April 01, 2008 - News Leader
RESURRECTED BEA PLANS SECESSION
by April Phuel
The once defunct Princeton Area Business Enhancement Association (PABEA) has been reborn, and has taken a bold step toward the future of the valley. At a recent meeting, members representing local governing bodies (Town of Princeton, Village of Keremeos, Regional District Directors and Upper and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands) voted unanimously to proceed with a study to explore the advantages of becoming an independent nation by 2010. Despite the fact that it will put a damper on British Columbia's image for the Olympics, PABEA plans to go ahead. An unnamed spokesperson said, "The Olympics aren't doing much for us anyway." The new national boundaries will extend from the east boundary of Manning Park and the Coquihalla Highway in the west, and to the Connector in the north as far as Trout Lake and south to Yellow Lake and Fairview to the U.S. boundary. All private property ownership will be respected, but all improvements and facilities currently owned or maintained by the federal or provincial governments will be nationalized. The study will be conducted by a contracted 'economic development and planning official' and will address matters of the economy, transportation, health care, national security and national defense, conservation, social security, forestry and mining. Many ideas were tossed around during the first planning session. Members decided national security is not an issue; the new nation will contract retired RCMP officers to take care of policing and linking with Interpol. National defense will probably not be needed, and in the case of any invasion, the government will simply call on all hunters and heavy equipment operators to take care of it. In case of air attack, everybody can just hunker down and put up with it. No attacks are expected, as the country is too small for anybody to want it, and any nation who does want it can probably buy it outright if a decent offer is made. Forestry will carry on much as it has done, with continued emphasis on fighting beetles and planting trees. Exports will go more smoothly as the U.S. will take years to impose the soft lumber tariff on the new nation. Blue denim pine furniture factories will be encouraged and may become a major export. All current residents of the valley will be immediately eligible for citizenship documents and any other documents required, such as driver's and fishing licences. Those born in the Similkameen watershed will be eligible for citizenship without question if they apply to move here. Others can sit and wait until legislation is in place for immigrant status. Those not having Similkameen citizenship will not be able to hold a job unless given a "specialist" orange card status. Indian land claims will be settled immediately. They can have what they've already got, and any other land deemed as "Crown" land by the current government. After secession, the Indian Bands will sell land as they see fit, as there will be no special status or designation for First Nations persons. They will be ordinary citizens, but will maintain their own Councils just as any municipality. There will be no PST nor GST and no welfare. Every citizen will be expected to work for a living up to age 80 unless physically or mentally handicapped to the point of uselessness, at which point they will be given a small living allowance. Drug and alcohol abuse will be no excuse for not working. Make work projects such as pulling knapweed, picking fruit, removing trash from waterways and highways, will be open to all those unable to secure employment in private enterprise. How will all of this be funded? PABEA plans to charge high tariffs for goods not produced within Similkameen boundaries, as the first step. Highways will have a toll for all non-residents. (One of the first projects will be to take the kinks out of Highway 3 to make it the fastest route from Vancouver to Osoyoos, thus increasing traffic flow through the valley.) The next project will be to build a dam on the Similkameen to provide both water conservation and electrical power. To achieve this, a local stock exchange will be set up for investors in the dam and any other interests, such as mining and real estate development. Companies wishing to do business in the new nation must pay for the privilege with an annual licence fee based on criteria related to number of employees and value to local economy. The less valuable to the economy, the higher the licence fee. Food supplies from outside national boundaries will be taxed, but there will be no tax on any food produced within the valley. This should bring down cost to the consumer and increase farm production as a result of meeting the 100 Mile Challenge. PABEA expects the population will grow dramatically in the first few years, and development to be rapid. Property taxes will be levied to pay for health care and education, to be topped up by grants from the International Monetary Fund during the first few years. Background - This unusual step toward independence has been brewing for some time due to the dissatisfaction of local residents with the way the Similkameen Valley has been discriminated against by both the provincial and federal governments, particularly in the case of handing out of federal and provincial grants. For example, grants to employ students for summer tourist season have been cut back, and big events, such as Expo or the Olympics have never been proposed for the Similkameen, and services to the small communities throughout British Columbia have declined every time the government wanted to save money. As it is in the resource-based communities where the revenue of British Columbia is generated, PABEA is simply fed up with money flowing out to the coast and very little coming back.
