Throwback Thursday vid and VOTING days/times/places in Campbell River in 2014!

After 6 years and two terms on Campbell River city council, it’s bittersweet to be watching the proceedings of the 2014 municipal election from the sidelines.  Since it’s a Throwback Thursday, I wanted to share this video reminder I put together for the 2011 election on how important it is to GET OUT and VOTE for the council that will have a direct impact on your daily life… this time for the next FOUR years!  The voting dates/times/places may be different in 2014 but the message is the same!  (Actual times/dates are AT THIS LINK)

It’s been an honour representing the community of Campbell River since 2008.  To those running in this year’s election, thank you for the time, courage and finances you’ve committed to the process and the desire to work on behalf of the greatest city in BC!

Sincerely,

Ryan Mennie

Canada Day 2013 in Campbell River, BC aka “The Continuing Adventures of the Canada Day Committee!”

As a member of the Campbell River Canada Day committee, and the wrangler of entertainment for the Eagle Telus Stage July 1st in Ostler Park, I try to capture some of the fun and uniqueness that makes the day so darn special. This video is a slice of that fun and uniqueness… visitors from as far and wide as Japan and Scotland, great entertainers from dawn to dusk, and Campbell Riverites putting on one heckuva good time for all to enjoy! -Ryan Mennie

Sunset Cinema in Campbell River Tuesday, July 9th 2013 at Willow Point Park!

Thanks to Coastal Community Credit Union, the really big inflatable movie screen returns to Campbell River Tuesday, July 9th at Willow Point Park (by the Sportsplex)!  It’s in support of Success By 6 in Campbell River.  The movie is FREE but if you’d like to support a great organization that helps make a difference for our youngest citizens in Campbell River, bring some pocket change along for popcorn, pop, and other goodies with proceeds to Success By 6 Campbell River.

Don’t forget your blankies, lawn chairs, pillows and more… the movie starts around dusk (9pm-ish) but show up early for some good lawn real estate!

More details HERE:  SUNSET CINEMA

New owners of the former Catalyst site in Campbell River… and their plans

The new owner of the former Catalyst pulp and paper mill site in Campbell River is Quicksilver Resources Canada Inc.  In a short amount of time since they purchased the site, they’ve been very interested in being open with their plans to both city council and the public.  This website has been set up specifically by Quicksilver to give folks a rundown of their plans and why they chose Campbell River for them!

DISCOVERY LNG – QUICKSILVER RESOURCES WEBSITE

SPLASH PARK GRAND OPENING IN CAMPBELL RIVER!!! JUNE 15TH 2013!!!!!

THE POSTER EXPLAINS IT ALL!!!  (including why I’ve used an excessive amount of capitalization and exclamation in this post!!!)

Red carpet premiere of locally made movie “The Brother” at Showcase 5 Cinemas in Campbell River

A year in the making… and it’s finally time for the Campbell River premiere of Michael Stevantoni’s locally made film “The Brother” Thursday, January 24th!

“The Brother” by Campbell River director Michael Stevantoni

Thursday, January 24th at 5pm at the Caprice Showcase 5 Cinemas at Merecroft Village, you’ll get to see the latest short film of young Campbell River director Michael Stevantoni (now in high school). Shot in the Campbell River and Merville areas, and using locations like City Hall and Dolphins Resort, the film features local actors as well as an original script by Michael and Diana Stevan (his very talented grandmother, who also acts in the film as my mother, and has appeared in shows like The X-Files and Millenium!).  The details of the premiere are just below the trailer… hope to see you at the show!

“THE BROTHER” MOVIE TRAILER

-Thursday, January 24th at the Caprice Showcase 5 Cinemas at Merecroft Village

-Doors open at 5:00pm, short film (30 min.) at 5:30pm, followed by a behind-the-scenes presentation and a Q an A with the director.

-Admission is a suggested donation of $5 with all proceeds going to funding future film projects.

-Not suitable for young children. Strong language and mature themes.

-Theatre concession will be open

Click for more details:

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Extra garbage collection the first week of 2013 in Campbell River!

Sleep in during the holidays and miss your garbage pickup in Campbell River like me?! Check this out from www.campbellriver.ca

“The tradition of extra garbage collection over the holidays will also continue this year. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 7, Emterra will accept extra trash for curbside collection to help people clear away after the holidays.   No tags will be required for extra containers, but the weight limit still applies. Each container must weigh no more than 20 kg or 44 pounds.

Questions about waste collection? Please contact Emterra at 250-286-0211.”

The 5 R’s… at Christmas time!

After four years as either an alternate or a full time member of the Comox Strathcona Waste Management committee, I’m starting to think of new and fun ways to implement the 5 R’s at home with my little family.  By the way, the 5 R’s are RETHINK, REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.  You can get more info here:  THE 5 R’S

I have to give credit to this neat little holiday decorating idea to the AMAZING Christmas house on the corner of 13th street and 4th ave in Lethbridge, Alberta.  If you’re ever in that city during December, you MUST go see that place.  I tried my own small scale version of their milk jug Christmas lights last year (take a 4 litre milk jug, fill it partially with water to keep it from blowing away, and then stick a Christmas light bulb in the top), but January 1st of 2012 I made it my resolution to REUSE all the milk jugs my four year old daughter Reina drank during the year.  It came to about 50.  Yes, my 40 lb little girl consumed 200 litres of milk in the first 11 months of this year.  Osteoperosis?  What osteoperosis?  Anyway, as you can see, we put those jugs to good use… keeping them out of the landfill and bringing holiday cheer to passersby at the same time.  In 2013, how can YOU follow the 5 R’s? 

p.s.  To read the most up-to-date draft of the Comox Strathcona Waste Management Plan, check out THIS LINK and scroll to the bottom.

Canada Day 2012 in Campbell River or “7 Months Of Fun With The Campbell River Canada Day Committee!”

As the title suggests, we’re on the eve of another fantastic day for the whole community of Campbell River and guests with the arrival of July 1st!  As the second part of the title clarifies, it took a few months of meetings prior to the big day to make it all happen!  Enthusiastic, committed volunteers on their own or representing a wide range of organizations and businesses have been meeting in the early hours every Thursday since January at Firehall #1 to make Canada Day happen.  It’s been an honour to witness that dedication to the community and to add my own energy on behalf of 97.3 The Eagle in helping make the Eagle Telus Stage entertainment in Ostler Park a reality.

