I N S I D E : Ashcroft’s role in the military. Page 8
Journal ASHCROFT W CACHE CREEK
Volume 119 No 42 PM # 400121123
The
Thursday, October 18, 2012
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Greyhound cuts continue
The Great Pumpkin harvest Hay Rides and Haunted Houses (or Barns), fresh apples and lots of pumpkins were just some of the attractions at Desert Hills Ranch last weekend. Photo by Barbara Roden
Ashcroft CiB finishes a close second Ashcroft has once again been awarded Five Blooms in the national Communities in Bloom competition, edged out ever so slightly by the town of Beausejour, Manitoba which captured top spot with Ashcroft close on their heels finishing in second place. Andrea Walker, Chair and Marijke Stott, committee member, of Ashcroft’s Communities in Bloom spent last week at the National Communities in Bloom conference and awards held in Edmonton, Alberta. Ten communities from across Canada competed in the 1,201-3,000 population category. One of four finalists for the top award, Ashcroft received 83.5 per cent and a Five Bloom rating. Ashcroft also received a special recognition for “xeriscape landscaping in aid of water conservation” for the refurbishment projects in Heritage Place Park.
The National conference and awards hosted not only representatives from small towns to large cities from across Canada, but also representatives from participating Armed Forces bases across the country as well as international cities who were participating in the International Challenge competition. The delightful accents of the ladies from Killarney Town, Ireland, the kimonos and obis worn proudly by the women in the delegation from Aya, Japan and the wit of the gentlemen from St. Martin’s Parish, Guernsey, Channel Islands, British Isles, portrayed the pride of communities which was so apparent at this event. What an amazing opportunity it was to meet, network and participate in the workshops and events with the enthusiastic representatives from so many diverse populations, cultures, and geographic areas.
All were in attendance because they have one common goal; the desire to build better communities. “People, Plants and Pride” the Communities in Bloom motto was certainly evident all throughout the event. Sessions and symposiums, tours, dynamic keynote speakers and a wealth of information gave attendees invaluable information to take back and use in their communities. Cultural presentations, banquets and the gala final awards and banquet rounded out a very full week. Ashcroft Communities in Bloom is very proud of their accomplishments to date and will continue working to make our community “bloom”, and in so doing, building a better community for all residents. If we all work together we can do it! Andrea Walker
Greyhound Bus is proposing more cuts their its routes in BC, leaving Cache Creek Council resigned to the fact that the town could lose another scheduled stop. “Now they appear interested in reducing northbound trips to PG from three trips to two trips per day,” noted former Greyhound Bus driver John Ranta at Cache Creek’s Oct. 9 Council meeting. The notice from Greyhound did not indicate which of Cache Creek’s three northbound departure times it was considering eliminating, so Council chose the most inconvient 2:40 am departure from Cache Creek. “We should consider writing to the BC Transportation Bd. that if company is intent on reducing trips, to maintain the mid-afternoon route,” Ranta said to Council. “It wouldn’t hurt to write a letter but they’re going to do it, anyway,” said Coun. Herb Hofer.
“I suspect they’ll get approval,” said Ranta, “but one may be able to influence which run is cut.” “Is there any chance of getting the BX Stage back?” asked Coun. Darrell Rawcliffe. At its Oct. 11 board of directors meeting, the TNRD also voted to send a letter to the BC Passenger Transportation Board “expressing extreme disappointment” regarding the proposed reduction of Greyhound service “and the continued erosion of services to rural communities.” The TNRD will also send a letter to the Province requesting that Greyhound’s monopoly on bus transportation be reviewed with a focus on local solutions. This is the second major cut to BC routes by Greyhound in recent years. The villages, local seniors’ association and other groups wrote to oppose the cuts, but they were carried out anyway.
Ashcroft CiB members Marijke Stott and Andrea Walker at the national awards ceremony in Edmonton.
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