Bylaw passes to protect youth
After hours of views expressed by delegations, the Capital Regional District (CRD) Board gave third reading to the Tanning Regulation Bylaw (No. 3711); the bylaw will now be forwarded to the Minister of Healthy Living and Sport for approval.
The bylaw aims to promote and protect the health of children and youth from a recognized carcinogen by restricting minors under the age of 18 years from the use of ultraviolet (UV) emitting devices in public indoor tanning facilities — other than a physician’s office or medical clinic — for cosmetic purposes. Additionally, the bylaw aims to protect users of all ages by introducing regulations and standards for the safe operation and use of tanning beds.
At the January 12 Board meeting more than 40 delegations presented to the Board. The Board expressed appreciation for the quality and thoughtfulness of the presentations and the respectful discussion.
Research indicates that the use of tanning beds poses significant health risks, particularly in children and youth. The bylaw will work to protect youth and reduce risk of skin cancer later in life.
Further information, including public consultation and VIHA reports, can be obtained at www.crd.bc.ca/tanning.
Resident’s philanthropy adds new lands to Regional Parks System
Through a generous donation by local resident Dr. Joyce Clearihue, the Capital Regional District Board announced 45.2 hectares of land has been added to the Sea to Sea Regional Park Reserve .
Dr. Clearihue is a physician, philanthropist, environmentalist, history buff, avid hiker, mountaineer, backpacker and jazz enthusiast. She is the daughter of Joseph Clearihue, who was a lawyer, MLA, alderman, county court judge and chair of Victoria College council before it became the University of Victoria.
“The CRD gratefully acknowledges Dr. Clearihue’s monetary donation for the acquisition of this important parcel of parkland, valued at $295,555,” said Geoff Young, CRD Board Chair. “Her philanthropy provides a legacy for the permanent protection of lands within our regional parks system for the benefit of all residents.”
The parcel will be added to the Sea to Sea Regional Park Reserve, which is divided into several parcels intersected and bounded by public and private lands. The acquired land surrounds the Charters Creek Trestle with the Galloping Goose Regional Trail passing through. It is a key property in the Western Forest Products agreement whereby the CRD and partners are seeking funds to complete the acquisition of more than 1,500 hectares of land by August 2012.
As a long-time member of the Outdoor Club of Victoria, Dr. Clearihue has often hiked on the many trails in the Sea to Sea Regional Park Reserve, nestled in the Sooke Hills.
The vast wilderness area comprising nearly 4,000 hectares is located in the District of Sooke and Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, and lies within the traditional territory of the T’Sou-ke Nation.
Dr. Clearihue was recognized for her donation by the CRD Board at its 2011 inaugural meeting on January 12.