Observer SALMON ARM
Wednesday October 24, 2012 www.saobserver.net $1.25 HST INCLUDED PM40008236
Ready, aim, fire! Volunteer Glen Powell fires off the pumpkin cannon into the field Sunday at DeMille’s Farm Market. The cannon is packed with a pumpkin and straw before being fired. The event, which benefited the Salvation Army Food Bank, drew large crowds to watch the dramatic, highvelocity pumpkin splats against the side of some derelict vehicles. LACHLAN LABERE/OBSERVER
Beavers’ fate up for debate By Martha Wickett OBSERVER STAFF
City council passed the buck on the fate of Canada’s buck-toothed national symbol. Beavers have been chawing on trees at the foreshore near Christmas Island, prompting two phone calls and two website complaints to city hall from citizens. Rob Nieuwenhuizen, the city’s director of engineering and public works, reported at Monday’s council meeting that the busy rodents “bit off more than they can chew,” leaving a couple of snags leaning somewhat precariously after being chomped through. He said city staff have been cleaning up the results of the beavers’ single-minded activities. In the past, the city hired a li-
censed contractor to “deal with” the beavers, he explained, but in January, city council asked to be informed if there was to be any further trapping of beavers near the wharf. Under wildlife regulations, he said, the beavers can be trapped and disposed of, or trapped and moved to a maximum of 500 metres away. “The act requires 500 metres – that’s not a long way. Beavers from that area will migrate. It’s either dealing with it or suffering the consequences of losing the trees in that area.” Coun. Ken Jamieson said from his experience at the foreshore, he doesn’t consider the activities a problem. He suggested that if the beavers can’t move the trees, then perhaps they be given help. Coun. Denise Reimer expressed con-
This week Shuswap Swimming had 17 firstplace finishes at their annual Fall Jamboree. See details on A22. It’s Halloween weekend and we’ve got the scoop on all the spooky events. See A25.
cern about a large snag she noticed, wondering if it could snap off and if the city would be liable. Although liability isn’t necessarily a concern, safety is. Nieuwenhuizen replied: “It’s definitely a consideration. That’s why we’re here today.” Coun. Debbie Cannon said council does not appear to want them killed, and wondered about the cost to manage them and their activities. Carl Bannister, the city’s chief adminstrative officer, says the city doesn’t have money budgeted for tree removal and clean-up. Nieuwenhuizen said it would cost about $300 to trap or dispose of the two or three animals that are believed to be in the area.
Birch to represent B.C. Conservatives The B.C. Conservatives are ready to do battle in the Shuswap. The party elected Salmon Arm’s Tom Birch as their candidate during a nomination meeting at the Elks Hall Saturday. “The unity of purpose that I see here is inspiring,” said Birch, who was among three candidates seeking the nomination. “I appreciate the tireless work that Maureen Walker and Ed Klop have done in the past months to build this riding, and even though they did not win, I know that they will continue working with me on behalf of the party, as they wholeheartedly believe in our party’s direction.” Birch, a Salmon Arm resident since 1998, See Birch on page A2
See Councillor on page A2
Index Opinion ....................... A6 View Point .................. A7 Life & Times ............... A8 Sports............... A21-A24 Arts & Events ... A25-A27 Time Out................... A28 Vol. 105, No. 43, 52 pages