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JULY 16, 2014
PRRD gets involved in Aspen Trailer Park feral cat problem
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BY MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The Peace River Regional District, and the BC SPCA are getting involved in the situation at the Aspen Trailer Park, where a feral cat colony has been a thorn in the side of residents. A meeting was held last Wednesday, July 9, 2014, that was attended by PRRD Chief Administrative Officer Chris Cvik, Area “E� representative Jerrilynn Schembri, and two representatives from the BC SPCA Wendy Davies, branch manager for the South Peace SPCA and Debbie Goodine, special constable and a senior animal protection officer for the northern region. An environmental health officer from Northern Health was also in attendance, but saw his role as limited. In total, 28 people were in attendance, including a representative of the owner of the Aspen Mobile Estates, and 21 residents or interested parties. While some only wanted to point blame for the problem, and exacerbate personal disagreements, others genuinely worked towards a solution to the problem. Several “next steps� were identified, and a follow up meeting was scheduled for July 29, 6-9 p.m. at the Chetwynd Recreation Centre in the Aspen Room. Before that meeting, two Chetwynd residents Justin and Rosemary Keutzer, who have experience in dealing with a similar feral cat population problem, will put together a plan to deal with the problem and bring it back to the group for review and discussion.
b
Pu s ’ y a r Mur
A view of the fire from the Dokie Wind Farm in Moberly.
Photo submitted
Dry, hot and windy weather aggravating wildfires
Mt. McCallister fire throwing ash and smoke into local communities
BY MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The Mount McAllister fire, 56km west of Chetwynd, grew to 8,500 hectares in size (estimated) in just one day Monday. The BC Wildfire Management branch says the likely cause of the
fire is lightning, and that the fire is "putting up a lot of smoke and ash which can be seen in the surrounding communities," including Chetwynd. The fire was first discovered July 13. As of Tuesday, the Mount McAllister fire is currently a "modified response fire" meaning that it is being actively monitored but not actively suppressed at this time. The Prince George Fire Centre is currently responding to 16 active fires. Four of these are in "modified response" and are being actively mon-
itored by Wildfire Management Branch personnel, while 12 have active fire suppression occurring. As of Tuesday, July 15 there are seven fires of note with in the Prince George Fire Centre: - Mt. McAllister fire: 8500 hectares (estimated), this is a modified response fire that is blowing smoke and ash in to nearby communities. - Tenakihi fire: 7000 hectares (estimated), crews are working on the western portion of the fire to protect roadways and values. - Mugaha and Morfee Lake fires: east of Mackenzie. Estimated at 200
Hudson's Hope Mayor calls for BCUC overview on Site C Please see "PLAN," page 2
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– HUDSONS HOPE – The District of Hudson’s Hope is calling for the Site C dam project to be reviewed by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC). Mayor Gwen Johansson said the BCUC must also be given a mandate to complete a thorough comparative review of the BY
INSIDE
costs and benefits of potential alternatives to the proposed Site C project. A joint federal government and BC Environmental Assessment Office decision on the massive hydroelectric dam is expected in September. “Before spending $7.9 billion of taxpayers money on the proposed Site C dam and increasing the already enormous $62 billion provincial debt, the
provincial government needs to do its homework to see if there are less costly alternatives,� Johansson said. According to BC Hydro documents, the company has enough available energy generation capacity to meet the provincial demand until 2028. “There is no crisis,� Johansson said. “Let’s adopt the recommendations of the Joint Review Panel
Chetwynd receives $262K Page 3
Please see "THOSE," page 3
and allow the BCUC to do the job it was set up to do. Let’s do our homework before we spend $7.9 billion of taxpayers money on what could well turn out to be a white elephant.� The District of Hudson’s Hope will be the municipality most affected by the construction of the dam. The community of roughly 1,100 people is located in the heart of the
JOHANSSON
19 caribou released Page 6
Peace River Valley. The project would create “irreversible community and environmental impacts on the Peace River Valley, including some that may be impossible to mitigate,� Johansson says. The joint federalprovincial environmental review panel, known simply as the Joint Re-
Please see "MAYOR," page 2
Paddle for Peace success Page 12
Prices in effect from July 18 - July 24
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Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
Mayor Johansson says the government needs to do its homework on the $7.9 billion project Continued from page 1
view Panel (JRP), conducted the most comprehensive review of the proposed Site C dam. Their report was released May 1, 2014. Given the size of the report (about 457 pages) and its complexity, the
District of Hudson’s Hope hired Urban Systems to conduct a review of the JRPs findings. Based on a review of the JRPs findings, available literature and other relevant information, the Urban Systems report was in agreement with the JRP that the critical
questions about the proposed Site C project and viable alternatives remain unanswered. In light of these uncertainties, the District of Hudson’s Hope, with support from the Urban Systems report, went on to review alternative energy futures including
retrofits and upgrades, geothermal, renewables and energy conservation, natural gas/cogeneration, solar energy and micro grids. “Our review clearly indicates that alternatives to Site C deserve much more serious consideration than they have re-
ceived to date,� Mayor Johansson said. “Some options have the potential to save BC taxpayers billions of dollars while at the same time avoiding the negative impacts of Site C. Some very promising options, for example, geothermal, were inadequately inves-
tigated because of restrictive BC government policies.� Johansson called for a full review of the alternatives to the project, saying this is the minimum standard the public should expect of a government with a Triple-A credit rating.
REVISED COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE Please be advised that Special Regular Council Meetings have been scheduled for July 21 and July 28, 2014 at 4:30 pm in the Council Chambers. C. Newson Director of Corporate Administration
From left to right, Debbie Goodine, BC SPCA senior animal protection officer, Wendy Davies (in blue), manager of the South Peace SPCA branch, PRRD area “E� representative Jerrilynn Schembri and PRRD Chief Administrative Officer Chris Cvik take part in a meeting regarding the feral cat colony problem in the Aspen Mobile Photo by Mike Carter Estates trailer park.
