February 05, 2008 - News Leader
RACING RETURNS JUNE 29TH
“There will be racing in Princeton on June 29th,” says Racing Days President John Bey. Post time is set for 3:00 PM. A recent Racing Days Association meeting saw discussions related to purse money and the cost of operating the photo finish, insurance costs, the starting gate and track maintenance. “Princeton Racing Days is working very hard to address these problems,” Bey says. Accomplishments to date include the new chain link fencing around the outside perimeter of the race track, an in-house phone system and upgrades to the sound system are near completion. “I just got back from the Interior Horse Racing Association meeting in Kamloops and they will be racing in Kamloops six days, Vernon will have three days and there will be one day of racing in Princeton.” Bey says all tracks in the interior circuit are facing the same problems although they vary a little related to population. “But since 2005, Princeton has had the best race meet with more horses, a bigger handle and I believe more fun.” Sponsorship letters have been sent to previous sponsors as well as some prospective new sponsors. “I hope that the sponsorship fund will do well as that is what keeps Princeton Racing Days going financially and all the rest is up to the volunteers.” Bey says he appreciates help from local volunteers along with support from Vancouver.
FAIR BOARD PREPARES FOR NEW YEAR
Plans for the 2008 Fall Fair were discussed January 28 as the Fair Board and members met at Town
Hall. President Linda Allison asked if everyone agreed with the theme of this year’s fair being a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of British Columbia. Everyone agreed. There was discussion of applying for a provincial government grant and members are thinking of a project that would meet the guidelines of the grant opportunity. John Bey, President of Princeton Exhibition Association, urged members to make the application as soon as possible. Councillor Jim Manion, who is Town Council’s representative on the Fair Board, presented a proposal for a mobile stage to be used by the community. He asked whether the Fall Fair members would be interested in the 20 X 24 foot trailer stage. Members were interested, as a proper stage is needed at the fairgrounds. Councillor Manion said he had talked with Chamber of Commerce President Keith Olsen, who agreed to call a meeting of community groups interested in having a mobile stage available for community use. Fair members said they would support the proposal and attend the meeting. Lawnmower races had been popular at the 2007 fair. The entertainment committee will contact the group who came to Princeton to see if they will come again. Councillor Manion said he hopes to see some Princeton men and women come forward to challenge the out of town racers. John Bey reported on work done at the fairgrounds, and outlined work to be done this spring. President Allison is reviewing the evaluation report from BC Fairs to identify areas of the fair that need improvement. These issues will be brought to future meetings. Copies of a revised constitution will be distributed at the February 27 meeting to be held at Town Hall. Lyn Melnechenko agreed to be Head Convenor this year. A wide variety of convenor opportunities exist at the fair, and President Allison reviewed the divisions and confirmed who would be convening these divisions. There appears to be no problem in finding volunteers for most of the committees, but convenors are still needed for the concession, refreshment area, and the gate.
“There will be racing in Princeton on June 29th,” says Racing Days President John Bey. Post time is set for 3:00 PM. A recent Racing Days Association meeting saw discussions related to purse money and the cost of operating the photo finish, insurance costs, the starting gate and track maintenance. “Princeton Racing Days is working very hard to address these problems,” Bey says. Accomplishments to date include the new chain link fencing around the outside perimeter of the race track, an in-house phone system and upgrades to the sound system are near completion. “I just got back from the Interior Horse Racing Association meeting in Kamloops and they will be racing in Kamloops six days, Vernon will have three days and there will be one day of racing in Princeton.” Bey says all tracks in the interior circuit are facing the same problems although they vary a little related to population. “But since 2005, Princeton has had the best race meet with more horses, a bigger handle and I believe more fun.” Sponsorship letters have been sent to previous sponsors as well as some prospective new sponsors. “I hope that the sponsorship fund will do well as that is what keeps Princeton Racing Days going financially and all the rest is up to the volunteers.” Bey says he appreciates help from local volunteers along with support from Vancouver.
