John Harold Barriskill
1929 – 2020

 

“One of the greatest gifts we ever had came from God, we called him Dad”, the family of John Harold Barriskill sadly announces his passing surrounded by his loving family on Thursday September 24 at the age of 91.

John was born September 17, 1929 in Montreal Quebec. He was predeceased by his parents Harold & Jean Barriskill, our loving mom Mildred (Mickie) Barriskill and his grandson Joel Waines.

John will be lovingly missed by his beautiful wife Eva, his son Michael (Judy), his daughter’s Lynda (Wayde), Laurie (Lawrence), Gail (Paul), grandchildren Christopher, Brandon, Erin, Sarah, Morgan, Rochelle, Sondra, Alesha, Hailey, Taylor and Paige, and seventeen amazing great grandchildren. His family is large and beautiful!

After the loss of his father very early in his life, Dad was raised by his Aunty Maude in Belfast, Ireland until returning to Montreal at the age of 16. He attended the Sir George Williams University and then began his lifelong career as a Telecommunications Technician. He met and married Mom in Montreal in 1953. They spent the next years busy raising their young children, Dad became involved with Scout’s Canada and spent years volunteering. He also began his lifelong membership as a Freemason. He moved his family to Calgary, Alberta in 1970. Finally in 1974 they found their forever home here in Oliver BC.

Dad got involved in the community, he was a member of the Southern Gate Lodge #124, over the years he became involved with Job’s Daughters, Oliver Legion, Oliver Elks Club, Oliver Curling Club. He was outgoing, a strong leader, enjoyed socializing and always volunteered his time when asked. He enjoyed traveling, returned to Ireland several times. Visited England, Scotland, toured Canada and several visits to Mexico over the years. Dad spent his winter retirement years in Yuma Arizona.

Dad was a strong family man, our protector and guiding hand. He instilled in all of us how important family is. We were lucky to have him in our lives. We are grateful that Mom and Dad provided a loving home and we lacked for nothing. When we lost Mom, Dad found love again with Eva and they spent over 20 years together.

Donations are gratefully accepted for the Highway to Healing Support Society.

“Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was. “

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

 

Brian Edward Walker
April 30, 1933 – September 4, 2020

 

Brian Edward Walker passed away peacefully on September 4, 2020 in West Kelowna. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia; 3 daughters Heather, Elaine and Janet; 3 granddaughters Megan, Josie and Paige; as well as his sister Joan.

He was predeceased by his siblings Kenneth, Jack, Ron and Elaine.

Brian was one of the last members of the pioneering families living in Oliver. His grandparents, William and Annie Griffin, moved to Oliver in 1921 from Vancouver Island.

Brian had an orchard at Road 17 in Oliver, as well as being a logger and forest fire fighter. He was active in the Oliver Search and Rescue for many years.

Brian was known for his passion for dogs, riding horses, critiquing politicians, his dry English humour, and rode his motorcycle until he was 83.

Stephen Lee who lives with his parents on Sawmill has issued a warning to local residents to be on the look out for a person that broke into the family garage over the weekend.

The RCMP have been notified and they are investigating.

As it turns out a friend had been sleeping that night in an attached bedroom just feet from the place portrayed in the picture above.

One man is in hospital and 3 have been arrested after a shooting in Keremeos.

The Penticton RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) has assumed conduct of an ongoing criminal investigation into a shooting incident, which occurred at a property in Keremeos on Saturday September 26.

The victim was taken to a local medical clinic by an associate, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was then transported by air ambulance to a regional hospital for further medical care. His injuries are not considered life threatening. RCMP, who do not believe that public safety is at risk, immediately responded and arrested three individuals at the scene. All 3 have since been released from custody pending further investigation. The police investigation is active and ongoing at this time being supported by the Keremeos RCMP.

Due to the nature of the event and to protect the integrity of the investigation, further information will not be released at this time.
 

