January 29, 2013 - News Leader
RIDE A HORSE...
THE FIGHT TO GAIN MORE HORSEPOWER
Special Report by W. George Elliott, Publisher
Similkameen News Leader
Gena Sandli rescues horses. To some people she is a saint. To others she is a nuisance. Regardless of your opinion, you have to give her credit. She is doing something most of us would not be able to do and that¹s where things get interesting. Words like abused, starving, neglected and abandoned are a regular part of
her vocabulary and she has taken on the task to save horses in any of those conditions. Hurdles she encounters come from a variety of places. Often it¹s the horse owner who isn¹t prepared, for a variety of reasons, to surrender horses to Sandli. Sometimes its from someone else not interested in cooperating with a
rescue. Sandli has been doing this for seven years, has rescued 100 horses, seven goats and three dogs. She has seen just about any possible situation and she is currently monitoring a handful of possible rescues involving a number of horses, goats and dogs. Sandli started an online petition January 12th. It has a long title, but it explains the purpose of the petition. It is called, 'Giving more authority to horse and farm animal rescues in BC.' and at the time of this writing there were 340 signatures. "We receive on the average, a call a day with people asking for help. Most of the time we refer them to the RCMP and the BCSPCA. However, with the increase in these calls and abuse issues, we are going out on more calls than ever," Sandli says. Her ultimate goal is clearly focused. "Our hopes are to convince the provincial government that a people funded rescue for horses and farm animals in this region is well over due. Our request to them will not be for money but for more authority to be able to have the power to seize, if necessary." Her phone keeps ringing, more so now that the petition has taken flight. "A large amount of animal activists have now joined forces with Outbackjacks in support of this cause," Sandli told the News Leader this past Sunday, January 27th. But isn't this really the job of the SPCA? The name itself implies it - the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "I believe they are understaffed," Sandli responds. "There's just not enough of them to cover this district - the way the economy is and the number of cases we are getting." A fair comparison would be cutbacks to other provincially-funded services like Conservation and Forestry Services. The SPCA manpower simply can't handle the workload and meet the demands of ever-expanding territories. What about the RCMP? "The police in every community have been very supportive of us," Sandli says. "Band members and (First Nations) Chiefs are also supportive." Sandli says the next step is push the petition onto each and every single BC MLA with hopes that at least one will see potential in the cause and more or less runs with it. If that doesn't work the first time, Sandli says she'll just keep sending the petition over and over again. She is also in the process of planning a 'quiet sit down' rally in the spring but in the meantime animals currently being rescued need to be fed and some require medical attention, all of which costs money. To help raise funds to cover these costs Outbackjacks Horse Rescue has established two thrift stores - one in Princeton at 225 Bridge Street (across from CIBC) and another in Keremeos. Sandli says you can help simply by donating good quality saleable items to either of the stores to assist with fundraising rather than offering a cash donation. You can find out more about the work done by Gena Sandli¹s horse rescue program by visiting their website at www.outbackjacks.ca or by following their Facebook Page. To contact Sandli for more information or to report a horse that may be in need of rescue call 250.295.0775 or 250.438.0062. Sandli explains it best with the comment, "The rescue is not about if they are rideable, it's about saving a life."
TOWN APPROVES LOG YARD
At the January 21 Town Council meeting, a lease was approved for Aspen Planers to establish a log sorting and storage facility on Town industrial land, lot 324 Laurie Currie Way, near the highways maintenance property south of highway 40. The land is not serviced, and Aspen Planers will provide a letter of credit to ensure compliance with lease conditions and environmental clean-up. The Town agreed to enter into an eight month lease agreement at a rate of $45,000 per year, prorated for the period agreed to. A representative of Princeton Exhibition Association expressed concern that the activities of Aspen Planers might interfere with the use of the area outside the fairgrounds which is used for parking during major events. The Association was assured Aspen Planers activities would be accessed further along the highway and would have no impact on parking.
