The Village of Cumberland will move towards eliminating bottled water at concessions, vending machines and public facilities where there is access to tap water, as directed by council, in response to a plea from the Comox Valley chapter of the Council of Canadians.
Last year, Cumberland was designated a Blue Community. The designation aims to protect and conserve water by banning bottled water sales at public events, among other measures.
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In an effort to promote pollination through mason bees, council approved Coun. Conner Copeman's idea to install bee nesting blocks at the No. 6 Mine park and to host an event to celebrate the program. A letter will be sent to the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) to promote the hosting of mason bees in parks.
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Council forwarded the issue of backyard chickens to the next Village Hall meeting May 6 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
Elke Bibby has submitted a petition supporting a bylaw amendment allowing backyard chickens. In a staff report, the conservation service notes that chickens attract wildlife, especially raccoons and bears. Coun. Roger Kishi said the issue is not as simple as some might think.
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A budget open house is slated for 7 p.m. Monday in council chambers.