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PAC seeks help with speeding prevention program

I began writing the Elphinstone community column three years ago this month! It’s been a fascinating journey and in spite of having lived in Area E for 39 years, I’ve learned heaps more about our community.
CC.Elphinstone-school
The playground sign near Cedar Grove Elementary School.

I began writing the Elphinstone community column three years ago this month! It’s been a fascinating journey and in spite of having lived in Area E for 39 years, I’ve learned heaps more about our community. Unlike the other regional areas (Howe Sound excepted) there is no commercial centre in Elphinstone and very few businesses given our close proximity to Gibsons, so there often is not much news to report, which is why I appreciate any items readers send me at: author.ggneilson@gmail.com.

As there is no post office in Elphinstone, we all have “Gibsons” as our return address. The wonderful and energetic Doreen Bartley (passed away in 2019) at one time led an ill-fated campaign to get Elphinstone its own post office. The closest we have to a “downtown” is Frank West Hall with the attached fire hall, Maryanne West Park and playground adjacent to Cedar Grove Elementary School.

Tamara Hedden, from the Cedar Grove Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), reports that they’re looking for volunteers to help with their speeding prevention program. One goal is to advocate for a crosswalk at Pratt and Chaster, a busy corner where many school kids cross. Tamara can be reached at: tamara@immaculatecleaning.ca. Please note that Cedar Grove Elementary on Chaster is a playground zone, meaning drivers must slow down to 30 km from dawn to dusk, seven days a week!

Tamara also reported, “We had a near miss at our school last week where a grandparent was verbally assaulted after picking up his grandchildren from school in an act of road rage.” People at the school, especially the grandfather and the two children, are understandably upset about the incident (who would do such a thing?).

In SCRD director Donna McMahon’s latest newsletter, she discusses, among other things, the topic of recycling collection and the results of the survey carried out from January to February with a 29 per cent response rate. Area E respondents were in favour of curbside pickup by a margin of over 71 per cent compared to 28.75 per cent not in favour. Some of those against said that if the full range of items currently being recycled at the depot would not be picked up, then they would still have to visit the depot; similar concerns were expressed at the April ECA meeting. Find the full survey with results at: everythingelphinstone.ca and go to the April newsletter.

Do you know a young person, 13-26, who’s interested in climate change? There’s a Youth Climate Forum (online) May 8, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more info: www.eventbrite.ca/e/youth-climate-forum-early-registration-now-tickets-145727369485

Here’s a fun fact – on May 1, 1871, 150 years ago this month, the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) was established under the Department of Marine and Fisheries, making it one of our country’s oldest government institutions. The Government of Canada gave a $5,000 grant to the University of Toronto to create a network of weather stations. Speaking of Canada – you should have received your census package. The online version was simple to fill out, especially if you get the short version, or phone the number listed to request your mail-in copy.

Another fun fact – the May meeting of the Elphinstone Community Association will be on Wednesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. by Zoom. Angela Kroning will be there to answer questions about orcas, eagles and salmon and director McMahon will give a report. To request the code, email: elphinstonecommunity19@gmail.com