Plan includes several options including trap/neuter/release Continued from page 1
The plan will include several options that include trap, neuter, release, re-home and euthanasia. It was decided that a first step toward this involves determining the estimated number of feral cats, as this will impact the design and scope of the plan. The representatives for the owner
LOCAL VISTAS
of Aspen Mobile Estates will meet with the Trailer Park’s management to review the Rules for the Park with respect to pets. This will include the number of allowed pets per bay and type of pet. It will also include reinforcing an understanding the process for enforcement of the rules. The BC SPCA will work on a news release that includes information
about Animal Cruelty including the killing of animals, which has been a concern as of late within the park. Finally, the SPCA will also locate Educational Material that can be made available as they work with the residents of Aspen Mobile Estates on a long-term solution.
Sukunka Falls Lookout
Do you have a photo of the Peace area you would like to see featured here? Email editor@chetwyndecho.net.
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Chetwynd receives $262,000 in strategic funding from the provincial government Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The district of Chetwynd received $262, 298 in Strategic Community Investment Funding (SCIF) from the provincial government last week. The money is part of a $1.91 million regional fund for the North and South Peace, presented by MLAs Mike Bernier and Pat BY
Pimm on Tues. July 8. “For growing communities throughout the Peace region, these SCIF grants will be put to good use by northeast BC governments to invest in programs, services and community safety initiatives,” Pimm said, adding, “especially in small communities, these grants can make a big difference.” Across the province, almost $74 million is being
invested this year through the SCIF program, including small community grants regional district basic grants and the traffic fine revenue sharing program. “These SCIF grants show our government’s commitment to build stronger, vibrant and safer communities throughout our province,” South Peace MLA Mike Bernier said. “Local governments
can use this funding to invest directly into programs and priorities important to them, helping improve our quality of life.” Below is a full list of how the SCIF grants will be distributed. Communities receiving traffic fine revenues: Fort St. John: $220,204 Northern Rockies: $23,216 Communities receiving Small Community and Re-
Those with compromised health: remain aware of smoke levels
The Red Deer Creek fire has now grown to 6,400 hectares and is bearing down on evacuated oil and gas camps southeast of Tumbler Ridge (B.C. Wildfire Management Branch).
Continued from page 1
and 175 hectares. Crews, heavy equipment and helicopters are responding to both fires with the primary objectives of building containment to prevent either fire from spreading towards the Rocky Mountain Trench and the town of Mackenzie. - Salmon Lake fire: 450 hectares (estimated), this fire is currently burning on the west side of Salmon Lake and is very active at this time. - Red Deer Creek fire: 6400 hectares (estimated), fire is currently 35 per cent contained and crews are continuing to make good progress. An Evacuation Order remains in effect for nearby work camps. - Euchiniko fire: 2000 hectares (estimated), An Incident Management Team and crews continue to work on containing this incident. An Evacuation Order remains in place for the Kluskus Indian Reserve, and for a fishing lodge in the area. BC Parks has also closed nearby Entiako Provincial Park and issued an evacuation order for all cabin owners and any recreational users within the park. All fires are currently very active, and therefore information about their status is changing frequently. Updates will be posted to the "Wildfires of Note" page on www.bcwildfire.ca. Currently there are more than 400
firefighters, 100 response officers, 45 helicopters and a multitude of heavy equipment working throughout the region. As well, three airtanker groups are currently stationed within the Fire Centre to support crews on the ground. The fire danger rating is currently "high" to "extreme" throughout the entire Prince George Fire Centre. All Category 2 and 3 open fires are banned throughout the entire region, excluding the Fort Nelson Fire Zone. To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on your cellphone. You can also follow the latest wildfire news -- at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo There are currently more than 70 wildfires continuing to burn across the province, three of which are in this area. Fire Information Officer, Kevin Skrepnek says the crews battling the Red Deer Creek are still far from having it contained. “We certainly do expect future growth on it, just given the weather conditions we’re anticipating,” Skrepnek said. “Potentially unstable weather bringing dry lighting, so obviously that’s a big concern for us from a wildfire perspective.” As of Monday, fire officials recorded it as 30 per cent contained.
Skrepnek’s also issued yet another appeal to the public, especially those with plans to be in the back country, to be extra conscious of fire prevention. “Whether it’s with discarded cigarettes, camp fires; when it’s this dry out, the heat, often from exhaust pipes from a car or any ATV can be enough to start a fire,” Skrepnek explained. Another local area fire, about six kilometers east of Mackenzie, was at last word much smaller than the other two, at only about 80 hectares. The fires have created a large amount of smoke effecting air quality in nearby communities. Residents with compromised respiratory systems are urged to use great care to avoid complications. An estimate 11,000 square kilometres of land have been scorched by wildfires this year, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre says. The Northwest Territories has been hardest-hit, with an estimated 8,400 square kilometres affected by wildfires. The average area burned by wildfires is 25,000 square kilometres per year, according to the government of Canada's fire prevention website. Humans and lightning strikes are the two most common causes of wildfires, the Canadian government says. with files from Energeticcity.ca
funding to support BC communities. These funds enable municipalities in the North and South Peace to be able to invest money in projects that are identified as priorities at the local level. The SCIF program was implemented by the province to help provide local governments with greater financial stability in economically uncertain times.
