November 27, 2012 - News Leader
DOCTOR SIGNS PRINCETON CONTRACT
Princeton will have a new physician on August 1, 2013. Dr. Sandhu has signed a contract to work in Princeton. She is currently employed at another location in British Columbia. Councillor Jason Earle made the announcement at the November 19 Town Council meeting, saying, “They have heard us!”, referring to those people who are in control of the health care system. Councillor Earle gave credit to the hard work of Save Our Hospital, and to the strong voice raised by Princeton residents demanding better coverage of Princeton’s Emergency Room. At the same time, Councillor Earle urged residents not to be shy about calling 911 when they feel there is an emergency situation. Mayor Frank Armitage expressed gratitude to the many people who worked on finding a solution to Princeton’s ER problems, and to the citizens who made their voices heard.
PXA ELECTS 2013 EXECUTIVE
Councillor Doug Pateman conducted the election of officers at the annual general meeting of Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA) on November 20. Paul Bedard was elected President, Dan Kastor is Vice-President. All Directors continue as last year: Karrie Crucil for Racing Days Association, Ken Crompton for Princeton Rodeo Club, Della Osborne, Lisa Carleton, Fran Murphy, Dawn Johnson. Fran Murphy was appointed Treasurer and Dawn Johnson appointed Secretary. President Bedard gave his report for 2012, saying how pleased he is with what has been achieved this past year, mentioning the upgrade to the concession, wheelchair access to the washrooms, fencing, and other projects. He noted six major events had taken place in 2012. “I am really pleased with how hard everyone has worked,” he said. There will be no PXA meetings in December. The next PXA meeting will be on January 16. A Finance Committee was appointed to review the ‘wish list’ of various projects and develop a budget and strategic plan to be presented to the January 16 meeting for approval or revision. Following the annual general meeting was a meeting to conduct regular business. Arrangements have been made for snow removal as needed, and the ‘show’ facilities have been shut down. Bob Lind is repairing and winterizing the tractor. Dan Kastor is seeking quotes for a structural engineer evaluation in preparation for alterations to the grandstand in the spring. Lisa Carleton and Dan Kastor are still working with FortisBC to arrange an electrical upgrade. Jen Bernard reported on an excellent Halloween party and commended the crew who helped put on a bigger and better show this year. She had special praise for the fireworks crew, who put on the best fireworks show to date. Yvonne Liddicoat reported Racing Days is applying for two days, June 29 and 30, for a horse racing meet. Princeton Rodeo Club has booked May 11 and 12 for their annual rodeo. The PXA will be applying to the Town for a grant, and will make a report to Council in January.
COUNCIL WAIVES FEE ON STORE
Town Council will not demand a business license fee from the Chamber of Commerce for the Christmas Store at 219 Vermilion Avenue. The annual fee is $300, but the Christmas Store is open for just one month. Chamber of Commerce members rent tables to home based businesses at a rate of $20 per table for non-members of Chamber and $15 per table for Chamber members. It is the intent to encourage people to shop locally as well as give local businesses some needed exposure. The store will close on December 22.
Princeton will have a new physician on August 1, 2013. Dr. Sandhu has signed a contract to work in Princeton. She is currently employed at another location in British Columbia. Councillor Jason Earle made the announcement at the November 19 Town Council meeting, saying, “They have heard us!”, referring to those people who are in control of the health care system. Councillor Earle gave credit to the hard work of Save Our Hospital, and to the strong voice raised by Princeton residents demanding better coverage of Princeton’s Emergency Room. At the same time, Councillor Earle urged residents not to be shy about calling 911 when they feel there is an emergency situation. Mayor Frank Armitage expressed gratitude to the many people who worked on finding a solution to Princeton’s ER problems, and to the citizens who made their voices heard.