THE FIGHT TO GAIN MORE HORSEPOWER
Special Report by W. George Elliott, Publisher
Similkameen News Leader
Gena Sandli rescues horses. To some people she is a saint. To others she is a nuisance. Regardless of your opinion, you have to give her credit. She is doing something most of us would not be able to do and that¹s where things get interesting. Words like abused, starving, neglected and abandoned are a regular part of
her vocabulary and she has taken on the task to save horses in any of those conditions. Hurdles she encounters come from a variety of places. Often it¹s the horse owner who isn¹t prepared, for a variety of reasons, to surrender horses to Sandli. Sometimes its from someone else not interested in cooperating with a
rescue. Sandli has been doing this for seven years, has rescued 100 horses, seven goats and three dogs. She has seen just about any possible situation and she is currently monitoring a handful of possible rescues involving a number of horses, goats and dogs. Sandli started an online petition January 12th. It has a long title, but it explains the purpose of the petition. It is called, 'Giving more authority to horse and farm animal rescues in BC.' and at the time of this writing there were 340 signatures. "We receive on the average, a call a day with people asking for help. Most of the time we refer them to the RCMP and the BCSPCA. However, with the increase in these calls and abuse issues, we are going out on more calls than ever," Sandli says. Her ultimate goal is clearly focused. "Our hopes are to convince the provincial government that a people funded rescue for horses and farm animals in this region is well over due. Our request to them will not be for money but for more authority to be able to have the power to seize, if necessary." Her phone keeps ringing, more so now that the petition has taken flight. "A large amount of animal activists have now joined forces with Outbackjacks in support of this cause," Sandli told the News Leader this past Sunday, January 27th. But isn't this really the job of the SPCA? The name itself implies it - the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "I believe they are understaffed," Sandli responds. "There's just not enough of them to cover this district - the way the economy is and the number of cases we are getting." A fair comparison would be cutbacks to other provincially-funded services like Conservation and Forestry Services. The SPCA manpower simply can't handle the workload and meet the demands of ever-expanding territories. What about the RCMP? "The police in every community have been very supportive of us," Sandli says. "Band members and (First Nations) Chiefs are also supportive." Sandli says the next step is push the petition onto each and every single BC MLA with hopes that at least one will see potential in the cause and more or less runs with it. If that doesn't work the first time, Sandli says she'll just keep sending the petition over and over again. She is also in the process of planning a 'quiet sit down' rally in the spring but in the meantime animals currently being rescued need to be fed and some require medical attention, all of which costs money. To help raise funds to cover these costs Outbackjacks Horse Rescue has established two thrift stores - one in Princeton at 225 Bridge Street (across from CIBC) and another in Keremeos. Sandli says you can help simply by donating good quality saleable items to either of the stores to assist with fundraising rather than offering a cash donation. You can find out more about the work done by Gena Sandli¹s horse rescue program by visiting their website at www.outbackjacks.ca or by following their Facebook Page. To contact Sandli for more information or to report a horse that may be in need of rescue call 250.295.0775 or 250.438.0062. Sandli explains it best with the comment, "The rescue is not about if they are rideable, it's about saving a life."
TOWN APPROVES LOG YARD
At the January 21 Town Council meeting, a lease was approved for Aspen Planers to establish a log sorting and storage facility on Town industrial land, lot 324 Laurie Currie Way, near the highways maintenance property south of highway 40. The land is not serviced, and Aspen Planers will provide a letter of credit to ensure compliance with lease conditions and environmental clean-up. The Town agreed to enter into an eight month lease agreement at a rate of $45,000 per year, prorated for the period agreed to. A representative of Princeton Exhibition Association expressed concern that the activities of Aspen Planers might interfere with the use of the area outside the fairgrounds which is used for parking during major events. The Association was assured Aspen Planers activities would be accessed further along the highway and would have no impact on parking.
Celebrity Readers Visit Local School!
