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John Topham

@johnjtopham.bsky.social
250 followers 108 following 342 posts

Living on Salt Spring Island, BC Former science teacher and kayak guide BSc, BEd Married I love cycling, kayaking, hiking and my awesome wife. Just trying to live a healthy, happy life.

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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 17h
Fine, now can we do something about the noisy truck competition that seems to be happening on island. They are several times louder than those roosters. gulfislandsdriftwood.com/crd-nixes-sh...
gulfislandsdriftwood.com
CRD nixes ‘shield’ for R-Rural zone roosters - Salt Spring Island news
It’s been nearly four decades since the Capital Regional District (CRD) meaningfully changed animal control rules within the Electoral Areas, and a new bylaw
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 17h
Fine, just make sure that it stays on Latest when I leave it there. I don't want to have to switch back every time I open Bluesky. I hated that I had to do that every time on Facebook.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Not everyone missed it. We watched the whole debate. Thanks for the great work!
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
The school that I worked for was always operating on a shoestring budget. It would almost certainly close without public funding. There are 2 tiers of private schools. I think that most low budget schools would have to close. What's your evidence for "suck the life out of our education system"?
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
I really appreciate that the Green Party creates evidence based policy. I recently found this in your policy. So I ask what is the evidence? I suggest commissioning a report before making your final decision. @bcgreens.bsky.social • Reallocate private school funding to the public school system,
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
I disagree. Private schools get 1/3 to 1/2 of the public funding of public schools. Students moving from private to public increases costs. I used to work for a private school. I saw how our school was able to support students that fell through the cracks in the public system. oakandorca.ca
oakandorca.ca
Home - Oak and Orca
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
With cooler, shorter days, I've switched from long off island bike rides to shorter on island activities. Yesterday, I did a 25km, night ride. Today it was a quick hike up Mt Erskine from Collins Road this afternoon.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
There's a typo on this page: showing Green at 22% instead of 11% 338canada.com/bc/
338canada.com
338Canada British Columbia | Poll Analysis & Electoral Projections
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Great article but there is a typo. "December is the month from hell, with 31% of parking lot crack-ups (7,500 to 8,000) coming during the season of peace and joy." 7500 is only 9% of 85000. Did I miss something?
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Reposted by John Topham
ruthko @ruthmkb.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
"A Toronto hospital network is set to greatly expand its unique permanent housing program that largely serves homeless people who visit hospital emergency departments an inordinate amount of time." 👍👏🫶👇 #TOpoli #cdnpoli www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Toronto hospital to greatly expand permanent housing program that reduces ER visits | CBC News
A Toronto hospital network is set to greatly expand its unique permanent housing program that largely serves homeless people who visit hospital emergency departments an inordinate amount of time.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
To be built at taxpayer expense for corporate profits. This will also result in additional climate destruction with the costs of climate adaptation also falling on the taxpayer.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
To be built at taxpayer expense for corporate profits. This will also result in climate destruction with the costs of climate adaptation also falling on the taxpayer. www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
cbc.ca
West Coast oil pipeline becomes 1st project designated in national interest | CBC News
The federal and Alberta governments have announced that a proposed pipeline carrying one million barrels of oil a day from Alberta to the B.C. coast has become the first project designated in the nati...
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
We're making progress here on BC's south coast, but we still have work to do if we want to catch up to the Netherlands. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSD4...
youtube.com
Do I have to cycle if I live in the Netherlands?
YouTube video by babyonabike
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Credit? So they both want credit for accelerating climate change when climate enhanced disasters are making constant headlines. They're both to blame!
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I would love to see these on Salt Spring. www.techspot.com/news/114010-...
techspot.com
Your loud exhaust could get you fined as more US cities pair noise detectors with license plate readers
New York, Knoxville, Miami Beach, and Santa Fe are just some of the areas that have piloted or deployed noise cameras in recent years. New York City...
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Yes, my hope is that we get another minority government so they hold the balance of power but that's a long shot. Funny thing is, when I watched their press conference, I thought that they are similar to the provincial NDP of years ago. Since then the provincial NDP has moved right.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt. Rob suggested that he only intended to serve one 4 year term. The Greens are the only party that have viable solutions for the affordability crisis. My kids, grand-kids, nieces and nephews need someone on their side.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Does the EDF support the use of natural gas?
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
LNG is barely better than other fossil fuels. If you are promoting gas then supporting climate destruction.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Little Mountain, Englishman River Falls (lower falls), Coombs (two photos)
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
More day 3 highlights from my Parksville-Qualicum bike tour. #biketouring #cycletouring
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Englishman River Falls
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
The best sight from day 3 of last week's Parksville-Qualicum bike tour.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Photos from day 2 of my bike tour to Parksville-Qualicum. #biketouring #cycletouring
