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Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Salmon Arm Observer
Question: The Shuswap was seriously impacted by flooding last spring. In 2004, the provincial government shifted the responsibility for flood hazard protection and management to local governments. In light of what happened here, should the responsibility for flood protection be returned to the province?
Tom Birch is project manager for a forestry software company and lives in Salmon Arm. He has worked for a number of companies in the forest industry and also has worked in Africa for a non-profit. He graduated from Trinity Western with a degree in communications. Tom Birch responds...
Tom Birch
BC Conservative Party
All insurance is based on averaging risk over a large sample. Flood protection is no different. For a community to manage it alone doesn’t work because
most communities won’t flood but those that do will be overwhelmed by the cost. This should be managed at a provincial level so that the risk is averaged and the costs affordable.
An entrepreneur, Chris George has had a varied career managing restaurants and retail outlets. George also was a financial planner and technology consultant to small businesses. He is currently a student at Thompson Rivers University. Chris George responds...
Chris George Green Party
Flooding in the Shuswap is a fact of life that will only get worse as climate change adds to the frequency and severity of these events. The province has a responsibility
to look after forests, public roads and ultimately the responsibility for streams and the flooding that comes with the terrain we have in our riding.
A farmer, Steve Gunner is president of North Okanagan Poultry Processing Incorporated in Armstrong, which raises pasture-raised organically fed chicken and turkeys. He is also manager of the Armstrong Curling Club in the fall and winter. Steve Gunner responds...
Steve Gunner BC NDP
I believe that the province has abandoned its responsibility for flood protection and has unreasonably downloaded this significant cost to local governments. There are a number of aspects that must be considered in order to prevent and manage floods in occupied areas. Factors to consider include transportation corri-
dors, fish habitat, and logged areas with all of the attendant terrain alterations, and it is not reasonable to expect local governments to organize and manage what is so clearly the work of the provincial government. I am committed to advocating for the province to take responsibility for community flood protection.
A Sicamous councillor, Greg Kyllo is the president of Twin Anchors Marine Group, which operates luxury vacation houseboats, as well as TA Structures, a venture in portable housing. He has lived in Sicamous for 35 years and studied at Okanagan College.
Greg Kyllo BC Liberals
Greg Kyllo responds... Last spring’s flood in the Shuswap was tough for our community. This disaster damaged our infrastructure, weakened our economy, and dampened our spirits. In my own community of Sicamous, 350 people were evacuated. I was humbled, however, to see the efforts of residents in rebuilding our community.
While the Shuswap must have a thorough emergency response plan in place, I will advocate for the continued assistance of the government’s Emergency Management program. As your MLA I will collaborate with the provincial government towards building a comprehensive plan for such crises in the future.
General Voting Day is Tuesday, May 14, 2013
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ELECTION 2013
on Arm m l a S l a nnu
SUNDAY, JUNE 16th 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
at the end of the Salmon Arm Wharf
Open to all children 12 years of age & under ALL CHILDREN must wear a lifejacket or PFD and be accompanied by an adult. REGISTRATION: Sunday, 6 a.m. at the wharf. (note: NO cost to register!) AWARDS CEREMONY: 11:30 a.m. at the wharf. SPONSORED BY
Salmon Arm Leisure Services Salmon Arm Saving and Credit Union Canadian Tire AND THE Salmon Arm Observer PRIZES,TROPHIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS for First Fish, Most Fish and Largest Fish Many SPOT PRIZES as well as a special “Parent Appreciation” draw prize
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SASCU invites all members to attend
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 7:00 pm Prestige Inn Harbourfront Resort
251 Harbourfront Drive NE, Salmon Arm Meet your Board of Directors. Review highlights of 2012. Enjoy coffee, tea & treats.
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