North Shuswap Kicker - 2021 Year in Review

2021 Year in Review

We’ve been through quite a year, with three states of emergency in BC for three different emergencies, the pandemic, wildfires and severe flooding. And the year ended with extreme cold warnings.

In June, the heat dome hit us, leading to drought and wildfires all around us. A wildfire caused Seymour Arm to be evacuated but local firefighters using structural protection equipment saved all the buildings in the community. Spot fires on the North Shuswap were quickly extinguished by local volunteers and firefighters, with support from BC Wildfire, saving our communities from the devastating outcomes we saw in neighbouring areas.

Our businesses struggled with staff shortages and supply chain issues but went out of their way to provide our communities with necessities. Even during a pandemic, local volunteers worked to maintain our halls and deliver needed services.

Following provincial health restrictions, several events happened this year including the Farmers Markets, Fine Art Show at Celista Estate Winery, Interpretive Walk-about tours and a fall market at Tsútswecw, non-profit fair, NS Health Centre Golf event, Sycamore String Quartet brought in by the Lions, Bicycle Safety Rodeo and Scavenger Hunt brought by the Pathway Team with support from the NS Chamber, the annual Witches paddle (this year in support of local fire departments), Lions 50/50 and meat draws, a Halloween event for local children at the Fun Centre, and a Christmas parade and Kicker Christmas colouring contest. The Health Centre Society had the grand opening of the Seniors and Community Resource Centre in October and St. David’s Thrift Store was open during the summer. NS Historical Society’s Shuswap Chronicle Volume 12 hit store shelves.

To raise money, many organizations turned to on-line 50-50 draws. The NS Health Centre sold $10,140 worth of tickets, the Community Hall sold $15,400, the Lions (in support of trails and pathways on the North Shuswap) sold $21,550 and Chase and Area Fish and Game sold $9,320. Lakeview Community Centre held a raffle for an electric bike, BBQ and helicopter ride. The NS Health Centre Society had a 12 days of Christmas raffle.

The NS Health Centre continued to offer services while struggling to raise funds but is optimistic about the response from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD). The Board voted to take the first step toward a financial contribution from Electoral Area F taxpayers. A voter assent process will need to occur with the possibility of the service starting in 2023.

Emergency Response got a whole lot better in Seymour Arm when Seymour Arm First Responders received a Kenwood Cares Community Support Grant to purchase handheld radios, connecting them to all emergency services. In May, during a multi-agency rescue, the radios made all the difference in seamless communication between the agencies. T

hings are also progressing on an active transportation pathway to connect our communities. A topographic survey was completed for Lakeview Community Park in Anglemont to Ross Creek Park in Magna Bay, from Ross Creek Park to Bristow Boat Launch in Celista and connecting pathways in Scotch Creek. The CSRD is waiting to meet with the Ministry of Transportation before finalizing plans. The NS Chamber has been working with other local non-profit groups to create a network to collaborate and expand resources. It also joined with Chase and South Shuswap Chambers to form the Western Gateway Consortium, working together to promote business and tourism at the west end of Shuswap Lake. 2020 Awards of Excellence were presented by the NS Chamber, including citizen of the year Holly Anderson and Annette Brausse businessperson of the year, Charlotte Hall.

On February 22, driveways around the North Shuswap were decked out with homemade signs affirming a local commitment to tolerance and antiracism in response to the experience of Scotch Creek resident, Mary Stewart, who had 22 Black Lives Matter signs vandalized.

Hundreds of people joined the Adams Lake Band in early June on a healing journey from Kamloops Residential School to Adams Lake Band Conference Centre, walking home the spirits who didn’t survive the residential school.

In politics, we went through a Federal election in October with incumbent Mel Arnold returned to office.

The CSRD starting work on a housing needs report for our area and Evacuation Route Planning for Scotch Creek, Anglemont and Seymour Arm. It also asked for public input on a plan for upgrades at Rose Clifford Park in Scotch Creek. A community park on Bristow Road was open for day use this summer but the boat launch portion kept being delayed. Permits expire April 2022 so CSRD Parks is working to have it installed before then.

Along with other areas in BC, the North Shuswap went through a local real estate market boom. The CSRD dealt with unprecedented increases in building permits, planning applications and by-law enforcement files as people chose to move here from urban areas.

The debate continues on plans for two high schools in Salmon Arm, with CSRD directors from North and South Shuswap requesting the school board give serious consideration to a high school in Sorrento.

The CSRD received approval from BC Parks and Little Shuswap Lake Band to restart mosquito control in Scotch Creek, just in time for the heat dome and wildfires.

The Shuswap Economic Development Society was formed representing North and South Shuswap and Area D, Ranchero/Falkland with a goal to nurture a strong, sustainable economic future.

The Kicker management and staff wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2022. With plans for a winter festival already in the works, here’s hoping we will be able to gather more often with friends and neighbours.