BUSINESS DIRECTORYBUSINESS DIRECTORY2011/2012 Homeowners2011/2012 Homeowners

2

3

Coaching, Life and HealthNew Way Life and Health

Coaching

250-324-1638

www.valeriechilds.com

New way coaching focuses on personal balance for happier, healthier living.

see ad on p15

ConcreteSure Span Ready Mix Ltd

3721 Drinkwater RoadDuncan250-701-0045

www.surespanreadymix.com

Residential and commercial projects. Engineered quality concrete, interlocking blocks.

see ad on p12

Confectionery/SweetsMr. Popper’s Sweet Shoppe

1-32 High StreetLadysmith250-924-8486

Locally made fudge, British candy and groceries, Dutch licorice, cotton candy.

see ad on p15

CountertopsMega Counter Strike

Countertops

3A 1160 Rocky Creek RoadLadysmith250-245-7860

www.megacountertops.com

Off ering a full range of laminate countertops, including several patterns in stock for fast service.

see ad on p13

Mid-Island Granite

1030 Oyster Bay Drive(in front of Home Hardware)Ladysmith250-924-2228

www.mid-island-granite.ca Specializing in custom kitchen and vanity countertops. see ad on p9

ExcavatingDavid Stalker Excavating Ltd.

10940 Chemainus RoadLadysmith250-245-7157

250-739-9020 (cell)

For all your residential and civil excavation needs, various size excavators and Bobcat Skidsteers available.

see ad on p2

Heavy Truck RepairsVan Isle Truck Tech Ltd.

1280 Rocky Creek Road Ladysmith250-245-3092

RV, Pick-up, and Heavy Truck Repairs by certifi ed technicians. CommercialVehicle Inspection Facility.

see ad on p13

Florist

Ladysmith Flowers & Gifts

320 First Ave.Ladysmith250-245-2131

www.ladysmithfl owers.com

Flowers and gifts for all occasions.

see ad on p8

Historical Society

Ladysmith & District

Historical Society

Unit B - 1115 First Ave.(Behind Tim Horton’s)250-245-0100

www.ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

Inexpensive books by local authors, historical cookbooks.

see ad on p15

Home Decor/Designs

Nikki Designs

250-245-4238

www.sewingbynikki.com

Custom crafted home decor. Draperies, blinds, slipcovers and more.

see ad on p9

Insurance

Ladysmith Credit Union

Insurance Agencies Ltd.

330 First Ave., Ladysmith250-245-2268ICBC, private auto, house, business, marine and travel insurance. ICBC approved agent for driver’s licensing.

see ad on p6

Landscape & Masonry

Van Isle Slate

3420 Smiley RoadChemainus250-246-4773

www.vanisleslate.com Featuring fl agstone, tumbled stepping stones, masonry thinstone, wallstone, patio slabs & steps, landscape stone.

see ad on p8

Lawyers

Bastion Law Group

250-753-5372

Divorce & family law, criminal law, civil litigation

immigration, corporate & commercial law, wills and estates, Wrongful dismissal, real estate & mortgages

see ad on p6

MarinaLadysmith Marina

Oak Bay Marine Group12335 Rocky Creek RoadLadysmith250-245-4521

www.ladysmithmarina.com

Boat moorage and storagesee ad on p9

Modular Homes

Vancouver Island Modular

Homes

9534 Trans Canada Highway Chemainus250-324-2288

www.vimodularhomes.com

The better stick-built home. Custom modular homes, single-wide homes, largest inventory of park models on Vancouver Island

see ad on p16

Pet Care

Walkabout Canine

Consulting

250-245-1347

www.walkaboutcanine.com

Training, grooming, teeth-cleaning by appointment.Home calls available.

see ad on p13

PoolsAquafun Family Pools & Spas

5265 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan250-748-2611

(1-800-496-2611)

Your Valley pool, hot tub and sauna store. Hot tub sales, service and repairs.