January 22, 2013 - News Leader
FINE FOR ASSAULT
In a trial held in Provincial Court in Princeton on January 18, 2013, Kevin Huff defended himself on a charge of assault of Keith Demany. The charge arose from an incident on February 15, 2012 when Demany was attempting to serve legal documents on Huff. Witnesses for the Crown stated Huff encountered Demany in front of a shop on Bridge Street. Huff and Demany spoke briefly. Both said the other appeared aggressive. There was a history of discord between the two stemming from a dispute about damages done in an apartment Huff rented from the owner of a building in which Demany was caretaker. Huff set his backpack on the sidewalk between them. Rather than give the legal documents directly to Huff, Demany placed the envelope containing the documents on Huff¹s backpack. Huff felt this was a violation of his property and kicked Demany in the hand, cutting and bruising it. Huff maintained he was defending his property. Huff was found guilty of assault. The judge stated Huff had no legal justification for kicking Demany. Huff had a prior record of assault dating back to 2011. He was ordered to pay a $100 fine and serve a year on probation.
OLIVER MAN PLEADS GUILTY
Darren George Abraham of Oliver, B.C. appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on Thursday, January 17, to enter a guilty plea to a charge of possessing illegal drugs for the purpose of trafficking. A pre-sentence report was ordered. Abraham will be sentenced in Penticton in March.
ARTS COUNCIL LOOKS AT FUTURE
The Board of Directors met on January 16 to review the upcoming schedule of events. A busy spring promises entertainment for Princeton residents who enjoy a varied cultural menu. The first major concert features the De Danaan School of Irish Dancers on March 2 at Riverside Centre. For those who love Irish dancing, this group will be a treat. On Saturday, April 20, the troupe Alpha Yaya Diallo will present the kind of performance that won them a Juno Award. Buy tickets early for this show, as it will probably sell out. BC Arts and Culture Week is April 21 - 27, and a number of activities will be part of the celebration of that week. The Crimson Tine Players are planning performances of Black Comedy. This is going to be an 'adult' play with an entirely different way of presenting a play. Watch for more information in the next month. The long weekend in May welcomes the annual Spirit Festival, with a powwow on May 17, 18, and 19. The first Grand entry will be on the evening of May 17, with a Grand Entry at 1:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. Vendor booths will be available for rent for the powwow. Look for more details later this spring. The final concert sponsored by the Arts Council will be on June 1 and will welcome the Contratante Chamber Players who were part of the Arts in the Park festival at Manning Park in 2010. Members of Princeton Arts Council will be attending the annual Arts Council conference in Vernon on May 3 and 4. Del Hall will attend as a member of the BC Arts Council Board of Directors, and Marjorie Holland will attend as President of Princeton Community Arts Council, along with two other local Arts Council members.
In a trial held in Provincial Court in Princeton on January 18, 2013, Kevin Huff defended himself on a charge of assault of Keith Demany. The charge arose from an incident on February 15, 2012 when Demany was attempting to serve legal documents on Huff. Witnesses for the Crown stated Huff encountered Demany in front of a shop on Bridge Street. Huff and Demany spoke briefly. Both said the other appeared aggressive. There was a history of discord between the two stemming from a dispute about damages done in an apartment Huff rented from the owner of a building in which Demany was caretaker. Huff set his backpack on the sidewalk between them. Rather than give the legal documents directly to Huff, Demany placed the envelope containing the documents on Huff¹s backpack. Huff felt this was a violation of his property and kicked Demany in the hand, cutting and bruising it. Huff maintained he was defending his property. Huff was found guilty of assault. The judge stated Huff had no legal justification for kicking Demany. Huff had a prior record of assault dating back to 2011. He was ordered to pay a $100 fine and serve a year on probation.
OLIVER MAN PLEADS GUILTY
Darren George Abraham of Oliver, B.C. appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on Thursday, January 17, to enter a guilty plea to a charge of possessing illegal drugs for the purpose of trafficking. A pre-sentence report was ordered. Abraham will be sentenced in Penticton in March.
