KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK TUESDAY
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AUGUST 18, 2015 | Volume 28 No. 99
TODAY’S WEATHER
Sunny and warm High 31 C Low 14 C
BE BEAR AWARE
BLAZERS UNVEIL NEW LOOK FOR 2015/2016
Visit prompts reminder
Shoulder patch pays tribute to all that is Kamloops
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More changes for drivers Lane changes are coming to both of the city’s major road-construction projects. City of Kamloops transportation coordinator Colleen Lepik said the city expects the southwest off-ramp (connecting to Summit Drive) on Overlanders Bridge to re-open by the middle of the week. Once that work is complete, the bridge’s southeast off-ramp (connecting to West Victoria Street and downtown) will be up for rehabilitation. While crews are at work on the stretch of roadway, drivers will be routed through a temporary bypass using the southwest ramp. Meanwhile, on Columbia Street, the city’s contractor will begin work on the north side of the street between Third and Sixth avenues. Eastbound traffic won’t be affected by the move, but westbound drivers will move to the inside lane, though they will still have access to the new left-turn bays installed during the project. The north sidewalk will also close, with the south side of the street reopened for pedestrians.
ALL TUGGERED OUT
Alexa Hawke (right) tries with all her might to hold on to the rope as her teammates begin tumbling. The tug-ofwar competition was one of many events enjoyed by those who took in the annual Overlanders Day celebration in McDonald Park on the weekend. More photos from the family-friendly festival can be seen online at kamloopsthisweek.com. ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW
Ski operator wants details on pipeline bid CAM FORTEMS
STAFF REPORTER
cam@kamloopsthisweek.com
The head of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is expressing frustration with what he said is a lack of detail on the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. Mike Wiegele is slated to make a presentation on Sept. 10 in Burnaby as part of hearings convened by the National Energy Board (NEB). “We need to know when the project will take place,” said the founder of the Blue River-based company.
“It could kill us . . . You don’t want construction on your doorstep.” The current Trans Mountain line runs directly through Wiegele’s resort beside the Yellowhead Highway in Blue River. He said guests who come for the experience — and can spend tens of thousands of dollars doing so — don’t want to see a construction site on their dream vacation. Even construction during summer threatens to deter tourists who stay over en route between Alberta and Vancouver. “Every day counts for us,” he said. Carey Johannesson, lead for lands and right-
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of-way for Trans Mountain, said the corporation began discussions with Wiegele last year and has been in contact since. While it is dealing with thousands of land owners along the proposed route to twin the pipeline, Johannesson said Wiegele is among a unique group due to his mix of fee-simple lands and Crown leases. Some ranchers are in the same position. Still at play is the route and timing, which Johannesson pledged won’t be in Wiegele’s prime winter season. See PIPELINE’S, A6