 

see more of the photographic art of Mr. Dukes at

southokanganphotos.today

New CDC *USA* Estimates:

Fatality Rate For COVID-19 Drops Again And May Surprise You

What’s are the real chances of dying if you are infected with COVID-19? You’ll probably be surprised how low they are according to new numbers from the Center for Disease Control. We’ll state those numbers simply for those of you who aren’t crazy about math.

The CDC’s new estimate, for the first time, is broken down by age groups. Here is what the CDC calls its “current best estimate” of chances of dying from the virus if you get infected:

1 out of 34,000 for ages 0 to 19;

1 out of 5,000 for ages 20 to 49;

1 out of 200 for ages 50 to 69; and

1 out of 20 for ages 70 and up.

Here’s another way to look at the same numbers. If you get infected, your chances of surviving are as follows:

Age Group Probability of Survival

0-19: 99.997%
20-49: 99.98%
50-69: 99.5%
70+: 94.6%

The CDC’s numbers are actually published as what’s called the “Infection Fatality Ratio” or IFR. We’ve just stated their numbers a different way and rounded a bit. IFR includes, as those who were “infected,” those who got the virus but never got sick or displayed symptoms.

The CDC’s “best estimate” may be off and it offered other scenarios. They are all very low, however, as you can see. For those age 20-49, for example, even under the worse case scenario, the IFR is only .0003. That means your chances of dying even if you got infected would be 1 out of 3,333.

Estimates of COVID’s lethality have been dropping regularly. In March, when most of the nation went into lockdown, Dr. Anthony Fauci estimated the mortality rate at about 2% and the World Health Organization pegged it at about 3.4%.

Both are far higher than the current CDC estimate.

Source: Wirepoint

Having recently chatted with clients who have funds tied up in the Exempt market and unable to access them, I thought I’d touch on that today.  People regularly ask me to review some investment that they purchased and would like to access but are encountering problems and can I help.  Before I even look at what they’re referring to, I can usually assume it has some relation to an Exempt Market Product or security.

So what are these Exempt Market Products (EMPs) and are they something you should be considering? An EMP is a security issued in Canada that is exempt from prospectus requirements and they require less disclosure than a prospectus offering.

To sell an EMP, the issuer must ensure that the investor qualifies under a specific “exemption”. Common exemptions include only selling to an accredited investor or only selling them to family, friends and business associates. Depending on the exemption relied upon, these products often don’t have detailed disclosures and it’s up to the investor to perform much of the due diligence themselves. Unfortunately, due to a lack of oversight, many unqualified investors are still being sold these products.

EMPs carry many serious risks that the salespeople often don’t explain. The main concerns are:

• Lack of liquidity – Many EMPs are illiquid and investors can’t access their money if they want to.
• Not insured – Unlike traditional investments, they are not protected by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, the Investor Protection Corporation or Assuris.
• Inadequate disclosure – Their offering documents are not reviewed by regulators for completeness and it can be difficult to find out what you’re really buying until it’s too late.
• Subject to key person risks – Exempt products are generally smaller operations and the loss of a single individual involved could create significant losses in the values.
• Conflict of interest – Unlike regulated products, there may be significant conflicts of interest that are not being disclosed to the investors.

Not long ago, the Ontario Securities Commission concluded a year-long review of firms selling EMPs. They found a range of deficiencies in many firms, primarily around selling EMPs to investors who did not qualify. The OSC said that 75 per cent of EMP dealers had inadequate processes for collecting and maintaining know-your-client information.

In the rest of the country, the situation is not any better. But the much bigger problem in all this is that even if an investor is eligible to purchase an EMP, is the product actually suitable for them?

Many of those who sell EMPs try to tell investors that their products are actually less risky than standard investment options since they’re not subject to the normal market volatility. But from a regulatory point of view, exempt product are high risk.

Many investment dealers (the “back office” responsible for compliance oversight) go so far as to require that advisors under their umbrella can’t work in the same office as someone who sells EMPs. They are very fearful of lawsuits that regularly result from these high risk investments and they don’t want to be associated with them in any way.

To be fair, there are legitimate firms and dealers that operate in the exempt market space but it’s up to the consumer to decide which ones are legit and the majority of Canadians aren’t properly informed to make an informed decision.

