I said before, the government was requiring them to upgrade all the island exchanges to digital service, but they haven't seemed to. Curious. I expect cable based internet will take quite a bit longer to establish itself...not all the islands have a cable system, and satellite is popular for many (which is another option for high speed).
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Post by Northern Exploration on Feb 19, 2007 8:49:54 GMT -8
All this talk makes me think "I needs me some Island Time."
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 19, 2007 18:56:16 GMT -8
All this talk makes me think "I needs me some Island Time." Try visiting some place like Quadra Island, or Galiano....somewhere a lot less commercial than Tofino. You might notice a difference.......but will feel a much stronger jolt of culture-shock.
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Post by royalroadscaptain on Feb 20, 2007 14:15:30 GMT -8
I love this topic--thanks for starting it John! A (now former) student of mine at RRU and I have actually spent some time studying this. There's a pretty direct relation between ferry service frequency, number of connections, size of the ferry, and the type of terminal on "the other side" that influences the rhythms of a place. Salt Spring Island is a good example: Ganges is right at the core of the "best" serviced island of the gulf islands, and it's not uncommon for people to feel hurried there. Still, however, any place on Salt Spring will have a different rhythm than anywhere in Victoria or Nanaimo. If you pick instead a place like Sandspit on the Queen Charlotte Islands (which is connected to nothing but Skidegate by a small ferry) you'll truly feel the remoteness of space and the unique definition of local time. That's actually something I'm still studying right now. If anybody is interested, here's an excerpt from what we wrote in a paper: Media logic consists of the process through which media, as basic features of social life shape the character of social institutions by contributing to the definition of social situations informed by the characteristics of media. Media and their users over time come to share a logic that “is used to ‘make sense’ of social phenomena” (Altheide and Snow, 1976, p. 24). This “media consciousness” is regulated by a grammar that works as the outcome of users’ interaction with media themselves. Features of media grammar include the manner in which time is used, including compacting time, rhythm, and tempo... Sorry to bore you, I just got all giddy with excitement when saw this topic posted
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Feb 20, 2007 15:01:26 GMT -8
If anybody is interested, here's an excerpt from what we wrote in a paper: Media logic consists of the process through which media, as basic features of social life shape the character of social institutions by contributing to the definition of social situations informed by the characteristics of media. Media and their users over time come to share a logic that “is used to ‘make sense’ of social phenomena” (Altheide and Snow, 1976, p. 24). This “media consciousness” is regulated by a grammar that works as the outcome of users’ interaction with media themselves. Features of media grammar include the manner in which time is used, including compacting time, rhythm, and tempo... Translation?
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Post by Ferry Rider 42 on Feb 20, 2007 19:19:28 GMT -8
AHHhhh…. Royalroascaptain, it gets me in a fit when people confuse ‘correlation’ and ‘causation’.
I agree that a correlation exits between the sensation of ‘island time’, ferry terminal size and the likes. But to imply that the size of a ferry terminal, the size of ship, etc is the cause of ‘island time’ is a whole other ball game. In short, you cannot use a correlation to explain a cause, as your usage of the phrase ‘direct relationship’ and the word ‘influences’ suggests. So CommoOOon, play by the rule; don’t abuse mathematics!
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 21, 2007 3:44:08 GMT -8
AHHhhh…. Royalroascaptain, it gets me in a fit when people confuse ‘correlation’ and ‘causation’. I agree that a correlation exits between the sensation of ‘island time’, ferry terminal size and the likes. But to imply that the size of a ferry terminal, the size of ship, etc is the cause of ‘island time’ is a whole other ball game. In short, you cannot use a correlation to explain a cause, as your usage of the phrase ‘direct relationship’ and the word ‘influences’ suggests. So CommoOOon, play by the rule; don’t abuse mathematics! LOL...digressing... the one that really gets me is when people use the word unique to describe an obviously common, but unusual experience or item. Again, don't abuse the mathematics. ;D
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Post by jjr on Feb 21, 2007 6:57:07 GMT -8
So far everyone has described "Southern" Island Time ... come to the Queen Charlottes to experience real Island Time. Not just another time zone but another planet altogether.
Huge howls of protest when Telus launched cellular service in a few places without telling anyone - you would have thought the world was coming to an end.
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