EAGLE VALLEY
NEWS
Puppet theatre looks at sustainability Page 7
Products support olive branches Page 8
Wednesday, March 23, 2016 PM40008236
Vol. 62 No. 12 Sicamous, B.C., • 1.25 (GST included) • www.eaglevalleynews.com
CSRD kicks in cash for three local projects By Barb Brouwer Eagle Valley News
There was a celebratory mood as Columbia Shuswap Regional District directors unanimously approved $325,000 from the Sicamous and Area Economic Opportunity Fund for three major projects that are expected to benefit the entire Shuswap. The board first approved $150,000 toward construction of “island landscape design” within the Main Street roundabout being built by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Presenting the three proposals to the regional district board on March 17, Sicamous chief administrative officer Evan Parliament explained the district wanted to have control of the island design, which is expected to cost $305,000. Parliament said the design will include lighted panels and will have different themes depending on seasons, events etc. “We’re excited about controlling the design,” he said, noting the district is partnering with CSRD, First Nations bands and Shuswap Tourism. It is hoped the project, to be located at the intersection of Highway 97A and the Trans-Canada Highway, will attract the travelling public to stop in Sicamous. “It will be money well spent and we’ve had several conversations with Rhona (Area E director Martin) and she is onboard,” said Mayor Terry Rysz. “We are going to put together a committee, then we’ll come up with a consolidated design.” While sharing his support for the roundabout, alternate Golden director Ron Oszust had some advice for the district.
Work underway: A loader distributes soil at the development of a future public boat launch at Old Town Bay. Photo by Lachlan Labere “We have a roundabout and ours was displayed in a calendar that features roundabouts of the world,” he said to laughter. “Ensure you have adequate parking in the area because people will stop to take photos.” Parliament assured him Sicamous council is eyeing the Tru Valu site, which is adjacent to the future roundabout and would have ample parking and would be able to accommodate RVs as well. Parliament also expressed excitement about a new mobile stage, which is expected to arrive in June.
CSRD directors approved $75,000 toward the purchase of the $154,907 cost of the large mobile stage, which is expected to stimulate the local economy. The stage has been included in the 2016 financial plan for $220,00, as portable washrooms are also to be purchased. “The stage will be available for not-for-profits and others,” said Parliament with enthusiasm. “We already have three bookings – for July 1 and 2 and for the Stomp in AuContinued on page 2
Waterfront access proves problematic for residents By Lachlan Labere Eagle Valley News
A simple stroll on the beach was confounded for one Sicamous couple by the complication of residential property lots extending into the water. Sicamous council recently received a letter from Mary and Don Rowse. In it, the couple note they just became full-time residents of the community, with property on White Pines Crescent. They go on to explain how they
hoped to have access to the beach between Archibald Street and Poage Avenue – what they understood to be Crown land – but were put off by private fencing extending along waterfront residences towards the water. “In our attempt to go for a leisurely walk along this beach we learned that we could not gain access from either direction as there is fencing over-extending the property lines and leading a distance into the water,” write the Rowses.
See Ownership on page 3
Fenced: A fence of a Poage Avenue property extends towards Mara Lake. Photo by Lachlan Labere