It’s your money and you can invest it in whatever you want but be sure to think twice before taking part in any exempt market plan. When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is…

 

 

This column is brought to you by Michelle Weisheit CFP, IG Wealth Management and presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments.  Please contact your own advisor for specific advice about your situation

Search and Rescue teams from Kelowna (COSAR) and Oliver/ Osoyoos (OOSAR) added two new active members to their teams – Labrador Retriever, Chase and German Shepherd, Kaya.

Both dogs were recently validated by the RCMP Police Dog Services at the BC Search Dog Association’s (BCSDA) training course, held this past week in Merritt. In B.C., civilian dog handlers and their dogs engaged in ground search activities, are active members of a recognized BC Search and Rescue group and must be validated as a Civilian Search Dog team by the RCMP and recognized by Emergency Management BC.
“We are looking forward to have our dogs aid in search and rescues in the Okanagan and surrounding areas. When we are needed, the RCMP will task us through the Provincial Emergency Program.” commented Chase’s handler, Terry Downs from COSAR.
“Dogs have a great sense of smell, but they also have superior hearing and night vision. This can help save time, and time is of the essence in a search. One search dog can be the equivalent of 20 to 30 human searchers,” added Kaya’s handler, Mike Arychuk from OOSAR.

In addition to being members of BCSDA, Downs and Arychuk are also active volunteers on their respective ground search teams – COSAR and OOSAR.

A K9 handler puts in approximately 2,000 hours of unpaid training time over the first two years and spends thousands of dollars on the care and training of their dogs – mostly at the handler’s cost. Search and Rescue teams do not charge for their services in BC and are non-profit societies operated by volunteers. Some funding is received through provincial and regional government, with the remainder coming from donations or fundraising efforts.

Both teams, as well as BC Search Dog Association, may be contacted through their websites or Facebook pages for more information.

Motor vehicle collision on Highway 97 – Fatal collision

On Sunday – September 27, 2020 just after 12:10 p.m. the West Kelowna RCMP responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision between a pickup truck and a motorcycle on Highway 97 at Hardy Street, Peachland.

When police officers arrived, the BC Ambulance Service and the local Fire Department were already on scene treating a motorcyclist suffering from serious injuries.

The male driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The collision resulted in on and off closures throughout the day as a traffic analyst attended the scene to aid in the investigation.  The events leading up to the crash are still under investigation and few details can been released.

Currently, the scene has been cleared and the highway has been re-opened.

THE PRINTED WORD                                                                 

 

I love to read.  In fact, I think the ability to read is the single biggest achievement for anyone.  If you can read, you are never alone, you can turn a dull, winter afternoon into an adventure in the sun, a meeting with an exciting stranger or put yourself in the middle of a family drama.  If danger and excitement are your thing, that is also available in many forms.

Reading can be an escape into different worlds, somewhere you can not afford to go and living in a style beyond your means.  You could be transported to different continents and be exposed to dangers you could never imagine.  Of course, these adventures usually end happily and only the bad guys get their punishment, you usually overcome the difficulties and live to fight another day.

To those hoping for romance, they suffer through disappointments and love triangles but always end up with the perfect guy.  My thoughts on perfect guys are a bit jaded at the moment so I prefer to lose myself in mysteries.  I also enjoy psychological thrillers but, because I live alone, I usually leave these for vacations, where |I am safely amongst other people and the bright sunshine seems to make the scary passages less of a threat.  Somehow, the possibility of a psychopath hiding in the closet or a monster under the bed seems less believable in a Mexican resort.

For people who like to submerge themselves in books, reading is an enjoyment to be jealously guarded from interruption.  Magazines, crosswords or other pastimes are great for short periods of entertainment and can be put down to interact with others, however, once I get involved in a “real” read, I want no interruption,

I remember the agony of sitting through English lessons at school when the teacher had each one of us read, aloud, passages from a book.  Even the best reader speaks slowly when reading aloud and for the rest of the class, following the words is a nightmare. Does anyone actually follow along, reading word for word as the orator progresses?  Once I started the book, I would read to myself and get involved in the story so, when it was my turn, I would be hopelessly lost and would get told off for not paying attention.

