Proposed legislation to curtail cosmetic use of pesticides

Dear Saanich South,

I’m proud to say that the Official Opposition is again bringing forward legislation to curtail the cosmetic use of pesticides in BC. I know many people share my concern about the effects of toxic chemicals on the health of our children and the environment.

In fact, there is overwhelming public support and sufficient scientific evidence about the associated environmental and human health risks from the chemicals contained in household pesticides for the provincial government to take action.

Clearly toxic pesticides should not be used where children play. There are viable non-synthetic alternatives to cosmetic pesticides that are widely available to consumers.

The Bill introduced today is consistent with legislation that exists in six other Canadian provinces and legislative reforms urged by the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, Toxic Free Canada, the David Suzuki Foundation, and the Union of B.C. Municipalities.
Although the government is unlikely to support this Bill, it does demonstrate clearly the perspective and priority of the Official Opposition.

Lana

Busy "week off"!

The Legislature may not be "sitting" this week but that doesn't mean I'm not working!

As many of you know, I am the Official Opposition Critic for Agriculture. It is something I throw my all into, not just because of my background as a farmer and my passion for food security - but also because local agriculture is so important to many, many people in Saanich South.

This week my Critic responsibilities led me to turn the spotlight on two important issues.

First, I called on the BC government to support the BC Fruit Producers Association and many others to oppose the unrestricted commercial planting of genetically-engineered apples in BC. A Globe & Mail Mail article about this is here. And please take a moment to sign my petition at the bottom of this post.

Second, I pressed the Minister of Agriculture to back down from his attempt to push through legislation that would prevent the public from learning about animal disease outbreaks. This was the lead item on CTV Vancouver Island News last night. You can read a Times Colonist article about this here or watch the video clip here:

This week I also held a community meeting for constituents at the Marigold Housing Co-op.

"Building bridges of dialogue, one city at a time."
Cycling4Diversity riders, May 25, 2012

But it wasn't all work!

Earlier in the week I participated in the launch of Bike to Work Week.

Yesterday I had the great privilege to address the 2012 Spectrum graduating class. It is very inspiring to see the hopeful faces of our future leaders.

Last night I attended a fund-raiser for a constituent who has Lyme disease. His name is JL and you can learn more about him from this youtube video.

Today I welcomed the Cycling4Diversity riders at my community office and joined with them on the last leg of the ride.

Tonight I'll be at the Reynolds 2012 Graduation Ceremony.

This Sunday at 1pm I will be participating in "Water Walk", a positively AFRICA fundraiser. Join me for a 10km walk around Elk and Beaver Lakes! (Send me an email if you want to participate: lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca).

And finally, this Sunday, between 10am-2pm there will be a bottle drive fundraiser at my community office parking lot (4085 Quadra) in support of DOTS, the Suicide Prevention Day group. Bring your refundable containers here and support the work of this important group.

Best wishes, Lana.

Lyme Disease

Dear Friends,

Whether you are hanging out in the backyard or camping in pristine wilderness, Lyme disease is a serious concern.

Lyme disease is spread by nymphal ticks no bigger than a speck of pepper. Ticks travel from animal to animal, feeding off blood. The bites can be painless and leave only a tiny mark that doesn’t last very long. 


As stated in a recent document by the Vancouver Island Health Authority, ticks on Vancouver Island may infect people with Lyme disease and the consequences can be very serious.


According to the Public Health Agency of Canada:
The symptoms of Lyme disease usually happen in three stages, although not all patients have every symptom. The first sign of infection is usually a circular rash. This rash occurs in about 70-80 percent of infected people. It begins at the site of the tick bite after a delay of three days to one month.

Other common symptoms include:

• fatigue
• chills
• fever
• headache
• muscle and joint pain
• swollen lymph nodes

If untreated, the second stage of the disease can last up to several months and include:

• central and peripheral nervous system disorders
• multiple skin rashes
• arthritis and arthritic symptoms
• heart palpitations
• extreme fatigue and general weakness

It sounds serious, and it is. But it is also easily preventable, and if promptly diagnosed, it is easily treatable, too.