gional District Grants: Chetwynd: $262,298 Fort St. John: $96,793 Hudson’s Hope: $201,105 Northern Rockies: $292,029 Peace River Regional District: $109,195 Pouce Coupe: $256,328 Taylor: $210, 687 Tumbler Ridge: $240,425 Since 2009, the SCIF grant program has provided $678 million in
Chetwynd resident James Smith sentenced to 25 months in jail
Chetwynd Echo Staff –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – Local resident James Edward Martin Smith, 52 has been sentenced to 25 months in jail after he was charged and convicted with numerous criminal and motor vehicle act offences last month. In a recent press release from the Chetwynd RCMP, Sgt. Olivia Tremblay said her detachment responded to a complaint of a dangerous driver on Highway 97 between Chetwynd and Dawson Creek back in June. “RCMP located the vehicle on the highway which had been observed driving in an erratic manner, passing vehicles at a high rate of speed in non passing areas of the highway and nearly causing an accident,” she said, adding when RCMP located the vehicle they recorded the speed on the radar at more than 150 km/hr in a 100 km/hr speed zone. Smith was the lone occupant in the vehicle and was discovered to be driving while suspended. As well the license plate did not belong to the vehicle he was driving and he was observed by police as showing signs of drunkeness. He was detained and returned to the Chetwynd detachment where he provided samples of his breath which Tremblay said were over the limit. Smith was held in police custody for a court appearance and charged with Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle, driving while impaired, driving over 0.08mgs, taking vehicle without consent, driving while suspended, breach of recognizance and breach of undertaking. Smith pleaded guilty.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
Canada's new anti-spam law resolves little
C
anada's anti-spam legislation, which took effect July 1, is a big solution to a small problem. It creates headaches for charities and innocent individuals within the country, while doing nothing to stem the flow of scurrilous emails from abroad. The Alberni Valley intent of the law is reaTimes sonable: To stem the flow of unsolicited electronic commercial messages that clutter the nation's inboxes. What's unreasonable is the scope of the law, because it does not differentiate between someone trying to peddle the latest line of lingerie and charities soliciting funds. The heavy penalties - up to $1 million for an individual and $10 million for a company - could conceivably fall on a West Shore parent advisory council looking for donations, a neighbour sending out garage-sale notices in Oak Bay or a person announcing a new homebusiness venture on Facebook. While that's not likely to happen, there's no guarantee it won't. The law is vague and confusing, and makes little provision to exempt charities from its rules. Non-profit organizations, fearful of the heavy and long arm of the law, are scrambling to find out how they will be affected by the new legislation. Charities depend heavily on using their email lists to solicit donations; some of them are concerned about their very survival. Spam is the scourge of electronic communications. No one is immune to that grimy flood of unwanted, unsolicited messages, nearly all aimed at separating people from their money by one dirty trick or another. Who could object to legislation that seeks to eliminate spam? A summary of the legislation, as posted on a federal government website, is straightforward: "To send a commercial electronic message to an electronic address, you need to have the recipient's consent, to identify yourself, to offer an unsubscribe mechanism and to be truthful." Many legitimate businesses use electronic messaging, and most already conform to the law's requirements. A clerk gets a customer's permission to send advertising emails. The emails clearly identify the sender. A customer can unsubscribe at any time to prevent further emails. To do otherwise is to alienate customers - the legislation turns into law what is already sound business practices. But the legislation should have been more specific, writes Derek James, a lawyer for the Calgarybased Canadian Constitution Foundation, in a column for Troy Media. "Effectively, what it does is make all non-personal electronic messages illegal, unless you can find an exemption somewhere in the [legislation] or its regulations," writes James. "This is the inverse of what sensible legislation does. Sensible laws target bad behaviour, not render all behaviours bad until proven good. Also, a single email sent to a single recipient can run afoul of the law because there is nothing in [the legislation] saying that spam must have multiple recipients, multiple iterations, or the like. As the legislation contains no definition of "commercial," it places a huge burden on charities, he writes. He says it's difficult to believe the government is trying to punish charities. "Likely, it's just sloppy legislation," he says. But here's the kicker, as expressed in a statement on the government website: "Canada's anti-spam legislation allows Canadian enforcement against spammers operating in Canada." The vast majority of spam comes from outside Canada, and the government is powerless to do anything about it. Scammers in Nigeria, Russia and China are not quivering in their boots at the prospect of being busted by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission. Spam will continue to flow as it always has, but most people use spam filters to reduce it to a mere irritation. Unlike the new legislation, which, unless it is altered, has the potential to create more problems than it prevents.
Guest Editorial
Chetwynd
www.chetwyndecho.net
ECHO
Published each Wednesday by Draper & Dobie Company Inc. P.O Box 750 • 5016 50th Ave. Chetwynd, BC • V0C 1J0
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Double rainbow means it is time to celebrate
To the Editor: How Green is (not was) our Valley: Today is our present…a birthday present (noun) or present energy (verb). Today we can work, for the night is coming when no man can work. Today is your birthday present. Let’s celebrate.
Untie the ribbons! The promise of the rainbow is well understood in Jewish, Arabian and Christian cultures. A double rainbow hovered over our village recently to remind us that all God’s Promises are guaranteed. Perhaps it’s because eternal vigi-
lance (the price of Liberty) is necessary that another Promise appears exactly 365 times in Holy Scripture. Fear Not. It consoles us when we think of all the seemingly unsolvable problems that bar our way could make us despair or even trying to help.
COLUMN
Fear Nothing except God. How green is our valley this lovely midsummer morning. All of us are business than cats on a hot tin roof these days… nevertheless let’s celebrate. Bea Kurjata Chetwynd, BC
Can arthritic patients predict the weather?
M
CHIRO HEALTH Dr. Gary Squires
South Peace Chiropractic
eteorologists have been trying to predict the weather with electronic instrumentation and complex computer formulas for a long time, often unsuccessfully. Others have been predicting weather change long before meteorologists, however, by listening to their bodies. Some patients with Osteoarthritis claim to feel an exacerbation of pain & stiffness symptoms before a weather pattern change, allowing them to predict future forecasts. This has often been dismissed as an unsupported theory but new evidence suggests quite the opposite. That’s not to say this theory is new. Hippocrates suggested, in 5th century B.C., that many illnesses were related to changes in weather. The problem was proving such a drastic theory without the advancements of technology. Many factors have been suggested as the link between pain and weather, includ-
ing temperature, precipitation, humidity, thunderstorms and air ionization. Most research, however, points to lowered atmospheric barometric pressure that often precedes drastic weather changes and storms. A study published in 2010 in the International Journal of Biometeorology measured pain in arthritic rats when placed in a lowpressure environment and compared them to control subjects. The researchers established a direct connection between low barometric pressure, inflammation and joint pain in the arthritic group. In 2007 a study from the American Journal of Medicine showed that changes in barometric pressure were independently associated with osteoarthritis knee pain severity. Another 2002 study from the Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques reported that back pain may be aggravated by atmosphere depression in patients with lumbar disc disease, a form of low back arthritis. So how does barometric pressure affect the bony joints of animals? Well, it is not completely known because the mechanisms in-
An independent community newspaper established in1959. Its main interests are those which best serve the Chetwynd area including Hudsonʼs Hope, Jackfish, Hasler and Groundbirch areas.
side the joint work on a very small scale and cannot yet be quantified by science. The most accepted theory is that fluctuations in barometric pressure affect fluid expansion in
The goal is to manage your arthritic joint so it hopefully doesn’t get worse with age.
