106th Year - Week 41 PM 40007014
Money raised to date:
$208,120 GOAL
$400,000 NEW ARENA DONATIONS
BVCU: $15,000 ($25,000 total)
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
www.interior-news.com
Single Copy • $1.30 ($1.24 + 6¢ GST)
Homeless camp creating controversy By Ryan Jensen Smithers/Interior News
STRONG START Steelheads win first game of the season.
SPORTS/A10
HEALTHY CHOICE Health care and hospital foundation hold gala.
COMMUNITY/A17
INSIDE LETTERS A7 SPORTS A10 COMMUNITY A17 OUR TOWN A20 THREE RIVERS B1 CLASSIFIEDS B5
High Road Services Society executive director Dana Gorbahn has taken the group’s 16th Ave. property off the table as a possible location for a temporary homeless camp this winter. The 16th Ave. location had never been officially approved, only brought up as a potential location for the temporary shelters. Other possibilities that have been mentioned by the town include Riverside Park campground and Heritage Park, across from Town Hall. Although no location has been chosen, residents of the 16th Ave. area had a meeting last week to air their displeasure with the idea of having a temporary homeless camp set up in their neighbourhood. None of the stakeholders actually involved in planning the project were asked to attend. Gorbahn did go the meeting, uninvited, and explained to concerned residents the location was mentioned at an initial meeting only as a possible solution because High Road Services owns the land. More than 50 people attended the meeting, Gorbahn estimated. Since the initial Sept. 3 meeting where the suggestion was made, it has become clear, for a number of reasons, Gorbahn said, this area of town is not best suited for a temporary camp. “I’m willing to put it down in writing,” Gorbahn said. “Sixteenth Ave., as an idea, was something to discuss, but it needed further exploration to make sure all parties would be happy. It’s good they raised their concerns because now we know where people are at.” Gorbahn said he is attending a meeting with BC Housing and the Town of Smithers Oct. 16 to discuss the next steps in the project. Late in September, High Road Services Society’s board approved the purchase of two to four camp-like structures that could house up to 12 homeless people. See HOMELESS on A3
GRIP IT AND RIP IT Cody Askew considers his next move during the bouldering competition at the BV Regional Pool and Rec Centre on Saturday. Seventeen competitors took part, in youth and adult categories. Chris Schell won the Men’s Advanced category, Alex Schell won in the Women’s division, Adam Kindrat took the top spot in Youth and in the Men’s Novice category, John Hagan was first. Nolan Kelly photo
9
99
see page A-24
Friday Only! Limit 1 per family purchase
Variety Pack 90 Count