VANDALS HIT SCHOOL TWICE
Princeton RCMP responded to a fire call at 9:00 PM on Wednesday, March 26th at John Allison Elementary School. Princeton Volunteer Fire Department had already responded to the call and was at the scene and extinguished a small fire, which caused ‘very minimum' damage inside a hallway of the school. Police have determined the fire was intentional. "Investigation indicated the fire originated from a suspect or suspects igniting cardboard covering a damaged window which had been broken on the 23rd of March," explained Princeton RCMP Detachment Sgt. Gary Macahonic. "On this date (March 23) culprits broke the window, set fire to some paper then threw it in the school through the window."
Macahonic says there was no fire damage in that incident as the paper "self extinguished" but says both incidents are believed to be related and investigative steps are underway. "In both incidents the potential for loss of the school was very real. The Princeton RCMP is conducting a full investigation and all avenues are being looked at. There is reason to believe there may have been a witness or at least someone able to supply additional information regarding this incident." Macahonic says anyone with information related to these incidents in encouraged to contact Princeton RCMP at (250) 295-6911.
by April Phuel
The once defunct Princeton Area Business Enhancement Association (PABEA) has been reborn, and has taken a bold step toward the future of the valley. At a recent meeting, members representing local governing bodies (Town of Princeton, Village of Keremeos, Regional District Directors and Upper and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands) voted unanimously to proceed with a study to explore the advantages of becoming an independent nation by 2010. Despite the fact that it will put a damper on British Columbia's image for the Olympics, PABEA plans to go ahead. An unnamed spokesperson said, "The Olympics aren't doing much for us anyway." The new national boundaries will extend from the east boundary of Manning Park and the Coquihalla Highway in the west, and to the Connector in the north as far as Trout Lake and south to Yellow Lake and Fairview to the U.S. boundary. All private property ownership will be respected, but all improvements and facilities currently owned or maintained by the federal or provincial governments will be nationalized. The study will be conducted by a contracted 'economic development and planning official' and will address matters of the economy, transportation, health care, national security and national defense, conservation, social security, forestry and mining. Many ideas were tossed around during the first planning session. Members decided national security is not an issue; the new nation will contract retired RCMP officers to take care of policing and linking with Interpol. National defense will probably not be needed, and in the case of any invasion, the government will simply call on all hunters and heavy equipment operators to take care of it. In case of air attack, everybody can just hunker down and put up with it. No attacks are expected, as the country is too small for anybody to want it, and any nation who does want it can probably buy it outright if a decent offer is made. Forestry will carry on much as it has done, with continued emphasis on fighting beetles and planting trees. Exports will go more smoothly as the U.S. will take years to impose the soft lumber tariff on the new nation. Blue denim pine furniture factories will be encouraged and may become a major export. All current residents of the valley will be immediately eligible for citizenship documents and any other documents required, such as driver's and fishing licences. Those born in the Similkameen watershed will be eligible for citizenship without question if they apply to move here. Others can sit and wait until legislation is in place for immigrant status. Those not having Similkameen citizenship will not be able to hold a job unless given a "specialist" orange card status. Indian land claims will be settled immediately. They can have what they've already got, and any other land deemed as "Crown" land by the current government. After secession, the Indian Bands will sell land as they see fit, as there will be no special status or designation for First Nations persons. They will be ordinary citizens, but will maintain their own Councils just as any municipality. There will be no PST nor GST and no welfare. Every citizen will be expected to work for a living up to age 80 unless physically or mentally handicapped to the point of uselessness, at which point they will be given a small living allowance. Drug and alcohol abuse will be no excuse for not working. Make work projects such as pulling knapweed, picking fruit, removing trash from waterways and highways, will be open to all those unable to secure employment in private enterprise. How will all of this be funded? PABEA plans to charge high tariffs for goods not produced within Similkameen boundaries, as the first step. Highways will have a toll for all non-residents. (One of the first projects will be to take the kinks out of Highway 3 to make it the fastest route from Vancouver to Osoyoos, thus increasing traffic flow through the valley.) The next project will be to build a dam on the Similkameen to provide both water conservation and electrical power. To achieve this, a local stock exchange will be set up for investors in the dam and any other interests, such as mining and real estate development. Companies wishing to do business in the new nation must pay for the privilege with an annual licence fee based on criteria related to number of employees and value to local economy. The less valuable to the economy, the higher the licence fee. Food supplies from outside national boundaries will be taxed, but there will be no tax on any food produced within the valley. This should bring down cost to the consumer and increase farm production as a result of meeting the 100 Mile Challenge. PABEA expects the population will grow dramatically in the first few years, and development to be rapid. Property taxes will be levied to pay for health care and education, to be topped up by grants from the International Monetary Fund during the first few years. Background - This unusual step toward independence has been brewing for some time due to the dissatisfaction of local residents with the way the Similkameen Valley has been discriminated against by both the provincial and federal governments, particularly in the case of handing out of federal and provincial grants. For example, grants to employ students for summer tourist season have been cut back, and big events, such as Expo or the Olympics have never been proposed for the Similkameen, and services to the small communities throughout British Columbia have declined every time the government wanted to save money. As it is in the resource-based communities where the revenue of British Columbia is generated, PABEA is simply fed up with money flowing out to the coast and very little coming back.