Here are a few tips from the BC Centre for Disease Control:

• Walk on cleared trails wherever possible when walking in tall grass or woods.
• Wear light coloured clothing, tuck your top into your pants and tuck your pants into your boots or socks.
• Put insect repellent containing DEET on all uncovered skin.
• Check clothing and scalp (covered or not) when leaving an area where ticks may live.

Lyme disease is North America’s fastest rising infectious disease. It’s utterly debilitating if not detected and treated quickly with antibiotics.

If detected early, Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics in a matter of weeks. When in doubt, see a doctor – and make sure she tests for Lyme disease if your symptoms fit the above profile.

I am close to several people who suffer from Lyme disease. I know how brutal this disease can be. Thank you for reading.

Lana.

For more information:

• Bite Me, a Blog by Nicole Bottles
• Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation
• BC Center for Disease Control: Lyme Disease
• International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society

Too much risk, too little benefit: Enbridge's Northern Gateway Pipeline Proposal

Prince Rupert protest vs. Enbridge
Northern Gateway Pipeline, Feb 2012 

Dear Saanich South,

Today all members of the Official Opposition signed a letter that rejects the Northern Gateway Project.

This project proposes a pipeline to move crude oil from Alberta through BC wilderness to Kitimat. There it would be loaded onto super-tankers and shipped mostly to Asia. Once complete, the pipeline and terminal would result in 104 new jobs in Alberta and British Columbia.

Under Enbridge’s current proposal, BC would take on almost all of the risk and receive next to none of the benefits.

I've long been opposed to this project. You can read a 2010 post - "Can we learn from our mistakes?" from me about this here.

I’m proud of the statement we submitted today to the National Energy Board. It demonstrates a strong commitment to the environment, to First Nations and to the long-term best interests of British Columbia.

Here is a summary of why we're opposed:

A new Saanich Star: Paul Butterfield

A rare victory!

Kye with our rescued dog, Jake

Yesterday I had a good day at the Legislature. Even though I am part of the "Official Opposition" our job is to do more than  "oppose". And even though the Legislature is an inescapably partisan place, opportunities arise to work in a cooperative way with the government.

Over the last few weeks, I've spoken to many people who strongly opposed the government's proposed amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Most of the people who contacted me about this raised concerns that echoed the SPCA's perspective. The SPCA - which is responsible for the work laid out in this Bill - was very worried about  several parts of it and was demanding that it be withdrawn. 

To try and address a number of the concerns raised, I proposed several changes to the Bill. I'm happy to report that most of them have now been incorporated and will become part of the legislation. The SPCA is also pleased about these changes and is no longer calling for the Bill to be repealed.

There are more details in the article below by Rob Shaw of the Times Colonist and underneath that is a statement put out yesterday by the BC SPCA.

NDP scores changes to animal cruelty amendment bill

by Rob Shaw, Times Colonist. Nov. 19, 2012

B.C.’s Opposition NDP appears to have scored a rare victory on a government bill, by convincing Agriculture Minister Don McRae to change his animal cruelty legislation.

The bill, introduced last month, has been slammed by the B.C. SPCA because it would send appeals of animal seizures to the B.C. Farm Industry Review Board instead of B.C. Supreme Court.

The SPCA was worried the farm review board appeals process would take much longer, and the agency would be stuck with the cost of caring for the seized animals without any way to get the owner to pay until the appeal was complete. That could have threatened the SPCA’s ability to pay to care for other animals on a limited budget.

The amendments, to be introduced in the legislature Thursday, will give the SPCA the ability to ask the farm review board for interim costs from the owner of the seized animals. It’s similar to how the agency is currently able to ask the B.C. Supreme Court for interim costs — a provision that wasn’t carried over in McRae’s original bill.

SPCA CEO Craig Daniell said his organization is “really pleased” with the changes.