see ad on p12

DirectoryDirectory

Printers & PublishersBlack Press Ladysmith

940 Oyster Bay DriveLadysmith250-245-0350

www.ladysmithpress.comQuality web printers, fl yers, magazines, newspapers and more

see ad on p13

49th Parallel Printers

940 - First Ave.Ladysmith250-245-1200

Full Xerox digital copy centre for all your printing needs

see ad on p6

Recycling

Junction Bottle Depot

149 Oyster Bay DriveLadysmith 250-245-7376

Accepting drink, beer, wine and spirit containers, computers, monitors, printers and TVs and household paint and milk containers

see ad on p15

ScootersAff ordable Vacuums

530 - First Ave.Ladysmith250-245-0591

New in stock: mobility and 2-wheel electric scooters, sales, repairs and parts.

see ad on p12

StorageJunction Mini Storage

13136 Thomas RoadLadysmith250-245-2760

www.junctionministorage.com

RV & boat storage, residential/business storage, boxes, packing supplies, electronic gate.

see ad on p6

Vacuums

Aff ordable Vacuums

530 - First Ave.Ladysmith250-245-0591

Store for all your vacuum needs and repairs, bags, built-in vacuums. Now carrying scooters & e-bikes!

see ad on p12

Blinds/Screens

Tidal Blinds

250-416-0097

250-715-7733

tidalblinds@telus.netFeaturing blinds made in B.C. Free in-home quotes, consultations, deliveries.

see ad on p8

4

FOCUS ON LOCAL ISSUES!Subscribe

toREGULAR $30SENIORS $2527

32

5

Before you get buildingBefore you get buildingThinking about an addition to your

home? Maybe a new deck? Picture win-dow? Roof?

Tom Skarvig, Ladysmith build-ing inspector, said repairs

don’t often need a

building permit, but anything new to the structure needs to be cleared.

“If people are doing repairs to their house ... they don’t need a permit.

“But the moment they’re building a new deck, addition, new set of stairs, fi nishing off a basement, they do need a permit.”

So, if you are looking at replac-ing a few fl oorboards on your

sundeck, you don’t need a permit. Planning

on putting in some new

stairs? You need to get a building permit.Skarvig recommends giving him a call

before tackling a project as he can help people walk through the diff erent steps and procedures people will be faced with during a renovation.

When doing a renovation, one thing people must consider if there will be elec-trical work needed. An electrical permit can be attained through the B.C. Safety Authority or a qualifi ed electrician.

If there is any plumbing involved, a permit for that can be purchased through Skarvig.

When he is checking a project, Skarvig is making sure it adheres to the B.C. Build-ing Code and the town’s zoning bylaws. A copy of the B.C. Building Code can be viewed online at the local library.

If you have purchased a vacant lot in Ladysmith and are planning to build,

your fi rst stop should also be Skarvig or the town’s planning department,

who can advise people on zoning setbacks.

“That will give them the param-eters on how big the house can

be, how high.”Most contractors and

developers, Skarvig said, are already aware of the build-

ing restrictions.Town bylaws are avail-

able online at www.ladysmith.ca and

Skarvig said he can walk people through

navigation on the site.

❱ Do you need a permit?

6

Your Local Print Specialists

250-245-1200 940 1st Avenue, Ladysmith, BC

• Graphic Design• Digital Printing• Colour Copies• Business Cards• Laser Cheques

• Custom Forms• Stamps• Laminating• Fax Service• Scanning

• Wedding Invitations• Stationery• Locally Owned

BASTION LAW GROUPLawyers & Notaries

• Divorce & Family Law

• Criminal Law

• Civil Litigation

• Immigration

• Corporate & Commercial

• Wills & Estates

• Wrongful Dismissal

• Real Estate & Mortgages

Ronald E. PetersStephen T. LittleyLaura E. AllenKrystal C. TanDebby A. Baker, ParalegalKara M.C. Duncan, Articled Student

Izabella P. Filip, Articled Student

250-753-5372Fax 250-753-5368

405-235 Bastion St.,Nanaimo

410A First Ave.,Ladysmith

email junction1@shaw.ca13136 Thomas Road, Ladysmith

Junction of Trans Canada Hwy. & South Cedar Road

email junction1@shaw.ca13136 Thomas Road, Ladysmith

Junction of Trans Canada Hwy & South Cedar Road

• Clean, Dry Storage • Boxes & Packing Supplies• Electronic Gate • Video Surveillance

• Fully Secured • Access 7am-9pm• Fully Secured • Access 7am-9pm

7 days a week7 days a week

torage • Boxes & Packingtorage • Boxes & Packingtorage • B Boxes & & P PackingG SG S