swollen joints. Joints become swollen in arthritic patients because the mechanical dysfunction creates inflammation, which leads to edema (excess fluid trapped in body tissues). A drop in the barometric pressure can expand this extra fluid more than the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue making up the joint capsule, causing the sensitized tissues to overstretch and irritate nerve endings, activating the pain response. It’s important to note that weather changes do
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not CAUSE pain by themselves but instead aggravate an already-existing inflammatory condition. We may not be able to alter the weather but that doesn’t mean we can’t make healthy choices to help mitigate the severity and frequency of these symptoms. The goal is to manage your arthritic joint so it hopefully doesn’t get worse with age. Preventive measures include: proper exercise – keep the joint moving to allow optimal lubrication; good diet & supplementation – fruit & veggies are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods. Avoid unhealthy & processed foods, especially sugar, which promote inflammation. Supplementation with vitamins/minerals/proteins may help; regular preventive care for your body – certain hands-on therapies such as chiropractic care may help maintain optimal mobility and range of motion. Two major factors that cause joint arthritis are 1. Lack of motion 2. Chronic Pain. If you invest in your body now, it will treat you much better as you age. None of us are getting younger, but a lot of us are feeling older.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
What does council do during the summer?
N
MAYORʼS REPORT with Merlin Nichols
ow that summer is fully here you might be wondering what the Mayor and Council are doing. Then again, you might not be thinking of us, being preoccupied in spending your own fleeting summer minutes to the full. Fact of the matter is, life continues, business continues, things happen in spite of summer sunshine and flowers begging to be smelled. So much so that I am barely keeping up with my own work like I
used to keep up. That might have as much to do with a slowing body as with workload of this office. But office workload certainly does have a way with discretionary time. We accept that. So what is the Mayor doing on July 7 – writing day. Well, for one thing, I’m putting these marks on paper for your edification and entertainment. The day started with an hour or so of reading to get me up to speed on a variety of issues that just won’t go away. These issues that won’t go away (and I hope they don’t until they have accomplished their purposes) include the on-going construction of the new Municipal Office. The
foundation is looking almost ready to start holding up the superstructure. No, I don’t meddle there, but it’s important to keep
ture. And, I intend to be informed for the discussion – that will take some time between then and now. Perhaps I’ll return
in tune with developments. There is a Site C Regional Local Government Committee meeting on July 16 to review developments to date. That’s Echo publication day so I will be there as you read this piece of modern litera-
with fresh insights to share with you. There is no abating of Peace River Regional District activity during the dog days of summer (dog days: the hottest period of the year; reckoned in antiquity from the heliacal rising of the dog star). The issues
The issues that generate the greatest interest – land development and related topics – seem just to keep on rolling.
COLUMN
Whirlwind month for South Peace MLA
J
MLA REPORT
with Mike Bernier
une was an absolute whirlwind month beginning on June 2 when I attended the Pouce Coupe Council meeting and updated the Council on provincial news and heard directly from them about the issues within their community affecting constituents. On June 6 I was pleased to travel to Tumbler Ridge for two very important community events. Following the opportunity to address the residents and join them at their “30 Years Strong” celebrations, I was honoured to attend the welcome reception for the guests from the Global Geoparks Network as they were in the area on their evaluation mission for the Tumbler Ridge Aspiring Geopark. On June 13 I hosted local media and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure representatives for a great announcement for the South Peace of more than $56 million is being invested by the Ministry this year to keep highways and roads in the South Peace safe and efficient. The three largest projects, to be completed in 2015, include the widening of two kilometres of Highway 97 starting at the base of South Taylor Hill. This $26-million project is jointly funded by the Government of B.C. and the Government of Canada. Two other major projects already underway on Highway 2 include the four laning of
5.6 kilometres between Rolla Road to 8th St. in Dawson Creek and 5.9 km of highway from Tupper Creek to 192nd Road near the Alberta border. These improvements are an investment in our future, support a growing economy in our rapidly developing communities and provide jobs for B.C. families. With increased industrial traffic, these upgrades will make travel safer for residents, tourists and commercial drivers travelling
These improvements are an investment in our future ...and provide jobs for B.C. families.
throughout the region. Following the announcement I travelled to Chetwynd where I was pleased to join the students of the Little Prairie School for the grand opening of their new greenhouse and outdoor classroom. This is a great project that has, and will continue to, teach the students of Little Prairie Elementary many skills that they will carry with them for a lifetime. Being in Chetwynd at the time of one of their biggest events I made sure to stop by the Annual Chainsaw Carving Championships. Every year I attend this event the level of talent that is displayed by these artists never ceases to amaze me. If you have never attended this outstanding event you
should definitely mark it on your calendars for next year, you won’t be disappointed! I was extremely honoured to host Premier Christy Clark, along with several Ministers and MLAs in the riding to tour oil and gas operations. During this tour I joined Premier Clark, Minister Rich Coleman and AltaGas Executive Vice President Corporate Development John Lowe for the signing of a Letter of Intent to grow the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the province. The Letter of Intent commits the Province and AltaGas to work towards a project development agreement to support AltaGas’ plans to build a network of small LNG facilities throughout northern B.C. The first phase of the project is a liquefaction facility in Dawson Creek that would convert pipeline quality natural gas into LNG. During the month I travelled the Province discussing the LNG Buy BC program and job opportunities for people in BC. The tour received very positive responses following presentations in Penticton, Abbotsford, Surrey and Delta. I am hoping to continue this tour later this summer or this fall. While I do spend a great deal of time out of the riding I make every effort to make sure I am available for constituents via telephone, email or Facebook. Please be sure to contact Cindy at the office (250782-3430) if you need any assistance, to arrange a time to meet with me, or have me attend any function you are holding. Thanks again for the opportunity to represent you.
that generate the greatest interest – land development and related topics – seem just to keep on rolling. That’s good. It shows that interest in life does not diminish just because summer is almost over. After two years and a few months in office I finally calculated that just attending the regular meetings of the PRRD Board occupies a full month from every year. Then there are the attendant committees to which I have been appointed. Water Stewardship, one of them, happens this afternoon (July 7) in Fort St. John. You might question the purpose of the Water Stewardship Committee
“It became evident to us, with numbers dropping at such a rapid rate, that something was critically out of balance. ”
5
(WS) – as you should. The WS monitors quantity, quality, and use of surface and ground water in the region. With the expanding pace of industrial activity in our various watersheds it is crucial to keep track, and as much control as possible (not much), on the use of our water. The WS Committee through the PRRD Board has contracted with a scientific group to do the technical work in our region and report to the Board. Well, that’s it for this week. Disclaimer: The preceding is the opinion of Mayor Merlin Nichols and may or may not reflect the views and/or wishes of council.