Now that the day is almost upon us, there is a TON of information to share.  Enjoy the videos of some of the entertainers you’ll see on the Eagle Telus Stage starting at 2:30pm below.  I’ll also provide the link to the full list of entertainers.  A HUGE thanks to BAMM Media for creating the Canada Day committee’s website for 2012.  There, you’ll find the new parade route (and LAST MINUTE parade entry forms!), details on Kidsfest, and much, much more.  Also, share with everyone that it’s FREE TRANSIT til 7pm on Canada Day in Campbell River!

Finally, if you’re ever thinking of putting on an event and want to know how to make it a success, here’s a fantastic article by one of the great new members of the committee, Mark Myles.  HIGHLY recommended read:   MARK MYLES: HOW TO PULL OFF A GREAT EVENT

Without further ado, here are the very informative Canada Day links for the fun this Sunday in Campbell River!

EAGLE TELUS STAGE PERFORMERS AND TIMES

NEW 2012 PARADE ROUTE

QUALITY FOODS KIDSFEST TIMES AND EVENTS

CAMPBELL RIVER CANADA DAY WEBSITE

….and here are some of the Eagle Telus Stage performer videos:

CRUEL YOUNG HEART

THE LEFT

ELLISA HARTMAN

Campbell River Fire Department’s first ever Orientation/Media Day

Holding the Public Safety portfolio on Campbell River City Council, I was invited along with members of the local media and some city staff to learn more about our fire department at their first ever Orientation/Media Day. Yes, their job is tough, but pretending to be a firefighter for a day was a lot of fun! There are many recognizable faces from the community in this video… enjoy! And thanks to Chief Dean Spry and everyone at Firehall #1 and #2 for the up close ‘n personal education!

The Campbell River Wind Storm of March 12th 2012

In the early hours of March 12th 2012, southeast winds of up to 137 km/h (recorded at the Maritime Heritage Centre) hit Campbell River, BC causing road closures, damage to homes and parks, and power outages that lasted for 60 hours or more.  Here’s some of the footage of the storm I caught on video.

 

Recognizing a substantial volunteer in the community…

What has been said by many a person is that what makes Campbell River stand apart from many other communities is it’s volunteers… the people who commit their time to making the city an amazing place to live.

It’s with a very heavy heart that I write about the news that Campbell River has lost one of it’s substantial citizens and volunteers.

Fred Rose was not only a fantastic caterer you saw everywhere…whether it was at a wedding, a community function, or a fundraiser.  Fred was also an incredible volunteer.   I witnessed Fred in action on behalf of the Maritime Heritage Society at the first several years of the Campbell River Boat Rodeo when I MCed the event.  Over the years the rodeo grew into a fantastic day of fun and education for locals and tourists, showcasing some of the activities that take place on the water in our community.  Every year that event was what it was, first and foremost, because of Fred Rose.  Each year took months of planning, and each day was a very long one.

On behalf of everyone who enjoyed those events and the many other functions Fred helped turn into a success, I’d like to take this moment to recognize Fred’s substantial contributions to the City of Campbell River, and offer condolences to his family.

The best way I can sum it up is… the fabric that makes up the quilt that is Campbell River has a very noticeable hole in it today.

http://www.campbellrivermirror.com/news/138787689.html

Here is a video (not done by me) of Fred in action at a very special event 10 years ago.

Two months into my second term on Campbell River City Council…

Today’s a big day!  It’s officially TWO MONTHS since election day in Campbell River, and I’m very excited to find myself a city councillor representing you once again.  Two months is a long time without a post, and I apologize.  This blog hasn’t been silent because of a lack of things to talk about.  On the contrary, there’s been a substantial amount of activity in that time… I just didn’t know what I should write about!  Well, that’s changed, thanks to some fantastic stuff going on in our city that I wanted to share.

First, a short summary before I get into the events you want to check out.  Since elected for a second term, I’ve been appointed as a full time director with the Strathcona Regional District, as well as the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital Board, and the Comox Strathcona Waste Management committee.  As a councillor, I’ve been given the Public Safety (Crime Reduction) and Youth portfolios, as well as School/City liaison.  For ALL the councillor portfolio and liaison appointments go here:

2011-2014 CAMPBELL RIVER CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS

Okay, now for the inspiration for this post… Campbell River YOUTH!

A young Carihi student by the name of Emily Koopman took on a fundraising initiative for the organization Spread The Net.  Spread The Net provides treated mosquito nets to protect children and pregnant women in African countries.  It was Emily’s idea to put on a music concert at the Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River Saturday, January 21st 2012 to raise some money!  Listen to my interview with Emily Koopman and celebrity MC Gig Morton from the YTV show “Mr. Young” in the video below.

There was an embarassing amount of congratulations to Emily on my part in the interview, but when someone takes the time to make the world a better place, they deserve some recognition.  Especially when that someone is a young member of our community who could easily be distracted with a million other things at the moment in their teenage life.  Show your support for Spread The Net and Emily’s hard work.  To get YOUR tickets to the show go to www.tidemarktheatre.com  and click on “Spread The Net”.  To get you even more excited, here’s a video of Brock Zanrosso, one of the entertainers of the night.  I’ll see you there!

VOTING RESULTS for CAMPBELL RIVER can be seen here after 8pm tonight…

Today’s the big day folks!  The day when you pick the people who will be your voice in the city hall council chambers for the next three years.  A HUGE thank you to everyone who got involved, engaged, informed, and inspired about what we can accomplish in Campbell River!  VOTING RESULTS for ALL COMMUNITIES and ALL CATEGORIES can be seen at this site after the polls close at 8pm.
CIVIC INFO (CAMPBELL RIVER AND OTHER COMMUNITY VOTING RESULTS)

-Campbell River’s results will first be posted at www.campbellriver.ca
–97.3 The Eagle (streamed live at http://www.973theeagle.com) will have coverage of our entire region starting at 8pm.
-SHAW channel 4 will have coverage starting at 8pm.

Thank you again for caring about our community’s future and VOTING in the 2011 MUNICIPAL ELECTION!

Ryan Mennie and his family thank you for voting! It's about our PRESENT and our children's FUTURE!

Articles from incumbent Councillor Ryan Mennie to read prior to the Campbell River election!

Well, it’s advance voting day today in Campbell River at the Baptist Church on Dogwood (across from the RCMP building) til 8pm tonight.  And Saturday Nov. 19th is general voting day at Discovery Passage, Phoenix, and Southgate Schools from 8am to 8pm.

If you’d like to hear more from me prior to voting, please read these articles.  Thanks to both the Campbell River Mirror and the Courier Islander for the opportunities to be heard!

CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR:   A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE DESIRES TO BE-RYAN MENNIE ANSWERS THREE QUESTIONS

1. I envision a community that takes care of it’s citizens equally, no matter what age.  Support for our children, making sure all are ready to enter the school system, helping them become our future productive citizens in a city with less crime.  I envision a thriving economy where those who want to raise their families here will have the means to do so. I envision Campbell River being a place where everyone desires to be, not a place that people come from.

2. I’m still the highly positive, motivated and community minded person I was three years ago when I was first voted in. And now I have three years of municipal government experience under my belt to help navigate the financial challenges of the 2012 budget and beyond. Every Tuesday in the council chambers I look for balance and do my best to keep perspective on behalf of the entire community. Albert Einstein sums it up best as to how to tackle the next three years and beyond: “Learn from yesterday.  Live for today.  Hope for tomorrow.”

3. Three years ago I ran specifically to improve communication between City Hall and the community.  We now have a corporate communications strategy, and staff continue to work on ways to improve their messaging and engagement.  This year my word is “clarity.”  Moving forward, I want you to know why something is being done.  This also requires work on your part.  Be prepared to listen.

Most importantly, if you need clarification, go to the source, your council.  Your neighbour may have the best intentions, you may enjoy the heated discussions in the newspaper, but your council has the facts.

COURIER ISLANDER NOV. 16TH 2011 EDITION

With this being one of my last chances to talk to you prior to voting day, I’d like to sum up the last three years of work I’ve done on council and emphasize two key things to focus on in the next three.

Being elected to council in 2008 was one of the most exciting things I’ve experienced in my life. Learning what it means to be a good councillor has been mind expanding. The job itself has been very challenging and rewarding. The scope of the job and the scale of representing 32,000 citizens is immense. And my municipal education came during a global economic downturn and time of substantial change locally. But what an education! I’ve officially graduated from the school of hard knocks, and me and my young family are ready to commit to another three years of serving you.

In that time, I’ve learned that two things get you by when money is tight. Creative thinking and collaboration. This is the era of collaboration…finding partners within the community who believe in the same goals, and being creative in achieving those goals. Collaborative achievements in the last three years include the community garden, greenways loop and lacrosse box. Just wait for the next one…the spray park!

This quote from Albert Einstein has guided me on council the last three years and I will use it to guide me again. Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

Ryan Mennie stands by photos of others who have served on Campbell River city council

p.s.  This photo and others used in my campaign thanks to my fantastic wife Ludy from www.menniememories.com 

You’ve heard from the candidates, you’ve seen the signs, now GET OUT AND VOTE!

The first opportunity to vote for Campbell River’s next mayor and six councillors is today at the Baptist Church on Dogwood.  I took some video of my experience, and added some sobering statistics from the 2008 election in our city, showing that more people need to get involved in our community’s future and have their voice heard.  Check it out!

 

Great way to start the week…

If we’ve never had the chance to meet in the last 13 years, now’s a great time! If we haven’t talked since I’ve been on council the last 3 years, here’s the place!  Hope you can make it.  Please “share” at the bottom of this article if you know anyone else who might be interested!

Campbell River votes: A short summary of Ryan Mennie’s 2011 municipal election platform…

Hello!  If you’re visiting my blog for the very first time after typing in the website on my campaign brochure, WELCOME!  Feel free to skip the info on this pic and scroll further down to my press release and other information that I’ve blogged about for the past three years as a member of council.  Some items are of special interest to me, some are issues I’ve tried to provide further information about when both sides of the story weren’t being shared through other outlets.  ALSO… you can visit my facebook page HERE:   RE-ELECT RYAN MENNIE FACEBOOK PAGE 

The Campbell River Chamber of Commerce recently held an all-candidates business forum, and posted candidate answers to their nine business related questions.  You can READ MINE HERE.

Finally, if you would like a snapshot of what I’ve done with my time as a volunteer in Campbell River the last 13 years, please click on RYAN MENNIE’S  BIO (or at the top of the page)!

NEW voting locations for the 2011 local government election in Campbell River!

Ryan Mennie in the Campbell River council chambers

This year the voting locations in Campbell River have CHANGED.  Below are the new locations and times, as taken from the City of Campbell River website.

 

Advance and Special Voting Opportunities

Advance Voting Opportunities will be provided on Wednesday, November 9^th and Wednesday, November 16^th  at the Baptist Church, 260 Dogwood Street, main entrance from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for those persons unable to vote on November 19^th .

Special Voting Opportunity will be provided at the Campbell River General Hospital Thursday, November 17^th 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Campbell River Voting Places

The following Campbell River Voting Places will be open on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Ecole Phoenix Middle School                          400 – 7th Avenue

Southgate Middle School                               740 Holm Road

Discovery Passage Elementary School          2050 Pengelly Road

 

Gearing up for the 2011 Campbell River municipal election…

Councillor Ryan Mennie at work in the Campbell River council chambers

Can you believe it?  Three years have passed since the 2008 municipal election in Campbell River.  It’s time once again to select a group of seven individuals who will represent your interests as a team in the council chambers at city hall and at large in the community, the province, and the country.  It’s been an honour to do just that in my first council term.  It’s also been one of the most incredible learning experiences of my life.  I’m looking forward to putting three years of municipal governance experience and an even stronger understanding and connection to the community to effective use in another term.  And it definitely hasn’t been just any three years of our city’s history to come to grasp with the true job of being on council.  It’s been the official school of hard knocks.  We’ve all lived the upheaval and transition our city has had to face the last several years in our daily lives.  In my press release sent to the media today, I reflect on some of the challenges we’ve had to face as a community, and the kind of environment I entered into at city hall as a new councillor.  But I also want to remind us all of some of our achievements during that time, and move forward with a sense of satisfaction and optimism that if we can survive those past few difficult years, we can survive anything.

COURIER ISLANDER story

PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 7, 2011

Incumbent councillor Ryan Mennie has officially put his hat in the ring once again. As his first term on council comes to an end, he puts the last three years into perspective.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging time to come on as a new councillor. In three years, I’ve worked alongside three different city managers. As part of council, I helped to almost completely rebuild our economic development office Rivercorp, revitalizing their board with representatives from all areas of business in our community and helping them find a new CEO. The city was also severely short-staffed in several departments, including finance, making the first two budget sessions very challenging. And all of this took place while our community was losing millions of dollars worth of tax revenue with the closure of the Timberwest sawmill and the Catalyst pulp and paper mill.”