250-245-2760250-245-2760

How you benefi t from having professional help to plan your will:

Deciding what to do with your estate can be daunting. Should you divide your assets equally between your children or other relatives? Should you leave anything to charity? How much would that cost, aft er taxes? With probate application fees as high as 1.4 per cent of an estate’s value, legal advice on minimizing them is helpful.A will must mean what you think it means, and be properly signed and witnessed strictly within rules. Your lawyer can prepare a will that is legally enforceable leaving little to question.A professionally prepared will helps minimize the risk of a court challenge and will follow your preference as to how you want your estate divided. Your lawyer can testify about conversations with you to avoid any confusion as to your wishes. Seeking the help of a professional will reduce problems and assure that your wishes are carried out.

Will planningWill planning

7

Understanding asbestosUnderstanding asbestos❱ Know what you are dealing with

If your home was built before 1990, there is a possibility it may contain some kind of asbestos.

Tom Skarvig stressed that it is a possibility and noted the substance is safe unless it is disturbed during a home renova-tion.

In B.C., contractors doing work on the house must have a HAZMAT study on the portion of the house they are doing the work on.

This is to ensure there is no

asbestos, lead paint, or other hazardous materials that will be disturbed during the project.

Do-it-yourselfers do not have to complete a HAZMAT study on the renovated areas, and in those cases, Skarvig said he must wear a face mask and special boots before entering the site.

WorkSafe BC has recently launched a website, www.hiddenkilller.ca, to make sure people are informed about asbestos.

According to www.hiddenkill-er.ca some of the most common places vermiculite is found are:

Spray applied fi reproofi ng — Found as fi re protection on structural supports, walls and ceilings. Asbestos containing and non-asbestos containing forms of spray applied fi reproofi ng may be found.

Mechanical insulation — Me-chanical insulation can be found on mechanical systems, includ-ing: boilers, vessels, tanks and

pipes. These materials often have a high asbestos content.

Linoleum — In older homes, the paper backing on some linoleum (sheet fl ooring) may contain high concentrations of asbestos. The paper backing tears easily and can result in high fi bre levels if disturbed and appropriate procedures are not used.

For more information, please visit www.hiddenkiller.ca.

8

Landscape & Masonry StoneLandscape & Masonry StoneChemainus Industrial ParkChemainus Industrial Park

250-246-4773250-246-4773www.vanisleslate.comwww.vanisleslate.com

VAN ISLE SLATEVAN ISLE SLATE

Ladysmith Flowers & GiftsLadysmith Flowers & GiftsHave you discovered Have you discovered

on First Avenue next to the Credit Unionon First Avenue next to the Credit Union

320 - First Ave Ladysmith, 250-245-2131320 - First Ave Ladysmith, 250-245-2131shop@ladysmithfl owers.com www.ladysmithfl owers.comshop@ladysmithfl owers.com www.ladysmithfl owers.com

• Fresh Flowers • Professional Designers• Fresh Flowers • Professional Designers• Gift Baskets • Same Day Delivery• Gift Baskets • Same Day Delivery

where you receive

Good Old Fashioned Service

• 2” Faux Wood Horizontals• 2” Ultra Wood Horizontals• 3.5” Faux Wood Verticals• Custom Valances• Roller Shades featuring “Sun Block Fabrics”

• Pleated Shades• Roman Shades• Roller Shades• Vertical Blinds• Cellular Blinds• Venetian Blinds• Wood Blinds• Motorization• 2” Faux Wood Horizontals

• • • • • •

als

Call us for a free in home quote:250-715-7733 250-416-0097

tidalblinds@telus.net

LocallyOwned andOperated!Featuring Blinds made in BC

Pleated Sha•

Here is a breakdown of the permits issued so far (January to August 2011) in the Town of Ladysmith:Commercial permits:

5 - Value of $292,260Institutional permits:

2 — Value of $20,000(New) Residential permits:

36 —Value of $4,761,299Residential (renos, additions, other):

58 — Value of $604,494Year-to-date value:

$5,683,053

Permits issuedPermits issued

9

The Finishing Touches...Draperies, Blinds, Slipcovers, and More!

NikkiMacCallum

250-245-4238www.sewingbynikki.comC U S T O M C R A F T E D H O M E D E C O R

We specialize in custom

Kitchen and vanity countertops

We Fabricate and install

Absolute best quality

And make our customers

ecstatic with the results

Our team is highly experienced in the industry ranging up to 15 years experience. Call today to arrange for free quotes, or stop by and meet our team.

