BUSINESS
NEWS
THE KELOWNA ROCKETS roster for the upcoming WHL season is taking shape as players return from NHL training camps.
WORK IS UNDERWAY on the third and final phase of the $14-million Bernard Avenue revitalization project. Despite the work, Bernard Avenue stores are still open for business.
FOR THE FIRST TIME in six years, Kelowna city hall has rejected an application by a local anti-abortion group to proclaim its Right To Life week here.
A14
83 serving our community 1930 to 2013
Retirement &
SPORTS
A21
A5
TUESDAY
Assisted Livin
g Services
Ask about our
2,000
$
Kelowna’s Bes t Value
Referral Gift
www.fernbrae
manor.unicare
homes.com 295 Gerstmar Ro 250.979.0a6d0| Kelowna 0
Sept. 17, 2013 The Central Okanagan’s Best-Read Newspaper www.kelownacapnews.com
Bears close regional park The presence of bears has forced the Regional District of Central Okanagan to close the trails in one park on the Westside. Effective immediately, the main trail at Hardy Falls Regional Park is closed to the public upstream of the first bridge. “Even though bears are often (seen) at this time of year in several of our regional parks, several bears and cubs have taken up residence in Hardy Falls Regional Park, located at the south end of Peachland,” communications co-ordinator Bruce Smith said. “In recent days, there have been more frequent daytime sightings. As a result, in order to keep people safe, we’ve decided to close the formal trail access to the park. “However, all previously scheduled public and school kokanee interpretive tours and weekend interpretive programming will continue along the creek, adjacent to the washroom area of the park, between Renfrew Road and Highway 97.” He added kokanee salmon are spawning in Peachland Creek, which flows through Hardy Falls Regional Park, and the bears are taking advantage of the food source. “Because the main creekside trail meanders along the valley bottom, there are no alternate routes available for people to avoid possible contact
with the bears. So to ensure there are no conflicts, we’ve decided to close the main trail in the park,” said Smith. Signs advising of the closure are in place. Anyone found inside a closed regional park could face a $500 fine. The regional district will consult with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service before reopening the park’s main trail. Evidence of bears is not unusual at this time of year in several regional parks, especially those that provide wildlife corridors to higher elevation areas and those with creeks filled with spawning kokanee. When bears, or evidence of them, is found in a regional park, signs are posted advising park users to use caution. “To reduce your chance of meeting a bear while hiking, it’s recommended that you travel in a group, make noise or carry something that makes noise,” Smith said. “Be aware that bears fishing for food may not hear you over the noise of the creek water. “If you see a bear, give it plenty of space and stay well away from it,” Smith said. People should respect bears, and anticipate and avoid encounters whenever possible. Bears can be aggressive, especially when defending their food or their cubs.
WADE PATERSON/CAPITAL NEWS
PRIME MINISTER Stephen Harper speaks to a crowd of Conservative Party supporters at Quails’ Gate Estate Winery in West Kelowna Friday.
▼ WEST KELOWNA
Prime minister touts government’s record Wade Paterson STAFF REPORTER
Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke to hundreds of Conservative Party supporters at Quails’ Gate Estate winery Friday evening as part of a barbecue for the B.C. Conservative Caucus. The speech—which didn’t permit questions from the media—focused on the country’s current economic position, a balanced budget in 2015, job creation and a tough-
er criminal justice system. Harper began by speaking about Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, who was also a former MP for Victoria. “Sir John A. spoke to British Columbians about the things that matter: About jobs and prosperity, about Canada united and strong, about economic growth, not grow-ops,” said Harper, which the crowd of supporters responded to with applause. The prime minister
would take another jab at the Liberal Party later in his speech. “The Liberal leader (Justin Trudeau) actually said a couple of weeks ago that he doesn’t have any economic policy. He says he won’t have any for at least a couple of years. “Now I don’t count legalizing the marijuana trade as an economic policy.” Harper spent about 15 minutes listing the Conservative Party’s accomplishments, focusing on
three simple steps ✔ BANKRUPT ✔ SLOW PAYER
✔ BAD CREDIT ✔ DIVORCE
✔ DISABILITY ✔ CREDIT COUNSELLING
to vehicle ownership & credit freedom
1
Can’t get credit?
Canada’s economic position compared to the rest of the world. “Under our mandate, in a period of continued economic uncertainty and instability, where nations around the world are being crushed under bank and government debt, Canada has the most solid financial regime in the world. “We have the fastest growth rate in the G7, and we have the lowest debt and we have the lowest national debt, by far.”
During the Prime Minister’s appearance, several protesters assembled on the side of Boucherie Road near the winery, holding signs that illustrated their opposition to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). One man repeatedly chanted: “Kick Harper out.” A PETA member wearing a seal costume also stood on the side of the road, holding a sign that read: “Harper: Stop the seal slaughter.”
Don’t Wait! Call Direct Car Credit at 888.440.7215
2
Make an appointment for a credit consultation today for best vehicle selection
3
You’re Approved! Drive home in your new car or truck with a smile!
bonus Receive a VISA credit card with your approval to help you re-establish your credit!