Surely, to anyone listening to a story, the narrative being read is just boring unless it is read well.  Hearing a student feeling out the words, syllable by syllable is painful to the listener and must be agonizing to a poor reader.  A couple of girls in our class went for developmental speaking classes and they had been taught to enunciate every letter.  This may be the correct way to speak the Queen’s English but it is awful to listen to as it takes away all meaning from the story being told.

Give me a good family saga or a murder mystery, a cup of coffee and a comfy chair and I am off to a different world,  I have been known to sit reading until the early hours as I could not bear to be parted from my book.  When I am really enjoying a story I will look how much more there is still to read and enjoy the luxury of knowing that I still have lots of pages left to enjoy.  Nothing annoys me more that finding the book finishes up rather quickly and the remaining pages are a couple of chapters from the author’s next book, put in there to whet your appetite for his next novel.

I feel that this is cheating as I expected to be entertained for another hour by the original book.  I never read these pages as I am never sure how long it will take me to move on to the next book.  However, I soon forgive the author or his publisher, they accomplished their aim and took me out of myself for a good few hours or even a couple of days, who could ask for more than that?

At 58, Ron Hovanes is a young man with a lot of energy

The Liberal Party of BC selected a young woman rather than a Municipal politician with a lot of experience over many years at the regional and provincial level – as a Councillor, a Mayor and a long
term Oliver guy, educated here and promoted by friends and family for decades.

When he was told the news… he was not happy – he says – but he is resigned to the fact. That decision has been made and really cannot be contested.

“There was the time to do it”  (select a candidate, since current MLA Linda Larson said she would not run again – last fall.”

Ron Hovanes is not finished! – he has many hills to climb….. before…. anyone can say he is finished.

BC needs and deserves a minority government

Premier John Horgan, supporter of unions and those with government pensions wants and needs a majority to do as he says – lead the province not hindered by opposition and criticism.

So how do we get a minority government – vote for the Greens which really do not have many candidates, or the BC Conservatives which have even less.

No – it is called strategic balloting – vote against anyone who thinks they will win. Upset the historical records.

In this riding we have a man running against a woman. Both elected municipally previous to the election call.

Are they nice people – I really do not know but I have met both and will take them at their word.

In this riding – time for a change – vote NDP – the party that shined here by “electing” a candidate from the list of members vs the Socred/Liberals selecting a candidate without considering others with a vast history of experience – not apparent in the sales person selected by the Vancouver office.

A bit strange that the Riding President for the Liberals hear, riding assistant to Linda Larson – will not phone me.

The selected candidate for the Liberals will not call me.

A sad day for democracy with NO excuses – NDP did the vote in two days with modern technology.

Vote as you please – vote as many times as you can.

MLA Pension Plan

Legislative changes to the Members’ Remuneration and Pensions Act in 2007 included the introduction of a defined-benefit pension plan. Every MLA under age 71 is required to participate in the plan, which contains the following key provisions:

The amount of the annual pension is based on a benefit accrual rate of 3.5% of the highest 3-year average annual pensionable earnings. The maximum pension an MLA may receive is 70% of these earnings.

An MLA is not entitled to a pension unless he or she has served in the Legislature for at least six years, including the years the Member served immediately prior to the introduction of this plan (April 2007).

An MLA receives about $112 thousand dollars a year and more if the premier, opposition leader, cabinet minister, whip, or Minister of State.

Reports by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation indicates 20 million dollars will be spent by the government on the retiring MLA’s in BC.

Roly Russell, newly selected candidate for the New Democrats in the riding of Boundary Similkameen – at a visit to Medici’s out door café in Oliver Saturday morning to visit with organizers and party supporters.

ODN indicated to the candidate that he had one question to answer: How to get elected in a riding that has been Liberal for many years – last NDP MLA was Bill Barlee in 1996.