ARTS COUNCIL LOOKS AT FUTURE
The Board of Directors met on January 16 to review the upcoming schedule of events. A busy spring promises entertainment for Princeton residents who enjoy a varied cultural menu. The first major concert features the De Danaan School of Irish Dancers on March 2 at Riverside Centre. For those who love Irish dancing, this group will be a treat. On Saturday, April 20, the troupe Alpha Yaya Diallo will present the kind of performance that won them a Juno Award. Buy tickets early for this show, as it will probably sell out. BC Arts and Culture Week is April 21 - 27, and a number of activities will be part of the celebration of that week. The Crimson Tine Players are planning performances of Black Comedy. This is going to be an 'adult' play with an entirely different way of presenting a play. Watch for more information in the next month. The long weekend in May welcomes the annual Spirit Festival, with a powwow on May 17, 18, and 19. The first Grand entry will be on the evening of May 17, with a Grand Entry at 1:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. Vendor booths will be available for rent for the powwow. Look for more details later this spring. The final concert sponsored by the Arts Council will be on June 1 and will welcome the Contratante Chamber Players who were part of the Arts in the Park festival at Manning Park in 2010. Members of Princeton Arts Council will be attending the annual Arts Council conference in Vernon on May 3 and 4. Del Hall will attend as a member of the BC Arts Council Board of Directors, and Marjorie Holland will attend as President of Princeton Community Arts Council, along with two other local Arts Council members.
A Chilly Day For The BBQ!
Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
It was an interesting week around Princeton! With temperatures hovering between -10C to -17C outdoor activities went on as if it was summer. Gena Sandli of Outbackjacks Horse Rescue hosted a hot dog and hamburger barbecue January 15th as a fundraiser and many tasted her homemade burgers and donated hot dogs. On January 17th and 18th local musician Alan K. Parsons performed live in downtown Princeton surrounded by piles of snow in the gazebo located in Veterans Square. Both proved Canadian winters slow no one down!
A Chilly Day For Live Music!
January 15, 2013 - News Leader
TOWN LAUNCHES BYLAW REVIEW PROJECT
Last reviewed comprehensively in 1994, Princeton's Zoning Bylaw is now being updated into a user friendly Bylaw that incorporates best practices; addresses known issues; and better reflects the Town's Official Community Plan (OCP), which seeks to '[promote] healthy and active living for all ages.' Council has identified the review of the Zoning Bylaw as a priority for 2013. Funding has been included in the 2012/2013 budget to complete this review and Urban Systems Ltd. has been hired to lead this planning project. A Provincial grant from the Ministry of Health in the amount of $20,000 will also assist the Town with incorporating age-friendly zoning land use regulations. A leader in planning and consultation, Urban Systems has developed particular expertise in reviewing Zoning Bylaws. The consulting team has successfully led similar planning projects in communities throughout B.C.
and western Canada, including developing new Zoning Bylaws for Lake Country, Merritt, Princeton, Keremeos, Oliver and Kamloops to name a few. The Zoning Bylaw is the primary regulatory tool for the implementation of
the Town's OCP, as well as other policies, which impact the use and development of property. Mayor Armitage is very pleased that we are moving forward with a new Zoning Bylaw and encourages the community to participate in the open house on January 28th, 2013.
A Zoning Bylaw regulates the:
- Use and density of development on residential, commercial, institutional and industrial lands, and in buildings
- Siting, size, and dimensions of buildings and uses
- The location of uses on land, and within buildings
- Parking and amenity space requirements
The purpose of a Zoning Bylaw is to:
- Implement the policies of the OCP
- Maintain order, efficiency and harmony of land uses
- Prevent overcrowding of land
- Protect the environment
- Protect property values
The Zoning Bylaw Review Process:
While there are numerous steps in this planning process, they can
generally be summarized in 4 key phases:
Phase 1 Issue Identification / Technical Review
Phase 2 Community Engagement (Open House January 28, 2013)
Phase 3 Bylaw Preparation
Phase 4 Approval
The Town of Princeton looks forward to your participation in the review of our community's Zoning Bylaw beginning with an evening Open House to be held at the Princeton and District Community Skills Centre (206 Vermilion Avenue) on January 28, 2013 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (drop-in format). The adoption of the new Zoning Bylaw should be completed before the end of summer 2013, pending Council's approval.
