Wednesday December 16, 2015 www.saobserver.net $1.25 GST INCLUDED
Leashed dogs get access By Martha Wickett OBSERVER STAFF
In the end, it was a unanimous decision. After weighing copious amounts of conflicting public input over the course of a month, on Monday Salmon Arm city council planted its collective feet and made a decision on the issue of dogs on the foreshore trail. After more than an hour of outlining their positions and crafting motions, council voted to allow dogs on the trail for a one-year trial, but only on leashes a maximum length of two metres. While the trail will be open to leashed canines, Nature Trust land such as Christmas Island and the boardwalks will not. Dogs will not be allowed at all on the foreshore trail for a two-month period when birds are nesting, likely April 15 to June 15. Council noted that during part of that time, the trail is generally flooded and inaccessible. Plastic poop bag dispensers will be placed on the western and northern ends of the trail, and an additional garbage bin will be placed at the Raven end, to complement the existing ones. Clear city signage will be installed, informing walkers of the regulations. The motion also states the Salmon Arm Bay Nature Enhancement Society (SABNES) will be encouraged to remove contradictory signs that state dogs are prohibited. Coun. Alan Harrison gave notice of his motion at the Nov. 23 meeting of council, stating he would bring it forward at the Dec. 14 meeting. On Monday, Coun. Chad Eliason suggested the ‘trail closure during nesting times’ amendment. But that wasn’t the end of the motions. Coun. Tim Lavery, who said he had changed his mind a few days earlier and would be supporting the motion, spoke about the need to have objective data at the end of the one-year trial. He moved that the Shuswap Trail Alliance facilitate a short- and longer-term consensus regarding dogs on the nature trail. He suggested they report back to council as soon as possible regarding an appropriate and independent data-monitoring plan. Lavery surmised that a professional and cameras might be needed to monitor the area, so
Families trapped by poverty
See Trail alliance on page A2
See Surviving on pg. A13
LACHLAN LABERE/OBSERVER
Camera curiosity
Olivia and Jack Chapman have a close look at Flash the Tortoise, one of the creatures on display during a wildlife festival put on by Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo, the Canadian Raptor Conservancy and the Backyard Conservation Fund of Canada Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the SASCU Recreation Centre.
Salmon Arm: Residents struggle to meet increasing budget pressures. By Martha Wickett OBSERVER STAFF
Rachel and Tom Miller are experts in the art of juggling. From the beginning of the month to the end, they juggle their finances, trying to see if they can make it through without going to Money Mart for a loan, trying to figure out how they can stretch their food. Some months are better than others. The Millers – which isn’t their real name as they requested anonymity – are the parents of two children, one seven, one under a year. For Rachel, it’s important
This week It was full bellies and warm hearts at a fundraiser for Syrian resettlement efforts. See A3. There are big changes planned for the Outlaws Saloon site. Find out more on A9.
to emphasize they’re not poor, they’re low income. They live in a trailer and, with her father’s help, rent to own it. They had both been working when they met. However, Tom was injured while doing industrial work. He receives a small disability pension because of the injury. They eventually cashed in their savings and moved to this area to be closer to family. Until four years ago, Tom was driving truck but developed serious health problems. In 2013 he underwent neck surgery that led to the loss of his Class One driver’s licence.
He endures back pain and is unable to pick up more than 10 pounds. He wants to work, but options are limited. Rachel ponders going back to retail when her baby is older, but the cost of child care is prohibitive. “The first two weeks of the month, we’re good,” says Rachel, noting the bills get paid. Then, whatever’s left goes to groceries – usually $200 to $300. “Most of our groceries we buy at Walmart. People say shop local, I can’t... Sometimes we might hit a dollar store, especially for spices.”
Although they feel uneasy going to the food banks, they must go anyway. “You can only get a hamper from the food bank every 60 days, and you only get enough food for about a week. You can get a bit more now that you can go in twice a week and get anything off the tables,” she says. They have received help from the community, such as the Healthiest Babies program, the Salvation Army, their church and their family. Still, it’s difficult.
Index Opinion ....................... A6 View Point .................. A7 Life & Times ............... A8 Sports................A15-A17 Arts & Events ... A19-A21 Time Out................... A22 Vol. 108, No. 50, 44 pages