VANDALS HIT SCHOOL TWICE
Princeton RCMP responded to a fire call at 9:00 PM on Wednesday, March 26th at John Allison Elementary School. Princeton Volunteer Fire Department had already responded to the call and was at the scene and extinguished a small fire, which caused ‘very minimum' damage inside a hallway of the school. Police have determined the fire was intentional. "Investigation indicated the fire originated from a suspect or suspects igniting cardboard covering a damaged window which had been broken on the 23rd of March," explained Princeton RCMP Detachment Sgt. Gary Macahonic. "On this date (March 23) culprits broke the window, set fire to some paper then threw it in the school through the window."
Macahonic says there was no fire damage in that incident as the paper "self extinguished" but says both incidents are believed to be related and investigative steps are underway. "In both incidents the potential for loss of the school was very real. The Princeton RCMP is conducting a full investigation and all avenues are being looked at. There is reason to believe there may have been a witness or at least someone able to supply additional information regarding this incident." Macahonic says anyone with information related to these incidents in encouraged to contact Princeton RCMP at (250) 295-6911.
April 08, 2008 - News Leader
MP TEAMS UP WITH LOCAL GROUP
Mark Tuesday, April 22nd on your calendar for a special Similkameen Earth Day event! Local Princeton Healthy Harvest Box volunteers concerned about food issues are teaming up with Alex Atamanenko, MP for BC Southern Interior to host a special Food Security Forum and Film Night at the Princeton Legion at 7:00 PM. The film 'Tableland' by award-winning filmmaker Craig Noble will be shown, followed by a guest panel discussion with the audience. Tableland will take viewers from the orchards of Interior BC to rural Quebec and inner-city Chicago on a culinary expedition in search of people - farmers, chefs, writers, teachers and activists and places that are part of a movement towards more sustainable food systems. While films like 'Super Size Me' and books like 'Fast Food Nation' take a critical look at the industrial food establishment, 'Tableland' offers positive working alternatives with as much focus on delicious food and where it comes from as the economic and ethical forces behind it. "I can't think of a better day than Earth Day to focus on food safety and security issues and alternatives," said Atamanenko, Federal Agriculture & Rural Affairs Critic for the NDP. "South Okanagan Similkameen food security groups are bringing these issues forward in their communities. I am happy to be able to join with Princeton food activists to sponsor this wonderful event." "This is a great opportunity to learn more about how we can work together to create a healthy community," added local Healthy Harvest Box volunteer Ann Hughes. "I hope all of the people involved in Princeton Healthy Harvest Box get out to see the documentary and have a chance to talk together with the food security panelists about issues that are vital to us all." Refreshments will be available and admission is by donation, with proceeds going to the Princeton Healthy Harvest Box program.
MP SPEAKS ON PARK PROPOSAL by Alex Atamanenko, MP Southern Interior of BC
Some questions have been asked in regard to my position on the proposed national park for the South Okanagan-Similkameen area. To date, my staff and I have worked hard to help facilitate a fair and transparent process during the feasibility phase of the proposal. Last summer we met with people representing those for and against the park, in addition to Parks Canada officials. As a result a steering committee was formed with representation from both sides and Parks Canada. This resulted in public meetings in Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos last November, where the public had an opportunity to ask questions of Parks Canada and state their views for and against in an open format for all to see and hear. If the concept of a national park is to go ahead, it must have the support of the majority of citizens in the affected area. An immediate priority is to address the concerns of the Okanagan Nation Alliance, which has worked diligently to propose a collaborative framework to the Provincial and Federal governments for the feasibility and evaluation processes.