Last reviewed comprehensively in 1994, Princeton's Zoning Bylaw is now being updated into a user friendly Bylaw that incorporates best practices; addresses known issues; and better reflects the Town's Official Community Plan (OCP), which seeks to '[promote] healthy and active living for all ages.' Council has identified the review of the Zoning Bylaw as a priority for 2013. Funding has been included in the 2012/2013 budget to complete this review and Urban Systems Ltd. has been hired to lead this planning project. A Provincial grant from the Ministry of Health in the amount of $20,000 will also assist the Town with incorporating age-friendly zoning land use regulations. A leader in planning and consultation, Urban Systems has developed particular expertise in reviewing Zoning Bylaws. The consulting team has successfully led similar planning projects in communities throughout B.C.
and western Canada, including developing new Zoning Bylaws for Lake Country, Merritt, Princeton, Keremeos, Oliver and Kamloops to name a few. The Zoning Bylaw is the primary regulatory tool for the implementation of
the Town's OCP, as well as other policies, which impact the use and development of property. Mayor Armitage is very pleased that we are moving forward with a new Zoning Bylaw and encourages the community to participate in the open house on January 28th, 2013.
A Zoning Bylaw regulates the:
- Use and density of development on residential, commercial, institutional and industrial lands, and in buildings
- Siting, size, and dimensions of buildings and uses
- The location of uses on land, and within buildings
- Parking and amenity space requirements
The purpose of a Zoning Bylaw is to:
- Implement the policies of the OCP
- Maintain order, efficiency and harmony of land uses
- Prevent overcrowding of land
- Protect the environment
- Protect property values
The Zoning Bylaw Review Process:
While there are numerous steps in this planning process, they can
generally be summarized in 4 key phases:
Phase 1 Issue Identification / Technical Review
Phase 2 Community Engagement (Open House January 28, 2013)
Phase 3 Bylaw Preparation
Phase 4 Approval
The Town of Princeton looks forward to your participation in the review of our community's Zoning Bylaw beginning with an evening Open House to be held at the Princeton and District Community Skills Centre (206 Vermilion Avenue) on January 28, 2013 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (drop-in format). The adoption of the new Zoning Bylaw should be completed before the end of summer 2013, pending Council's approval.
Posse Players Practice Their Moves!
Copyright 2013 - Bengel Publishing Inc.
Similkameen News Leader was invited to a Princeton Posse team practice January 9th. The purpose of the photo session was for a project being put together by the Posse Executive and we just tagged along snapping casual player photos. This photo, taken in the home team penalty box, features the top two Posse penalty leaders, Cole Horn and Adrian Coulter.
Eat Some Snow With This Monster!
January 08, 2013 - News Leader
IHA ISSUES PGH ER SERVICE CHANGES
Interior Health Authority issued the following release January 2nd: Temporary Service Changes at Princeton General¹s Emergency Department Residents are advised that during the month of January there will be times when the physician on call for Princeton General Hospital¹s Emergency Department will be attending only to the most urgent cases. Emergency Department hours remain the same and patients will be assessed as usual by our trained nurses. However, patients with less urgent needs may find they are either transferred to a nearby hospital for care, or offered appropriate options. This change in service provision is expected to occur periodically through the month of January and is temporary due to current physician unavailability. Interior Health would like to thank Dr. David Smith for providing additional coverage during this time.
LEGION INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS
Following an excellent potluck supper, members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56 and the Ladies Auxiliary applauded the installation of officers of both organizations. The Ladies Auxiliary officers were installed by L.A. Zone Commander Marina Ashley. Charlene Longdo is President for another term, with Ann Bauder as Secretary-Treasurer, and Executive members Norma Kraetor and Dawn Johnson. Legion officers were installed by Deputy Zone Commander Graham Wells. The new President is Jim Turner. First Vice-President is Bob Paterson, with Second Vice-President Jean Bowles. Executive members are Bernadette Kelleher and Neal Cox. Sharon Paterson is Chaplain and Chuck Whitlock is Sergeant at Arms.
