I N S I D E : Ashcroft Terminal keeps on track. Page 3
Journal ASHCROFT t CACHE CREEK
Volume 120 No 19 PM # 400121123
The
Thursday, May 9, 2013
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Water and growth focus of the public
(Left) David Langevin (in white jacket) talks to visitors about the site and fossil recognition at the McAbee Fossil Bed in 2010; (Above) John Leahy positions the new display at the Ashcroft Museum, made up of some pieces from his collection; (Bottom left) Thompson Valley Rock Club member Gladys Dickinson, Councillor Alice Durksen, Curator Kathy Paulos, John Leahy and Boris Karpoff.
Although only 11 members of the public attended the Town Hall meeting of the 2013 Ashcroft budget, those present had lots of questions for Council. And very few of those were about the budget. Besides explaining reserve funds, property taxes and a brief look at the 2013 $4.4 million municipal budget, treasurer Linda Howika listed some of the spending projects the Village is planning for this year. They include planning for the 20th anniversary of Ashcroft’s relationship with Sister City Bifuka; Review of automated garbage truck; Hiring of a grant writer (done); Completion of sewage treatment plant upgrades which have been underway for two years; HVAC replacement on Lady Minto building; New roof on old firehouse; wifi in Legacy Park; Another columbarium (done); Cross connection program (backflow installation); Seniors heritage data collection; and the beginning of the 20 year Water Master Plan. Council was questioned about plans for sharing municipal water with the Ashcroft Indian Band. Mayor Andy Anderson replied that the plans were on hold for the moment. He added that Interior Health is pushing the village to change to an infiltration operation for its drinking water, and that the Master Plan would address this. The change would mean treating the water with chlorine, sand and UV.
McAbee fossils donated to museum With the closure of the McAbee Fossils beds to the public in 2012, Ashcroft Museum was fortunate last Friday to receive the gracious donation of 40 outstanding fossils from the site by John Leahy, a Kamloops expert on fossils. Leahy worked closely with David Langevin, who staked the site in 1991 to protect the fossils and to allow individuals to collect fossils from the site. The fossil finds are so significant that B.C. Government has recently given it a Heritage Site Designation. The rocks and types of fossils found at McAbee Fossil
Beds tell us something about the lake that occurred there. The McAbee Fossil Beds are made up of shallow lake sediments which were laid down approximately 51 million years ago (Eocene age). Over 80 plant varieties have been found, including broadleaves, conifers, Sassafras, katsura and Ginkgo. Insect species including flies, wasps, leafhoppers, the fish Eohiodon, cones flowers and even a few feathers were also discovered. The previous loaned fossil display was so popular with its visitors that the Ashcroft Museum is thrilled to
have received an even more impressive permanent display to share with residents and visitors to Ashcroft alike for years to come. Take time to visit the exhibit and bring your guests as there is much to see and learn. The Ashcroft Museum is also grateful to the Thompson Nicola Paleontology donation of the display case. The Ashcroft Museum is currently open Monday to Friday from 9-5, closed Saturday and Sunday and statutory holidays. Submitted
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