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Park party attracts renowned rockers

Regional board approves free camping for people attending benefit dance

Community support for the Shelter Point Regional Park caretakers on Texada Island continues to grow.

A fire on September 4 destroyed the food concession and the caretakers’ home.

Dave Murphy, Powell River Regional District director representing Texada, has organized a benefit dance for the caretakers. While the home was insured, their belongings were not.

The fundraiser features The Texada All Stars, including Sam Hurrie, Paul Murphy, Peter Howey, Dennis Fox, Dave Spragge, Doug “Buffalo” Saunders, Ron Campbell, Mark Bowman and Mark Willoughby.

Musicians are coming from as far away as Ontario, said City of Powell River Councillor Debbie Dee. She said Pat Stewart, who grew up on Texada and used to be the drummer for Bryan Adams, is flying in to participate.

The event takes place from 7 pm to 2 am on Saturday, September 29 at Texada Community Hall in Gillies Bay. Tickets cost $15, available on Texada at Texada Island Inn, First Credit Union, Ravenous Raven Lodge and Restaurant and the Texada branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. In Powell River, tickets are available at Rocky Mountain Pizza and Bakery and River City Coffee.

Camping at Shelter Point will be free from Friday to Sunday, September 28 to 30, for people attending the fundraiser.

Murphy requested the board waive camping fees for the weekend and directors passed the motion at the September 19 board meeting.

Murphy said much more could have been lost during the fire. “We could have lost the park,” he said. “The efforts of the Gillies Bay and Van Anda volunteer fire departments, and the help of Texada Quarry Ltd. and their massive water tanker, saved the day with hosing down the propane tanks and the trees that were next to that building that could have candled up and started a fire of unknown proportion.”

The board also voted to send a letter of appreciation to both fire departments as well as the quarry.

Murphy pointed out that Shelter Point is not within the fire protection area for either of Texada’s fire departments. He said the regional district should have an agreement with the fire departments; staff are going to work on that agreement. The fire departments are under the auspices of improvement districts, not the regional district.

Murphy also requested Texada’s participation in the rebuilding process. “That park is dear to almost everyone who lives on Texada,” he said. “Everyone goes there on a regular basis. Summer or winter, they’re there, hiking the trails as part of their exercise every day, going to the concession or just being there in the natural beauty that that spot provides. It is dear to us.”