TINY DANCERS PAGE A3
Power book PAGE A14
TOUGH LOSS PAGE A18
OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
VOL. 99 NO. 27
www.quesnelobserver.com
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Sure sign of winter Small snowflakes surround this colourful Bohemian Wax Wing as he indulges on tasty mountain ash berries.
Karen Powell photo
H2O connection to Lhtako one step closer DANIKA M. HEBERT Observer Reporter Council has decided to agree in principle to adding the Lhtako Dene nation onto its water service according to a release of the minutes of the closed meeting Oct. 30. The Lhtako Dene Nation most recently asked council to extend their water service to their band lands during the Oct. 15 meeting. The fact Lhtako Dene residents are often on
boil water advisories as well as periods of time where only bottled water is allowed was then discussed. Council decided this partnership would see Lhtako Dene Nation take a lead role securing funding and cooperation with different government departments. Chief Clifford Lebrun of the Lhtako Dene Nation requested 21 total connections on the band land, including 19 housing units and a small community hall.
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He also highlighted the health concerns of the residents of the Lhtako Dene Nation, as their water consistently tests as unsafe for consumption. Although different options have been discussed, Chief Lebrun told council a connection to the Quesnel water system was the best option regarded by the AANDC engineers. “The most feasible option to AANDC and the Lhtako Dene Nation is the connection and long term supply from the city
of Quesnel,” he said. Council moved a motion stating “council recognizes the importance of building a stronger relationship with the Lhtako Dene First Nation who have made a request for an extenuation of potable water to band lands which are outside of city countries.” The motion carried indicates council has only approved in principle as there are still details which could complicate plans. “We only agreed
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in principle, because everything looks good now, but sometimes when details are being worked out, that’s where problems arise,” city manager Byron Johnson said. The principles council agreed to include “the water being provided will be primarily used for residential purposes, the capital and infrastructure costs to be paid by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (AANDC) and annual water and maintenance
costs to be paid by AANDC,” the motion reads. The motion also calls for “staff and city engineers to conduct a detailed review of the existing feasibility study of the extension of water in Indian Reserve #1 in conjunction with engineering staff of the Lhtako Dene First Nation with any incremental costs to be reimbursed by AANDC.” Check future issues of your Observer for updates.
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Northern Flowers
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