In spite of the hurdles in his first three years, Mennie remains positive about his time spent on council and optimistic about the future. “During those challenges of inner turmoil at the city and the loss of a substantial amount of tax revenue and local jobs, there were some major achievements. We extended our runway and made improvements to our airport. We replaced a massive amount of aging water and sewer infrastructure on the highway in Willow Point on time and on budget . Both of these projects, totaling about $22 million, were done without borrowing thanks to the majority of funding coming from the provincial and federal governments. In the end we have a new airport authority promoting the facility as an industrial investment opportunity that can attract larger aircraft, and the seawalk was made even more beautiful and enjoyable as part of the highway project. Now imagine what we can achieve as our city gets on it’s feet again!” Amongst all the work done in the city the last three years, there’s one project Mennie is most proud of. “Being the voice of young families in the community, I fought hard in my very first budget session to make sure the rest of council was aware of the need for replacing the playground at Willow Point Park. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids enjoying that new playground as I push my daughter on the swings made those long, late night budget sessions all worth it.”

With election day looming, Mennie has some thoughts on how to move forward as a community. “We have a soon to be adopted sustainable official community plan that many people provided input into. That maps out the direction Campbell River needs to go over the next 25 years or so. In the short term, the city needs to continue to work on public engagement and communication. Improved communication was a big key piece of why I ran three years ago, and although we’ve made some big steps in the right direction, we need to continue working on that. The engagement side really paid off with some smaller projects in partnership with folks in the community like the Laughing Willow community garden, the building of the lacrosse box and the continuation of the Greenways Loop. I’m really excited about working with other community members who come forward in the next three years to help them achieve their goals.”

You can read more of what Mennie has been up to in the community during his time on council at www.ryanmennie.com.

Join the discussion on the Re-elect Ryan Mennie for Campbell River City Council facebook page.

Follow on twitter at www.twitter.com/ryanmennie

Red carpet premiere of Campbell River movie “Cipher”!

 

EDIT:  MISSED THE RED CARPET PREMIERE?  Watch CIPHER on SHAW in CAMPBELL RIVER, POWELL RIVER, and the COMOX VALLEY!  Here are the TIMES:

Air dates and times:

CIPHER

Thursday October 20 @ 9pm in CR/CV/PR

Friday October 21 @ 10am in CR

Friday October 21 @ 11pm in CR/CV/PR

Sunday October 23 @ 3pm in CR

Sunday October 23 @ 8pm in CR

CR is Campbell River, CV is Comox Valley, PR is Powell River

EDIT:  Thanks to FANTASTIC ATTENDANCE and SUPPORT at the one night only showing of CIPHER, we raised over $500 for community theatre group RIVERCITY PLAYERS!  Way to go, movie fans and theatre-goers!

EDIT:  THE FILM PLAYS ONE NIGHT ONLY IN CAMPBELL RIVER, TONIGHT (WED. SEPT. 28 2011)!    SUGGESTED $5 DONATION TO RIVERCITY PLAYERS (Campbell River theatre group, with several of their actors featured in CIPHER).  Doors open at 5:30pm at Showcase 5 Theatre at Merecroft Village.  Short film and behind the scenes start at 6pm sharp.  All done by 6:45!

CLICK FOR MOVIE TRAILER!

——————————————————————-

After a YEAR worth of work, it’s finally done!  And you get to see it!  On the big screen!!  But I’m getting ahead of myself.  Let me back up a bit.

Summer 2010.  Rivercity Players (one of Campbell River’s fantastic community theatre groups) sends out a call for interested adult actors to perform in a local film production.  Turns out the director of the local film production is 14 years old.  Okeydokey.  Well, I remember being 14 and interested in the world of multimedia (a path that eventually led me to becoming a professional broadcaster, and volunteer cameraman at multiple community TV stations) so I thought “what the heck”.   With my job as a councillor and on the air, and a dad of a 3 year old, I have much less time to enjoy creative pursuits these days.  A short ‘n sweet two week shooting schedule squeezed in here and there would be fun.

 At the same time, it’s great to be able to support up and coming talent in our community, a portion of the mandate the folks from the CRCIC (Campbell River Creative Industries Council) I’ve worked alongside for a couple of years now also live by.

So we shot the film locally, I met some great new folks and reconnected with some Rivercity Players buddies from productions past (Harvey, Bus Stop, Death Of A Salesman).  Then we waited.  We had the easy part.  The 14 year old director put a lot of blood and sweat and time and talent behind the scenes working on the final product.  He wrangled musicians and effects people from across the globe.  He edited.  He re-edited.  His computer crashed.  He used other computers from around Campbell River.  They crashed too.  Or didn’t do what he needed them to do, like computers do from time to time.

Back to that first statement… after a YEAR of work, it’s finally done!  A very slick, intense little thriller “short” (18 minutes long) called “Cipher”.  And thanks to the assistance of Joan and Tanya at INfilm (the Vancouver Island North Film Commission), among other things, we now have a press release (see below).  The now-15-year old director is about to showcase his film to an audience.  In a real movie theatre no less.

And how cool is this?  It’s also being featured at the TULSA, OKLAHOMA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL on Friday, September 23rd!  Here’s the summary AND the movie trailer:  After the Campbell River premiere Wed. Sept. 28th (a suggested $5 donation for Rivercity Players, doors opening at 5:30pm, the 18 minute film to be followed by a 15 minute behind the scenes video) it will ALSO be featured at the International Student Film Festival in HOLLYWOOD in November!  CLICK for the MOVIE TRAILER and details.

Okay, okay… can you tell I’m excited?  No, it’s not my big screen debut (I was an extra in Legends of the Fall, Big Bully, and Excess Baggage) but it is in a “speaking role”!  And of course I’m very excited for the young director’s efforts to finally be realized.  He’s earned some attention!  In case you missed it, here’s the FACEBOOK EVENT page.  And without further ado… the press release from INFILM.

N E W S R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release

September 14th, 2011

YOUNG CAMPBELL RIVER DIRECTOR PREMIERES SHORT FILM

Campbell River

On Wednesday, September 28th 15-year old Michael Stevantoni will premiere the short film “Cipher” at Caprice 5 Showcase Cinemas in Merecroft Village. The event is by donation with proceeds to the local theatre group, Rivercity Players.

“Michael is a talented young filmmaker,” says Joan Miller, Vancouver Island North Film Commissioner. “From the initial phone call with his production crew sourcing information on film locations and permitting, our staff always felt like we were working on a professional film project. The story revolves around an explosion that destroys a city landmark,” comments Miller. “It is interesting to see how access to new technology through the art of visual effects enabled Michael to shoot and edit using a software program on his home computer.”