PROPERTY VALUES REMAIN STABLE FOR 2013
More than 67,000 property owners throughout the South Okanagan region can expect to receive their 2013 assessment notices in the next few days. "Most homes in the South Okanagan region are remaining stable in value compared to last year's assessment roll," said Tracy Wall, Deputy Assessor.
"Most home owners in South Okanagan will see modest changes in the -5% to +5% range." Overall, the South Okanagan's Assessment Roll, which includes the Similkameen Valley, decreased from $20,191,707,730 last year to $19,713,669,628 this year. The 2013 assessment roll includes $608,204,470 for subdivisions, rezoning and new construction. The examples below demonstrate local market trends for residential properties by a geographic area; trends are affected by many variables.
Keremeos
$247,000 (2012 assessment), $243,000 (2013 assessment)
Princeton
$222,000 (2012 assessment), $215,000 (2013 assessment)
In addition, most commercial and industrial properties in the South Okanagan will see changes ranging from -5% to +5%.
Interior Health Authority issued the following release January 2nd: Temporary Service Changes at Princeton General¹s Emergency Department Residents are advised that during the month of January there will be times when the physician on call for Princeton General Hospital¹s Emergency Department will be attending only to the most urgent cases. Emergency Department hours remain the same and patients will be assessed as usual by our trained nurses. However, patients with less urgent needs may find they are either transferred to a nearby hospital for care, or offered appropriate options. This change in service provision is expected to occur periodically through the month of January and is temporary due to current physician unavailability. Interior Health would like to thank Dr. David Smith for providing additional coverage during this time.
LEGION INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS
Following an excellent potluck supper, members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56 and the Ladies Auxiliary applauded the installation of officers of both organizations. The Ladies Auxiliary officers were installed by L.A. Zone Commander Marina Ashley. Charlene Longdo is President for another term, with Ann Bauder as Secretary-Treasurer, and Executive members Norma Kraetor and Dawn Johnson. Legion officers were installed by Deputy Zone Commander Graham Wells. The new President is Jim Turner. First Vice-President is Bob Paterson, with Second Vice-President Jean Bowles. Executive members are Bernadette Kelleher and Neal Cox. Sharon Paterson is Chaplain and Chuck Whitlock is Sergeant at Arms.
PROPERTY VALUES REMAIN STABLE FOR 2013
More than 67,000 property owners throughout the South Okanagan region can expect to receive their 2013 assessment notices in the next few days. "Most homes in the South Okanagan region are remaining stable in value compared to last year's assessment roll," said Tracy Wall, Deputy Assessor.
"Most home owners in South Okanagan will see modest changes in the -5% to +5% range." Overall, the South Okanagan's Assessment Roll, which includes the Similkameen Valley, decreased from $20,191,707,730 last year to $19,713,669,628 this year. The 2013 assessment roll includes $608,204,470 for subdivisions, rezoning and new construction. The examples below demonstrate local market trends for residential properties by a geographic area; trends are affected by many variables.
Keremeos
$247,000 (2012 assessment), $243,000 (2013 assessment)
Princeton
$222,000 (2012 assessment), $215,000 (2013 assessment)
In addition, most commercial and industrial properties in the South Okanagan will see changes ranging from -5% to +5%.
Local Student Talent On Display!
Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
These are called Andy Warhol paintings and Mr. Anderson's class at John Allison Elementary School did these as a class project. They are currently on display in a storefront on Vermilion Avenue next to Princeton Arts Council's Sunflower Gallery.
Meet The New Interim CAO!
Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Bob Wilson is the new Interim CAO for the Town of Princeton. Wilson grew up in the area and was Assistant Village Clerk in Princeton from November 1961 to August 1966. He has since been in Kelowna and spent 25 years with the City of Langley retiring in 2001 as the City Manager there. Wilson expects to be at Town Hall for three months.