Parks Canada, in its recent newsletter (Winter 2007/Spring 2008) continues to try and address a number of other concerns that people have raised. It says that the process has a way to go before they are ready to present a report on the feasibility study. A social and economic assessment of the proposed parks impact and an environmental assessment are also yet to be completed. One of the striking points of the November series of public meetings was that almost all who attended were united in their fierce love of the beautiful landscapes, wildlife and nature surrounding their communities. Their approaches on how to ensure its future differ, however, and that is the challenge faced by Parks Canada, and in the end, all involved.
Mark Tuesday, April 22nd on your calendar for a special Similkameen Earth Day event! Local Princeton Healthy Harvest Box volunteers concerned about food issues are teaming up with Alex Atamanenko, MP for BC Southern Interior to host a special Food Security Forum and Film Night at the Princeton Legion at 7:00 PM. The film 'Tableland' by award-winning filmmaker Craig Noble will be shown, followed by a guest panel discussion with the audience. Tableland will take viewers from the orchards of Interior BC to rural Quebec and inner-city Chicago on a culinary expedition in search of people - farmers, chefs, writers, teachers and activists and places that are part of a movement towards more sustainable food systems. While films like 'Super Size Me' and books like 'Fast Food Nation' take a critical look at the industrial food establishment, 'Tableland' offers positive working alternatives with as much focus on delicious food and where it comes from as the economic and ethical forces behind it. "I can't think of a better day than Earth Day to focus on food safety and security issues and alternatives," said Atamanenko, Federal Agriculture & Rural Affairs Critic for the NDP. "South Okanagan Similkameen food security groups are bringing these issues forward in their communities. I am happy to be able to join with Princeton food activists to sponsor this wonderful event." "This is a great opportunity to learn more about how we can work together to create a healthy community," added local Healthy Harvest Box volunteer Ann Hughes. "I hope all of the people involved in Princeton Healthy Harvest Box get out to see the documentary and have a chance to talk together with the food security panelists about issues that are vital to us all." Refreshments will be available and admission is by donation, with proceeds going to the Princeton Healthy Harvest Box program.
MP SPEAKS ON PARK PROPOSAL by Alex Atamanenko, MP Southern Interior of BC
Some questions have been asked in regard to my position on the proposed national park for the South Okanagan-Similkameen area. To date, my staff and I have worked hard to help facilitate a fair and transparent process during the feasibility phase of the proposal. Last summer we met with people representing those for and against the park, in addition to Parks Canada officials. As a result a steering committee was formed with representation from both sides and Parks Canada. This resulted in public meetings in Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos last November, where the public had an opportunity to ask questions of Parks Canada and state their views for and against in an open format for all to see and hear. If the concept of a national park is to go ahead, it must have the support of the majority of citizens in the affected area. An immediate priority is to address the concerns of the Okanagan Nation Alliance, which has worked diligently to propose a collaborative framework to the Provincial and Federal governments for the feasibility and evaluation processes.
Parks Canada, in its recent newsletter (Winter 2007/Spring 2008) continues to try and address a number of other concerns that people have raised. It says that the process has a way to go before they are ready to present a report on the feasibility study. A social and economic assessment of the proposed parks impact and an environmental assessment are also yet to be completed. One of the striking points of the November series of public meetings was that almost all who attended were united in their fierce love of the beautiful landscapes, wildlife and nature surrounding their communities. Their approaches on how to ensure its future differ, however, and that is the challenge faced by Parks Canada, and in the end, all involved.
