100 Mile House
Youth learn about dangers of the world of gangs
A3 MARCH 21, 2012
Spring Home Improvement
Locals fare well at District Science Fair
A19-24
B1
Hockey Jamboree
A25
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Funding hike for Bridge Creek bridges and trails Carole Rooney Free Press
Arlene Jongbloets photo
A bit o’ Irish... Vicky McIntosh was all set for St. Patrick’s Day after a special afternoon craft class March 14 at the 100 Mile House Branch Library. Youngsters had the opportunity to make shamrock necklaces, pots of gold, bookmarks and hear an Irish story during the free event.
The Voice of the South Cariboo Since 1960 How to reach us: Ph: 250-395-2219 Fax: 250-395-3939 www.100milefreepress.net mail@100milefreepress.net
The Bridge Creek Trails in Centennial Park have been approved for a funding influx of $280,000 for improvements, including the waterfalls trail closed since vandals damaged two bridges last fall. District of 100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall says this funding will help the community as a whole. “Being a healthier community is what this grant is all about, and that’s what we’re trying to do… to make it so people will get out, do more walking and utilize the trails.” The province’s Community Recreation Program grant will pay for trail and bridge repairs that the district otherwise couldn’t afford, he explains. “It would have been ‘go or no-go’ with the repairs. We just did not have the funding to repair those bridges without this grant.” The funding will cover 80 per cent of the repairs needed since a rash of vandalism in September. Both wooden bridges situated below
the falls and several signs were damaged, and the park’s soft, wet ground prevented district equipment from performing any repair work last year. The work will also see trails graded for better accessibility, improved drainage and several new signs. “We want to work toward making the trails more accessible to more people.” The district has earmarked the remaining 20 per cent in this year’s budget, but he notes it will continue to pursue other grants to cover that portion. “It takes time and, hopefully, we can get it done and finished this summer.” Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says she is “very pleased” this program funding was approved for three projects in her riding that total more than $1.2 million. Barnett adds she lobbied for the funding alongside other MLAs competing for grants, both through her rural caucus work and directly to the ministries. Building on outdoor activities promote tourism
and health, she notes. “People come here and like to go hiking and biking and walking, and a healthy lifestyle is what we’re all trying to accomplish.” Project funding like this also helps communities avoid going to their local tax base for repairs and improvements, Barnett adds. “That’s another hit on the taxpayers, when you have vandalism. Now, we have a chance to move ahead, move on and, hopefully, respect will be given for the all things in the community, public and private.” Campsall notes it will be a busy summer for the district with a rapid infiltration system also going in thanks to infrastructure funding from the province. “There’s lots of money being brought into our community from the provincial government and it’s always appreciated, that’s for sure.” The Ministry of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development’s Community Recreation Program will provide $30 million to 98 projects throughout British Columbia.
Fields store may continue to serve 100 Mile Ken Alexander Free Press
There is a chance the Fields store in 100 Mile House may not be closing after all. Last month, the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) announced it
was closing all of its 167 Fields stores this fall, as it was going to refocus on its other retail outlets, including Home Outfitters. Last week, however, HBC’s external communications manager Tiffany Bourre confirmed
Vancouver-based FHC Enterprises Ltd. has a tentative agreement to purchase the rights to the assets of 59 Fields stores in Western Canada. The Fields store in 100 Mile House is on the list of the 59 stores. Media reports
state FHC Enterprises Ltd. is a new company headed by Jason McDougall. Originally from Saskatchewan and now a businessman in Vancouver, MacDougall has been in the retail, wholesale and discount business for more
than 20 years. Details have not been disclosed as to the type of products the outlet with sell or whether it will continue to operate under the Fields name. See FIELDS… page A5