PXA ELECTS 2013 EXECUTIVE
Councillor Doug Pateman conducted the election of officers at the annual general meeting of Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA) on November 20. Paul Bedard was elected President, Dan Kastor is Vice-President. All Directors continue as last year: Karrie Crucil for Racing Days Association, Ken Crompton for Princeton Rodeo Club, Della Osborne, Lisa Carleton, Fran Murphy, Dawn Johnson. Fran Murphy was appointed Treasurer and Dawn Johnson appointed Secretary. President Bedard gave his report for 2012, saying how pleased he is with what has been achieved this past year, mentioning the upgrade to the concession, wheelchair access to the washrooms, fencing, and other projects. He noted six major events had taken place in 2012. “I am really pleased with how hard everyone has worked,” he said. There will be no PXA meetings in December. The next PXA meeting will be on January 16. A Finance Committee was appointed to review the ‘wish list’ of various projects and develop a budget and strategic plan to be presented to the January 16 meeting for approval or revision. Following the annual general meeting was a meeting to conduct regular business. Arrangements have been made for snow removal as needed, and the ‘show’ facilities have been shut down. Bob Lind is repairing and winterizing the tractor. Dan Kastor is seeking quotes for a structural engineer evaluation in preparation for alterations to the grandstand in the spring. Lisa Carleton and Dan Kastor are still working with FortisBC to arrange an electrical upgrade. Jen Bernard reported on an excellent Halloween party and commended the crew who helped put on a bigger and better show this year. She had special praise for the fireworks crew, who put on the best fireworks show to date. Yvonne Liddicoat reported Racing Days is applying for two days, June 29 and 30, for a horse racing meet. Princeton Rodeo Club has booked May 11 and 12 for their annual rodeo. The PXA will be applying to the Town for a grant, and will make a report to Council in January.
COUNCIL WAIVES FEE ON STORE
Town Council will not demand a business license fee from the Chamber of Commerce for the Christmas Store at 219 Vermilion Avenue. The annual fee is $300, but the Christmas Store is open for just one month. Chamber of Commerce members rent tables to home based businesses at a rate of $20 per table for non-members of Chamber and $15 per table for Chamber members. It is the intent to encourage people to shop locally as well as give local businesses some needed exposure. The store will close on December 22.
Zigzag Project Slowly Moves Forward!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The morning of November 20th saw the ground surrounding the downtown zigzag project sprayed with a green mixture of seeds and fertilizer to promote grass growth. The project, originally planned to take eight weeks to complete, has been delayed by a variety of issues.
Art Students Get The Point!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Grade 9 and 10 Princeton Secondary School art students filled an empty downtown storefront with their artwork last week. The style is called pointillism and involves creating a scene by using various sizes and shapes of dots. The artwork will remain on display for the next few weeks.
November 20, 2012 - News Leader
COUNCIL SETS PRIORITIES
Mayor Armitage and Councillors Earle, Harkness, Maynard, and Pateman with senior staff participated in three separate sessions to set out the priorities for the municipality over the next year and a half. "For our municipality to make progress there has to be a clear set of goals and priorities. For local governments, the agenda can change quickly as issues come and go in the community. The town recently had a bi-election which resulted in a new Mayor and a new Councillor, making it necessary to undertake a Priority Setting exercise. Council needed to determine which goals and objectives will be acted upon during the remainder of their term. Council has set the following priorities with the expectation that regular progress reports will be provided on the status of each of these priorities," Mayor Armitage says. "Council is very pleased with our priorities and this process which keeps us focused as we move forward as a council and community." During the working sessions a long list of projects were generated but Council needed to narrow the scope to fit within the constraints of budgets and staffing capacities. Council and staff have already begun the work on almost all of Council's priorities and Council looks forward to reporting out in the status of these priorities on a regular basis.