April 15, 2008 - News Leader
DOWNTOWN MARKS ARTS & CULTURE WEEK
The Paint Princeton Challenge begins on April 20 and runs to April 26. Three local businesses, Cloverdale Paint, Irly Bird and Home Hardware have donated supplies to help spruce up the downtown area with a coat of paint. Council gave official proclamation of Arts & Culture Week in Princeton. The week is a project of Princeton Community Arts Council who are asking local downtown businesses to "Please join us and paint a door, a window or a wall, make it observable, achievable and affordable." At the April 7 Town Council meeting, Arts & Culture Week Chair, Del Hall, introduced the owner of Cloverdale Paints, who offered to supply free enough paint to do Town Hall. (Council did not feel free to commit to that project at the meeting.) Hall told Council, "Art begins with a well-kept town." The Potter's Guild will have a display at the former Goldion Restaurant, with Shirley Low joining the Guild to show the works of her young potters. Vermilion Artists will have a display at the Re/Max office. Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists are preparing their wildlife banners for hanging from lamp posts, and Bunchgrass Quilters will have a quilt on display to be raffled for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer.
Princeton Traditional Music Society will aim to clean up and paint the base of the steps at the bottom of the trail from First Bench to Billiter Avenue at the rear of CIBC. The theme of BC Arts & Culture Week this year is to raise awareness of the importance of arts and cultural activity to the social and economic well-being of BC communities. Estimated revenues to all levels of government generated by the 300 organizations who shared the $9.5 million in 2004 BC Arts Council grants is $34 - $41 million. Growth in cultural employment in Canada from 1981 to 2001 was 81 percent, more than double the 32 percent growth in the overall labour force during the same period.
TOWN DISCUSSES AIRPORT, ATVs, OCP AND BUDGET
Planes will refuel here - The first step has been taken at Princeton Airport to make it more appealing to air traffic. A fueling system is being installed which will include both Avgas and jet fuel. The system includes two trucks to deliver the fuel. The overall plan for the airport will eventually provide business opportunities for more services for air traffic.
ATV group plans to dunk Mayor - Two representatives from ATVBC attended the April 7 Town Council meeting to share plans for a poker run in June. Approximately 400 riders are expected to participate. They will be camped at the fairgrounds from June 19 to 23. Council was asked to give permission for an ATV parade from the fairgrounds into downtown Princeton on June 19. The plan is to have the riders come to town for supper at 4:30 PM and return to the fairgrounds at 6:00 PM. Council had no objections if the RCMP would agree. The other request to Council was cooperation with a dunk tank charity fundraiser. The ATV group asked if Mayor Randy McLean would go into the dunk tank. As Mayor McLean was absent on April 7, Councillors happily volunteered his participation in the fundraiser.
Council deplores poor turnout - The first draft of the Official Community Plan was shown to the public at a meeting held two weeks ago. At the April 7 Town Council meeting, Councillors remarked on how poor the turnout was for that meeting. The Official Community Plan is a document which, when adopted, directs future development. It spells out the zoning and thus determines whether an apartment block can be built in a certain area or whether the area will be limited to commercial or industrial or single family dwellings. Copies of the draft are available at Town Hall.
Town reveals 2008 budget - The Town of Princeton budget will show a two percent increase due to financing a doctor/nurse recruitment and retention plan and a further one percent for environmental sustainability and energy efficiency initiative. The total operating fund comes to $5,509,231, excluding the water and sewer funds, which are separate. Commenting on the budget, Deputy Mayor Maria Sadegur said Council hopes to see the Veteran's Square project completed this year, as well as the park located across from the curling rink. Councillor Jim Manion added Council has done its best to meet all of the grant requests, but perhaps not to the level of every request.
The Paint Princeton Challenge begins on April 20 and runs to April 26. Three local businesses, Cloverdale Paint, Irly Bird and Home Hardware have donated supplies to help spruce up the downtown area with a coat of paint. Council gave official proclamation of Arts & Culture Week in Princeton. The week is a project of Princeton Community Arts Council who are asking local downtown businesses to "Please join us and paint a door, a window or a wall, make it observable, achievable and affordable." At the April 7 Town Council meeting, Arts & Culture Week Chair, Del Hall, introduced the owner of Cloverdale Paints, who offered to supply free enough paint to do Town Hall. (Council did not feel free to commit to that project at the meeting.) Hall told Council, "Art begins with a well-kept town." The Potter's Guild will have a display at the former Goldion Restaurant, with Shirley Low joining the Guild to show the works of her young potters. Vermilion Artists will have a display at the Re/Max office. Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists are preparing their wildlife banners for hanging from lamp posts, and Bunchgrass Quilters will have a quilt on display to be raffled for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer.