Produced by Michael Stevantoni and Diana Stevan, Cipher features local actors and locations. The story follows detective, Harry Crichton, played by Ryan Mennie, who receives a cryptic message from a bomber. With the city in a panic it is a race against time to find hidden clues in the message before the bomber strikes again but little does Harry know what is really at stake.

“Cipher has been selected for the Tulsa International Film Festival under the emerging filmmaker category focused on students and their work. Official selections within this subdivision will have a high degree of exposure, and their submissions screened at the Tulsa Center for Creativity’s cutting edge facility,” says Miller. “We encourage everyone to support local talent and come out to watch this homegrown production.”

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show at 6:00 p.m., followed by a behind-the-scenes presentation and question and answer session with the director.

For further information contact:

Producer Diana Stevan

Tel. 250-286-6960

Attention citizens and community groups: have input in next year’s provincial budget!

I just received a hot tip today of a substantial opportunity for you to have your say regarding the 2012 PROVINCIAL budget.  You can do it several ways… by online survey, with a written submission, or at a public hearing.  The closest one in our area is Thursday, September 22nd from 9am to noon in Courtenay.  Registration is underway as of today for the public hearing, so if you or a group you’re involved in wants a direct line to our provincial government, check this link out asap!

http://www.leg.bc.ca/budgetconsultations/index.htm

Good luck, and tell ’em Councillor Ryan Mennie sent you!

Hatcheries and health centres and grizzlies, oh my! Adventures with Homalco First Nation…

Boy, what a summer it’s been for the Homalco First Nation!  First, they celebrated the culmination of eight years worth of work in opening the Homalco Health Centre on July 15th.  I was honoured to speak as Acting Mayor at the opening on behalf of Campbell River city council and congratulate them on their achievement.    Unveiled at the event were several carvings and works of art that would find a new home further north at Orford Bay during another prestigious event a month later.  That event was to celebrate the opening of the Homalco First Nation interpretive centre, a key piece of their Homalco Wildlife Tour program that gets you up close and personal with grizzlies feeding in the Orford River.  It was a great opportunity to hear how the returns of their salmon hatchery efforts would literally feed into the success of their grizzly tours.  Thanks to local adventure tour company Eagle Eye Adventures, their fantastic and knowledgeable guide Nick,  and their new owner Jos I was able to attend the event by zodiac, and capture our adventures at the event and along the way.  Make sure you watch the video not only for Chief Richard Harry’s summary of the big day, but for some great footage of orcas, black bears and other wildlife we witnessed that day.   Then say hi to Jos and Nick and the gang at Eagle Eye Adventures to book your trip to see the grizzlies through Homalco Wildlife Tours!

Calling all Campbell River and area loggers who want to be in the new SUPERMAN movie!

As one of the biggest movie fans you’ll find, and as a proud supporter of the work of the Vancouver Island North Film Commission (INFILM), I was super excited to hear that the new Superman movie starring Kevin Costner and Russell Crowe would be filming some segments in our neighbourhood (that’s on top of the G.I. Joe 2 stuff already in the area).  Having been an extra in a few films myself (Legends of the Fall, Big Bully, Excess Baggage) I can say it’s a very interesting experience and you meet a lot of great people. 

Ryan Mennie in centre, smiling away, so excited to be in a scene with Brad Pitt and Henry Thomas

Gettin’ wet in the trenches filming Legends Of The Fall in 1993!

Dressed as a German Engineer right of gatling gun in Legends

Top centre of screen as a German soldier, firing at myself as a Canadian next scene!

Well, there’s officially a chance now for YOU to be in the SUPERMAN movie!  These are the details from the INFILM extras casting call at http://www.infilm.ca/newsmodule/view/id/206/src/@random41940a897e943/

 

OPEN EXTRAS CASTING CALL IN NANAIMO

By: infilm on 08/15/11

A major studio film from Warner Bros. and the Director of “300″ seeks paid extras in to work in the Nanaimo area. Men, women, of all ages & all types – are encouraged to apply.
Especially hope to find some good older Character Faces, and some strong looking LumberJack types. We will need some women, some with Waitress experience as well.
No children required for this work.
The film is shooting in Nanaimo area Early October. Commitment would be 1 to 2 days TBD.
Those interested should attend the open casting call below or submit a photo and contact information online at
Movieextrasearch@shaw.ca
Open Casting Call:
Saturday August 20th 2pm to 6pm. Benson Room The Coast Bastion Hotel 11 Bastion Street Nanaimo. BC
Must be a legal resident of Canada to apply.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

And more details at this site:   http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php?readmore=10176

Good luck with the casting… let me know if you get called back! 

Movies Under The Stars returns to Campbell River Wed. August 24th 2011

Not to be confused with Sunset Cinema that we had in Campbell River about a month ago (with the movie Rango) “Movies Under The Stars” returns to Willow Point Park (the Sportsplex field) Wednesday, August 24th! Last year’s presentation was entertaining and educational… the education supplied by Comox Strathcona Waste Management and partners, and the entertainment on the big screen was Toy Story 3. This year, the “pre-show messaging and information about helping to build healthy communities through waste reduction initiatives and sustainability” returns, along with a CLASSIC movie from 1982. Did you see this on the big screen the year it came out? If you missed it at the theatre or at the drive-in… or still have the doll and want to relive the moment, make sure you round up the kids and the lawn chairs to see THIS:

E.T. will fly past the moon in Campbell River August 24th!

Henry Thomas demonstrates "reusing" a plastic box...

How cool is that?  Did I mention I was in a movie with Henry Thomas, the kid in the red jacket?  Okay… that’s a story for another time.  Nice guy. 

Back on topic, I have learned quite a bit about reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering from the experts in my time as an alternate director on the Comox Strathcona Waste Management committee. 

 

To add even MORE fun to the night, Comox Strathcona Waste Management is giving you the chance to win FRONT ROW SEATS (yes, you even get to KEEP the comfy adirondack chairs)at the show plus snacks at THIS LINK.  Follow the directions on how to enter on their facebook page and tell them what you do to support the solution to zero waste in our community.

 

Again, it’s a free presentation… bring your blankies and lawn chairs.  The show starts at dusk.  And if you still have this little guy, bring him too! 

Remember this guy? Still own one?

 

(No, that’s not mine.  I… gave mine away.  Years ago.) 