“That was probably our biggest concern about the bill when it was originally introduced,” he said. “Our opposition has always been, without having the mechanism to have interim costs, the matter could be further delayed. With this particular amendment a lot of our concerns have been addressed. Not all of the concerns but some of our biggest concerns.”

The amendments were originally proposed behind-the-scenes by the NDP and then accepted and turned into government amendments Thursday by minister McRae, said agriculture critic Lana Popham.

“This is a big deal because these cases, depending on how complicated they are, are very very expensive,” said Popham. “It may not just be a cat that’s seized it could be a herd of horses that take a lot of expense. The government currently does not fund any of that for the SPCA, even though they are required to house these animals. It just makes it more fair.”

It’s relatively rare for the Opposition to convince government to change its own legislation while it is being debated on the floor of the legislature.

“It actually wasn’t that painful, it was a fairly co-operative process,” said Popham.

A second amendment changes the bill to also require any government agents that seize animals to have approximately the same training as current SPCA officers, said Popham.

The Opposition will now vote in favour of the bill with the changes, said Popham. It’s set for committee-stage debate at the legislature Thursday.

http://blogs.timescolonist.com/2012/04/19/ndp-scores-changes-to-animal-cruelty-amendment-bill

Art of Marti Mussell on display at Community Office

"A moment in space, a moment in time" Acrylic.
On display at Community Office

Dear Saanich South,

I'm very pleased to announce that my community office is now showing the artwork of Marti Mussell.

Marti is a long-time resident of Saanich South and is well known in the Victoria artist community with showings most recently at the Sooke Fine Art Show, the Sidney Fine Art Show and the Martin Bachelor Gallery. Her work has also been displayed at Saanich Municipal Hall, Glendale Gardens and as far afield as as the David Guzman National Art Museum in El Salvador.

Marti's work is abstract and beautifully textured. She uses a range of mediums and techniques including pastel, ink, collage and printmaking. She says "the themes of place and time are important to me - I have been using leaves in recent work because of their textures and because they are so evocative of a specific place and the passing of time."

Thank you Marti for sharing your artwork with Saanich South! The community is welcome to drop by the office Monday-Thursday 9:30am-5:00pm.

Lana

B.C. Seniors' Home Renovation Tax Credit?

Dear Saanich South,

My community office continues to receive calls, emails and visits from seniors who are excited about a brand new program that has already been announced and re-announced several times by the BC Liberals.

According to a press release sent out by the government on April 1st, the $1000 “B.C. Seniors’ Home Renovation Tax Credit” is now available.

However, when my staff contacted the Ministry on April the 2nd to get more information for inquiring constituents we learned that the programme is actually not available.

In fact, there is no way to apply for it, the exact rules of the program have not been established and the enabling legislation has not even been introduced.

And if that is not enough, the fine print that has been disclosed makes this program far less significant than it seems.

The credit will apparently be only for certain types of renovations. For example, it can't be used to do renovations such as a roof repair or a wiring upgrade.

In addition, the $1,000 figure is the maximum allowable and only available if the seniors do repairs worth at least $10,000.

Assuming it is brought in as promised, the programme could help seniors make their homes more accessible. The plan is to make the credit available for things like a wheel-chair ramp. Properly implemented this should benefit seniors who already have the wherewithal to pay 90% of the cost of such improvements

But for now seniors are left with an overstated promise of a “home renovation tax credit” that is not available.

The latest press release trumpeting the program went out on April Fool’s Day. I suppose the joke is on seniors but it isn't funny.

If you would like an update when (if) this program finally becomes available, please let my community office know at 250 479 4154.

Lana

Lana Popham, MLA Saanich South

For more information, check out an article on this subject by Rob Shaw in today's Times Colonist: http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Confusion+seniors+over+credit+details/6408570/story.html

Smart Meters should be reviewed!

Dear Saanich South,

My office has received several complaints from constituents in the last few weeks about spikes in BC Hydro bills after the installation of Smart Meters. In almost all instances there is no other explanation - no change in consumption habits or energy usage. I've spoken with several people who are furious and scared about these increases because they are on a very fixed budget and cannot figure out how they will now meet their essential needs.

