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Wednesday, March 26 • 2014
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Whitewater staffers married at the hill See Page 10
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Annual Budget
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GREG NESTEROFF
Time to start your garden from seed indoors.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay unanimously adopted its 2014 budget Thursday with a 1.4 per cent tax decrease, thanks to the discovery of a big surplus. Chair John Kettle said they will use a reserve of over $1 million in the regional district’s general administration fund, which all areas pay into, to offset taxes this year and next. “I’m a proponent of taxing for what we need when we need it,” he said. “Others say you’re always going to have shortfalls, so carry any surplus forward. But we split it down the middle and I’m happy.” Chief financial officer Stuart Horn said keeping reserves often makes sense, but not in this instance. “Something like waste, you’d want to keep a bit extra on hand to make sure you have enough in case something big comes up. A service like [general administration] is staff costs, director costs — there aren’t a lot of what ifs.” How much you actually end up paying depends on where you live and what services you receive, but Horn said there weren’t a lot of changes over last year. Continued on Page 12
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Vol. 6 • Issue 77
What’s next for 601 Front St. Nel Nelson recycling depot? See Page 5
son
Van will help family in need Province-wide fundraising efforts led to the purchase of a wheelchair accessible van that is going to make getting around much easier for a six-year-old living in Nelson.
Nelson Star Reporter
Holly and Todd St. Pierre try out the new van they received thanks to several generous organizations. KIRSTEN HILDEBRAND Nelson Star Reporter
A costly specialized van that will help one Nelson mother move around her six-year-old son arrived in Nelson this month — thanks to funds raised. Cari Julien is an occupational therapist with Kootenay Kids Society. She helped raise money for the $54,000 vehicle that the family would not have been able to afford but needed desperately. “This is a once in a lifetime chance for this family to get this kind of van,” said Julien. “She would never be able to afford this van independently.” Holly St. Pierre’s son Todd was born with his corpus callosum not formed properly and along with using a wheel chair, he has many other
pieces of equipment that help him in his everyday life. He has equipment that helps him learn to walk, other equipment that helps him crawl and a little car that helps him move around. “The mother has a bad back so putting everything in their little car was just too difficult,” said Julien. Funders for the van from around the province include President’s Choice, Giving in Action, Variety and CKNW Orphans’ Fund. Upkeep of the 2013 Chevy van will also be costly so Julien hopes service and parts stores in Nelson will come on board with offers to help. So far, OK Tire has donated along with Napa Auto Parts. The local Real Canadian Wholesale Club also donated $7,500.
Submitted photo
All those who worked toward this goal will celebrate on April 3 at 12:15 p.m. at the Wholesale Club on Lakeside Drive. It’s an exciting development for those who’ve been working with the family who often goes to Vancouver to see specialists. “They often need to bring their equipment so the van will help with transportation of the equipment and people that can assist during those visits,” said Julien. The St. Pierre’s also like to be outdoors and camp so a van makes this a more easily achievable outing, she added. “This van provides ease of access to the community and just helps expand their experience around the West Kootenay.”
250.352.7252 $547,000 STUNNING NEW HOME
Outstanding new 4 bed, 4 bath home with mountain views and a suite. MLS 2395793 Christine Pearson 250.505.8015
$269,000
$319,000 GREAT HOUSE!
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Spacious 4 bdrm and 2 bth home located in Sunny uphill. Hardwood flooring, panoramic lake and mountain views, great floor plan, older fruit trees, off alley covered parking, large yard & close to downtown. This little Gem is located in Sunny uphill.
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
COUNTRY RESIDENTIAL ESTATE
Located on a 1/2 acre level lot in a quiet subdivision mid-way between Nelson & Castlegar, this 3 - 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with an attached garage and large covered deck is an attractive home & great value. MLS 2395854
In Salmo Village limits. This is a very solid built 2 bedroom and den 1898 square foot home. A double sided fire place in living room and dining room. 14.02 acres, treed and private setting with a fantastic valley view. MLS 2395596
Barbie Wheaton 250.509.0654
Lisa Cutler 250.551.0076
Lorne Westnedge 250.505.2606
Alan Tarr 250.354.8489
MLS 2396030
601 Baker St. Nelson, BC V1L 4J3 RHC REALTY
Serving Nelson & Area Since 1908 100% Locally Owned & Independently Operated