FAIR BOARD PREPARES FOR NEW YEAR
Plans for the 2008 Fall Fair were discussed January 28 as the Fair Board and members met at Town
Hall. President Linda Allison asked if everyone agreed with the theme of this year’s fair being a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of British Columbia. Everyone agreed. There was discussion of applying for a provincial government grant and members are thinking of a project that would meet the guidelines of the grant opportunity. John Bey, President of Princeton Exhibition Association, urged members to make the application as soon as possible. Councillor Jim Manion, who is Town Council’s representative on the Fair Board, presented a proposal for a mobile stage to be used by the community. He asked whether the Fall Fair members would be interested in the 20 X 24 foot trailer stage. Members were interested, as a proper stage is needed at the fairgrounds. Councillor Manion said he had talked with Chamber of Commerce President Keith Olsen, who agreed to call a meeting of community groups interested in having a mobile stage available for community use. Fair members said they would support the proposal and attend the meeting. Lawnmower races had been popular at the 2007 fair. The entertainment committee will contact the group who came to Princeton to see if they will come again. Councillor Manion said he hopes to see some Princeton men and women come forward to challenge the out of town racers. John Bey reported on work done at the fairgrounds, and outlined work to be done this spring. President Allison is reviewing the evaluation report from BC Fairs to identify areas of the fair that need improvement. These issues will be brought to future meetings. Copies of a revised constitution will be distributed at the February 27 meeting to be held at Town Hall. Lyn Melnechenko agreed to be Head Convenor this year. A wide variety of convenor opportunities exist at the fair, and President Allison reviewed the divisions and confirmed who would be convening these divisions. There appears to be no problem in finding volunteers for most of the committees, but convenors are still needed for the concession, refreshment area, and the gate.
February 12, 2008 - News Leader
COMMUNITY SERVICES URGES COUNCIL ACTION
The Board of Directors of Princeton and District Community Services wants Town Council to take an active role in promoting and supporting “initiatives that will alleviate the housing shortages currently existing in Princeton.” Community Services “grave concern” over housing was expressed in a letter to Town Council. The letter told Council, “Some of our clients are desperately searching for safe and affordable housing.” Mayor Randy McLean responded by saying Council is already working with a committee, but they need a group to spearhead the initiative. The Town would contribute the land, and work with the spearhead group to secure funding from both provincial and federal governments. Councillor Pam Jones added, “We’re really taking this seriously. We’ll do everything necessary.” The News Leader asked whether the land that might be used would be the former Highways Department works yard. Mayor McLean said Council would consider it, or part of it could be sold to buy land in a better location. He said he would not want to do anything until a planner looked at the situation. A downtown location might be preferred. A meeting of a concerned group was scheduled for February 5 at the hospital.
CFC ANNOUNCES GRANT PROGRAM
The Princeton and District Community Forest Corporation (PDCFC) is pleased to announce that it will be accepting applications for the 2008 Grant Program. In 2007 eleven not-for-profit organizations shared in over $295,000 in grants from the PDCFC. “Building on the success of the past two years, the Board of Directors is excited about the opportunity our grant program will provide for not-for-profit organizations in Princeton and Area ‘H’ of the Regional District. We look forward to receiving this years applications,” said Corporation Chair Randy McLean. “We are also excited about our capacity building program we are introducing this year. The Board of Directors places a lot of emphasis on leveraging dollars and we believe our capacity building program will assist applicants with leveraging the PDCFC financial contributions.” The capacity building program will include a two-day workshop that successful applicants will participate in. The workshop will provide an opportunity for the non-profit sector and their volunteers to gain valuable skills in developing budgets, preparing effective grant applications, leveraging financial contributions and running a successful organization. The program is free of charge Workshop dates will be announced. The Princeton and District Community Forest Corporation offers grants to recreational and cultural organizations to assist in their capital projects and operations. The corporation receives Grant applications annually and organizations can apply for major funding (>$5,000) or for minor funding (<$5,000). In 2007 the forest corporation distributed $295,000 to eleven organizations. To be eligible for these grants, organizations must have the mandate to provide recreational and cultural services and/or facilities in Princeton or within Area ‘H’ of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen. Grant applications, along with guidelines and details are available at Princeton Town Hall, 169 Bridge Street. For more information call (250) 295-3135. – submitted
The Board of Directors of Princeton and District Community Services wants Town Council to take an active role in promoting and supporting “initiatives that will alleviate the housing shortages currently existing in Princeton.” Community Services “grave concern” over housing was expressed in a letter to Town Council. The letter told Council, “Some of our clients are desperately searching for safe and affordable housing.” Mayor Randy McLean responded by saying Council is already working with a committee, but they need a group to spearhead the initiative. The Town would contribute the land, and work with the spearhead group to secure funding from both provincial and federal governments. Councillor Pam Jones added, “We’re really taking this seriously. We’ll do everything necessary.” The News Leader asked whether the land that might be used would be the former Highways Department works yard. Mayor McLean said Council would consider it, or part of it could be sold to buy land in a better location. He said he would not want to do anything until a planner looked at the situation. A downtown location might be preferred. A meeting of a concerned group was scheduled for February 5 at the hospital.