These complaints take on additional weight when added to the many more reported on by media throughout the province. 

The hard-working House Leader and Energy Opposition Critic John Horgan has been loud and clear on this issue. Today he called on Energy Minister Rich Coleman to order the B.C. Utilities Commission to independently review the complaints.

Art Show & Open House - this Wednesday!

Dear Saanich South,

You are invited to an Art Show & Open House at my community office, 4085 Quadra, from 7:00-8:30pm this Wednesday, March 28. All the details are on the poster below. I look forward to catching up and hearing your views on the issues of the day.

Lana

Deer, deer and more deer

A fawn in Spring. Credit: Ted Tyrrell

Dear Saanich South,

The rapidly increasing population of Black Tail deer in Saanich is of concern to many.

As the MLA for Saanich South, I hear from people with very different perspectives on this issue: from residents who enjoy daily encounters with wildlife, to farmers who say that the grazing deer will soon put them out of business; from those who believe it is morally wrong to kill animals and argue we should co-exist; to those who see deer as venison and a potential boon to local food security...and every view in between.

The problem is not that there are deer on the peninsula, this their home too - and we are fortunate to live in a place that can still support wildlife. The concern is the growing population on the peninsula and the increasing deer/human interactions. In the wild deer populations are kept in check by predators and limits in forage. But in our community, neither of these factors exist.

What should be done?

In November 2011, the Capital Regional District directed its staff to develop terms of reference for a Deer Management Strategy. At that time, I wrote to the CRD and offered to help them reach out to the community.

The CRD has now completed this work. (You can see that document here.) A Citizen’s Advisory Group is being created and it will develop the strategy with the assistance of a group of experts.

It’s my understanding that the terms of reference have been adopted, “with provisions that at least three members of the citizen’s advisory group be commercial farmers and that agricultural issues be addressed as a first priority”.

I support this approach and I note that the CRD expects the work of the Group to be done by
July 2012.

I look forward to a debate that is informed and sensitive to the range of perspectives on this
issue. There are no quick solutions… but we do need to decide on a strategy and move forward.

Lana

PS.If you are interested in being on this Citizen’s Advisory Group you can apply here. The deadline is March 30th.

Flag Ceremony at Elk Lake!

Hi Saanich South,

After five very charged weeks in the Legislature it was a great treat to drop by the Elk Lake rowing club-house this afternoon. As you can see their BC flag was just a little tattered and I brought them a new one. The wind storm this week really took a toll!

Elk Lake is a beautiful spot and its always inspiring to see so many young people dedicating long hours out on the water.

Thanks to Aalbert Van Schothorst, the Junior Program Head Coach, Jesse  Hume, the Masters Program Head Coach & Program Coordinator (who is pulling down the flag in the picutre) and these three very tall Victoria City Rowers for making the flag-changing ceremony so much fun!

The Victoria City Rowing Club has lots going on, check out their website to see the latest: http://www.vcrc.bc.ca/Home.aspx

Lana.

Shaw TV coverage of Pat Bay/Sayward intersection improvements

Thanks Shaw TV! Good coverage from the Daily about proposed safety improvements for the intersection at Sayward Road and the Pat Bay Highway.

 

Bill 22

To all those concerned about public schools in BC - and especially to teachers and those with kids in the system: Here are two videos showing what I said in the Legislature this week when I stood to oppose Bill 22. 

Part 1: March 7, 2012

Part 2: March 8, 2012

Change is coming for Pat Bay & Sayward!

Question & Answer at the Sayward/Pat Bay Forum

Dear Saanich South,

RE: safety improvements for the Pat Bay/Sayward Road intersection.

I’m writing to report-out on the community meeting held last evening.

The event had great energy and a super turn-out! Over 125 residents attended, filling the room to capacity. There was also excellent participation from the Cordova Bay Association for Community Affairs, BC Transit staff, Saanich Council and Engineering, and five representatives from the Ministry of Transportation (MOT).

