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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015
$1.10 (includes tax)
Fencing concerns
Page A16
VOL 118 NO. 15
Learning Garden opening a team effort CRAIG LINDSAY
Grand Forks Gazette
The Learning Garden project at the Grand Forks Rec Centre was officially kicked off on Friday as around 50 people showed up for a ceremony and work party. Starting off the event was a drumming song and blessing from the Boundary Community Metis Association. Emceeing the grand opening was one of the project leaders, Graham Watt, who introduced the learning garden main design team. Watt also introduced representatives of all the partners in the project, which included Mayor Frank Konrad of the City of Grand Forks, Area C/Christina Lake director and RDKB board chair Grace McGregor; and Area D/ Rural Grand Forks director Roly Russell. “We hear every day about the challenges in the world,” said Watt in his introduction. “We hear about the oil spill in Burrard Inlet; we hear about the loss of biodiversity; we hear about poverty and the challenges of water pollution…one of those things that give me hope is that there are solutions to be had. There are solutions that involve getting your hands dirty, working small and slow at the local level, digging in and working with growing things that help each other out and the earth.” Watt said the area outside the aquatic centre will be transformed over the next three years into a flourishing space of trees, shrubs, vines, mushrooms, ground cover, bulbs and more. “Every one of those plants will have an integrated purpose in helping form a garden landscape that will provide food for many people over many years,” he said. “It’ll provide biodiversity for pollinators like bees and humming birds; and help clean the air, filter noise and protect ground water.” Watt said there would be opportunities for locals to learn about water conservation in the garden. Russell said the project is a great addition to the community. “This is one of the projects I think that is really exciting from a local • See GARDEN page A10
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Several dignitaries pitched in to spread a manure pile at the opening kick-off for the Learning Garden on Friday outside the Grand Forks Aquatic Centre. Craig Lindsay photo
Municipal tax rates on the rise CRAIG LINDSAY
Grand Forks Gazette
Roxanne Shepherd, chief financial officer for Grand Forks, gave a presentation on the 2015 tax rates (bylaw 2012). She presented council with three options based on the 2015-19 financial plan. Council decided on the second option, which will increase revenue by 4.96 per cent over the previous year and cap utilities at 40.0 per $1,000 of assessment, and major industry will stay at the 2014 rate. The rejected options were to (op-
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Designer kitchen! Brian Thate
CRAIG LINDSAY
Grand Forks Gazette
Grand Forks Fire/Rescue’s new fire truck will arrive just in time for summer, says fire chief Dale Heriot. The truck, which has a 30 metre ladder, will make fire fighting easier as well as vehicle rescues much easier and safer for crews, says Heriot. “We expect the fire truck in the
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conversion rates for different classes. The residential tax rate will be 4.1646 per $1,000 of assessment. The tax rate for major industry 43.3948; for light industry 12.2023; for business 9.9534; for recreation 3.3317; and for farm 4.4978. Expected tax revenue from residential is $1,529,664. The revenue from major industry is $823,382. The total property tax is $3,047,871. Council will be giving the first three readings of the 2015 tax rate bylaw at the April 20 regular council meeting.
middle or end of May,” said Heriot. “It’s been just over a year. When we accepted their bid they had said as much as 15 months so they’ll be right on target.” Heriot said they don’t have the final cost for the truck yet but he anticipates it will be under $1 million. Heriot said when the truck comes off the assembly line, they will fly down for a detailed inspec-
tion on the engine before receiving the truck. “We’ll go through the whole engine and make sure it was build totally to the spec that was bid on,” he said. “Also, if there are any changes we want to make then we’ll do them there. Any nicks, scratches or dings, they’ll repair them then.” Once the truck is approved it is
New fire truck expected in May
“It’s your move!”
3185 Sion Frontage Rd
tion 1) increase the residential tax rate by 4.96 per cent with the same conversion ratios or to (option 3) keep the same rates as last year. The improved residential assessment (all residences) for Grand Forks for 2015 is $353,932,650. The assessment for a single family dwelling is $291,520,450. The total assessments (including residential, industry, business, recreational, and farm) are $536,151,787. At the meeting, council voted for option 2 which means taxes will increase by 4.72 per cent with different
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“PAIN IS NOT A LIFESTYLE” AT SALmON ChIrOPrACTIC
It’s time to enjoy the outdoors!! If getting your gardens in, yard work done or or spring cleaning has left your back, neck, shoulders and knees sore come in today for a laser therapy and/or a chiropractic appointment. Laser therapy is a non-invasive, non-toxic treatment. It helps restore normal range of motion and function while reducing inflammation and pain. It provides an alternative for those that have not responded to conventional therapies. Don’t let pain keep you from enjoying the sunshine!
Salmon Chiropractic Corp.
Call 250-442-4232 for an appointment Start on the path to healing. 7323 3rd Street, Grand Forks BC
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