EEK QUOTE OF W
-Saulteau Lands Director, Naomi Owens, see Page 6
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You can email us at editor@chetwyndecho.net; mail to Box 750 Chetwynd B.C. V0C 1J0 or drop of your letter at 5016 50 Avenue. All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number so we can confirm that it came from you. The Echo reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, legality, length and to refuse publication of any submitted material. We may also choose to use a letter as the basis for a story. So, be sure to keep your letters brief and to the point. Letters originating from the Peace region get priority. We encourage new contributors as we attempt to publish a cross- section of public opinion. - Naomi Larsen, Editor
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Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
The project was an emergency measure for the rehabilitation of the Klinse-Za Caribou herd. The project will continue next year. The team also announced a larger five-year strategy of maternal penning, predator management, and habitat restoration based on the teams demonstrated success thus far.
Photo submitted
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Unique First Nations penning project releases 19 caribou bush, out of the fourhectare enclosure they have occupied for the past five months which make up the vulnerable calving period. The purpose of the penning project was to protect pregnant cows and their young from excessive predation – the kind that has become an epidemic for the Klinse-Za caribou herd since rampant industrial activity has ramped up in the past 15 years.
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– MOBERLY LAKE – About 50 people gathered on a mountain side in the Pine Pass area to mark the release of 10 caribou cows and nine calves into the wild. Elder Jack Davis, of the Saulteau First Nation, and West Moberly First Nation councillor Laura Webb said a prayer as the caribou scurried of into the BY
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Caribou are ... also a strong symbol of Canada for all us and an indication of the overall health of our ecosystems..
ecosystems,� said Saulteau Lands Director, Naomi Owens. “It became evident to us, with numbers dropping at such a rapid rate, that something was critically out of balance. We were compelled to intervene to ensure the next generation of caribou has a fighting chance.� The project is a step towards averting the extinction of the Klinse-Za herd and a demonstration of the Please see "MONITORING," page 7
of my dear husband Lloyd July 14, 1997 Today I am thankful for tears, though an ocean I cried, they spoke of our connection, reminding me that love has not died.
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“It is a very sad state of affairs that we are in a place where we have to intervene in order to ensure the survival of these animals,� said Roland Willson, Chief of the West Moberly First Nation. “It is very exciting that we are here and able to help. We have taken an endangered herd and added nine new calves. For that we are very grateful. Thank you to all those who have helped. Now hopefully these little ones will make it to adulthood.� Willson said his ancestors used to refer to the caribou in this region as “flies on the landscape� because they were everywhere. Now the total population of the Klise-Za Caribou herd has dropped below 20 animals before this penning project. “Caribou are not only part of our identity as First Nations, but is also a strong symbol of Canada for all us and an indication of the overall health of our
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Today I am thankful for time, for the moments that were too few, through the tears that are shed, today I am thankful for you.
Forever loved and missed dearly, your wife, Marg
Monitoring to continue over next year to assess ultimate success
Chetwynd Echo
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
7
Continued from page 6
viability of maternal penning to help bolster other vulnerable caribou populations in the South Peace region. Support for the project came forom industrial partners that include, Wildlife Biometrics Inc., West Fraser Mills Ltd, the province of BC, Environment Canada, Resources North Association, Spectra Energy, Teck ResourcesLtd., TransCanada Corp., AngloAmerican and Walter Energy. With the release of nine calves out of an expected 10 caribou at the end of phase one of this project, it is being deemed a massive success. “Considering the cumulative impacts on our land and treaty tights, this project is essential in protecting our ability to practice our way of life,” a joint statement from the council of the Saulteau First Nation states. “Historically, caribou played a big role in our First Nations health and survival. Our people are working together in unity to protect these caribou so they are no longer an endangered [herd]. It is our inherent right as First Nations to protect the land for the future generations to come. We are honored to be part of
Losing your grip? We are pleased to introduce our TAKE TEST newestTHE member, Neharika Sharma, Licensed Denturist. Are your dentures SheLoose? is ready to take on new patients A joint statment from the SFN said it is their inherent right as native Photo submitted peopels to protect these caribou. the project and thank everyone for their hard work.” Brian Pate, a member of the project team says plans for next years March – July pen are already coming together. “We will be monitoring the release caribou over the next year to help assess the ultimate success of the project,” Pate said.
With the demonstrated success of the project to date, the project team has announced it is embarking on a larger five-year strategy of maternal penning, predator management and habitat restoration which Pate hopes will work towards building a selfsustaining caribou population for all of the herds in the South Peace region.