MOT staff included Kirsten Pedersen who is both the Vancouver Island District Manager and the Executive Director of Strategic Priorities, as well as Dave Edgar, a Senior Transportation Planning Engineer.

Norma and Helen; look at those beautiful smiles!

I’m excited to report that the MOT is ready to move forward with the proposed safety improvements. For them, the last step needed was to see that there is strong community support to go in this direction.

And indeed there was! I tested the room on each of the proposed changes and there was an overwhelming positive response.

These changes were built out of the initial community meeting that I organized in 2010 and were developed through a working group of with community representatives, business owners, MOT, BC Transit, Saanich Councillors and myself.

It was a real treat for me to spearhead this process. I especially want to thank the many residents of Cordova Bay who volunteered their time and contributed many good ideas.

And what will happen now?

Bill 22

Here I am with my son Kye - who is in
public school - and our dog, Jake.

Dear Saanich South,

Many of you have contacted me about the ongoing dispute between public school teachers and the government.

Ultimately the government holds all the power in these negotiations and it has shown repeatedly that it is willing to exercise that power to gets its way, rather than do the hard work to bargain out an agreement.

The government’s previous heavy-handed approach landed them in the Supreme Court – where their actions were ruled to be illegal.

Surely we can do better than this in BC. A creative and independent negotiator should be brought in to bring out the good-will on both sides of the conflict and find a way through this. Our children deserve no less.

Unfortunately the government’s response to the current impasse, Bill 22, will only make the problem worse. Worse for students, parents and teachers. It increases class size, weakens protections for special needs students and hurts the quality of the education our children receive.

I will be joining my Opposition colleagues to vote against Bill 22. We will be raising our concerns and holding the government to account for this debacle.

I’m distressed to see that it has come to this. The teachers will strike three days next week and then may be forced back to work with a crude piece of legislation that will only worsen the conditions and atmosphere in our schools. It’s just not good enough.

The government is playing politics: they are increasing the fears and anxieties of parents and students to distract from their mismanagement of education.

I will do my very best to work towards a government where teachers are treated fairly so we can get back to improving the quality of education in this province.

Sincerely, Lana

Lana Popham
MLA Saanich South

Community Forum: Pat Bay & Sayward, this Wednesday!

Saanich South Community Office window

To the Community:

The intersection at Sayward Road on the Pay Bay Highway is one of the most dangerous on Vancouver Island. On average, there are 60 accidents every year.

Hundreds of people have raised this issue with me. People have spoken out clearly about what they want and what they don’t want. And I’ve been working hard to push forward low-cost solutions that will reduce accidents and improve the flow of traffic.

And I think we are almost there!

What are the options on the table?

Who's your farmer?

Question Period

This week in the Legislature I asked a question during Question Period. As Opposition Critic for Agriculture, I was raising an issue of tremendous importance to ranchers in the interior - I know many of them were watching and eagerly anticipating a response.

And indeed there is an obligation on the government to provide answers to the people of B.C. during Question Period.

But unfortunately what we got from Premier Clark was something closer to evasion and posturing.

Take a look for yourself:




I'm not deterred at all! The challenges facing farmers and ranchers are too important to be cast aside like this. I know the government can do much better.

Lana.

Sayward & Pat Bay

Dear Saanich South,

You are invited to a community meeting about safety improvements for the intersection at Pat Bay Highway & Sayward Rd.

Wed. Feb. 29, 2012
Cordova Bay Community Place,
5238 Cordova Bay Road.
6:30-7:30 pm 
Open House with options on poster-boards, tea and treats.
7:30-8:30 pm
Panel and open microphone.

In 2010 I organized a community forum to bring attention to this important issue. Ministry of Transportation staff and elected officials met in Cordova Bay with over a hundred residents.

You told us what you wanted and you told us what you didn't want.

A working group was created from that meeting. Staff from the Ministry of Transportation and BC Transit worked collaboratively with a community rep, muncipal councillors and myself.

Now there is a tentative plan to improve safety at this intersection!

Come out and hear the details.