 

Delivering Buddy Bears to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation from the 3rd Annual Variety Children’s Radiothon

Hospital Foundation Executive Director Stacey Marsh is officially handed one of the 207 Buddy Bears donated by local businesses and individuals in this year's Variety Children's Radiothon. Reina Mennie, daughter of Ryan Mennie, is pleased to do the honours!

It was a beautiful, sunny day outside the Campbell River Hospital where my daughter Reina and I held an impromptu Teddy Bear Picnic with Stacey Marsh, Executive Director with the Campbell River Hospital Foundation.  Okay, okay… it was actually a photo shoot set up by my wife Ludy to capture the fantastic results from this year’s 3rd Annual Variety Children’s Radiothon on 97.3 The Eagle.   Each bear has a wristband featuring the name given to it by it’s donor.  The bears will be given as an extra boost of encouragement and support to children receiving treatment at the Campbell River Hospital.  Through bear purchases and other donations by Campbell River and area community members, this year’s radiothon raised $35,632 for Variety The Children’s Charity.  That money (and more, courtesy Variety) will return to our community to support local families and children’s organizations.

Stacey Marsh, Reina and Ryan Mennie, and a whole lotta Buddy Bears!

Photos by Ludy Mennie of Mennie Memories Photography

O Canada!!! Fun with the Campbell River Canada Day committee in 2011…

I can’t believe it.  IT’S ALMOST CANADA DAY!  TWO WEEKS from the day I’m writing this post, we’ll be celebrating in Campbell River like no other community.  And like all of them!  From all the exclamation marks, capitalizing, and previous Canada Day videos I’ve recorded and put together over the last several years, can you tell I GET EXCITED about CANADA DAY!?

Well, it’s a HUGE day for the community, and a big day of fun for our city’s guests as well.  In fact, this year’s theme is “From Far And Wide.”

That theme for 2011 sums up how I’ve approached an extra duty this year as a volunteer member of the Campbell River Canada Day committee.  Dave Tabish, a local businessman, father of guitar prodigy Brice Tabish (from past Canada Day entertainers Lymozeen), and all-around neat guy passed the baton to me this year as the person who books the entertainment for the Eagle Spirit Stage in Ostler Park.

Musician Stef Lang and Councillor Ryan Mennie VERY excited about Canada Day 2011!

Through a combination of  a set (and small!) budget from the committee and my contacts with artists and promoters through my 13 years at the Eagle radio station, I’ve had a lot of fun over the course of the last 10 months wrangling the final lineup of entertainers for 2011.   In fact, It’s been a huge learning experience.  Not everything transpired the way I or others thought it would or should.  But what I had envisioned from the beginning that has transpired is this:  I’ve found very exciting, very talented musicians who were willing to lower their fees to come and play for Campbell Riverites and their Canada Day guests and bring us all something we’ve never experienced before.   Musicians like Stef Lang (in the pic above), Chantel Upshaw, and Wil.  In the end,  I believe this lineup is going to provide a great musical experience on par with other years.   It’s also going to showcase some amazing musicians who are very excited to be a part of our city’s big day for the very first time.

The EAGLE SPIRIT STAGE 2011 LINEUP can be found here!

Did I mention it’s a FREE SHOW?

p.s.  I would love to sum up the work of the other incredible, dynamic, tireless Campbell River Canada Day committee members in this post, but it truly can’t be summed up in words.  Check out this link for more details of the day they’ve helped cook up for you this year, and when you see them on the mainstage in Ostler Park at cake cutting time, please give them your thanks with smiles!

And some people wonder why we have a Spirit Square?

Ryan Mennie at the 1st Campbell River Scottish Festival/Tartan Day

I just returned from celebrating Campbell River’s FIRST EVER Scottish Festival and National Tartan Day event.  What a great turnout by Scots and their families and supporters alike!  A big thanks to the organizers who put on the event (Ron Kerr and Scotty MacLaren included), the pipers, the dancers, and the many entertainers.  Oh ya… plenty of proud Scottish folk showing off their kilts as well.  Me…I was representing the Mennie Clan, wearing an outfit that, although it stood out, is authentic!  I did the research years ago for my appearance in a buddy’s medieval wedding party.  The outfit and shield (and spear that I left at home) are from the 12th century. 

Along with recognizing the special day that we all celebrated today, I wanted to help educate some folks in our community who wonder WHY we have a SPIRIT SQUARE in Campbell River.  If you still wonder that, I’m guessing you weren’t there today!  If you chose not to attend  (or if you are a square supporter but couldn’t make it) check out this link provided by the Campbell River Creative Industries Council through their “positive gossip” website. 

CAMPBELL RIVER SCOTTISH FESTIVAL/NATIONAL TARTAN DAY

THAT’S why we have a Spirit Square!  To celebrate our community’s spirit!  Today’s event had great attendance by young and old, Scottish and not Scottish, with smiles on the faces of EVERYONE.  It’s events like this that make me extremely proud to be a Campbell Riverite.  Yes, without the people, it’s just some steel poles and concrete.  With the people and the great effort of many folks in our city to put on these events, it’s a fantastic spot to celebrate ourselves and our community.  See you at the SECOND annual Campbell River Scottish Festival NEXT year!

The Power of R: Reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink…

EDIT:  BELOW THE ARTICLE ARE DETAILS REGARDING SOME CONCERNS FOLKS HAVE HAD WITH THE NEW SERVICE… INCLUDING THE ALLOWABLE SIZE OF GARBAGE CAN, FREE CAN PICKUP COUPONS AND MORE!

The world is changing.  Okay, I’m sure I’m not the first person to think that.  And I’m sure we’re not the first generation to think that.  But we are dealing with things this generation that no other has dealt with before.  Some of it is exciting.  Some of it is stinky.  And by stinky, I mean garbage.  Who wants to deal with garbage?  Like it’s other smelly friend sewage, you just want to put it in something where you never have to think about it (or smell it) ever again. 

But it does go somewhere.  And we’re now facing the realities of what it does to our environment when we send it somewhere.  As an alternate director for the Strathcona Regional District, I’ve attended some of the Comox Strathcona Waste Management committee meetings.  That’s a big mouthful… and a committee that has only existed for about a year or so.  But in the short amount of time I’ve spent in the room with stakeholders from both the SRD and the Comox Valley Regional District, I’ve learned a lot.  I’ve learned about landfill gas.  Being originally from Edmonton, I thought I’d share this tidbit from that city’s website, partly because of their great summary:

 “The methane in landfill gas is poisonous, flammable and lighter than air. It can migrate to the surface and potentially become an explosion risk if it becomes concentrated in an area where there is an ignition source.