RACING DAYS TAKES A REST
In many ways, the annual general meeting of Princeton Racing Days Association was the beginning of a short rest period for the group. After two race meets and a lot of work parties, the association met November 15 to mark the end of another year and elect the 2013 executive. Mayor Frank Armitage and Councillor Doug Pateman attended the meeting. Councillor Pateman conducted the election. The new Board of Directors is as follows: President Karrie Crucil, Vice-President Yvonne Liddicoat, Treasurer Bill Vowles, Secretary Mariah Liddicoat, and Directors Jennifer Bernard, Della Osborne, Dino Crucil, and Sue Gereau. Mayor Armitage congratulated the new Board, and thanked the members for the excellent work they did in putting on two race meets last summer. He wished them every success in the new year. In 2013, the Association will celebrate the 45th running of the Racing Days meet. The Board will apply to have two days of racing on Canada Day weekend, June 29 and 30. President Crucil said a committee will look into the archives to see what was done in the past and try to have the community more involved. She noted there are some plans by community groups for that weekend.
Mayor Armitage and Councillors Earle, Harkness, Maynard, and Pateman with senior staff participated in three separate sessions to set out the priorities for the municipality over the next year and a half. "For our municipality to make progress there has to be a clear set of goals and priorities. For local governments, the agenda can change quickly as issues come and go in the community. The town recently had a bi-election which resulted in a new Mayor and a new Councillor, making it necessary to undertake a Priority Setting exercise. Council needed to determine which goals and objectives will be acted upon during the remainder of their term. Council has set the following priorities with the expectation that regular progress reports will be provided on the status of each of these priorities," Mayor Armitage says. "Council is very pleased with our priorities and this process which keeps us focused as we move forward as a council and community." During the working sessions a long list of projects were generated but Council needed to narrow the scope to fit within the constraints of budgets and staffing capacities. Council and staff have already begun the work on almost all of Council's priorities and Council looks forward to reporting out in the status of these priorities on a regular basis.
RACING DAYS TAKES A REST
In many ways, the annual general meeting of Princeton Racing Days Association was the beginning of a short rest period for the group. After two race meets and a lot of work parties, the association met November 15 to mark the end of another year and elect the 2013 executive. Mayor Frank Armitage and Councillor Doug Pateman attended the meeting. Councillor Pateman conducted the election. The new Board of Directors is as follows: President Karrie Crucil, Vice-President Yvonne Liddicoat, Treasurer Bill Vowles, Secretary Mariah Liddicoat, and Directors Jennifer Bernard, Della Osborne, Dino Crucil, and Sue Gereau. Mayor Armitage congratulated the new Board, and thanked the members for the excellent work they did in putting on two race meets last summer. He wished them every success in the new year. In 2013, the Association will celebrate the 45th running of the Racing Days meet. The Board will apply to have two days of racing on Canada Day weekend, June 29 and 30. President Crucil said a committee will look into the archives to see what was done in the past and try to have the community more involved. She noted there are some plans by community groups for that weekend.
Community Forum Attracts 40!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
About 40 concerned Princeton area residents attended a Community Forum November 14th at Princeton Legion Hall. The event, hosted by BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko, brought together a panel of local elected officials (including Town of Princeton Mayor Frank Armitage, left) to discuss various matters of concern.
She Didn't Feel A Thing!
Copyright 2012 - Bengel Publishing Inc.
Flu Clinics continue to work their way around the Southern Interior. The program stopped for an afternoon session last week at Riverside Centre in Princeton. Public Health Nurse Beatrice Bibby told the News Leader that getting the annual flu shot is a responsible thing to do in order to stop the spread of cold and flu viruses this time of year.
November 13, 2012 - News Leader
COUNCIL AWARDS INSPECTION CONTRACT
Town Council awarded EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd. with a contract to conduct a detailed site investigation of property located at 167 Bridge Street. The motion made by Councillor Jason Earle, seconded by Councillor Doug Pateman, during the November 5th regular meeting of Town Council is for work valued at $108,842 plus taxes. The Town of Princeton purchased the lot, next to Town Hall in February 2010 as part of a plan to expand the municipal building. As the property was formerly a dry cleaning business, it requires a detailed site investigation as directed by contaminated site regulations and a multi-stage investigation will take place to identify potential contamination sources, location of soil, groundwater and sediment contamination and the delineation of any contamination. Follow-up stages include remediation, the removal of contamination meeting applicable standards and confirmation that all contamination has been removed. The first two stages have been completed. Funding has been secured from the BC Brownfield Renewal Funding Program with a $10,880 ‘in kind’ contribution from the town in the form of administrative time. The entire site investigation and follow up steps are to be completed in a two-year period.
