Gabriola - New Rebate Program for rainwater Harvesting!

The RDN has announced a new rebate program for rainwater harvesting, starting today. Up to $750 per system, with a $10,000 budget for Gabriola! Applications are first come, first serve for approved designs.

For more information, please visit the Rainwater Connection Facebook page or the RDN website at http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=2500.


Rainwater Connection is available to help you design and install a system and apply for your grant.

Gabriola Real Estate Testemonial

From time to time we receive feedback from our clients on the service we as the Lynch's provide to Buyers & Sellers on Gabriola.  Here's an email we recieved from a client who said we could pass it along...

Three years after I bought my land at 1046 Harrison Way in Nov. 2008, I was still benefitting from the expertise and thoroughness of having dealt with the Lynch's as realtors.  They gave me so many important papers, things I did not, at the time, realize I would need.  Most recently, after purchasing a mobile home from Gordon's Homes, the Regional District of Nanaimo insisted more than a year later that they must see the proper Letter of Certification re: the septic system.  Luckily the Lynch's had providied that with the sales file.  in fact I seem to recall it was an item they were insisting must be completed before my purchase was finalized.  I did not understand why it was important at the time, but it certainly was. ...

A. Torchia

We are always greatful for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful clients!

Cistern rebate on Gabriola Island.

The Regional District of Nanaimo is currently offering a rebate of $500 for those that install a cistern (minimum of 1,000 gallons) on Gabriola if you meet the criteria. The "Rainwater Harvesting Incentive Program" is in response to the growing population in the area and the increasing demand on water resources. As the population of the Regional District of Nanaimo continues to grow, reducing demand on water resources and water systems will become increasingly important. I think this is a great initiative and one worth looking into quickly as they have a limited number of rebates available, if you go to the RDN website you can get the application form, details and a list of suppliers.

Upcoming wellSMART workshop on Gabriola

Properties on Gabriola Island are serviced by private wells or cisterns and sometimes a combination of both. If you're interested in learning more, you may want to attend the wellSmart workshop that will be offered on Gabriola next week.

Here is the information from the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has posted on their website:

"Learn how to keep your well in safe running order! wellSMART workshops will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions of local well drillers and pump installers, the Vancouver Island Health Authority, the BC Ministry of Environment, and North Island Labs. North Island labs will be present with sample bottles for residents to take home for testing, and will provide residents with a 10% discount for well water testing.

wellSMART will teach you basics on:
Well protection, maintenance and operation
Your well and your water source
How to get your water tested and interpret results
Water treatment options

Gabriola Island Agricultural Hall6:30pm, Monday, October 4, 2010

265 South Road, Gabriola

Please pre-register through RDN Parks & Recreation REGISTER NOW! or by phone: 250-248-3252 or 1-888-828-2069 "

The Golden Shoe Hunt- Regional Parks & Trails

The Regional District of Nanaimo has organized the 4th annual Golden Shoe Hunt. There will be 6 clues, one given each week from April 16th and May 21st, leading to six shoes in six locations. The hunt is meant to include those of all ages and requires no bushwhacking, so you can stay on the Regional Parks & Trails. If your lucky enough to find a token from one of the shoes, take it in to Oceanside Place in Parksville by May 31 to receive your prize.

Gabriola Island has a regional park, the Descanso Bay Regional Park is located within walking distance to the ferry and has a beautiful picnic area next to the sandstone beaches as well as some great camp sites, I'm hoping that one of the shoes will be placed here.

Here are the clues that have been posted so far, check the RDN site tomorrow for clue three (just be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page). Happy Hunting !
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clue Number Two:For the week of April 23rd - 30th
Travel south to find this suspenseful trail and The Abyss!

Clue Number One:For the week of April 16th - 23rd
You’ve been to the bridge, now walk the trail from the other end… t’u’an to? Regional

Kicking the can (garbage that is)

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is aiming to divert 75% of the waste in the Regional Landfill by 2010. They have done a pilot project with over 2000 homes and want to implement the program district wide in 2010, Gabriola will be included in this. The idea behind the program is to take items such as food scraps (even cooked meat and bones), soiled paper, and dairy products and turn them into a resource at the International Composting Corporation's (ICC) processing facility, located at Duke Point in Nanaimo. The finished products include compost, fertilizers, and soil amendments. My friend in Nanaimo was one of the participants in the pilot project, she has a family with two small kids and says she's amazed how this has impacted what she takes to the curb. For those already composting in their backyard, you'll want to continue to do that as it is more cost-effective and good for your garden, but for items that aren't suitable to place in your backyard composting bin, this offers an interesting alternative to throwing it in the garbage bin.