Princeton Traditional Music Society will aim to clean up and paint the base of the steps at the bottom of the trail from First Bench to Billiter Avenue at the rear of CIBC. The theme of BC Arts & Culture Week this year is to raise awareness of the importance of arts and cultural activity to the social and economic well-being of BC communities. Estimated revenues to all levels of government generated by the 300 organizations who shared the $9.5 million in 2004 BC Arts Council grants is $34 - $41 million. Growth in cultural employment in Canada from 1981 to 2001 was 81 percent, more than double the 32 percent growth in the overall labour force during the same period.
TOWN DISCUSSES AIRPORT, ATVs, OCP AND BUDGET
Planes will refuel here - The first step has been taken at Princeton Airport to make it more appealing to air traffic. A fueling system is being installed which will include both Avgas and jet fuel. The system includes two trucks to deliver the fuel. The overall plan for the airport will eventually provide business opportunities for more services for air traffic.
ATV group plans to dunk Mayor - Two representatives from ATVBC attended the April 7 Town Council meeting to share plans for a poker run in June. Approximately 400 riders are expected to participate. They will be camped at the fairgrounds from June 19 to 23. Council was asked to give permission for an ATV parade from the fairgrounds into downtown Princeton on June 19. The plan is to have the riders come to town for supper at 4:30 PM and return to the fairgrounds at 6:00 PM. Council had no objections if the RCMP would agree. The other request to Council was cooperation with a dunk tank charity fundraiser. The ATV group asked if Mayor Randy McLean would go into the dunk tank. As Mayor McLean was absent on April 7, Councillors happily volunteered his participation in the fundraiser.
Council deplores poor turnout - The first draft of the Official Community Plan was shown to the public at a meeting held two weeks ago. At the April 7 Town Council meeting, Councillors remarked on how poor the turnout was for that meeting. The Official Community Plan is a document which, when adopted, directs future development. It spells out the zoning and thus determines whether an apartment block can be built in a certain area or whether the area will be limited to commercial or industrial or single family dwellings. Copies of the draft are available at Town Hall.
Town reveals 2008 budget - The Town of Princeton budget will show a two percent increase due to financing a doctor/nurse recruitment and retention plan and a further one percent for environmental sustainability and energy efficiency initiative. The total operating fund comes to $5,509,231, excluding the water and sewer funds, which are separate. Commenting on the budget, Deputy Mayor Maria Sadegur said Council hopes to see the Veteran's Square project completed this year, as well as the park located across from the curling rink. Councillor Jim Manion added Council has done its best to meet all of the grant requests, but perhaps not to the level of every request.
April 22, 2008 - News Leader
ARTS ACTIVITIES CONTINUE TO GROW
There is still plenty on the arts and culture menu in Princeton. This is Arts & Culture Week in B.C., and this year, the Arts Council has taken arts to the downtown core with some new paint (look for participating businesses), some clean-up projects, and a show in the former Goldion Restaurant on Vermilion Avenue. Look for some outstanding pottery displays. To end the week, the museum opens on Saturday. Various arts groups reported their activities at the April 16 Community Arts Council meeting. Princeton Concert Society will welcome Hailey Simons on a return engagement on May 24 at the Baptist Church. Simons made a great impression last year with her enthusiasm as well as her expertise on the piano. Del Hall and Rika Ruebsaat will attend the B.C. Assembly of Arts Councils annual conference in May. They will attend a number of workshops related to Arts Council activities.
Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists has refreshed signs for the Swan Lake area. These little signs are placed near plants to explain what the plants are. Anyone touring the area can learn a great deal about local plants. The community band is growing in numbers, and the youth section of the band is still busy fundraising for their trip to Barkerville. Mary Bedford reported another successful workshop sponsored by Vermilion Artists. She said everyone had a great time at the pastels workshop. Vermilion Artists are planning an art show for the Racing Days weekend, and more artist workshops in the fall months. Princeton Performing Arts are rehearsing this year's play, "Angels in Love". The play is scheduled to run four days from May 29 through June 1. Princeton District Community Arts Council has okayed matching funding for two grant applications to cover the cost of buying a bigger kiln for the Potters Guild and to finance the production of a traditional music CD. Anyone wishing to participate in Arts Council meetings is welcome to attend on the third Wednesday of the month at Riverside Centre.