CFC ANNOUNCES GRANT PROGRAM
The Princeton and District Community Forest Corporation (PDCFC) is pleased to announce that it will be accepting applications for the 2008 Grant Program. In 2007 eleven not-for-profit organizations shared in over $295,000 in grants from the PDCFC. “Building on the success of the past two years, the Board of Directors is excited about the opportunity our grant program will provide for not-for-profit organizations in Princeton and Area ‘H’ of the Regional District. We look forward to receiving this years applications,” said Corporation Chair Randy McLean. “We are also excited about our capacity building program we are introducing this year. The Board of Directors places a lot of emphasis on leveraging dollars and we believe our capacity building program will assist applicants with leveraging the PDCFC financial contributions.” The capacity building program will include a two-day workshop that successful applicants will participate in. The workshop will provide an opportunity for the non-profit sector and their volunteers to gain valuable skills in developing budgets, preparing effective grant applications, leveraging financial contributions and running a successful organization. The program is free of charge Workshop dates will be announced. The Princeton and District Community Forest Corporation offers grants to recreational and cultural organizations to assist in their capital projects and operations. The corporation receives Grant applications annually and organizations can apply for major funding (>$5,000) or for minor funding (<$5,000). In 2007 the forest corporation distributed $295,000 to eleven organizations. To be eligible for these grants, organizations must have the mandate to provide recreational and cultural services and/or facilities in Princeton or within Area ‘H’ of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen. Grant applications, along with guidelines and details are available at Princeton Town Hall, 169 Bridge Street. For more information call (250) 295-3135. – submitted
February 19, 2008 - News Leader
RCMP ISSUES STATUS REPORT
Princeton RCMP Detachment Sgt. Gary Macahonic says there has been no shortage of activity to keep his office busy. “Princeton has been and still is a very safe community where there is a lot of trust between neighbours and friends, but there is also the unfortunate fact that there are those still out there victimizing Princeton citizens.” He adds, “In the last couple weeks there has been break and enters in the Princeton area.” Macahonic says two businesses and a downtown residence have been hit by vandals. “The RCMP have leads in these ongoing investigations but are asking the public that if they have any information that could help them in solving these or any other crime in our area, please call the RCMP.” Macahonic also says changing weather conditions in recent weeks has resulted in numerous motor vehicle accidents on Highway 3. He says road conditions and some drivers not adjusting their driving habits in poor conditions have been the causes. “Fortunately there have not been any major injuries but motorists are reminded to slow down and buckle up.” Macahonic also issues this reminder: “Your community is our community and we the RCMP are committed to doing our part in making your town safe.”
ADAMS ADDRESSES MEDICAL CRISIS
by Paul Adams, Princeton
I feel compelled to respond to the recent articles in the local news regarding the Medical Crisis in Princeton and to the Community Update issued by Interior Health on February 1, 2008. One article mentioned that we have “a tendency in our community to enlarge our perceived problems,” I also believe that we have a tendency to be apathetic and lethargic in addressing problems that have the potential of altering our Towns’ ability to survive and thrive. My desire to bring information forward to the public exists because without community involvement and awareness, we will see a day when our emergency department closes. I don’t need to look far in order to point a finger as we have a system that clearly outlines areas of authority and it is the Interior Health Authority who are responsible for providing medical services in our community. I don’t blame the citizens of Princeton, I don’t blame the doctors, I don’t blame Town Council, I don’t blame the Mayor and I don’t blame the BC Government. I hold the managers of the business responsible for bad management of the business. I have spent ten of the last fifteen years working in the medical arena in Princeton and none of the problems that have led to the current situation have been addressed by our health authority, yet they can continue to be portrayed as a knight in shining armour coming to our defence? This problem started with regionalization that occurred under the NDP government in 1996. We lost control of our local resources to a ‘big brother’ scenario and this was done to streamline the system. What has occurred instead of streamlining is the slow but steady deterioration of our medical services and medical infrastructure. As a community Many of us have watched this happen and not reacted. Regionalization was not the only factor, following regionalization the BCMA made a rule that provided