Walter Energy fined $75G for damaging fish habitat
ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS –––––––––––––– WILLOW CREEK – A coal company with operations in the Peace Region plead guilty Monday to damaging fish habitat near a mine outside Chetwynd, B.C. A judge in Dawson Creek ordered Walter Energy and several of its subsidiaries to pay a total of $75,000 in fines and damages, after a improperly built road near its Willow Creek mine washed out and flooded a nearby creek with sediment. Judge Richard Blaskovits delivered the verdict against four companies connected with Walter Energy Monday, including a holding company and the corporate entity created to operate the mine. The companies were charged with a total of ten counts, including harmful alteration of fish habitat, deposit of a deleterious substance and failure to comply with a permit. The road washout occurred in spring of 2011. In 2008, Walter Energy's subsidiaries acquired the then-dormant Willow Creek mine near Chetwynd, B.C. The mine was accessible via a forest service road that ran adjacent to Willow Creek for around 11 kilometers. The road required significant upgrades, the court heard, and Western Coal ULC developed a rebuilding plan with government agencies. In April 2011, a water monitoring station detected increased levels of "turbidity" on Willow Creek. Turbidity is a measure of the "cloudiness" of a water sample, and is a basic indicator of water quality. Willow Creek ultimately flows into the Pine River. A biologist determined the introduction of the sediment from the road construction impacted the food supply and habitat of fish in the creek. Investigators ultimately found the construction company Walter Energy hired to rebuild the road did not follow a plan set out by the province. Specifically, the company used "inappropriate" materials and improper
drainage culverts. Walter Energy's head of communications, Tom Hoffman, said his company took the necessary steps to limit damage to the creek following the washout. "Within four months, the silt impacts on the stream were remediated," he said. "We understand this is a violation, but the company did everything it could once it discovered the problem existed." Walter Energy, which is headquartered in Alabama, has to date paid a total of $1.2 million for remediation of the creek and surrounding environment. The court heard the company has no prior convictions for environmental offenses. The court ordered Walter Energy to pay a fine of $5000, as well as a $70,000 payment to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. That money will be used for habitat restoration on the Pine River. The company was ordered to pay both penal-
ties within 60 days. Despite almost two years of financial hardship, the court heard Walter Energy would be able to pay the fines. Walter Energy has recorded losses for the past eight quarters, and recently idled its operations near Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge. The company blamed the falling price of metallurgical coal for the closures. According to a release, the Willow Creek mine went idle this month. Since idling the mines, Walter Energy reduced its staff in Northeast B.C. from 1,000 people to around 100. Judge Blaskovits ultimately determined Walter Energy behaved responsibly by reporting the washout and admitting they were at fault. Unlike more serious offenders, the judge noted, Walter Energy did not engage in "surreptitious" clean up efforts. The judge said provincial law allows him to issue major fines
Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that TM Mobile Inc. of Burnaby, BC, has made applications to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Peace Region, for Licences of Occupation for a communication site & roadways purposes covering approximately 8.4 hectares situated on Provincial Crown land in the vicinity of Moberly, Peace River District. The Lands File Numbers that have been established for this project are 8015735 & 8015736. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Chuck Mercanti, Senior Authorization Specialist at 100, 10003110 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 6M7, (250) 7873441. Comments will be received until September 5, 2014. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit our Applications and Reasons for Decision website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information. Be advised that any response to this notice will be part of the public record and is subject to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.
against environmental offenders, but determined such fines were not appropriate in this case. He said a fine of $5000 and a court ordered donation is on the low end of the scale.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The Round Up: International Horsemanship Performance July 26 Baldonnel 3 pm - 6pm Contact donna@thehorseranch.com or tickets Kidsport Chetwynd presents Deryk Engelland Charity Golf Tournament July 26 at Natural Springs Golf Course. Start tine 9 am...for more info contact 250-7881855 or 6543. Karaoke Night July 18 Royal Canadian Legion Kidsport Chetwynd Deryk Engelland Meet and Greet July 26 3 pm Chetwynd Recreation Centre Parking Lot Dog River Rodeo July 19-20 9th Annual Paddle for the Peace July 12 Contact Danielle 25--785-8510 for more information Free English Practice Mondays 9:30 am at Northern Lights College and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm at the Chetwynd Public Library Call 250-788-2559 Chetwynd Breastfeeding Support Network meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m at the Chetwynd Public Library. Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Pine Valley Seniors Centre Call 250-788-3306 Pine Valley Seniors Hall weekly activities including Cribbage, Whist, Bingo and Carpet Bowling. Call Anita at 788-2307 for info. Pine Valley Seniors Hall Carpet Bowling Tuesdays @ 1:30 pm. FREE Cree Lessons Wednesdays 5-6 pm at Tansi Friendship Centre Baby’s Best Chance Pregnancy Outreach Program Drop in : Mondays 10am to Noon. Weekly Group Sessions Tuesdays 11 am1pm. Located at Kici. Alanon meetings 6:30 pm Tuesdays Mickey’s Place (behind A&W) Chetwynd Society for Community Living Board Meeting. First Monday of each month. 4699 Airport Road Ph: 250-788-4889. Homeschooling Network Thursdays 1 pm - 2 pm at the Chetwynd Public Library Muskoti Learning Centre Homework Club MonThursday 3 - 4:30 pm Quintessentials Quilters Guild. Meetings held every third monday at 7 pm at the Shared Ministry Church. Contact Joan at 250-788-2714 for more information.
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Little Prairie Heritage Society asking for public’s help to assist in museum set-up
The museum was host to a Canada Day luncheon this month. It’s grand re-opening is set for July 31.
Photo by Naomi Larsen
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The Little Prairie Heritage Society is asking for some volunteer help to prepare the newly renovated museum for its grand opening date, set for July 31. The society undertook the renovation project with the help of several local donations (of labour, time and money), and a large, over $100,000 Fair Share grant from the Peace River Regional District. “Basically we have got to put everything back. Everything is inside, but we’ve got to wipe it all down because a lot of it is dusty, and figure out where we are going to put it,� said Little Prairie Heritage Society vice-president Julie Shaw. Shaw says some stronger individuals would be of a great help, as some of the items are quite large. “I want it arranged nice. As long as everything is BY
As long as everything is laid out and clean we can open.
SHAW
laid out and clean [we can open].� All renovations, which began this spring, are complete. The building, originally a general store in the downtown area during Chetwynd’s humble beginnings, ( known then as Little Prairie), needed several repairs. In February 2013, a rusting jack-post in a corner of the basement rested on top of the foundation, propping up the main support joist for the building’s beveled floor. The build-
D i d y o u k n o w. . .