Find out how community suggestions have been incorporated, and provide further input.

Your engagement will help improve the plan and create solutions that work for Saanich South.

Together we can get this done!

Lana

Lana Popham
MLA Saanich South

Check out the latest "Saanich Star", Bob Gillespie!


saanichstars.ca is a celebration of un-sung heroes in Saanich: people in our community who - through their strength of will - are quietly making big differences. 


Some of their stories are about overcoming hardship and adversity, other stories are about community service, innovation and leadership. 


The site was launched in June 2011 and we do our best to add a new star every month.

Sooke is skookum!

The indomitable Mary Alice Johnson,
Board Member, Sooke Region Food Chi AGM

It was a great treat for me to join my colleague, MLA John Horgan, and other friends at the Sooke Region Food Chi's AGM. This group is doing great work!

It was wonderful to see a room full of people actively working towards a strong local food system - farmers, gardeners and consumers alike!

Among the tasty potluck dishes, the exciting year in review and the ambitious planning for another successful year it is hard to pick a favourite part of the evening.

Having said that, I want to publicly congratulate the T'Sou-ke Nation - represented by their Chief Gordon Planes - on their announcement last night.

With a contribution from the provincial government, the T'Sou-ke Nation is moving forward with an ambitious agricultural green-house project. The plan is to cover several acres in green houses that would be heated and cooled with renewable energy! More details are here.

The evening renewed my optimism that food security can be improved on Vancouver Island.

My heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved!

Lana

PS. You can find out more about the Sooke Region Chi Food Society by clicking here.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Monday January 23rd is the year of the Dragon! I wish good health and prosperity to all of our friends and family in the Chinese community.

Today, I went out with fellow MLAs Rob Fleming and Jenny Kwan for some main-streeting on Fisgard.

Lana.

Our window at the Saanich South Community Office

Great window-painting by the very talented Deborah LeFrank!

Here are our constituency office hours for the New Year!

Erika Rolston and Samuel Godfrey will be happy to assist you if you call or come in!

4085 Quadra St
Victoria, B.C.
V8X 1K5

Email: lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca
Phone: 250.479.4154
Fax: 250 479 4176

Regular Office
Hours Monday - Thursday, 9:30am - 5:00 pm.

Stand up against hate

Gravestone at the Jewish Cemetery on Cedar Hill Road

On New Year's eve, five gravestones at the Jewish Cemetery on Cedar Hill road were defaced with swastikas and other hateful messages. You can read more about what happened in an article by Jack Knox in today's Times Colonist.

There will be a vigil at 1pm this Sunday, January the 8th, at the cemetery (Fernwood Road and Cedar Hill Road).

I will be there as the MLA for Saanich South to stand with our Jewish friends and show that people of all faiths and backgrounds are opposed to anti-semitism and bigotry. Please join me if you are able to. Rabbi Harry Brechner will speak to the need for respect and inclusivity. This is a good time to pull together as a community.

Happy New Year from Saanich South!

14th Annual Terry van Fleet Memorial Christmas Lights Bike Rid

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

A perennial family favourite!

Join the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition on a new night route, viewing colourful Christmas lights displays in the Saanich area. The ride begins and ends at the Victoria First Church of the Nazarene (4277 Quadra Street near Chatterton Way) with free refreshments and door prizes following the ride!

Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. The ride is approximately 20 kilometres and starts at 6:30 p.m. and returns to the Church Hall at about 8:30 p.m. Decorating your bicycle is encouraged.

The ride is free with donations encouraged (suggested donation $5).

All participating bikes must have front and rear lights.

Open House & Food Drive for Anawin House

Dear Friends,

Season’s Greetings!

You are invited to celebrate the holiday season at my Community Office Open House. From 5-7pm, Friday December 16th. 4085 Quadra Street. We’ll have festive cheer and tasty treats!

I’m looking forward to seeing you.

 Best wishes, Lana

PS. My food drive this year is in support of Anawin House ....donations gratefully accepted at the open house or anytime the office is open.Thanks for helping!

