Latest news with #Co-op
Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Tofino's new parking lot for Ahousaht members draws ire for being too far from the dock
Tofino, BC - Elder Qaamina Hunter used to visit Tofino two or three times a week, but those visits have spanned out, he says, due to parking woes. Hunter lives in the offshore Ahousaht First Nations community of Maaqtusiis on Flores Island, located 30-minutes by boat from Tofino's First Street Dock. 'It's no fun now going through Tofino,' said Hunter. 'I wish we didn't have to get divided by mamałn̓i (white person) choices. Some are talking about pulling membership out of Co-op and just going straight to Port Alberni or Nanaimo. We've had a little bit of a heartache in our life.' Like many offshore residents from Ahousaht, Hesquiaht and the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, Hunter says he leaves his truck anywhere in town he finds a spot, even if it risks getting a ticket. 'I've run out of care. If they want to take my truck, go ahead,' he said. Tofino hosted 711,200 visitors in 2024, according to an Economic Impact of Tourism in Tofino report. While those visitors spent about $430 million in the region, between accommodations, activities, food and shopping, having so many flock to a small community means locals get hooped on nearby parking for groceries or medical appointments. Following conversations with Ahousaht leadership, the District of Tofino opened a temporary parking lot for Ahousaht members in May 2025. The 30-stall parking lot is located next to the Tofino Community Hall, which is a 10-to-15-minute walk or one kilometre away from Tofino's First Street Dock. Hunter says the Ahousaht lot is 'way up in the bush' and that it's a rush for a lot of offshore members to unload their groceries and go back up the hill to park their vehicle. 'It's gotten more difficult, especially for our elders or (people with disabilities). Our elders were always priority, but obviously not anymore,' he said. 'You gotta get a boat, you gotta walk up that hill and maybe a rest by LA Grocery and then get your breath and then walk that long, long stretch then turn left to get to that parking up there,' Hunter continued. Ahousaht's elected Chief Councillor n̓aasʔałuk (John Rampanen) also lives in Maaqtusiis and parks his truck up at Ahousaht's lot by the community centre. He acknowledged that it's a 15-minute trek from the dock. 'This is not by any means a long-term solution. We are looking at other options. Ahousaht is inquiring further into property that are for sale or for lease that are much closer to the waterfront,' said Chief n̓aasʔałuk. Ahousaht pays the district for the use of the lot next to the community centre. n̓aasʔałuk told the Ha-Shilth-Sa he hopes it will be 'obsolete sooner rather than later'. They've had 'positive conversations' with Jamie's Whaling Station about gaining access to the waterfront portion of their property and in addition to that, they are looking at leasing the former site of Shelter Restaurant. Ahousaht's offshore parking needs are about 100 to 150 vehicles for residents of Maaqtusiis, according to n̓aasʔałuk, but if the nation hosts an event, that number swiftly increases. As of July 2025, there are about 140 designated offshore parking stalls located in Tofino's downtown core, according to District of Tofino staff. Of those 140 offshore stalls, about 30 are assigned to Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. 'This designation was established through ongoing discussions between the District and the Nation, reflecting a shared commitment to reconciliation and acknowledging that Tofino is within Tla-o-qui-aht's traditional territory. These spaces are located closer to the First Street Dock to better support accessibility for Nation members,' reads a statement from district staff. Quite often Nuu-chah-nulth-aht are mixed ancestry. n̓aasʔałuk, for instance, is Ahousaht with ties to Tla-o-qui-aht's Seitcher family. He says the exclusive parking designation encourages 'divisiveness amongst First Nations.' Hunter thinks the designated TFN stalls should say 'Tla-o-qui-aht / Ahousaht' and that the Ahousaht lot up by the community centre should be for the tourists. 'They're making it tourist first instead of local,' Hunter said. To encourage a turnover of vehicles downtown and at the beaches and to encourage alternative modes of transportation, the District of Tofino rolled out paid parking in 2024. In its first full year, net revenues for Tofino's downtown and beach pay parking programs exceeded $568,000, according to district staff. Included in the net revenues is roughly $76,000 collected from parking violations in 2024. Revenues generated from Tofino's pay parking flow into to the district's Pay Parking Reserve Fund, which supports a range of community infrastructure and services. To date, district staff say the pay parking revenues have contributed to the Neill Street and Village Green revitalization, including new tennis/pickleball courts and basketball court upgrades, as well as improvements to the Wickaninnish Community School sports field. Offshore residents can get a yearly parking permit for free, 'as parking in town is their only option' - but 'spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Having a permit does not guarantee a space', states the District of Tofino . Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation's (TFN) manager of Lands and Resources, says his nation has been squeezed for footprint and land just like they are being squeezed out of parking. He wants to find that 'middle space' where tourism isn't negatively impacting locals so much. 'We will park a little further if I knew that tourism is building our basketball court or helping our language survive and building us a long house. I'll gladly accommodate more,' said Masso, who lives in the Tla-o-qui-aht community of Opitsaht located across the inlet from Tofino. 'Parking is critical in Tofino,' he continued. 'It's incredible downtown driving around looking for a spot, but because Tla-o-qui-aht has selected some spots, it is a little easier. Still, eight out of 10 days, I'll drive by TFN spots and they're occupied by tourists or by other offshore nations. Come and park at 3 in the afternoon, there is not a single spot.' Masso says Tla-o-qui-aht extended an invitation to have a luncheon with Ahousaht with the goal of working together to resolve the parking issue amongst other things. 'Hopefully we can collaborate and work together,' said Masso. He shared that he recently had a 'heartfelt meeting' with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) about releasing three parking spots for Tla-o-qui-aht elders near the First Street Dock. DFO owns a building that overlooks the First Street Dock, and according to Masso, their driveway can fit six cars and they also have three down on the waterfront. District of Tofino staff say they continue to advocate to the Province of British Columbia for increased investment and long-term solutions to address infrastructure challenges, and that they regularly meet with representatives from Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, and Hesquiaht First Nations to discuss ongoing parking needs and explore collaborative solutions. To help support accessibility, in collaboration with TFN, the district installed a shelter at the First Street Dock in 2024 to assist families in coordinating drop-offs and pick-ups, especially for elders and individuals with mobility challenges, reads a statement from the district. -30- Error! 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Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Co-op and Barnardo's help Glasgow kids prepare for school
Co-op and Barnardo's supported children from across the Southside of Glasgow in transition from primary to secondary education, with the initiative ending with a special graduation at Holyrood Secondary School in June. The initiative saw students attend weekly sessions at the school to familiarise themselves with the environment and ease any anxieties. Read more: 'Truly well deserved': Eight Glasgow pupils honoured for 'exceptional' achievements Debbie Wilson, whose daughter Elizabeth participated in the programme, praised the sessions. She said: "Elizabeth was a bit anxious about coming to such a big school, but it's been great to meet new people and help her settle in. "I've really watched her confidence grow. "This service has been great for letting her start to grow up and find her feet, whilst still providing peace of mind for us parents because you know they've got that support." Elizabeth, 11, described the initiative as "really cool" (Image: Supplied) Another participant, 12-year-old Sean, will be starting at Holyrood in August. He said: 'Coming here has helped me find my way around. 'It's such a big school, I was nervous about getting lost." Sharon Watson, headteacher of Holyrood Secondary School, said: "Because of the size of our school, we recognise that young people can be particularly anxious about coming here. "We wanted to work with people to identify young people that we could support to the best of our abilities, and ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible. 'We've worked with Barnardo's and the Co-op to put on a transition experience which was fun, but which also meant that young people felt as prepared for Holyrood as possible. "I'm very grateful to all the young people for coming every week and giving it their all." Sean was thankful for the programme (Image: Supplied) The sessions ended with a special graduation at Holyrood Secondary School (Image: Supplied) At the June graduation, project worker Jay, 26, reflected on the impact the sessions have had. He said: "One of the young people here was so anxious at the first session, they couldn't even get out of the car. "Now they're one of the first people through the door every week. "It's really special to know that we've helped to take away some of that first-day-at-school anxiety, because now when they come here in August, they already know what to expect." Co-op and Barnardo's research revealed that 45% of young people in Scotland and the rest of the UK have experienced issues such as anxiety, stress, anger, panic attacks, loneliness, or depression in the past six months. In response, the organisations have extended their national partnership, aiming to raise £7 