BALL PARK GRANDSTAND RECEIVES NEW SIDING
During budget preparations for 2012 the condition of the grandstand siding at Memorial Park was presented as a priority item and in need of replacement. Recreation Director Lyle Thomas presented an update on the project at the November 5th regular meeting of Town Council. “Baseball in our community has been a large part of our history,” explained Thomas in his report. “Many of our forefathers have played ball in Princeton and area and have passed this legacy down to our children. The grandstands at Memorial Park are part of this rich heritage.” Thomas says that although the interest in ball has dropped off “a bit in the past” he says it appears to be making a comeback. The facility had a lot of work done to it in the 1990s with a major upgrade to the fields. A new metal roof was installed on the grandstand in 2009 and minor repairs have been made over the years by the Public Works Department based on recommendations from the Municipal Insurance Association resulting from reviews including a risk management assessment. A total of $24,000 has been budgeted by the Town of Princeton for the siding project and fall was chosen as the best time to do the work. A structural review is expected to take place this week to satisfy requirement of the Building Inspections Office. “Work will start as soon as possible,” Thomas told Town Council. “And it will continue as long as the weather holds.”
Town Council awarded EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd. with a contract to conduct a detailed site investigation of property located at 167 Bridge Street. The motion made by Councillor Jason Earle, seconded by Councillor Doug Pateman, during the November 5th regular meeting of Town Council is for work valued at $108,842 plus taxes. The Town of Princeton purchased the lot, next to Town Hall in February 2010 as part of a plan to expand the municipal building. As the property was formerly a dry cleaning business, it requires a detailed site investigation as directed by contaminated site regulations and a multi-stage investigation will take place to identify potential contamination sources, location of soil, groundwater and sediment contamination and the delineation of any contamination. Follow-up stages include remediation, the removal of contamination meeting applicable standards and confirmation that all contamination has been removed. The first two stages have been completed. Funding has been secured from the BC Brownfield Renewal Funding Program with a $10,880 ‘in kind’ contribution from the town in the form of administrative time. The entire site investigation and follow up steps are to be completed in a two-year period.
BALL PARK GRANDSTAND RECEIVES NEW SIDING
During budget preparations for 2012 the condition of the grandstand siding at Memorial Park was presented as a priority item and in need of replacement. Recreation Director Lyle Thomas presented an update on the project at the November 5th regular meeting of Town Council. “Baseball in our community has been a large part of our history,” explained Thomas in his report. “Many of our forefathers have played ball in Princeton and area and have passed this legacy down to our children. The grandstands at Memorial Park are part of this rich heritage.” Thomas says that although the interest in ball has dropped off “a bit in the past” he says it appears to be making a comeback. The facility had a lot of work done to it in the 1990s with a major upgrade to the fields. A new metal roof was installed on the grandstand in 2009 and minor repairs have been made over the years by the Public Works Department based on recommendations from the Municipal Insurance Association resulting from reviews including a risk management assessment. A total of $24,000 has been budgeted by the Town of Princeton for the siding project and fall was chosen as the best time to do the work. A structural review is expected to take place this week to satisfy requirement of the Building Inspections Office. “Work will start as soon as possible,” Thomas told Town Council. “And it will continue as long as the weather holds.”
Remembrance Day 2012 Parade!
November 06, 2012 - News Leader
O'ROURKE JOINS HALL OF FAME
Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (TSX: CUM) (the “Company” or “Copper Mountain”) announced October 30th that Jim O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, has been inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. Candidates for induction into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame must be individuals who have demonstrated outstanding lifetime achievements to the benefit of the Canadian and/or world mineral industry. O’Rourke was selected under the category of Building a Corporation, which relates to his commitment and dedication to the mining industry during his long and successful career. O’Rourke played a key role in the development of four mines in the province of British Columbia and has been involved with the mining industry for nearly five decades.