Babe's Honey Farm

Letter To the Editor,

The ownership of Babe’s Honey Farm has finally changed. The community of rural Saanich feels the loss of a once iconic working bee farm. Just a glimpse of this now wasteland brings sadness to many of us. Many of our Saanich community members and beyond, knew the first owners of Babe’s Honey, Charlie and Babe Warren. They have gone down in our history books as Saanich’s honey farmers. The second owner of Babes Honey farm has gone down in infamy for destroying our beloved farm in Saanich.

The demise of Babe’s honey farm leaves most of us questioning the outcome. We are in disbelief that this turn of events could not have been stopped. Many community members believe that this outcome came due to a failure at every level of Government, including Saanich.

This past week a new owner has been announced after a receivership sale. It is my understanding and my sincere hope that with new ownership comes the responsibility for remediation that would be a requirement of the Agricultural Land Commission. Full remediation means rehabilitating this land back to its original state.

This would mean the removal of approximately 60,000 cubic meters of construction fill, and more extensive soil testing. This land must be returned to its original soil classification of Class 3 or better.

It is the desire of our community to see this situation fully rectified. I am hopeful that the new owner wants the same outcome. It is my expectation that the Mayor of Saanich accepts nothing less for the community he represents. And it is my hope that the Agricultural Land Commission commits to enforcing its order to remediate.

As MLA of Saanich South and as a community member who adored Babes Honey farm, I will continue to work to see Babes Honey farm restored back to its full agricultural potential. We may have lost a part of our agricultural history, but we have the opportunity to change this story for the future.

Lana Popham

MLA Saanich South

12 Days of Christmas to Anawim House

Dear Saanich South,

Please help us show our generosity and caring to the clients and staff at Anawim House - bring your non-perishable items to either my office (at 4085 Quadra Street) or to Carole James' office (1084 Fort Street). For 12 Days, we will be collecting items for delivery on December 13.

Drop off your donations to the Saanich South office anytime from 9:30am - 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday! Donations to the Victoria-Beacon Hill office can be accepted anytime from 10:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Thursday and 10:00am - 3:00pm on Fridays!

Cheers!

Lana

Chef of the Year Statement - Nov 21, 2011

On Sunday, November 20 I participated in the Chef of the Year competition hosted by the Canadian Culinary Federation - Victoria, up at Camosun College. It was a fantastic fundraiser - showcasing local foods prepared by local talent.

Today, I made a statement in the Legislative Assembly recognizing my assistant and one of the Saanich chefs.

In Flanders Fields 1915

Saanich South Showcasing Elizabeth Caulton

Dear Saanich,

We are a very fortunate community to have such talented artists in our midst. My community office at 4085 Quadra is one location you can stop by and view some of their works.

Currently my office is highlighting the acrylic and oil works of Elizabeth Caulton.

Elizabeth was born in England and spent her childhood in the Midlands, which gave her easy access to the natural beauty of the Derbyshire Dales. She moved to B.C. in 1964 and continued her teaching career in both primary schools and University courses.

Elizabeth is using her retirement to devote more time to painting and exploring the use of various mediums in her creations of landscapes, florals, portraits and animal commissions. She is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and several local art clubs. Her works have been juried into the Sidney Fine Art Show six times - in addition to over 10 years of art showings all around Victoria.

I hope that you will find time to stop into my community office, on the corner of Quadra and Nicholson, to take in a selection of Elizabeth's fine work. We are honoured to host an artist of her caliber.

Lana

Time for leaves..........

How to Compost Leaves

Phyllis Heuerman
Frederick County Master Gardener Program

Leaves are often referred to as "Gardeners' Gold". Their bright green appearance in the Spring is a harbinger of the beginning of a new life cycle. Their presence in the summer provides much needed shelter from heat and rain for wildlife and humans alike, as well as being the vehicle through which trees produce their own food. Their dramatic beauty in the Fall can be unparalleled. In addition to all of this, properly used as mulch or compost they provide outstanding organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

Unfortunately, to use leaves effectively as mulch and compost they still must be raked or blown from your gardens and lawn so that you have control over where they are used. Leaving a thick layer of leaves on your lawn or garden can create conditions that lead to rotting of the grass or perennials beneath. So, to start with rake the leaves up into a pile.