a benefit to physicians who practiced in under-serviced communities and penalized those who chose to practice in areas of ample physician supply. This worked well but was soon overturned as it was considered illegal. Additionally, the IHA has removed all incentives for rural physicians to work in our community. A rural doctor does not practice rural medicine so they can sit behind a desk and write prescriptions. They practice rural medicine because it requires unique skills in many arenas. Rural physicians are typically driven by their ability to practice ‘whole medicine’ e. g. deliver you as a baby, they stitch you up as a teenager, they remove your tonsils, they deliver your baby, they council and they help people through their final stages of life. We no longer have any facilities that would medically attract a rural physician to our community as they have been removed by IHA as ‘cost saving’ measures. Therefore the only way now to recruit and retain is through a financial incentive. This incentive has to be considerable to make up for the lack of medical attractants and lack of community amenities available compared to other communities and it has to be long lasting to ensure retention is achieved. Since I spoke with council, it has been brought to my attention that coverage has now been found to ensure emergency services will remain in place during the month of April. The individuals making decisions at IHA should come to our community and provide us with accurate information about their plans and the work that they are performing. Instead their recent ‘Community Update’ states that if you have a question you can call the Penticton Health Centre. I have done this and although the staff member is pleasant and kind, the answers to the questions posed are not available as it must be referred to the people making the decisions. For example, it would be helpful for industry to know what plans will be put in place if the emergency department does close e. g. will the IHA pay for 24-hour, 7 day a week, 365 days a year ambulance and paramedic support that will be required on location at the various industries that operate in and around Princeton? Will IHA take the liability on for anyone who is injured at their job site? Will these costs fall on the industries active here and lead to their closure? I commend our local council for their recent work on the medical crisis and I commend the community on assisting as they can. I commend the IHA for putting a recruitment package together and the work they are doing in upgrading paramedic skills. I commend the work being done to provide a primary health care centre at the hospital. These are good things but they are not good enough. This situation has been a long time coming and no foresight by management has led to where we are today. I will not watch, wait and cross my fingers as lives are put at risk. It is my kids, my business and my future that I am standing up for and I don’t believe that waiting quietly is the answer.
Princeton RCMP Detachment Sgt. Gary Macahonic says there has been no shortage of activity to keep his office busy. “Princeton has been and still is a very safe community where there is a lot of trust between neighbours and friends, but there is also the unfortunate fact that there are those still out there victimizing Princeton citizens.” He adds, “In the last couple weeks there has been break and enters in the Princeton area.” Macahonic says two businesses and a downtown residence have been hit by vandals. “The RCMP have leads in these ongoing investigations but are asking the public that if they have any information that could help them in solving these or any other crime in our area, please call the RCMP.” Macahonic also says changing weather conditions in recent weeks has resulted in numerous motor vehicle accidents on Highway 3. He says road conditions and some drivers not adjusting their driving habits in poor conditions have been the causes. “Fortunately there have not been any major injuries but motorists are reminded to slow down and buckle up.” Macahonic also issues this reminder: “Your community is our community and we the RCMP are committed to doing our part in making your town safe.”
ADAMS ADDRESSES MEDICAL CRISIS
by Paul Adams, Princeton
I feel compelled to respond to the recent articles in the local news regarding the Medical Crisis in Princeton and to the Community Update issued by Interior Health on February 1, 2008. One article mentioned that we have “a tendency in our community to enlarge our perceived problems,” I also believe that we have a tendency to be apathetic and lethargic in addressing problems that have the potential of altering our Towns’ ability to survive and thrive. My desire to bring information forward to the public exists because without community involvement and awareness, we will see a day when our emergency department closes. I don’t need to look far in order to point a finger as we have a system that clearly outlines areas of authority and it is the Interior Health Authority who are responsible for providing medical services in our community. I don’t blame the citizens of Princeton, I don’t blame the doctors, I don’t blame Town Council, I don’t blame the Mayor and I don’t blame the BC Government. I hold the managers of the business responsible for bad management of the business. I have spent ten of the last fifteen years working in the medical arena in Princeton and none of the problems that have led to the current situation have been addressed by our health authority, yet they can continue to be portrayed as a knight in shining armour coming to our defence? This problem started with regionalization that occurred under the NDP government in 1996. We lost control of our local resources to a ‘big brother’ scenario and this was done to streamline the system. What has occurred instead of streamlining is the slow but steady deterioration of our medical services and medical infrastructure. As a community Many of us have watched this happen and not reacted. Regionalization was not the only factor, following regionalization the BCMA made a rule that provided