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Little Qualicum Falls during a recent bike tour.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
While riding through Nanaimo yesterday, I came across this sight. I didn't know the E&N was still in use. Some internet research told me that about 16km between here and the harbour are still in service.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Flying is a climate disaster. I hope Eby makes flying more expensive for everyone.
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Reposted by John Topham
Boo 🇨🇦 @just-call-me-boo.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
#BuyCanadian #supportCanada #ShopCanadian#Canada #Cdnpoli #ViveLeCanada #CanadaStrong #BoycottTheUSA #BoycottUSA
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Island Class ferries will start service on the Salt Spring - Crofton route next year. Some photos from the two Island Class ferries that are currently serving Gabriola Island (one of these ferries will be moving to the Salt Spring Island route).
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Day trip from Salt Spring Island to Gabriola Island, yesterday. 160km with 1748m of vertical. Photos from Drumbeg Provincial Park, Sandwell Provincial Park, Gabriola Sands Provincial Park and Malaspina Gallery Awesome ride!!! #cycling #biking
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I saw this in Ladysmith yesterday. This idea could help cyclists bypass the highway sections of Oyster Bay and Nanoose on Vancouver Island. #cycling #biking #vancouverisland
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Yes, Yes, Yes! I plan on riding this section of highway in about 2 weeks. This part really scares me! PS. If you are riding towards Nanaimo, watch out for the bridge that is about 400m past Bayview Park Dr, slow down and take the sidewalk. #cycling #biking #biketouring www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
With all the craziness in the world, this seems like a minor issue but I still find it frustrating that women like Caz, can't enjoy the same freedoms as me without the fear of idiots not knowing the rules. #topfreedom www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Saint John police apologize after woman told to cover up at beach | CBC News
Lacey Tompkins was told by police to cover up while topless at Dominion Park Beach in July. After she filed a complaint, the Saint John Police Force apologized and said there was no legal basis for th...
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
So lucky to have this kind of beauty just a short bike ride from home. Did some intense intervals on the little hills coming back. Caz kept up on her e-bike but dialed it down enough to get a great workout. I love long rides but little trips can also be used for training. #biking #cycling
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Had a beautiful walk with Caz in Dunbabin Park yesterday on Salt Spring Island.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
I guess it depends on your location and your map search. Here is a screenshot from 2 minutes ago.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
There are lots around my place on Salt Spring this morning.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
I wonder what he's going to do when he finds out that America is named after an Italian.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
That guy normally makes my stomach turn, but today he's got me laughing. Just the levity I needed. Here's a great headline. www.cnn.com/2026/08/26/p...
cnn.com
Analysis: Trump can’t make Canada the 51st state, but settles for renaming a lake | CNN Politics
The cartographer in chief is at it again.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
"Ontario" is an Iroquoian word meaning great lake or beautiful lake. CBC has slight variation on that but still with a native origin.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
I love that ride, enjoy the view!
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I partly agree with you. As a kayak guide, I met over 200 environmentally minded people who flew here for vacation, about half my clients. I reluctantly kept my mouth shut. Now that I've retired, I have more freedom to give little reminders when the opportunities arise. Thanks for your great work!
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
In almost every case, I support improvements to public transit. However, anything that makes it easier to exacerbate the climate emergency is debatable. Just a reminder, flying is among the most destructive forms of transportation.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Here's one way to help those affected by the new tariffs, buy more honey. www.cbc.ca/news/livesto...
cbc.ca
Tariffs could be 'nail in the coffin' for Canadian beekeepers - Trump calls Ford a 'flunky,' Ford responds that Trump is a 'loser'
Osee Podolsky says his family honey farm in Ethelbert, Man. , is doomed if Trump's tariffs continue.   "I feel like collateral damage sometimes in what seems like a petty trade war," the general mana...
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
I decided to see if I could find your spot. Found this on Google Street View. Happy riding! 😀
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I think this might be the best article ever written on the topic of climate change. cleantechnica.com/2025/01/16/d...
cleantechnica.com
Decarbonization Requires Robust Decision Making Frameworks - CleanTechnica
I've evolved a set of frameworks and red flags tests over the many years I've been looking at cleantech solutions and assembled them here.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Looking at Google street view, I see green paint on the cycle lane at every side street along Lampsom. I suggest adding the same green paint at the E&N trail crossing and possibly other indicators to help cyclists on the trail look for bikes not just cars.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
The things we do and learn in our youth give abilities that we can never get by learning the same things as adults. For me it was endurance activities and certain analytical skills. I'm lucky that I can still do them at my age because no accident or illness has taken them away from me.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I'm not fast just persistent.
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John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Ferry to ferry (200km) took 12 hours including 1 hour of stopped time. The slowest section was a 15km of rough gravel where I averaged less than 14km/h. Of note: this is the first time that I felt great on a 200km ride. Switching from water to energy drinks really helped. I needed more calories.
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