Once your leaves have been gathered, you have a choice between using them undecomposed, as mulch, or composting them before you put then in your garden. Regardless of how you are going to use them, the first step is to chop or shred your leaves. This will save space if you are placing them in a bin, it will minimize their blowing around and matting if you are placing them in the garden, and it will hasten their eventual decomposition into composted organic matter.

If you do not have a shredder, and do not wish to rent one, you can use your lawn mower to shred the leaves. If the leaves are on your lawn attach a bagger to your lawn mower before you begin cutting. As you cut the lawn, the leaves will be shredded and gathered into the bagger. You may also gather leaves in a pile and run the lawn mower without a bagger through the pile. Direct the discharge shoot in one direction at all times so that the shredded leaves are placed in a pile and not blown all over the place.

Once you have your shredded leaves, you may place them in your garden as mulch immediately, if you wish. However, do not place an excessive layer of mulch directly on the crowns of herbaceous perennial flowers. This is not necessary, and it can lead to root rot. If you are trying to extend the season for winter root vegetables, like rutabagas, carrots, leeks, kale or beets, you may use a heavy layer of shredded leaves to cover them. You may find that you can harvest these vegetables all winter with this added protection from the leaves. If you do use uncomposted shredded leaves as mulch in your garden, you should add some slow release nitrogen fertilizer to the garden in the Spring, as the process of leaf decomposition may rob the soil of nitrogen.

Another alternative for your shredded leaves is to compost them, either alone or with other organic matter. The simplest but longest process is to place the shredded leaves in a wire bin. Leave them there for two years, turning them occasionally, and you will have a really nice product. Leaf mold is a special fungus-rich compost that can retain three to five times its weight in water, rivaling peat moss. The "Leaf-Gro" that is available in most of or local garden centers is leaf compost. The only disadvantage of using leaves alone for composting is you will find that you need a tremendous amount of leaves to produce any quantity of compost.

Leaves can be used more effectively as a component in a compost pile that contains a variety of organic matters. A good balanced compost pile contains materials rich in nitrogen and others rich in carbon. Leaves can provide the carbon component of your pile. Other good carbon components include straw, nonglossy paper, wood and bark chips. Good nitrogenous materials include grass and plant clippings, uncooked fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Use your shredded leaves and other carbon materials to layer between your nitrogenous materials in a bin. Turn the pile occasionally to aerate it, and make sure that it is moist, but not soggy. It is not necessary to add commercial compost starters or fertilizer to a compost pile to start it "cooking" but doing so may hasten the process. The amount of time it will take to produce compost depends upon its size, composition and conditions. The process can take anywhere from three months to one year. My small suburban compost bins take 6 to 9 months to produce a fully composted product. I cut the materials I am placing in the piles into small pieces, and I turn the piles about once every 3 to 4 weeks.

I find reusing organic materials such as leaves for mulch and compost to be one of the most satisfying aspects of my gardening. I hope you will give it a try.

October 24 - Art Show Open House

Dear Saanich South,

Those of you who have already visited my Community Office at 4085 Quadra Street, know that the space lends itself very well to displaying art. Fortunately for all of us, Saanich is a community with many, very talented, artists!

I invite each of you to come to a showing of the art currently gracing the walls of my office - by local artist, Dennis Jaques. Dennis is a self-taught artist who is spending much of his retirement as an active member of the arts community.

On Monday, October 24 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, we will partake in some light refreshments, good company and an opportunity to meet the artist himself.

In November we will be changing the art to showcase another local painter, Elizabeth Caulton, who has also been invited to this showing. We look forward to offering another opportunity to showcase her art in December.

I consider it an honour to provide my community with what I consider to be an important service - recognition of the arts.

Hope to see you Monday.

Lana