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WEDNESDAY, May 16, 2018
www.kamloopsthisweek.com
LOCAL NEWS MINING SOME FUN AT BIG LITTLE SCIENCE CENTRE
Jade Sallows helps a delighted Lukas see gold flecks through the microscope during a visit on the weekend to the Big Little Science Centre. The centre was hosting the annual Mining Day, with various displays related to the industry. To see more photos, go online to kamloopsthisweek.com and click on the Community tab. ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW
City preparing for imminent rise of twin rivers MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com
Despite a tepid prediction of flows through Kamloops this week from the B.C. River Forecast Centre, the City of Kamloops is bracing for a significant jump in water levels in the Thompson rivers. “We’re looking at an increase in the next couple days at Overlanders Bridge,” said City of Kamloops utility services manager Greg Wightman. Wightman said the rivers have risen by between 20 to 30 centimetres. He said the city is predicting a temporary decline in water levels after the Victoria Day long weekend, followed by continued snow melt and higher flows. The City of Kamloops measures river levels at Overlanders Bridge to take into account flows from both the North and South Thompson rivers.
As of May 15, the Thompson sits at 342.57 metres above sea level, said Wightman. This is much higher than last year’s measurement of about 341.7m recorded on May 15, 340.6m on that day in 2012, 341.3m in 1997 and 341m in 1948, according to city statistics. Wightman said there’s many other factors to consider when looking at these numbers, such as the remaining snow pack and rain. “This year, our spring was cooler, so we maintained those higher snow packs throughout the spring and now we’ve had a more drastic melting of that snow, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a disaster because what’s happened is all the mid-elevation snow is gone,” Wightman said, noting that in past years, it may have taken longer to melt that snow. Wightman said cooler overnight temperatures that helped slow the melt during this month’s heat wave are
expected to get warmer, meaning the melt will continue throughout the day and night. Last year, the peak level at Overlanders Bridge was reached by June 6. This year, it’s expected to happen about a week earlier due to hot temperatures that is melting the snow pack faster, he said. Wightman said it’s difficult to determine if this is an indication of more severe flooding through Kamloops this year. “We’re not seeing anything right now that is of immediate concern. We’re seeing numbers and elevations that are well within our flood response plan, so we continue to prepare for that,” Wightman said. Most of what the city is doing at the moment for flood response is monitoring river levels, but one of the more visible steps that has already been taken is sealing catch basins in lower areas of town with large reflective bags to keep river water from flooding the streets.
Donations sought for street sign poppy project JESSICA WALLACE STAFF REPORTER jessica@kamloopsthisweek.com
A member of the Kamloops Heritage Commission is seeking private donations to fast track a program to erect poppies above city streets. “Council won’t support it, financially, right?” Jeff Lodge told KTW. “And I would like to see it start.” Council recently rubber-stamped
an initiative recommended by the Commission to add the symbol of remembrance to street signs that match the names of local veterans. They wouldn’t, however, front cash to pay for signs to be replaced up front, instead opting to add poppies over the next several years as signs naturally age and require replacing. It’s not soon enough for Lodge — who came up with the idea — and he has
instead set out to raise himself the $8,400 estimated to replace 52 signs. “I just want it to proceed,” he said. “I don’t want it to be forgotten about.” He is committing $1,000 of his own cash to the effort and has received enough support to pay for about half of the budget. The Vicars family in Valleyview is among financial backers, Lodge said, and has committed to pay for the replacement
of signs on their street to honour family who served. “When the Cenotaph got rebuilt, there was a $100,000 bill there,” Lodge said. “Somebody donated $50,000 to fix the clock. Half that was through private, somebody stepped up and I thought that was pretty cool that they did.” Those wishing to contribute to the cause can email Lodge at kamloopscenotaph@gmail.com.