ing itself was sagging. Outside, the deck that was built with non-pressure treated lumber leaned to one side, and was badly mangled. Upstairs a livecatch rattrap sat waiting for the furry critter that has been gnawing away at the walls. Gone is the rat, the rickety deck, and the beveled floor is leveled and replaced. Even the lights have been replaced. While she pines for volunteers, Shaw took a moment to explain how she envisioned the Museum in
its rebirth. “In the front I would really like to have an old general community store,� she says. “That is where the seasonal, non-static displays could go whether they be Christmas in July of Easter in August.� The problem with the old layout she says was that it was completely static. “You could go there today and then go again in ten years and it would be exactly the same. We need to change it up.� The grand opening is moving ahead as planned, and Shaw wanted to invite the entire town on behalf of the society. There will be a reception with cupcakes and coffee. A time has not yet been released. Shaw added that the society is lucky to have money left over from the PRRD grant. “We can turn that around and benefit from it,� she says.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
BC Government warns 1,600 people about breach of personal information
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– VICTORIA – The government of British Columbia is warning 1,600 residents to keep a close eye on their bank and credit card statements after news broke on Friday via the Canadian Press of a security breach of their personal information. According to a government statement issued on July 11, the breach involved an unauthorized person using a doctor’s PharmaNet account to gain access to names, birth dates, addresses, phone numbers and health numbers. “It looks like someone broke into the PharmaNet accounts of two doctors, BY
and used one to look at personal information,” Health Minister Terry Lake said in the statement. “We have stopped unauthorized access and are now starting to notify those who were affected.” An audit of PharmaNet revealed that the breach occurred between March 9 and June 19. The government statement indicated that banking records were not involved but, admitted that enough information was accessed to be used for identity theft and that people should keep a close eye on their bank accounts, credit card statements and other financial services. “I apologize to anyone affected for the worry and
inconvenience this may cause,” Lake said. “The Ministry of Health is offering free credit protection services to people affected by this incident so they can safeguard their personal
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medical information. British Columbians expect the Ministry of Health to safeguard their personal medical information, and as Minister of Health, I take that responsibility
very seriously.” The ministry is sending out letters to people affected by the breach, with contact information if they have any concerns. Further investigation
9
into the incident is being carried out by the government’s Office of the Chief Information Officer. In January 2013, the Health Ministry sent letters to 38,000 British Columbians affected by a different data privacy breach involving information used by researchers. Seven employees lost their jobs. In July 2011, former assistant deputy health minister Ron Danderfer was sentenced to two years’ probation and fined nearly $4,000 after pleading guilty to breach of trust charges for accepting a benefit while awarding contracts linked to the computerization of health records. With files from Dirk Meiss-
Plug into the power of print and online newspaper advertising today. Newspaper advertising gets attention, and it gets results. Pl u s, sh ort le a d t im e s a nd w e ek ly p u b l i c at i o n m e an y o u c an k ee p y o u r a d v e r t i s i n g c ur r e n t i n a m e d i u m t h a t a t tr ac t s o v e r a mi l l i o n r e a d e r s e v e r y d a y . * Statistics published by the Newspaper Association of America from independent researchers.
call 250-788-2246 to advertise, in print and online.
Chetwynd Echo News www.chetwyndecho.net
Founded in 2003, Aleet Signs & Graffix is Chetwynd's largest sign company covering a wide range of options from building signage and vehicle decals to large scale full colour digital printing. Owned and operated by Sandi Shook, Aleet Signs specializes in graphic design, installation and service on all types of promotional signs. They also provide vinyl lettering, decals, logo design, truck and fleet graphics, banners, plywood signs, billboards, display signs and building signs. They presently service many of the local oilfield, pipeline, coal mine, logging and construction industries. Aleet Signs is made up of a dynamic team – Shook and her colleague Delena Nelson – with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in signage production and digital print management. Wherever possible they have proactively sought new technologies and opportunities, and by adopting these into their South Access Road workshop they have stayed at the forefront of their industry. Most recently they introduced the SummaDC4 printer to their inventory. Aleet Signs prides themselves on challenges, innovation and their creative atmosphere. With a purpose-built workshop located above Shookʼs Xtreme Performance it gives them the ability to handle any job no matter the size. And because they are 100 per cent locally owned and operated, customers donʼt have to worry about ordering and shipping costs. Aleet Signs & Graffix is located at 4805 South Access Road in Chetwynd BC. They are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm 250-788-3974.
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LIONS RECYCLING DEPOT HOURS OF OPERATION
Please be advised that the hours of operation for the Recycling Depot are as follows: Sunday - Closed Monday 10 am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm
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Wednesday, July 16, 2014
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Please pick up an application form at the District office. Office hours are Mon. - Fri., 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The District does not promise to provide a dog that meets your specific wishes but we do expect to offer a dog that you will like. Please consider this option for the care and protection of innocent animals. Thank you. District of Chetwynd
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Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that P & L Ventures Ltd. of Beryl Prairie, British Columbia, has made an application to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNR), Peace Region, for a Licence of Occupation for sand & gravel purposes covering approximately 84.75 hectares situated on Provincial Crown land in the vicinity of Portage Creek, Peace River District. The Lands File Number that has been established for this project is 8015691. Written comments concerning this application should be to Wendi Knott, Land Officer at 9000 - 17th Street, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 4A4, (250) 784-1271. Comments will be received by FrontCounter BC until, August 09, 2014. FLNR may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit our Applications and Reasons for Decision website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information. Be advised that any response to this notice will be provided to the public upon request. Be advised that any response to this notice will be part of the public record and is subject to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.
ADVERTISING REGULATIONS
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Chetwynd Echo
The Chetwynd Echo reserves the right to classify ads under appropriate headlines and to set rates therefore and to determine page location. The Chetwynd Echo reserves the right to revise, edit classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Chetwynd Echo. The Chetwynd Echo cannot be responsible for errors after the first publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the appropriate advertising department to be corrected in the next available edition. It is agreed by the advertiser requesting space that the liability of the Chetwynd Echo in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event of an error appearing in the advertisement as published, shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for only one incorrect insertion for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect or omitted item only, and that there shall be no liability to an event greater than the amount paid for such advertising. Advertisements must comply with the British Columbia Human Rights Act which prohibits any advertising that discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place or origin or because age is between 44 and 65 years unless the condition is justified by a bondable requirement for the work involved.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2014 11
Chetwynd Echo
Red Deer Creek fire reminds residents of 2006 fire
ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS –––––––––––––– TUMBLER RIDGE– By most indications, the wildfire burning along Red Deer Creek shouldn't be of huge concern for residents of Tumbler Ridge. As of Wednesday morning, the fire was still 60 kilometres from town, and by the end of the day, 120 fire personnel and aircraft from the Wildfire Management Branch were working to contain the blaze. The Peace River Regional District's declaration of a state of emergency in the area, as well as its order to evacuate 200 people from worker camps close to the blaze, are at this point precautionary measures. Still, for some residents, memories of the 2006 wildfire that evacuated Tumbler Ridge itself are close at hand. During that fire, smoke and flames were visible from town. According to Aleen Torraville, who works at Tumbler Ridge
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town hall, the fire was around 10 kilometres from town at its closest. "There were reception centres set up in Chetwynd and Dawson Creek," she said of the evacuation. "Some people had family and friends they could stay with." At the time, Torraville worked for the regional district, and stayed in town to coordinate evacuation efforts "There was some uncertainty, but people made the best of it," she said. Erin Hanna didn't hear about the evacuation order until she was stopped on highway 52 by Caribou Road Service crews contracted to turn travelers away from Tumbler Ridge. She was returning from a trip to Calgary with her four dogs, and was told a wildfire was too close to the highway for her to go any further. She went into town via the Chetwynd highway. Two days later the evacuation order came.
