Friday, March 23, 2012 Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer 7
Mailbag Water woes divide haves and Men need a place to build have nots in Harrison Harrison residents just received a letter from our mayor, regarding the problems and financing of sewer and water systems, and the resulting increase in taxes and user fees. I urge residents in the "have not" south end of the village to watch this process closely! Water mains were brought down Hot Springs Road and will no doubt be an advantage to developers, but there has been no indication water lines will be brought to existing residents any time soon. Having observed extensive inspection of sewer lines in this area, I can't help but wonder (a) if there is contamination of the aquifer from which I draw my own water supply (especially since there WAS a boil water advisory in the Village last year) and (b) was this costly inspection laying the groundwork for those improvements to our sewage system to further subsidize developers. Our sewage systems/wastewater treatment facilities seem to have been
adequate till now; if the newly developed properties necessitate an upgrade— shouldn’t the associated costs be born by the developer? The letter also mentions capital costs of $1.2 million dollars to treat lake water for those fortunate enough to have access to it. This again begs the question: shouldn’t the need for huge capital expenditures be billed to developers who created the need? And, will the increased taxes to pay these capital costs apply to ALL of Harrison, or only those who actually get to drink the water? I urge all residents in the “have not” south end of the village to look around; notice the absence of village water, crumbling curbs, deteriorating streets and general lack of maintenance. Compare that to the north end of the village, where money is instantly available to build traffic circles, extra footbridges – and on and on. When I moved to Harrison 22 years
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ago, it was a village with excellent services and maintenance and low taxes. Since then, it’s been all downhill in my neighbourhood. Maintenance and services have deteriorated, while somehow money always seems to be available for whimsical fireworks displays, nice but not necessary footbridges, subsidizing festivals and general “beautification” of the north end of the village. I’m reminded of those lunches with acquaintances. I ordered a hamburger and coffee, they had steak and a bottle of wine. When the bill came they divided it equally and left me to pay the bill. Something tells me the village's capital expenditures and upgrades will turn out the same way! Let's make sure it doesn't. Be heard at the April 19 meeting and/or phone, write or picket the village offices. L.A.Tilander
Groucho Marx once said "I wouldn't belong to a club that would have a man like me as a member!" But recently a group in Australia came to my attention that I would join, if I lived there. w w w. m e n s s h e d . org is an association that provides a place for retired or semi-retired men to use some of their skills. Watch the short introductory video, it explains the idea better than I can. There you will see their Prime Minister backing the movement. It has already spread to New Zealand, Ireland and Canada. It is a fact that most men lose at least 60 per cent of their social circle when they retire. This isolation can lead to depression or worse, if we don't stay
active, both physically and mentally. Many of us possess life skills that are a valuable resource that could be used for the good of the community. There are many different types of "sheds" where your knowledge may be shared. A small workshop could provide many items that seniors or the disabled could use to enable them to live safer and longer in their own homes. So, if you are interested in helping to start a "Men's Shed" in Agassiz/Harrison, write to Mens Shed P.O. Box 882 Harrison Hot Springs BC V0M 1K0 or email mensshed882@ gmail.com. Bruce Turner
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Stuart Pearson heads with his family to spend a summer vacation in Creek Landing, Michigan, in an old lake house they rented. When the TV has trouble with the image, they go to the attic and then to the roof, and they find the antenna dish totally destroyed. Soon they discover four alien invaders that are going to invade Earth that use a mind control weapon only affecting adults and they lock the quartet in the attic. Now they need to a find a way to save our planet.
The Observer, Petro’s Pizza, The Video Station, and The Adventure Park at Tugboat Junction are inviting kids up to the age of 12 years to join the Observer Fun Club. When your name appears in this section, come in to the Observer office within 2 weeks with this clipping & you will receive: • a free pizza from Pizza Plus • a free movie rental from the Video Station • a free activity pass from The Adventure Park at Tugboat Junction • a free book from the Agassiz Public Library upon presenting the birthday letter to them.
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