If not contained or extracted in a controlled program, methane could move through the ground and enter the basements of nearby buildings, creating health and explosion risks. It is also a potent greenhouse gas.”

Ummm… remember the days when you were oblivious to where your garbage went and what happened to it when it got there?  They’re officially over as of now, aren’t they?  Ignorance really is bliss.  Nice smelling, non-explosive bliss.  Oh well. 

As the Comox Strathcona Waste Management group manages the waste issues facing the communities in our area, the City of Campbell River has made some necessary changes to our waste removal and recycling services.  In short, we’re all being encouraged to reduce, reuse, and recycle… all before chucking something out as a last resort.  From the City of Campbell River’s “what’s new” section:

Campbell River single family and duplex residents will get curbside recycling pick-up service twice as often and yardwaste collection expanded to eight months of the year in 2011. Garbage collection will remain weekly, and a new one-can limit will encourage residents to send their waste to the right place.

The 2011 residential recycling and garbage program includes:

• weekly recycling pick-up (up from bi-weekly)

• weekly yard waste pick-up for eight months of the year (previous service was spring and fall)

• yard waste drop-off centre (to be open year-round)

• one-can limit for garbage (pick-up remains weekly)

• collection days remain the same

“With the regional landfill nearly full, Council wants to encourage people to reduce the amount of material collected as trash and take advantage of increased recycling, and yard waste pick-up opportunities,” says Mayor Charlie Cornfield. “The new one-can limit is based on the average weekly household trash collection. The increased recycling and yard waste collection reflects a community desire for increased service.”

Over the last several years in Campbell River, residential garbage output has been decreasing while yard waste and recycling has been on the rise. In the spring of 2010, the City’s curbside waste collection program was audited, and results indicated that more than 74 per cent of residents set out one can or less each week.

“This indicates that the community is making great strides to reducing the amount of material going to the landfill and that reducing the allowable garbage limit to one can will not have an impact on the majority of residents,”  the Mayor says.

The audit also showed that only 67 per cent of residents participate in the curbside recycling program. “These service changes will help make the most of that room for improvement,” the Mayor adds.

“Campbell River is one of many communities in BC that is taking similar steps to encourage residents to divert materials away from landfills,” says Ron Neufeld, the City’s general manager of operations. “Municipalities such as North Vancouver have been able to successfully divert more than 73 per cent of their garbage output through similar recycling and yard waste initiatives.”

The City’s contract costs for waste collection will rise in 2011, and residential rates will increase to $223 per year per household (up from $173), which equals $4.29 per week.

Tips to help reduce garbage 

• The ecoGuide at the front of the phone book offers ideas to reduce garbage output.

• When purchasing, select products with minimal packaging.

• Buy bulk and re-package in re-useable containers for school lunches.

• Bring your own re-useable mug to the coffee shop.

• Donate unwanted items to thrift stores.

• Compost kitchen waste in a backyard composter.

Reminder: residents will be able to put out additional cans with a garbage tag. These tags can be purchased from City Hall, the Sportsplex, and the Community Centre for a cost of $2 each.

Residents should direct questions about waste collection to Emterra at: 250-286-0211.

NOW HERE’S THE ADDITIONAL INFO!

Good GARBAGE news!! The City of CR received quite a few complaints about the “size of can” picked up with the new garbage service.  Restarting the initiative a little more gently, Emterra will pick up one can (up to 128L, rather than 80L) UNTIL April 4. 

Also “Households unable to meet the one can limit due to special or unique circumstances are encouraged to contact the City at 250-286-5700 ext 647 or via e-mail at Collection@campbellriver.ca. The City will work with these individuals to determine if a special circumstance pass may be required.”

Finally, look for more complimentary “extra can” pickup coupons in local newspapers (like the Friday, Jan. 21/2011 edition and more)!

Pretty cool to be inspired by a 15 year old!!!

If there’s one thing Campbell River is well known for (particularly by us locals) it’s the over-the-top yearly fundraising efforts and successes by our citizens.  But amongst all the amazing support and energy many causes receive throughout the year in our city, some folks stand out because they find a way to do just that extra bit more. 

With the annual BC SPCA Paws For A Cause event on the way Sunday, September 12th, this young lady deserves a round of applause, a pat on the back, or even a donation on her behalf at the Willow Street bottle depot in Campbellton (the “Justice For Animals” account). 

15 year old Justice Janveaux is the provincial BCSPCA Donor of the Month!  To put it into perspective how exciting that is, this is the guy who was the donor LAST month! 

That’s right… Jason Priestley, aka Brandon Walsh from the Beverly Hills: 90210 TV show (the original one).  Okay, okay… he’s done some stuff since then too.  But come on… Justice Janveaux, successor to Brandon Walsh as the BCSPCA Donor Of The Month… that’s COOL! 

Alright, enough with the silly stuff.  Back to business.  This young girl is doing a lot of great work in our community, and just might inspire you as much as she’s inspired me.   Read more here…

http://www.spca.bc.ca/support/donor-of-the-month/dotm-justice-janveaux.html

She even has a facebook page you might wanna join:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=110031359266

To sum up… WAY TO GO JUSTICE!

2010 Campbell River Canada Day Recap!

It was another fantastic day of fun for the whole city of Campbell River, BC  as we celebrated Canada’s birthday!  From one end of the city to the other (from the pancake breakfast in Willow Point to the helicopter rides just over the bridge) people of all ages had a terrific time.  As I’ve done the last couple of years, I made sure I had my video camera with me to capture some of the fun.  Now, I’m only one guy… I couldn’t be everywhere!  This is a summary of wherever my legs took me on that big day.  Having been on the Canada Day Committee the last several years (the folks who plan a whole lot of what takes place that day) it’s been very cool to see how the event has grown and adapted to become better and better each year.  Enjoy the video… I’m sure you’ll see some folks you know! 

p.s.  Don’t forget to pick the higher 720p resolution if your computer can handle HD!

Get your vote in… help the Campbell River Family Network!

As Success By 6 liason to Campbell River city council the past year and a half, I’ve had a front seat in the discussions of what organizations and initiatives are hard at work taking care of the munchkins in our community.  (yes, that’s me and my munchkin in the pic!)    With that knowledge comes the realization that those organizations and initiatives are at risk due to funding cuts.  So, getting creative, Cheryl Jordan and the gang have this opportunity where you can make a difference below… just with the click of a button!  Please read on…

Greetings!  Time is running out!  A friendly reminder to support Campbell River Family Network.  Deadline is fast approaching…..May 31.

