I N S I D E : Fly ash report raises more questions. Page 3
Journal ASHCROFT t CACHE CREEK
Volume 121 No 14 PM # 400121123
The
Thursday, April 3, 2014
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Report says Oasis Plaza not a structural hazard yet
Musicality The Sage Sound Singers sang to a full house at St. Alban’s on Saturday night. Conducted by Carmen Ranta, the choir’s harmonies rang out through several numbers, and featured several soloists, including Sharon Ambler (top right) accompanied by Kirk Watson on bass, and Theresa Takacs and Michelle Reid (bottom right).
The Oasis Plaza will stay where it is, for the time being. The inspection report commissioned by the Village of Cache Creek has concluded that “Although there are clearly signs of deterioration due to water damage and mould on the Upper Floor, Watson Engineering Ltd. notes that the Structure of the Building is substantially intact. Noting that we have not undertaken any numerical analysis of the capacity of the Structure of the Building, we note that there are insufficient signs of deterioration for us to conclude that the Building represents a significant Structural Hazard in its present condition.” Cache Creek Mayor John Ranta says he is frustrated that there is no legal mechanism to force the Plaza’s owner, Joe Carhoon, to either fix or demolish the building. The only avenue left to the Village, he says, is its Unsightly Premises bylaw, which allows the Village to tell the owners of unsightly properties to clean them up or face prosecution. Under the bylaw, the Village can also undertake remedial
work on the property and charge the property owner with the cost. The building was inspected on Jan. 30 by the Cache Creek Fire Dept., the TNRD Building Inspection Services, Interior Health Environmental Services and Watson Engineering, Ltd., structural engineers, from Kamloops. All agreed that it was unsafe from many points of view, but could remain standing if it was not occupied. However, Watson Engineering wrote in their report, “We can also conclude that - without remediation - components of Building will continue to deteriorate until (ultimately) some part of the Building (likely the timber components of the Upper Floor) become a significant Structural Hazard.” In its report, the Fire Dept. stated that it would not risk going into the building should a fire occur, but that the Oasis Hotel, the Wander Inn and nearby Shell Gas Station would be at significant risk. Ranta said the report has been forwarded to Cahoon with a request that he meet with Council to come up with a solution.
Cache Creek councillor resigns Citing failing health, Cache Creek Councillor Darrell Rawcliffe has submitted his resignation from Council, effictive March 31. “Due to health reasons, I feel it is best if I do not complete this term of office,” he wrote. “I am greatly honoured to have served on Council for the past six years and want to thank Council and the citizens of Cache Creek for their support and understanding. I have enjoyed every single minute of my years on Cache Creek Council and will forever cherish the memories and friendships I have made in our wonderful community.”
Mayor John Ranta said he was saddened to receive the letter. “It’s such a shame to see a dedicated council member like Darrell suffering health issues to the point where he feels he has to resign,” said Ranta. He said Rawcliffe’s experience in hauling waste from the Lower Mainland to the Landfill and his knowlege of the industry was a real benefit to council. Ranta said it’s up to Council to decide whether to hold byelection for his seat, but that’s not likely to happen since the general election will be held in November.
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