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Vol. 90 Issue 49 • Wednesday, December 4, 2013 • www.arrowlakesnews.com • 250-265-3823 • $1.25 •
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Nakusp family helps rebuild after Philippines’ super typhoon Claire paradis Arrow Lakes News
It was unlike anything Ed and Ruth Wiebe had ever experienced in their years in the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan’s 200 to 300 kilometre per hour winds tore through the small village of Ocam Ocam on the island of Busuanga, ripping roofs from houses and bending trees over until they broke. The devastation to the small town of roughly 200 was huge, driving people to flee together from house to house as roofs were stripped away, leaving them vulnerable to the elements. It was only when it was all over that the full extent of the damage could be seen. And although the Wiebes had weathered their share of typhoons, this level of destruction was something completely new. Ed and Ruth Wiebe began working in the Philippines ten years ago when they came to the island with the pastor of their church and his wife who is originally from Ocam Ocam. Seeing a need for a school in the town where more than half the population are children, the Wiebes decided to build a school, which now teaches kids from kindergarten to grade fou. With sponsor funds, they have been able to build the school as well as hire three teachers. To encourage parents to send their kids to the school rather than help work in the fields, sponsorship money also provides each family with a bag of rice. Dan Wiebe, Ed and Ruth’s son, has been to the town himself and has seen many changes over the past decade. Due to irresponsible fishing practises involving dynamite and poisons by some fishers, the local coral reefs had been destroyed, which also dried up the sea-
food trade. Ed Wiebe was determined to help the residents to help themselves, and brought chickens, goats and bananas to be cultivated, as well as a tractor, a rice mill, and water pipelines that have allowed Ocam Ocam citizens to feed themselves. “They’re pretty much self-supported now,” Dan told the Arrow Lakes News. “They grow their own food at local plantations.” Typhoon Haiyan’s destruction has meant efforts are now aimed at rebuilding farms and buildings as well as feeding people right now. Fortunately, many of the buildings are made with things that grow locally, although even those supplies were destroyed in the storm’s onslaught. “Most houses are made out of bamboo and grasses, so the building supplies are on hand,” said Dan. The Wiebes have bought rice and tarps, and are slowly trying to get places for people to live, Dan told the Arrow Lakes News. The next step is helping farmers get their fields back in shape. “It’s just a matter of getting them up and running again,” Dan emphasized. Ed has been in touch with Dan about once a week; because the storm wiped out cell phone towers, Ed can only call when he goes to Coron, a three- or four-hour drive from the town. Still, any roads are an improvement: not long ago, the only access to the rural village was by boat. Because Ocam Ocam has so few people, post-typhoon relief has been slow to come. Ed Wiebe took on the initiative immediately and has been trucking food and supplies from Coron, his efforts funded by donations through the Alliance Church in Nakusp. This
Nakusp planning curbside recycling Claire paradis Arrow Lakes News
Now that the MMBC deal has been accepted by RDCK, Nakusp residents will be seeing changes to how recycling is collected. With requirements that all facilities be fenced and staffed, RDCK’s Mike Morrison told the Arrow Lakes News, the big green bins stationed near the Nakusp Arena will be no more. Folks who have their trash picked up by the village will also have their recycling picked up too, although exactly how that will work is still being worked out.
“There are a lot of logistics to be worked out between now and May,” said Nakusp CAO Linda Tynan. Part of what needs to be worked out is whether blue boxes or bags will be used in collection. Another part will be informing Nakuspians about the new requirements for recyclables, such as what needs to be done to reduce “contaminants” – unseparated recyclables, like labels on bottles and cans. Glass will still need to be dropped off, as will out-of-town recycling, which means those who don’t have garbage service will have to wait for the waste management site to be open.
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micro-relief effort means that 100 per cent of the donations get to where they’re intended, say organizers of the relief effort, and people are welcome to drop by and give what they can. Ed and Ruth Wiebe will be back home in
their own Canadian town for Christmas with family, but Dan said they are planning on returning to the Philippines after the holidays are over to continue to help. Their generosity is a gift that gives no matter what time of year.
Winter access to Wensley Trails nonmotorized only
Signs like this have been posted at access points to the Wensley Creek Cross Country Ski Trails to alert users that motorbikes, ATVs, vehicles and snowmobiles are prohibited between Dec. 1 and March 31. Courtesy Kathy Smith Contributed by ALCCSC
Motorized vehicles are restricted from using the Wensley Creek trails between Dec. 1 and March 31, and new signs have been posted at access points to the trails letting users know. “The reason for the restriction is to protect the integrity of snow on the trail systems,” Kathy Smith, president Arrow Lakes Cross Country Ski Club told the Arrow Lakes News. “Snowfall begins in early December and it is critical to allow the snow to build up, prior to setting ski tracks. For many years now, there has been repeated problems with the ski trails being damaged by other people accessing the trails with motorized vehicles.The ALCCSC works hard to set track and maintain the trails over the ski season. There have been occasions that the damage to the ski tracks cannot be repaired during the ski season.
“It’s important for people to understand that this area has been managed for many years now, for cross country skiing in the winter time,” said Smith. “There has been a lot of hard work and money spent in maintaining and upgrading the trail system to facilitate the winter ski activity.” The new informational signage has been installed in an attempt to inform unauthorized users about the restricted access. The ski trail area is managed by the Arrow Lakes Cross Country Ski Club, who have a signed recreational agreement with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. This agreement gives the ski club rights to maintain and use the ski trail during this time line. If anyone has questions about the restricted motorized access to this area, they can contact Kathy Smith at 250-265-4950 or Justin Dexter, Recreation Officer at 250825-1212.
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