Family Dentistry
SPORTS
BUSINESS
LIFESTYLE
KELOWNA ROCKETS president and GM Bruce Hamilton is part of the management team for Canada’s entry in the upcoming world junior hockey championship being played this year in Malmo, Sweden.
COLUMNIST Maxine DeHart reveals the new showroom location for the Audi Kelowna dealership on Enterprise Way.
COLUMNIST Jennifer Schell points out the many ways to treat guests, gift recipients and yourself this Christmas season.
A20
A28
A13
Dr. Michael Webster DMD & Associates Dental Implants A great way to replace missing teeth and a permanent solution to dentures and partials. Restore that great confident smile. Call Us Today • Direct Insurance #100 - 2033 Gordon Drive Billing 250-860-1414 • Flexib www.kelowna-dental-centre.ca Hours le
THURSDAY Dec. 12, 2013 The Central Okanagan’s Best-Read Newspaper www.kelownacapnews.com
Home mail delivery faces budget axe Kathy Michaels STAFF REPORTER
The Okanagan’s large population of seniors will be put in a vulnerable position if the cuts to door-to-door service proposed by Canada Post go through, says the union that represents postal workers. “For a lot of seniors, the only daily contact they have is with us,” said Pam Durham, vice-president of Kelowna’s branch of the Canadian Union Of Postal Workers Wednesday, shortly after cuts to door-to-door service and rate hikes were announced. “So, if something happens, a lot of time it’s their postie who finds them.” Durham, while on her route, has come across an elderly customer who had fallen and injured themselves. She called 911 and they ended up getting the help they needed. If she hadn’t been there, she’s not sure what would have happened. And, on a more regular basis, Durham points out that all mail carriers keep an eye on things, watching to see if mail builds up in the letterbox for any duration. If it does, then further investigation is required. Beyond being a watchful eye, however, postal workers also say taking away door-to-door service, and sending seniors to community mail boxes down the street to get their correspondence puts them in physical peril. “When your grandparents retire to Kelowna, you want them to be safe,” said Dawn Klappe, president of the local branch of the union. “So many of our seniors have mobility issues, and you don’t want them walking in (weather) like we have now to find their mail in some box that may or may not have been robbed.” The Okanagan, in particular, is an area where community mailboxes have proven to be less than secure. “I can’t tell you how many cases where (community mail boxes) have been broken into in this valley,” Klappe said. “We have a lot that are in the dark, and when that happens you get identity theft.” See MailA6
WADE PATERSON/CAPITAL NEWS
VOLCANIC HILLS Estate Winery proprietor and president Bobby Gidda gives Premier Christy Clark a tour of the winery prior to a provincial announcement regarding provincial liquor policy changes,Wednesday morning.
Premier announces liquor policy changes Wade Paterson STAFF REPORTER
Premier Christy Clark announced the provincial government’s support of several liquor policy recommendations at a stop in West Kelowna Wednesday morning; however, liquor sales in grocery stores was not one of them. Clark—who toured Volcanic Hills Estate Winery before speaking to visitors and the media— said the public has shown a de-
sire for more convenience, but said she has concerns about public safety. “It’s a primary concern of mine in making sure we deliver on the convenience people want, protect health and safety, but also promote B.C. products,” said Clark, who added more announcements regarding liquor policy reform are likely to come in the future. Following parliamentary secretary for liquor policy reform John Yap’s B.C. Liquor Policy
Review, which engaged 80,000 residents online as well as others who attended town hall meetings throughout the province, Clark indicated support of several of the 70 recommended policy changes Wednesday. “We all know our liquor regulations are antiquated. They’re out of date, and it’s been that way for a very long time,” said Clark. Clark first announced manufacturers will be able to sample and sell their made-in-B.C. liquor at venues such as farmers’ mar-
0+0+0+0 $
1st Month Lease Payment
www.bannisterkelowna.com
250-860-7700
$
Down
$
Security
$
Due at Delivery
2 years FREE Lube Oil & Filter 2014 Models
kets, festivals and off-site tasting rooms. “This is a win for consumers; it’s a win for local farmers’ markets,” said Clark. Manufacturers will also be allowed to expand their on-site tasting venues. “That means people visiting the winery will be able to enjoy a bottle of wine in the vineyard picnic area,” said Clark.
2014 gMc Sierra 4x4 • Double cab • Power Group • Delivered Appearance Package
See Liquor A6
199
$
bI/WEEKLY
• 48 month lease • 2.5% • Includes Truck Bucks