million and support one million young people. The transition group sessions were part of Co-op and Barnardo's 'Southside Youth Zone' service. The initiative saw pupils attend weekly sessions at the school to familiarise themselves with the environment (Image: Supplied) Read more: East Kilbride school's 'superheroes' launch campaign to boost attendance Corrine, a project worker from Paisley, described the service as a "lifeline". She said: "Young people in Scotland face a lot of disadvantages. "Lack of essential basic needs and services makes life really hard for a lot of people. "A lot of young people had so much self-doubt when they started, but now they're laughing and getting stuck in every single week." Katrina McGovern, Barnardo's & Co-op's children's services manager in Glasgow, said: 'Barnardo's and Co-op are both passionate about improving opportunities and mental wellbeing for young people. "The opportunity that we wanted to give to this community was the informal, supported transition from primary to secondary school, because we know it's something young people in the community wanted and needed.'
The National
6 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Scottish farmer pushes for boycott of Israeli produce at city market
Mike Callender, who owns award-winning veg box delivery service East Coast Organics near Haddington in East Lothian, has been boycotting Israeli veg since he launched the [[business]] in 1996. The 62-year-old has been voicing his anger over the genocide being carried out in Gaza in weekly newsletters to around 5000 customers and ex-customers, including his fears around farmers being murdered and their struggle to get their produce to markets. As well as making moves to try and get his farm twinned with one in Palestine as a way of showing support, Callender is pushing for [[Edinburgh]] Farmer's Market – for which he is treasurer on the committee – to become an 'apartheid-free zone', clear of any Israeli produce. READ MORE: Palestine recognition is 'worthless' without concrete action, expert says The dad-of-two told The National: 'At the moment I'm the treasurer of the Edinburgh Farmer's Market, there's five of us on the committee, and maybe about 30 members. I put it to them that the market should become an apartheid-free zone. 'One person thought it was a great idea, another was apprehensive and said we should put it to members, which of course we should. It's fizzled out a bit, but I'm still pushing at it. 'People are claiming it's political but it's got nothing to do with politics. The Co-op members voted for it, so if the Co-op can do it, surely we're more ethical than a supermarket?' A motion proposed at the Co-op AGM in May calling for a cease to all trading with Israel was backed by around 73% of members. It announced in June it would no longer be sourcing carrots from Israel, among other products from 'countries of concern'. Callender (below) said that while many people feel they cannot affect the situation in Gaza, he feels boycotting produce could go some way to helping stop the apartheid if more people and businesses come on board. (Image: Supplied) 'You sort of think people feel there's nothing they can do to change things but boycotting definitely does help and I do think it did help in changing apartheid in South Africa so maybe, [you've got to] hit people where it hurts and something will have to change,' he said. Callendar has been committed to raising awareness of the assault on Gaza ever since the aftermath of October 7, and is passionate about making more people understand the atrocities taking place. 'I think on a personal level I've always supported Palestinians in what they've been going through. I remember a few years ago a journalist being shot by Israeli forces and then when the funeral came and a crowd were carrying the coffin, the Israeli police sort of baton-charged them. It's just absolutely outrageous and from then I've followed it and taken an interest. READ MORE: Donald Trump in Scotland 'can only be a good thing', says Anas Sarwar 'When the Landworkers' Alliance came up with the idea of twinning with a farm in the West Bank, I sort of thought that would have relevance to our customers now because small farms are being raided, farmers are being killed, and having their land stolen.' The Palestine Solidarity Twinning Project is a collaboration between the Landworkers' Alliance (LWA) and the Union of Agricultural Work Committees and aims to build grassroots solidarity with farmers and landworkers in Palestine by connecting them with LWA members in the UK. Callender said there has been the occasional person who has responded negatively to his newsletters, but he said he is prepared to lose customers to stand up for what is right. Asked why he is speaking out about Gaza, he said: 'I think it's just so more people understand what's going on. 'I did a newsletter when the invasion first happened and I put that we'd made a donation to UNRWA. I knew it would make some people angry, but I think more people know about it now and you've even got the Daily Express showing pictures of starving babies on the front cover. 'Even if we lost half our customers, I would still do it again.'
