Recent Posts
Ferry unloading: a matter of luck
Does BC Ferries have a plan for how they load cars onto the Fulford and Vesuvius ferries? If I’m in line early and still get put on the outside lane, then what’s the point of getting there early? My question is: Does BC Ferries have a “first there, first off” policy? — Erin Jory, Salt... »
Two-lines versus zebras
I wonder why some crosswalks are marked with two parallel painted lines yet others are painted in a stripe pattern, like the Lower Ganges crosswalk at the corner of Rainbow Road. — SH, Salt Spring Island The Ministry of Transportation of Infrastructure refers to these two types of pedestrian crosswalk markings as 1) two-line crosswalks and... »
School zone etiquette: a need for reduced speed
Q: My question concerns school zones. I notice that the school zone by the Salt Spring Elementary school is marked with both the student icon and speed limit of 30 km/hr, but when you are in the area of the high school there is only the student icon, no speed limit. Is it still... »
Portlock Park pole mystery
Q. We’ve been walking around Portlock and noticed poles and these round concrete pads on the ground behind the batting cages. What are they? There’s about eight poles and they’re about 15 feet tall. Thanks! — Mel and Shell from Dagwood’s, Salt Spring Island A. The pads and poles are part of a track and... »
Saluting green, blue, red and white
I hear Salt Spring has a flag. Where did the design come from? — C.D., Salt Spring Island The Salt Spring Island flag was crafted out of a September 2001 design contest that was open to all island residents and held by the just-formed non-profit Salt Spring Island Monetary Foundation. Contestants were asked to draw a flag... »
ShelterBoxes for Haiti explained
Q. Salt Spring’s Rotary Club is fundraising to send ShelterBoxes to Haiti. What exactly are ShelterBoxes? — Michaela Wells, Salt Spring Island A. At $1,000 apiece, each box provides a tent shelter and other supplies for 10 people. Stepping up to aid in Haiti disaster relief, the international charity ShelterBox has sent 4,100 such boxes to... »
More local babies born in off island hospitals
Last week’s You Asked question fortunately led me to uncover further details regarding the number of babies born to parents who live on the Gulf Islands. G.S. from Salt Spring Island asked: “How many babies of Gulf Islands parents were born at home on the island in 2009; at Lady Minto Hospital; or at other hospitals... »
Number of babies born on Gulf Islands
How many babies of Gulf Islands parents were born at home on the island in 2009; at Lady Minto Hospital; or at other hospitals (Vic General, Cowichan)? — GS, Salt Spring Island The challenge for this one is that the B.C. Vital Statistics Agency — the government entity that records B.C. births via birth certificates... »
Hitchhike hand signals: a guide for drivers
Q. Because I live off a road fairly close to town, I’ve always wondered, what is the proper signal to give to the hitchhikers waiting by Embe Bakery, to let them know I am only travelling a short distance (and not going to Fulford)? Usually I gesture with my thumb and first finger, indicating... »
Don’t trash that Christmas wrap: recycle or reinvent it
Q. Does the Salt Spring Recycling Depot take wrapping paper? -J.S., Salt Spring Island A. After the presents have been opened, it can be frightening to stand back and survey the unwrapping aftermath. The cat is in his glory, stalking Christmas guests from beneath his new maze of paper tunnels, but to you, the piles of... »