Mid Island Granite1030 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith

(in front of Home Hardware)

Phone 250-924-2228 Fax 250-924-2229www.mid-island-granite.ca

OPEN: 8:30–5 M-F and 9–1 SaturdayOr call for an appointment aft er hours 7 days a week

Specializing in Custom Countertops & VanitiesSSSSSSppppppppeeeeeccccccciiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaalllliiiiiiiiizzzzzzziiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggg iiiiiiinnnnnn CCCCCCCCCuuuuuuuuussssssttttttoooooooommmmmmmm CCCCCCCoooooooooooouuuuuuunnnnnnnnnttttttttteeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrttttttttttttttttooooooooooooooooopppppppppppppppppssssssssssssssss &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssMid Island GraniteMid Island Granite

Granite starts at

$69per square foot

Funding renosFunding renosMaintenance is an inevitable part of home ownership. Beyond

routine fi xes, many homeowners aspire toward larger projects such as room expansion or a new roof or siding. Funding for these projects may require a loan from the bank.

A home equity loan or line of credit are common ways to pay for home renovations. A home equity loan can be used for a number of things, including paying education expenses or buying luxury items. Oftentimes, a homeowner chooses to borrow against the equity in the homes to make improvements that will increase the value of the property.

A home equity loan is also known as a second mortgage. Hom-eowners borrow money by leveraging the equity in their homes. Equity is the amount of ownership value a homeowner has in a property.

It is calculated by subtracting the unpaid mortgage balance and other debts on the home from the property’s fair market value. It’s important to note that some home values decrease during times of economic downturn.

Therefore, homeowners should do their homework prior to starting any improvements to determine if a home equity loan is a good idea.

There are two main types of home equity loans: A fi xed-rate loan or a home equity line of credit.

12335 Rocky Creek Rd, Ladysmith, BC250-245-4521 | fax 250-245-4538

Oak Bay Marine Groupwww.ladysmithmarina.com | ladysmith.obmg.com

10110000

Are you ready to $ell?Are you ready to $ell?

❱❱ Sprucing up the exterior Sprucing up the exterior

Whether you are trying to sell your house or are just in the mood to clean, there are a number of things you can do to freshen up your space. Guy Bezeau, president elect for the Van-couver Island Real Estate Board and owner/broker of Ocean Pointe Real Estate, said it all starts with painting

your front door. He said there are several helpful

suggestions people can follow to improve the look, and appeal, of their house. Bezeau said simple repairs in the kitchen can be a game changer for your house’s value, while adding a pool may not have you swimming in

dough at the end of the sale.Realtors, he said, can provide the

expertise and opinions you may want to hear about how that big project such as an addition will aff ect your bottom line. Here are some tips from ReMax Ocean Point Realty on getting your house in show condition.

The Lawn The House

❱ Keep the lawn trimmed and edged❱Weed and cultivate fl ower gardens.❱ Trim shrubs and eliminate dead

trees or branches.❱Pick up any debris, toys and lawn

equipment

❱ Repair any fences and gates and give them a fresh coat of paint.

❱ Have exterior clean and attractive, roof and gutters in good repair.

❱ Replace damaged windows/screens❱ Make entrance clean and inviting

❱ Make sure doorbell works❱ Have exterior professionally washed

11

❱❱ Immaculate interior Immaculate interior❱ Make sure walls are

clean of smudges, fi nger-prints and dents —

consider fresh paint.❱ Inspect woodwork and

wallpaper.❱ Arrange furniture to

make rooms more spacious

❱ If furniture is badly worn, store out of sight.❱ Tighten loose banisters❱ Replace discoloured or

cracked switch, outlet plates.

❱ Be sure clothes are hung neatly and shoes

and other objects neatly arranged.

❱ Bathrooms should be sparkling clean with no

stains or mildew.❱ Wash windows and sills

until sparkling.❱ Launder curtains and

drapes.❱ Shampoo carpets.

❱ Wax fl oors.❱ Replace loose door-knobs, sticking doors

and windows and warped kitchen drawers

and cabinet doors.❱ Fix leaky faucets and

eliminate stains on sinks and counters.