 

Campbell River Family Network needs your help, and it will only take 5 minutes of your time. Please vote for us in the 10K Giveaway and help us to win $10,000!

 Here’s the link:

http://www.10kgiveaway.ca/organisation.php?org=6&com=cr

Vote at the bottom of the page.

If we win, we will use this money to support the existing projects, at a time where existing funding is being cut:

Books for Babies – each year our community fills 350 bags for new babies and is distributed through the Public Health Unit as we recognize the importance for early literacy. The bags are filled with a good quality board book, a music cd, local parenting information and a parenting handbook/guide. Volunteers fill the bags.     

The Gathering Place – The Gathering Place is a drop-in family centre that offers programs for children from birth to adults, supported through many partnerships in the community. Some of these programs need assistance with supplying food for hungry children. We offer nutritional education in all of the programs and would like to continue this initiative.  

CR Children’s Health Fairs – the health fairs offer free screening for vision, dental, developmental and speech to children from the ages of 0 to 5. Plenty of resources and information are available from professionals for parents to access. Free snacks and entertainment and child find at the events.
  Your vote will help us reach our goal!

 Please forward this to as many people in Campbell River as you can…family, coworkers, friends, acquaintances, EVERYBODY!, and ask them to support us. To vote for us, you need to be a Campbell River resident.

If you have any questions about Campbell River Family Network, please contact me at:

Cheryl Jordan
Success By 6 Coordinator
Campbell River Region
250-923-8815
www.crfamilynetwork.ca  

Support the Early Years by voting for Campbell River Family Network @

http://www.10kgiveaway.ca/organisation.php?org=6&com=cr

The Amazing Makeover of the Campbell River Estuary!

A request for funding at budget time came up regarding the continuing Campbell River Estuary restoration work (specifically Baikie Island). Having lived here since 1998, I misssed what the area along the Myrt Thompson Trail used to look like.

All I can say is…. WOW!!!! What it was… versus what it is now. AMAZING!!! Check it out!

It’s a thankless job, but…

One month down in 2010.  Eleven to go.  One year under my belt as a city councillor… two more to go.  Some wins, some losses.  Some tough days, some great ones.  I hope you’re not having a tough day… but if you are, enjoy this thought (and photo).  It sure put a smile on my face.  

“No matter how badly last year treated you, just walk tall with head high.  This is a BRAND NEW YEAR baby!” 

As Paul Harvey says… “Now you know… the REST of the story!”

Happy New Year!  No, really.  I’m not just saying that.  For whatever reason, with the rolling over of a calendar year, and the start of a completely new DECADE, I feel reinvigorated…as a dad, a husband, a broadcaster, and a councillor.  

With that said, less than two weeks into the year there’s been a story in a local newspaper that has been very upsetting to a lot of folks in our community that I wanted to address.  That story regarding bus benches can be found here. 

Courier Islander Tues. Jan. 12th 2010 “Losing Contract To Florida Company Last Straw For Local Business Couple”

 A lot of people have reacted to that story with anger, outrage, and confusion.  Unfortunately, as has been the case on more than one occasion, that particular newspaper has chosen to only print one side of the story.  Part of the reason I ran for city council was to improve communication in our community.  That’s a monumental task to tackle, but while council and city staff work on creating a corporate communications strategy for the city, I can use this handy little blog to inform you better on issues too. 

 And guess what?  I just received an e-mail from the folks who WEREN’T consulted in the bus bench situation.  They’ve taken it upon themselves to give their side of the story and correct some serious factual errors.  Here’s what council was sent:

 –Creative Outdoor Advertising would like to set the record straight following recent statements in the local media regarding our arrival in the community as your new provider of transit seating. No attempt was made by anyone in the local media to contact us for comment when preparing recent reports which contain statements about our company which are simply false. We are presenting the city with the following press release intended to correct any misconceptions about our company.

 Regards 

Bill Schwartz Creative Outdoor Advertising Municipal Affairs Manager
Tel: Fax: Email: Website:	1.800.661.6088 x325 1.866.426.2237 BillSchwartz@CreativeOutdoor.com www.CreativeOutdoor.com

 

Here’s the press release mentioned:

PRESS RELEASE

NEW CAMPBELL RIVER BENCH PROVIDER SETS THE FACTS STRAIGHT

 

Creative Outdoor Advertising (COA) is pleased to have been awarded the bench contract for Campbell River and we are looking forward to becoming an active member of the local business community and contributing to the local economy. COA was not contacted for comments as part of the recent article printed in the Courier –Islander by Dan MacLennan and would like the community to understand its plans for managing the new bench program in Campbell River.

COA is 100% Canadian owned and operated. COA is currently providing cost free street furniture to over 200 cities and managing over 7,000 amenity sites across North America. Our success has been built around marketing local advertising which is rooted in the local independent business community and managed by people who have expertise and understanding of the local business environment. Creative Outdoor Advertising of America is a separate associated American company.

COA’s business model is simple. Provide superior quality product, demonstrate design excellence, and add value for the communities we partner with. COA has never managed its business at arm’s length in any community. We are looking for strong local partners and have been trying to cooperate with the outgoing bench provider on all issues related to the transition. Existing advertisers are being contacted and given the opportunity to keep advertising at their current bench locations. Our goal is to minimize disruptions for both transit patrons and bench advertisers.

COA CAMPBELL RIVER BENCH PROGRAM: “THE BOULEVARD”

Creative Outdoor Advertising is making significant capital investment and improvements to transit seating in Campbell River. The Boulevard bench being installed in Campbell River is made of 100% high grade Polyethylene, (the same material that city’s

demand in when ordering playground equipment for parks). Unlike old style concrete and wood benches, the Boulevard has no nails, exposed screws, metal frames with sharp edges which can cause injury. It requires no painting, will not fade or discolor, and

can endure severe weather conditions without cracking and rotting. The Boulevard has a 20 year street life and can be recycled at the end of its use. To assist seniors, each Boulevard bench has the unique feature of built in arm rests to make sitting down and standing up easier!

COA is hiring its local Operations team in Campbell River. They will be trained and fully supported by COA. They will be using hand held scanner technology and GPS location bar coding , so that all service data for each bench can be uplinked to COAs Operations Website where City Officials can monitor the program 24/7!

2402 Stouffville Road, Gormley, ON, L0H 1G0

Tel: 1.800.661.6088 • Fax: 1.866.426.2237 • http://www.creativeoutdoor.com