Crews head into the forest to battle the “Hourglass fire� in July of 2006. "We had no idea what was happening. We came back into town, and everybody was packing up to leave." The charred reminders of the fire still line the highway. "It used to be charred black and really creepy looking," she said. "It's improved some." Eventually, the weather cooperated, and crews were able to contain the fire before it did any serious damage to the town. Several days later, people were given the all clear to
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return home. Tumbler Ridge Fire Chief Matt Treit hopes a similar set of circumstances help crews contain the Red Deer Creek fire. On Wednesday morning, the fire had grown to around 2,000 hectares. At that time, fire crews expected the blaze would continue to grow. Treit said winds were blowing in the opposite direction from town, and very little smoke was visible from Tumbler Ridge. He said his department was working with the
file photo
Wildfire Management Branch to help set up a base of operations. No one from Tumbler Ridge's volunteer fire service is currently fighting the fire. "It's still a ways away. It's not coming into town or anything. [The fire] is in a fairly remote area. "We don't get wildfires often," Treit said. "But I'm not very concerned at this point about it getting to Tumbler Ridge. [Wildfire Management] do a lot of modeling with software, and they don't expect it to make it up here."
The province issued an open fire ban for the areas around Dawson Creek and Fort St. John starting noon Friday. The ban will be put in place "to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety," a release from the Prince George Fire Centre stated Wednesday. The prohibition will remain until Sept. 30 or until the public is otherwise notified. The ban prohibits fires up to a half-metre high or half-metre wide. Cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes are covered. Fireworks, waste burning, and grass fires of any size over any area are banned. The prohibition covers all B.C. Parks, Crown lands, and private lands. Anyone who breaks this can be issued a ticket for $345. The fire zone around Fort Nelson is not covered by this ban.
225 boats, carrying 550 people battle the heat to Paddle for the Peace
12
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– HALFWAY RIVER – Each time the Site C dam has been introduced, it has faced significant resistance. It was rejected in 1982, and then again in 1989. For seasoned vets of what some are now calling the Battle for the Peace, a bit of hot weather was the least of their worries. A flotilla of 225 boats set out onto the Peace River from the Halfway River Bridge on Saturday to participate in the 9th Annual Paddle for the Peace. Paddlers followed the river north, on their way to the BY
landing zone in Bear Flats, a traditional First Nations gathering ground. “Every year that we do this, the sun shines on us so we are blessed,” said West Moberly First Nations Chief Roland Willson during the opening ceremony. “Not only everybody here is in favour of what we are doing, the creator is in favour as well.” The family fun event, turned protest known as Paddle for the Peace, was overshadowed this year with a renewed sense of commitment to the cause of saving the Peace River. Grand Chief Stewart
Keep the Peace.
PHILLIP
Chetwynd Echo
Phillip, president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs since 1998, led the crowd in a chant of “Keep the Peace”. Some swore they could feel their ancestors answering the chant back, as the wind picked up and the sun poked out from a cloud as the chant rang out across the river valley. The May 2014 release of the Joint Review Panel’s report of the $7.9 billion project was a reoccurring theme during the opening ceremony. “The JRP balled BC Hydro and the province because they haven't been looking at things like geothermal. Northeastern BC is a geothermal hot spot,” Chief Willson said. “[The government] wants to pump the gas out of here, send it to the coast and send it over seas so that other countries can burn it to generate power. And it’s coming out of the ground here,” he said. “If you consider using gas to make energy it’s a no - no. It doesn’t make any sense for us to be shipping it out of here for someone else to use it and
Every year that we do this, the sun shines on us so we are blessed.
be promoting it as the greenest, cleanest energy in the world and not even considering using it here.” Tony Atkins is a treasurer with the Peace Valley Environmental Association, that puts together the event each year. Atkins is originally from Australia but he has been in the Peace Region long enough to remember the first few battles over the Site C dam in 1982 and 1989. “Then it disappeared and we thought we were safe,” Atkins said. “Then, we had a meeting up here with BC Hydro and I made a point of asking them if
WILLSON
Site C was in their plans, and [they said] it was no where in their thoughts whatsoever. And 6 months later it was front and centre.” Atkins went on to say that the Paddle for the Peace is a celebration of what the river means to residents in the Peace Region. “It also [represents] what we would lose if the government and BC Hydro decided to go ahead with putting a dam on the river,” he said. “This whole area would be flooded, it would spoil events such as this. A dam or a reservoir is not the same as a river
and the joy the people get out of using the river, even if it is just for one day a year, is immeasurable.” If the dam were to go ahead, people would be barred from using the river for recreational purposes until such time as it settles, Atkins said. “According to the experts we talked to, it isn’t going to stabilize for a long time. So, we would much prefer to leave it as it is, if we need the electricity, find a different way of doing it, This is one way of celebrating what the river means to us.” Next year will be the 10th anniversary of Paddle for the Peace, and if the dam were approved, the final year for the event. “We keep on hoping that next year will not be the last year, but that it will be a celebration of a win,” Atkins said. “I have a feeling that when we win, [Paddle for the Peace] will continue because it is bigger than Site C now, its an event in and of itself. It’s got more political in the last two years, but up until then it was a family event to show that we
Hundreds battled temperatures of pluse 34 degrees to take part in the annual Paddle fo the Peace. Next year will mark the 10th Annivesary of the event and if the dam is given the go ahead will likely be the last.
Photos by Mike Carter
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