BUSINESS Local becomes new manager at Valley First Page 3
NEWS Mac’s Auto Parts staff help out stranded stranger Page 8
COMMUNITY
Meet the new Ambassador Candidates Page 11
SPOTLIGHT $1.10 Includes TAX
The Similkameen
Volume 65 Issue 16
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Proudly serving the community since 1948 • www.similkameenspotlight.com
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Fortis Generation presents dam project proposal An overview of the proposed Fortis Hydro Electric Project along the Similkameen River is presented to council. Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
During the regular meeting of council on Monday, April 7, Ruth Sulentich and Joseph Sukhnandah presented an overview of the proposed Similkameen Hydro Electric Project to council on behalf of Fortis Generation. The overview included the proposed project location - 15 km south of Princeton and Hwy 3 towards Hope; that it would contain water storage and hydroelectric component with the dam at 165 meters in height and 500 meters wide. Sukhnandah explained that positives to having a dam would include; ability to control the release of flow thereby shaping water levels (especially during summer months) improving water availability, having less variations in water flow, flood risk reduction downstream, possible water quality improvements and base load renewable hydro generation (how much energy at peak times - controlling when to release) He also explained that Fortis was, “in the beginning stages of the process.” The beginning including First Nation Consultations, discussion with Copper Mountain Mine, community outreach and consultations. —the beginning of what is expected to be a two and a half year process. The proposal if things go well for the company, could be looking at pre-construction at the end of 2017, construction in 2018 and commissioning by mid 2020. If you are interested in reading the presentation visit princeton.ca Home > Regular Meetings of Council > Agendas > 2014 > 2014-04-07 Regular Agenda
Lisa Carleton/Spotlight
Mike Ranta and Spitzii head out on the Similkameen River Monday morning, leaving Princeton for Keremeos via the water. They plan to spend the night in Keremeos and portage to Penticton on Tuesday.
Inspirational paddle for Guinness Record Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
Mike Ranta, veteran paddler from Atikokan, Ontario (known as the Canoeing Capital of Canada) set out on a 8000 plus kilometer journey from Vancouver to Cape Breton on April 1. Mike Ranta’s Paddle - a cross country canoe journey is a trip he hopes will inspire youth as well as raise funds for Atikokan Youth Initiatives—his goal being to raise $50,000. While he’s at it, Ranta is working to set a Guinness World Record for the longest solo canoe trip (solo paddle.) Check Ranta’s progress and make a donation at www.atikokanyouth. org/track_our_paddler.html This is Ranta’s second major canoe trip. In 2011 he travSee COUNCIL - Page 8
Weather Watch Wednesday
High 11/Low 1
Thursday
High 13/Low 3
Friday
High 13/Low 3
Saturday
High 16/Low 2
Sunday
High 16/Low 6
elled from Rocky Mountain House more than 5000 km, to Montreal. “I felt this was a short trip,” he said. Ranta arrived in Princeton on Sunday, April 13 and spent the evening at the River’s Edge RV Park. Ranta was surprised by a visit from Glen and Lori Johnson, folks from his home town upon his arrival in Princeton. “It was cool, said Ranta, “they took me home so I could have a shower- (so nice). It was good to see some folks from home.” The trip has been great so far for Ranta. He says when the tide went out, he “lost the Fraser River for a bit,” (I’m probably the only guy in Canada to do that) he laughs— and got hung up in the canyon at Copper Creek, but I made it here when I wanted to and that’s okay.”
See JOURNEY - Page 2
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