DISTRICT EARNS GOOD REPORT
The team who reviewed the education standards of School District #58 (Nicola-Similkameen) gave it a good report. Retired school superintendent Gary Graf, who headed the review team, gave a summary of the report at the April 14 school trustees meeting. Graf began by saying the team enjoyed the welcome given by district personnel and the "genuineness" of interactions with staff. The team learned quickly that the district is complex, with 36 percent of students coming from rural areas, and a high percentage of First Nations students. The varied social and economic environment of the district added to the complexity. There were three questions the team applied to different aspects of the learning environment: what is most important? what are we doing about it? and what difference is it making? The review team found a positive attitude in the learning environment, excellent shared leadership, a professional "can do" approach based on what is good for the individual student, and a supportive, cooperative attitude from the community. Special mention was made of the positive involvement of First Nations people, but a recommendation was made to find ways to reach out to First Nations students and parents who do not live on an Indian Reserve.
Another recommendation was the need to improve graduation rates for First Nations males, and the need to continue the focus on aboriginal students' success. The team approved the way the district allocates resources and sets goals, saying the focus on student achievement should continue. The team found a lot of student learning opportunities and good staff training. "The district is actively building student achievement," Graf told trustees.
There is still plenty on the arts and culture menu in Princeton. This is Arts & Culture Week in B.C., and this year, the Arts Council has taken arts to the downtown core with some new paint (look for participating businesses), some clean-up projects, and a show in the former Goldion Restaurant on Vermilion Avenue. Look for some outstanding pottery displays. To end the week, the museum opens on Saturday. Various arts groups reported their activities at the April 16 Community Arts Council meeting. Princeton Concert Society will welcome Hailey Simons on a return engagement on May 24 at the Baptist Church. Simons made a great impression last year with her enthusiasm as well as her expertise on the piano. Del Hall and Rika Ruebsaat will attend the B.C. Assembly of Arts Councils annual conference in May. They will attend a number of workshops related to Arts Council activities.
Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists has refreshed signs for the Swan Lake area. These little signs are placed near plants to explain what the plants are. Anyone touring the area can learn a great deal about local plants. The community band is growing in numbers, and the youth section of the band is still busy fundraising for their trip to Barkerville. Mary Bedford reported another successful workshop sponsored by Vermilion Artists. She said everyone had a great time at the pastels workshop. Vermilion Artists are planning an art show for the Racing Days weekend, and more artist workshops in the fall months. Princeton Performing Arts are rehearsing this year's play, "Angels in Love". The play is scheduled to run four days from May 29 through June 1. Princeton District Community Arts Council has okayed matching funding for two grant applications to cover the cost of buying a bigger kiln for the Potters Guild and to finance the production of a traditional music CD. Anyone wishing to participate in Arts Council meetings is welcome to attend on the third Wednesday of the month at Riverside Centre.
DISTRICT EARNS GOOD REPORT
The team who reviewed the education standards of School District #58 (Nicola-Similkameen) gave it a good report. Retired school superintendent Gary Graf, who headed the review team, gave a summary of the report at the April 14 school trustees meeting. Graf began by saying the team enjoyed the welcome given by district personnel and the "genuineness" of interactions with staff. The team learned quickly that the district is complex, with 36 percent of students coming from rural areas, and a high percentage of First Nations students. The varied social and economic environment of the district added to the complexity. There were three questions the team applied to different aspects of the learning environment: what is most important? what are we doing about it? and what difference is it making? The review team found a positive attitude in the learning environment, excellent shared leadership, a professional "can do" approach based on what is good for the individual student, and a supportive, cooperative attitude from the community. Special mention was made of the positive involvement of First Nations people, but a recommendation was made to find ways to reach out to First Nations students and parents who do not live on an Indian Reserve.
Another recommendation was the need to improve graduation rates for First Nations males, and the need to continue the focus on aboriginal students' success. The team approved the way the district allocates resources and sets goals, saying the focus on student achievement should continue. The team found a lot of student learning opportunities and good staff training. "The district is actively building student achievement," Graf told trustees.