a benefit to physicians who practiced in under-serviced communities and penalized those who chose to practice in areas of ample physician supply. This worked well but was soon overturned as it was considered illegal. Additionally, the IHA has removed all incentives for rural physicians to work in our community. A rural doctor does not practice rural medicine so they can sit behind a desk and write prescriptions. They practice rural medicine because it requires unique skills in many arenas. Rural physicians are typically driven by their ability to practice ‘whole medicine’ e. g. deliver you as a baby, they stitch you up as a teenager, they remove your tonsils, they deliver your baby, they council and they help people through their final stages of life. We no longer have any facilities that would medically attract a rural physician to our community as they have been removed by IHA as ‘cost saving’ measures. Therefore the only way now to recruit and retain is through a financial incentive. This incentive has to be considerable to make up for the lack of medical attractants and lack of community amenities available compared to other communities and it has to be long lasting to ensure retention is achieved. Since I spoke with council, it has been brought to my attention that coverage has now been found to ensure emergency services will remain in place during the month of April. The individuals making decisions at IHA should come to our community and provide us with accurate information about their plans and the work that they are performing. Instead their recent ‘Community Update’ states that if you have a question you can call the Penticton Health Centre. I have done this and although the staff member is pleasant and kind, the answers to the questions posed are not available as it must be referred to the people making the decisions. For example, it would be helpful for industry to know what plans will be put in place if the emergency department does close e. g. will the IHA pay for 24-hour, 7 day a week, 365 days a year ambulance and paramedic support that will be required on location at the various industries that operate in and around Princeton? Will IHA take the liability on for anyone who is injured at their job site? Will these costs fall on the industries active here and lead to their closure? I commend our local council for their recent work on the medical crisis and I commend the community on assisting as they can. I commend the IHA for putting a recruitment package together and the work they are doing in upgrading paramedic skills. I commend the work being done to provide a primary health care centre at the hospital. These are good things but they are not good enough. This situation has been a long time coming and no foresight by management has led to where we are today. I will not watch, wait and cross my fingers as lives are put at risk. It is my kids, my business and my future that I am standing up for and I don’t believe that waiting quietly is the answer.
February 26, 2008 - News Leader
HOUSING GROUP ASKS FOR POLiCY
Princeton Affordable Housing Committee has asked Town Council to develop an Affordable Housing Policy. In a letter to Town Council, the committee asks that Council prohibit any strata to own development if the vacancy rate is below four percent. Included in the letter is information about other communities which have such policies. Council referred the matter to staff to research what the other communities have done. At the same time, Mayor Randy McLean stated, “We are not allowing any more strata title developments for the foreseeable future.”
TOWN WILL BE BIGGER
Town Council has begun the process to expand its boundaries. The boundary extension will bring in East Princeton, Airport Road and Jacobsen Road, for a total of 78 residences. These properties will be withdrawn from Regional District and included in Town of Princeton. The reason for the municipal boundary extension is to provide water services to these areas. The estimated cost of the project is $2,885,000. Not all of the expanded services go to the new residential areas. Some of the project includes improved water service to the industrial park and Deerview. To help finance the project, Town Council has appealed to the provincial government for grants. Total project costs will be shared equally between federal, provincial and municipal governments. Plans for the project include a feasibility study for waste water collection. The push for the improvement of water supply comes from the provincial government in the form of regulations under legislation called Groundwater Protection, an effort to ensure all B.C. residents have clean water. Tenders for work on the project are expected to be available in late spring.
Princeton Affordable Housing Committee has asked Town Council to develop an Affordable Housing Policy. In a letter to Town Council, the committee asks that Council prohibit any strata to own development if the vacancy rate is below four percent. Included in the letter is information about other communities which have such policies. Council referred the matter to staff to research what the other communities have done. At the same time, Mayor Randy McLean stated, “We are not allowing any more strata title developments for the foreseeable future.”
TOWN WILL BE BIGGER
Town Council has begun the process to expand its boundaries. The boundary extension will bring in East Princeton, Airport Road and Jacobsen Road, for a total of 78 residences. These properties will be withdrawn from Regional District and included in Town of Princeton. The reason for the municipal boundary extension is to provide water services to these areas. The estimated cost of the project is $2,885,000. Not all of the expanded services go to the new residential areas. Some of the project includes improved water service to the industrial park and Deerview. To help finance the project, Town Council has appealed to the provincial government for grants. Total project costs will be shared equally between federal, provincial and municipal governments. Plans for the project include a feasibility study for waste water collection. The push for the improvement of water supply comes from the provincial government in the form of regulations under legislation called Groundwater Protection, an effort to ensure all B.C. residents have clean water. Tenders for work on the project are expected to be available in late spring.