100 Mile House Free Press, February 20, 2013

Page 1

PERFORMANCE SHAPING UP TO BE SPECTACULAR A5

FEBRUARY 20, 2013

$1.34 includes HST

Throne speech throttled by NDP

Two sections, 48 pages

100milefreepress.net

SNOW MUCH FUN

Carole Rooney Free Press

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WEEK A21

INTARSIA KEEPS RETIREE BUSY B1

INSIDE

opinion A8 letters A9 entertainment B3 sports A25 community B1 classifieds A30

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

Premier Christy Clark’s throne speech on Feb. 12 outlined the B.C. Liberal government’s plan to establish the British Columbia Prosperity Fund from billions of dollars in revenues to be generated by exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asian markets. The fund will primarily be used to eliminate provincial debt, improve social services and make life more affordable for families, through tax reductions and longterm investments in key services, she said. Clark’s government anticipates an annual average of 39,000 jobs will be created over a nine-year construction period and 75,000 jobs once these new LNG plants are fully operational. She explained the direct tax revenues from LNG exports to Asia would begin to roll in by 2017. Meanwhile, CaribooChilcotin MLA Donna Barnett said the “phenomenal” job creation still brings significant revenue from taxes, as well as spin-off employment from the increased spending power. However, she noted that won’t be part of the trust fund. The speech predicted the LNG program will generate $1 trillion in economic activity over the next 30 years, and the fund will fuel improvements for families, education, seniors, health care, employment Continued on A4

Carole Rooney photo

The deep snow near 100 Mile Junior Secondary School didn’t deter Logan Theuring, left, and Emma Theuring from leaping into the white stuff for some winter fun while it lasts. The recent mild temperatures have left some folks wondering if the spring thaw might be early this year.

Local water to be studied

Gas Tax funding helps 100 Mile House plan for future drinking water The funds will be used to do a study on efficient use of water for the district now and into the future. At its Feb. 5 meeting, councillors Garry Laursen, district director of received a District of 100 Mile House staff operations, says the study will be about report, entitled Plan for the water source, protection Efficient Use of Clean Water. If we could do and treatment. The district was successful “We are looking for a Well #4 and in getting $265,000 from its do water treat- good sustainable water Gas Tax application through ment plant up- supply.” the Capacity Building He notes the current grades, there’s Under Strategic Priorities & main water source is surpossibility in Innovation Funds. face water from Bridge the future to This was the second Creek, which receives full expand the attempt at applying for fundwater system.” treatment through slow ing, as the first was turned sand filtration, ultraviolet down. The re-application -Garry Laursen light and sodium hypowas prepared by district staff chlorite. and Urban Systems Ltd. Laursen says there is a While the money has not been trans- ground water well (Well #4) by the Red ferred to the district, an agreement is Coach Inn, which is the back-up water being drawn up. supply in the summertime when there is Ken Alexander Free Press

more water usage. The water is abundant, and while it’s not “aesthetically pleasing,” he adds it is safe and treated with hypochoclorite. “That’s the boost we need in the summer time.” He explains the well was drilled around 1993 because of significant drought conditions and Bridge Creek water flow was quite low. “In the future, we could have the same conditions.” The study’s main objective is to check out the ground water (Well #4) for possible treatment if it’s financially feasible, Laursen says, adding there are a number of good treatment options available. “There does appear to be a good supply of water and that would also be part of the test. We have to check the volume we could get and then we have to check the treatment for that water to do a better job Continued on A6


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