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Sainsbury's adds pizza to meal deals as shoppers delighted
Making a change to supermarkets' normal offering of sandwiches, wraps, salad and pasta, Sainsbury's is now offering customers a slice of the Italian dish. Shoppers can now buy the pizza as a snack in the three-piece meal deal combo, which also includes a drink and a main. The pizza is served from Sainsbury's bakery section and can also be bought as a single item for £1.20. Sainsbury's is offering a range of pizza flavours, including Tomato, Cheese and Onion, Tomato and Mozzerella and Red Onion and Cheese. On the Facebook Group, Man Behaving Dadly, one Sainsbury shopper shared their discovery, writing: "Fun fact. Sainsbury's allows you to have a mini pizza as a 'snack' in a meal deal if you don't fancy crisps or chocolate or whatever. I forgot to measure it, but it was easily 8-10 inches long." Reacting to the pizza, one Facebook user wrote: "That's a huge 'snack' to include in a meal deal!" Recommended Reading Sainsbury's announces major change that could save shoppers £150 Shoppers hit back at Sainsbury's saying meal deal price hike is 'not fair' Sainsbury's shoppers urged to lock Nectar card points to avoid being stolen It looks like Sainsbury's is not the only retailer offering a twist to the meal deal, as one Facebook user shared their experience in the Co-op: "Yeah, a few have some mad stuff in there now, Co-op has Cheese Twists and those pesto tomato orb things." A second user said you can now get ice cream as part of the meal deal on offer at Tesco: "With the Tesco meal deal, you can have an ice cream as a snack at the moment - even the fancy Magnums (Magna?) are included! Happy days." A meal deal from Sainsbury's costs between £3.95 for standard of preimum at £5.
Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Sainsbury's adds pizza to meal deals as shoppers delighted
Making a change to supermarkets' normal offering of sandwiches, wraps, salad and pasta, Sainsbury's is now offering customers a slice of the Italian dish. Shoppers can now buy the pizza as a snack in the three-piece meal deal combo, which also includes a drink and a main. The pizza is served from Sainsbury's bakery section and can also be bought as a single item for £1.20. Sainsbury's shoppers delighted as pizza added to meal deal Sainsbury's is offering a range of pizza flavours, including Tomato, Cheese and Onion, Tomato and Mozzerella and Red Onion and Cheese. On the Facebook Group, Man Behaving Dadly, one Sainsbury shopper shared their discovery, writing: "Fun fact. Sainsbury's allows you to have a mini pizza as a 'snack' in a meal deal if you don't fancy crisps or chocolate or whatever. I forgot to measure it, but it was easily 8-10 inches long." Reacting to the pizza, one Facebook user wrote: "That's a huge 'snack' to include in a meal deal!" Recommended Reading It looks like Sainsbury's is not the only retailer offering a twist to the meal deal, as one Facebook user shared their experience in the Co-op: "Yeah, a few have some mad stuff in there now, Co-op has Cheese Twists and those pesto tomato orb things." A second user said you can now get ice cream as part of the meal deal on offer at Tesco: "With the Tesco meal deal, you can have an ice cream as a snack at the moment - even the fancy Magnums (Magna?) are included! Happy days." A meal deal from Sainsbury's costs between £3.95 for standard of preimum at £5.