13

YOUR VALLEY POOL, HOT TUB & SAUNA STORE

5265 TRANS CANADA HWY., DUNCAN 250-748-2611 (1-800-496-2611)

AQUAFUNFAMILY POOLS & SPAS

“ENJOY THE WATER!”

SWIMMING

POOL DESIGN &

CONSTRUCTION SAUNATECFAR-INFRARED

SAUNAS

HOT TUB SALES, SERVICE

& REPAIRS

SERVING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

• Engineered Quality Concrete • Interlocking Blocks • Dependable Service

• Computerized Batch PlantOPEN MOST SATURDAYS

3721 Drinkwater Road, Duncanwww.surespanreadymix.com

250-701-0045

READY-MIX LTD.READY-MIX LTD.

VacuumParts, Sales & Service530 - 1st Avenue (Main Street)

Ladysmith 250-245-0591

We Now StockNEW• Mobility Scooters • E-Bikes

• 2 Wheel Electric Scooters

COME CHECK THEM OUT!Cut this ad out and bring in for a$50.00 discount off the purchase

of one of the 3 scooters!

No Insurance, Gas or License

Save$50_

Sales, Repairs & Parts

12

Winter-readyWinter-readyWarm-weather days will soon be a thing of the past and that means

prepping the home and landscape for the arrival of winter weather. Even though it may be blanketed fi rst by leaves and (occasionally)

snow, lawns need treatment now to be sure they overwinter success-fully.

In fact, lawn experts say there is signifi cant root growth that takes place during the winter — growth homeowners won’t necessarily see. People should continue to water their lawns throughout the autumn if there isn’t signifi cant rain and aerate it as well.

Applying a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen can help foster strong root growth.

Also, keep up on removing leaves that have fallen. Not only will they stifl e the lawn, but they may cause excessive moisture and mold to grow while inhibiting sunlight from reaching the grass as well. Before winter arrives, take the time to sow some grass seeds into the bald patches, if any. By late fall the lawn will stop taking up nutrients in preparation for winter.

1280 Rocky Creek Rd, Ladysmith, BCwww.vitrucktech.com

250-245-3092 TF: 888-545-3092

Gladden Rd

Grouhel Rd

Ludlow Rd

Home Hardware1st Ave.

Van Isle Truck Tech

Rocky Creek Rd

Island Hwy #1

Downtown Ladysmith

E. Madill

Are you looking for RV, Pick-Up or

Heavy Truck

Repair?Thats

what we specialize in!

,

R

Mention this ADand receive $15off your invoice!

Walkabout CanineConsulting

By Appointment • House Calls Available

250-245-1347walkaboutcanine.com

walkaboutcanine@aol.com

Training/BehaviorLearn how to train your dog

Grooming Full dog grooming services in a quiet setting

Teeth CleaningAn affordable solution to your dog’s oral hygiene program

• Quality web printers• Flyers, magazines• Vacation & Recreation Guides• Newspapers• Periodicals• Free quotes

es

Ladysmith

940 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith

250-245-0350

13

Building or Renovating?We offer a full range of laminate countertops

including several popular patterns in stock for fast service.Come in and see us, Mon to Fri 8:00 to 4:30 pm

“Your Laminate Countertop Specialists”“Your Laminate Countertop Specialists”

2250-245-786050-245-7860www.megacountertops.comwww.megacountertops.com3A 1160 Rocky Creek Rd., Ladysmith3A 1160 Rocky Creek Rd., Ladysmith

Paying for prosPaying for prosMany homeowners or renters

wrestle with the question of whether to tackle a project as a do-it-yourself venture to save some money or simply leave it to a professional. Each situation is unique, but there are certain factors that must be considered regardless of a hom-eowner’s particular situation.

On the surface, a DIY task can seem a very good way to save some money. After all, a large percentage, sometimes as much as 50 percent, of the cost of hiring a contractor goes toward labour. For a DIY job with no such costs, the fi nal fi nancial tally can be substantially less.

Although labour can be expensive, that cost is often justi-fi ed. People who hire carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and the like are paying for the workers’ experience. They’re also paying with the expectation that the job will be done correctly. With jobs that require a building permit or must be done to specifi c code, the contractor often puts his/her reputation on the line and will be held account-able if the work doesn’t meet requirements.