April 29, 2008 - News Leader
DAM DISCUSSION ENGAGES COUNCIL
During a presentation April 21 by Similkameen Valley Planning Society (SVPS), Chair George Hanson described to Town Council some of the activities in which SVPS has been involved. One of the activities mentioned was participation in ongoing studies that may lead to a dam/reservoir on the Similkameen River. Town Council was very interested in what was being discussed at the international level. SVPS is managing a study of the potential for a dam on the Similkameen, using all of the previous studies as a base line. Council was concerned about the proposal by people in Washington State who want to build a high level dam at Shanker's Bend, south of the border, which would flood into the lower Similkameen Valley. Hanson told Council there is no official support on either side of the border. What is under study now is not two dams, but just one low level dam on the Similkameen River, in the upper reaches of the river.
Mayor Randy McLean commented that Fortis BC has expressed interest in a dam for power generation. Hanson responded that there is an equal interest by the Americans in water conservation.
COUNCIL APPROVES BARGAIN FOR AIRPORT
Fuelling equipment for Princeton Airport was a bargain at $77,000 plus tax. Town Council had expected to pay as much as $300,000. The deal included one 13,500 litre static fuel tank with pump, one fuel tank truck with pumps, filters and meters and one 3/4 ton pickup with pump, filter and meter. Councillor Ray Jarvis, who has promoted airport development for the past five years, told Council, "Fuel at the airport is a big asset to our community. It will draw planes to our area."
The equipment is one-third funded by the provincial government, making it a major bargain for the Town of Princeton.
COUNCIL LIKES SUBDIVISION PLAN
A property located in the Similkameen Avenue area is slated for residential development this year. Town Council gave first and second reading to rezoning bylaws that will change the area from light industrial to single family dwellings and duplexes. Under a company named Princeton Trails, the rezoned 1.85 hectare property would be subdivided into 22 lots fronting Similkameen Avenue and backed by the TransCanada Trail. The plan fits in neatly with the revised Official Community Plan (OCP) in the works at this time. The plan calls for removal of light industry from the area and rezoning to residential. While the new subdivision will enhance the Similkameen Avenue area, the developers want to keep the lots affordable for the construction of affordable homes. A public hearing regarding the subdivision plan will be held May 20 at Town Hall. The owners of the property have been coming to Princeton to golf, and decided they would like to remain here. They believe others would like to do the same thing.
During a presentation April 21 by Similkameen Valley Planning Society (SVPS), Chair George Hanson described to Town Council some of the activities in which SVPS has been involved. One of the activities mentioned was participation in ongoing studies that may lead to a dam/reservoir on the Similkameen River. Town Council was very interested in what was being discussed at the international level. SVPS is managing a study of the potential for a dam on the Similkameen, using all of the previous studies as a base line. Council was concerned about the proposal by people in Washington State who want to build a high level dam at Shanker's Bend, south of the border, which would flood into the lower Similkameen Valley. Hanson told Council there is no official support on either side of the border. What is under study now is not two dams, but just one low level dam on the Similkameen River, in the upper reaches of the river.
Mayor Randy McLean commented that Fortis BC has expressed interest in a dam for power generation. Hanson responded that there is an equal interest by the Americans in water conservation.
COUNCIL APPROVES BARGAIN FOR AIRPORT
Fuelling equipment for Princeton Airport was a bargain at $77,000 plus tax. Town Council had expected to pay as much as $300,000. The deal included one 13,500 litre static fuel tank with pump, one fuel tank truck with pumps, filters and meters and one 3/4 ton pickup with pump, filter and meter. Councillor Ray Jarvis, who has promoted airport development for the past five years, told Council, "Fuel at the airport is a big asset to our community. It will draw planes to our area."
The equipment is one-third funded by the provincial government, making it a major bargain for the Town of Princeton.
COUNCIL LIKES SUBDIVISION PLAN
A property located in the Similkameen Avenue area is slated for residential development this year. Town Council gave first and second reading to rezoning bylaws that will change the area from light industrial to single family dwellings and duplexes. Under a company named Princeton Trails, the rezoned 1.85 hectare property would be subdivided into 22 lots fronting Similkameen Avenue and backed by the TransCanada Trail. The plan fits in neatly with the revised Official Community Plan (OCP) in the works at this time. The plan calls for removal of light industry from the area and rezoning to residential. While the new subdivision will enhance the Similkameen Avenue area, the developers want to keep the lots affordable for the construction of affordable homes. A public hearing regarding the subdivision plan will be held May 20 at Town Hall. The owners of the property have been coming to Princeton to golf, and decided they would like to remain here. They believe others would like to do the same thing.