Russell stated in the beginning that he supports the call of Premier Horgan to have an election to gain a majority so that there is less confusion as we all wind our way through the Covid-19 crisis and the recovery to full employment and freedom.

Russell says his priorities include protecting the health of the province’s forests, economic resilience, housing affordability, addressing climate change and supporting local communities.

Russell agreed that a battle will be fought for this seat with two candidates going head to head for support. Advertising, signs, news interviews, and small gatherings the only option to get the message out. A forum could be held with candidates only and televised if that can be organized in short order.

Russell is an experienced politician from the Boundary Country representing a rural area “D” outside Grand Forks and has served as the Chair of the Kootenay Boundary RD and he has led many local boards and government organizations.

Words, spoken with the elegance of a Swan Lake Ballet that come back to haunt the speakers like the shadow of yesterdays ghosts. I speak of the Throne Speech and the fallout from its aftermath.

The Liberals filled the verbal recycle bin with old promises they dusted off from their shelf of abandoned promises, things such as a national childcare program. The old promise of reforms to the positions in Indigenous issues, addressing climate change, the usual icing on the skeleton of the political cake.

They promised to continue assistance to those thrown out of work by Covid-19. What they didn’t say is it’s possible less people will qualify and those that do might well get less. I say might because we haven’t seen the details yet. Remember a Throne Speech is a collection of crafted words. Then again the reactive responses are crafted slight of hand as well. Lets review the party positions in relation to where they stand in the current mind of Canadians. The latest polling suggests the Tories might want to hold their fire for a bit yet.

The Conservatives still appear to be whining and pushing the plight of big oil. It plays well for the west. It also plays for the Liberals in Quebec. The truth is some of the positions taken by the Conservatives have merit but there has to be more than pining for change, you have to shorten the laundry list and propose some constructive changes the masses find acceptable. The Bloc was critical but they addressed the issue of Provincial jurisdiction. They raised objections and complained but it was relevant, not whining and rehashing old issues.

While the conservatives advocated for oil and the energy sector, the NDP also objected but they took a different tact. First they pointed out the shortfalls in government policy, then used what leverage they have to get a better deal for average people.

The Conservatives rejected the ideas out of hand. The NDP brokered a more positive outcome. That is the perception. In politics perception is what the game is about. Yes politics is a sport and a blood sport at that. When it comes to issues, it is important to be seen to be on the right side of history even if you don’t want to be on that side of history. Let me be cynical for a second, it is not called hypocrisy it’s called politics. and the liberals are masters of the game. That being said what is really going on? The latest poll as of September 9th give a glimpse of the ground rules. The Liberals are at 35% down a bit. Conservatives 31% up a bit. NDP just shy of 18% up. The Bloc 7%, down the Greens at 6% down. So here is my take of where the pawns are on the chess board.

The Liberals were ready to go except the second wave of the Corona Virus is starting to creep up. The NDP is in financial restraint, they don’t want an election. They positioned themselves as the deal makers. The Conservative Leader tested positive for Covid-19 and they were free to bash the government because they figured the NDP would support the Liberals. In a time of national uncertainty had the Conservatives supported the Liberals short term the perception in the public eye would have been more positive, especially in vote rich Central Canada.

As it stands now the Conservatives look like they don’t support working people in a time of workplace uncertainty which will leave the door open to criticism. You know opposed to Medicare years ago, opposed to pensions, employment insurance, opposed to family allowance whether justified or not, now opposed to paid leave and even the hint of opposed to Pharmacare. I can hear voices saying the latest, may not be true. That doesn’t matter they rejected the entire throne speech, remember it is perception that counts. If the Conservatives were smart they would have been silent or critical of parts of the direction the Liberals are going. Instead they could find themselves a long term opposition party.
Remember working people want certainty and a sense of security, implying restraint may be prudent but it is also political suicide at the moment.

The truth is in politics words are pictures on the collective mind set. Throne Speeches come and go, but the perceptions by virtue of reaction to them are the images that remain. Often as not the Conservatives and to some extent the NDP paint themselves into a corner allowing the Liberals to whisper checkmate.