14

Local housing market stable

After a few years of ups and downs, the housing market in the Cowichan Valley is stabilizing says Guy Bezeau, president-elect of the Vancouver Island Real Es-tate Board and owner broker of Ocean Pointe Realty.

“For the most part we have a very stable market,” said Bezeau.

Since September 2009, the average house price in the Cowichan Valley has moved between just above $350,000 in 2009 and after slight increases in 2010 have settled at around $345,622 for single family detached house.

“I don’t see a tremendous rise in the future. I see a very stable environment , Bezeau said of his predictions for the market.

“If you go back to 2007 we had an incredible year. What we have now is pretty much consistency.”

Even the houses on the market are staying around the same over the last 12 months said Bezeau. Units listed the last 12 months to date are 1,516. The previous 12 months were 1,564.

There were 141 units listed in August 2011.

GRAPHS PROVIDED COURTESY OF VANCOUVER ISLAND REAL ESTATE BOARD

Ladysmith & DistrictHistorical Society

at the Ladysmith Archives (below Tim Horton’s)

We have inexpensive books by local authors,

historical cookbooks and Marianne Torkko Prints.

Hours: 9 – 2, Monday through Friday

Gift s forfor Every Occasion Every Occasion

y g y

www.ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

GGGGGGG

Complimentary Consultation skype, phone or office

New WayLife & Health

Coaching

What you can expect at New Way:Self-confidence and self-esteem

Goal settingReduced stress levels

Improved health and fitnessBetter relationships

15

Mr Popper’sSweet Shoppe

Hockey & Football Enthusiasts,come in for our own KETTLE CORN

Homemade, fl avoured popcorn!

Ranch, Nacho, White Cheddar

Hcom

H

Ran

• Locally made Fudge • British Candy & Groceries• Dutch Licorice • Homemade Cotton Candy• Dutch Licorice • Homemade Cotton Candy

Get Readyfor the Holidays

Christmas &British Grocery

BasketsTues – Fri, 11am –5pm Sat 10amTues – Fri, 11am –5pm Sat 10am–4pm–4pm

1-32 High Street 250-924-84861-32 High Street 250-924-8486

MMSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Hel

p P

rote

ct O

ur

Pla

net

...H

elp

Pro

tect

Ou

r P

lan

et... Recycle...it pays!

Beside Home Hardware149 Oyster Bay Drive

250-245-7376250-245-7376Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5 pmSunday: 10 am - 4 pm

Full refund for your drink, beer, wine, & spirit containers

ACCEPTINGElectronics (TVs, computers, etc)

Small Appliance (countertopmicrowave, pod coffee makers, etc)Household batteries & cell phonesHousehold paint & milk containers

Ladysmith Ladysmith Junction Bottle Depot

★★★★★

RailwayLightsX

Trans Canada Hwy

First Avenue

Nanaimo Duncan

Ludlow RoadLadysmith Harbour

Oyst

er B

ay D

r.

Junction Bottle Depot

Ludl

ow R

d

Reusing Reusing Chewing gum as an art medium? Beer as a hair serum? Surprisingly,

these items and many more are reused every day, playing a host of roles they were never intended for. Before items are relegated to the trash, individuals can think about ways these same items can be re-used and reincarnated into several other purposes. Here are some tips:

* Find out if it can be fi xed. An appliance on the fritz or a toy that has lost a part might not need to be discarded. Before fi nding the trash can, fi nd out if the item can be fi xed.

* Embrace newspapers’ versatility. There are millions of newspapers printed and used worldwide. While recycling does help cut down on newspapers, there are other ways to put old papers to good use. Line the bottom of refrigerator drawers with the paper to catch spills and eliminate odors. Use shredded paper as kitty litter or in bird cages. Wrap unripe fruit in newsprint to help it ripen faster. You can also place newspaper at the bottom of a planting bed before you cover it with soil or mulch to keep away weeds.

And don’t forget the Free Store at Peerless Road Depot, 10830 Peerless Rd. You pay a small fee to drop off reusable items, but items dropped off are free to take.

Don’t forget the Junction Bottle Depot in Ladysmith, which is also equipped to take everything from microwaves to drink containers and keep them out of the landfi ll.

Display Homes at 9534 Trans Canada Hwy, Chemainus Tel: 250-324-2288

www.vimodularhomes.com