MAN LOSES RIGHT TO DRIVE
In Provincial Court in Princeton on November 1, Charles Kevin Allison, age 19, of Hedley, entered a guilty plea to driving without due care and attention. Information read to the court stated on July 1, 2012, at
approximately 3:40 AM, Allison had been driving his pick-up truck through the streets of Hedley in an unsafe manner. He had hit a fence, a tree, and a parked car. Allison told the court he was sorry and it would never happen again. Judge Shaw ordered payment of a $1,500 fine and prohibited Allison from driving for one year.
PROVINCE ENTENDS DEADLINE
The deadline for those wishing to submit an expression of interest to manage the historic Keremeos Grist Mill has been extended for at least two more weeks. Copies of the Requests for Expressions of Interest package are available on the BC Bid website at: http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca (Click 'Browse', then choose 'by organization', click '#72', then 'Operation and Management of the Grist Mill at Keremeos'.) The Keremeos Grist Mill is one of 23 heritage properties owned by the Province. It is currently managed as a publicly accessible historic site museum by a third-party manager. Arrangements with the current operator expire March 31, 2013. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the site’s current function as an outdoor museum. The Heritage Branch will also consider new uses for the site as long as they consider the site’s heritage values.Opened in 1877, the mill and store served the needs of local ranchers, First Nations, miners and travellers on the historic Dewdney Trail.
Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (TSX: CUM) (the “Company” or “Copper Mountain”) announced October 30th that Jim O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, has been inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. Candidates for induction into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame must be individuals who have demonstrated outstanding lifetime achievements to the benefit of the Canadian and/or world mineral industry. O’Rourke was selected under the category of Building a Corporation, which relates to his commitment and dedication to the mining industry during his long and successful career. O’Rourke played a key role in the development of four mines in the province of British Columbia and has been involved with the mining industry for nearly five decades.
MAN LOSES RIGHT TO DRIVE
In Provincial Court in Princeton on November 1, Charles Kevin Allison, age 19, of Hedley, entered a guilty plea to driving without due care and attention. Information read to the court stated on July 1, 2012, at
approximately 3:40 AM, Allison had been driving his pick-up truck through the streets of Hedley in an unsafe manner. He had hit a fence, a tree, and a parked car. Allison told the court he was sorry and it would never happen again. Judge Shaw ordered payment of a $1,500 fine and prohibited Allison from driving for one year.
PROVINCE ENTENDS DEADLINE
The deadline for those wishing to submit an expression of interest to manage the historic Keremeos Grist Mill has been extended for at least two more weeks. Copies of the Requests for Expressions of Interest package are available on the BC Bid website at: http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca (Click 'Browse', then choose 'by organization', click '#72', then 'Operation and Management of the Grist Mill at Keremeos'.) The Keremeos Grist Mill is one of 23 heritage properties owned by the Province. It is currently managed as a publicly accessible historic site museum by a third-party manager. Arrangements with the current operator expire March 31, 2013. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the site’s current function as an outdoor museum. The Heritage Branch will also consider new uses for the site as long as they consider the site’s heritage values.Opened in 1877, the mill and store served the needs of local ranchers, First Nations, miners and travellers on the historic Dewdney Trail.
Cougar Captured In Lower Valley!
Photo: Arlene Arlow
Ministry of Environment Conservation Officers responded quickly to a suspected cougar in a residential yard November 2nd. The homeowner's Labrador dog had twice refused to go outside the evening before for its early evening ritual. The dog did, however, go outside around 10 pm without incident. The next morning while taking out her garbage for pickup, a resident of Olalla found a fresh (and warm) deer carcass beside her home. A hurried call to 911 ensured that Conservation Officers were dispatched. The deer had been dragged to the yard and partially buried by what Conservation Officers suspected was a cougar. Another Olalla resident had reported losing her cat to the jaws of a cougar the same week, so a trap was set immediately. Between the hours of 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm the evening of November 2nd, the cougar was trapped.