January 01, 2013 - News Leader
NEW CAO IN TOWN HALL
Princeton is still looking for a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and has contracted with Wilson Management Consulting Ltd. to provide personnel to fill the position until a permanent CAO can be hired. The interim position was held by Helen Koning, who completed her term on December 20. At the December 17 regular Town Council meeting, Robert Wilson was appointed, effective January 1, 2013. Council has negotiated terms with Bruce Hamilton to provide services of Interim Public Works Manager for another two to four months. The next meeting of Town Council will take place January 21.
VALLEY MARKETS NEW IDENTITY
After months of working with the Thompson Okanagan Tourist Association, Similkameen Valley Planning Society has developed a logo and marketing tool for the entire valley. The logo incorporates the river and mountains, with these words under the graphics: Rugged Rustic Real. This is the new brand for the valley. The website for the valley should be up this month, with 200 images of the valley. They are exciting, intriguing and often just plain beautiful. The marketing promise is to remain true to our heritage, our culture, and our environment. The promotion tells tourists this valley is 'ideal for the adventurous traveler'. There will be maps, descriptive material and the usual features, but the photographs tell the story much better. The task of those in the tourist industry is to make the best possible use of the marketing opportunities that will be generated by a valley-wide approach.
TOURISTS COME BACK
After a slump in the number of American tourists following the economic crisis of 2008, Tourism Canada reports the number of American tourists increased in 2012. The biggest increase was in American tourists arriving by automobile. The total increase was 7.4 percent. The largest increase in
tourist numbers from any country was due to Chinese tourists, up 15.9 percent. There were more tourists from Australia, up 7.7 percent, as well as an increase in tourists from Japan, Mexico and Brazil. The number of tourists coming from European countries was down, although only slightly. Tourism Canada states the overall increase in tourism across Canada was 2.8 percent.
Princeton is still looking for a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and has contracted with Wilson Management Consulting Ltd. to provide personnel to fill the position until a permanent CAO can be hired. The interim position was held by Helen Koning, who completed her term on December 20. At the December 17 regular Town Council meeting, Robert Wilson was appointed, effective January 1, 2013. Council has negotiated terms with Bruce Hamilton to provide services of Interim Public Works Manager for another two to four months. The next meeting of Town Council will take place January 21.
VALLEY MARKETS NEW IDENTITY
After months of working with the Thompson Okanagan Tourist Association, Similkameen Valley Planning Society has developed a logo and marketing tool for the entire valley. The logo incorporates the river and mountains, with these words under the graphics: Rugged Rustic Real. This is the new brand for the valley. The website for the valley should be up this month, with 200 images of the valley. They are exciting, intriguing and often just plain beautiful. The marketing promise is to remain true to our heritage, our culture, and our environment. The promotion tells tourists this valley is 'ideal for the adventurous traveler'. There will be maps, descriptive material and the usual features, but the photographs tell the story much better. The task of those in the tourist industry is to make the best possible use of the marketing opportunities that will be generated by a valley-wide approach.
TOURISTS COME BACK
After a slump in the number of American tourists following the economic crisis of 2008, Tourism Canada reports the number of American tourists increased in 2012. The biggest increase was in American tourists arriving by automobile. The total increase was 7.4 percent. The largest increase in
tourist numbers from any country was due to Chinese tourists, up 15.9 percent. There were more tourists from Australia, up 7.7 percent, as well as an increase in tourists from Japan, Mexico and Brazil. The number of tourists coming from European countries was down, although only slightly. Tourism Canada states the overall increase in tourism across Canada was 2.8 percent.
Rocks and Fossils Are Cool!
Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton Museum may be closed for the season, but there is still activity in the Vermilion Avenue location. In addition to ongoing work in the archives, the Museum hosted Princeton Secondary School's Earth Science 11 class just before the Christmas Break. Students got to examine various artifacts including numerous mineral and fossil samples from the extensive Joe Pollard Collection.