Fred Steele

THAT the Regional District submit a grant application for the 2021 UBCM Community Resiliency Investment Program in the amount of $600,000 for the identified work.

Purpose:
The Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program is a Union of B.C. Municipalites (UBCM) funded initiative to reduce the risk and impact of wildfire to communities in B.C. through community funding, supports and priority fuel management activities on provincial Crown land.

The FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program provides funding to local governments and First Nations in B.C. to increase community resiliency by undertaking community-based FireSmart planning and activities that reduce the community’s risk from wildfire.

Business Plan Objective:
This project is tied to Key Success Driver 3.0: Build a Sustainable Region; 2020 Business Plan and the specific objective of completing FireSmart and Community Wildfire Protection Plan initiatives.

Background:
Under the 2020 CRI Program, the RDOS was awarded a grant of $150,000 for developing a RDOS FireSmart website, amending the Electoral ‘A’ OCP to include FireSmart principles, defining wildfire urban interface Development Permit Areas zones in all nine electoral areas, establishing interagency wildfire planning and FireSmart committee initiatives, FireSmart assessments for Apex, Hedley and Olalla, and for chipping and binning events to provide neighbourhoods with off-site debris disposal. This work is ongoing throughout 2020.

For 2021, the RDOS may submit a single application for eligible, collaborative projects that includes multiple electoral areas up to a maximum $150,000, plus up to $50,000 for FireSmart activities for each electoral area ($450,000) that is included in the application. Thus, the potential total funding available for the RDOS in 2021 is $600,000. The application deadline to UBCM is October 9, 2020. The
RDOS will be advised of the status of their application by February 5, 2021. Under the 2021 CRI Program, the RDOS proposes to apply for the full $600,000 in grant funds to address the recommendations outlined in the 2020 RDOS Community Wildfire Protection Plan and align with eligible 2021 CRI grant activities as follows:

• Education – organize, implement and/or update public meetings, signage, social media, applicant websites and/or newsletters, community site visits, and community education. $141,400
• Development Considerations – revise 2 RDOS OCP’s to incorporate FireSmart principals. $57,500
• Inter-agency Cooperation – participate in multi-agency wildfire and Community FireSmart Resiliency Committe planning tables. $44,000
• FireSmart Training – funding towards local FireSmart representative training. $20,800
• FireSmart Demonstration Project – replace combustible wood siding on the Juniper Pump
Station (Naramata) with non-combustible fibre-cement siding. $17,250
• FireSmart Community Plans – develop FireSmart Neighbourhood Plans. $157,500
• FireSmart residential rebate initiative – for residential property or home owners that complete eligible FireSmart activities. $67,500
• Off-site vegetative debris disposal – chipping and disposal for residential property or home owners who have undertaken their own vegetation management. $62,100
• Fuel Management treatments – on publicly owned land within the RDOS. $31,950

Analysis:
Research has shown that communities that implement FireSmart principles have a greater chance of survival during wildfire. As identified in the BC Flood and Wildfire Review, there is a critical need to
strengthen public understanding of the risks and personal responsibilities associated with living in a fire-dependent ecosystem.” Further, findings from the 2016 Horse River wildfire in Fort McMurray indicate that FireSmart principles were one of the main reasons why individual homes survived, regardless of the broader wildfire threat surrounding them. This was true in both the urban and rural
areas. (Source: Union of BC Municipalities).

Alternatives:
Not to endorse or support the application and discontinue the program.

On ODN we have posters and buttons

I have buttons on my shirts but they do attract $$$

Oliver Daily News cannot run on “air”, water, the soil or …..

But to the rescue the regular button people/businesses.

Thanks to every one of them – for without the $$$ there can not or will not be an ODN – the one you turn to – the news site that serves the South Okanagan and attempts and most time is a head of the game – keeping you informed.

September 2020 Summer Projects Update

It has been a busy summer this year with a lot of projects on the go and COVID-19 preparations eating the days up quickly. The list of what we did complete or are currently finishing up is as follows:

Secondary
OSS – Geothermal installation Phase 1 is complete. This included the underground line conveyance on our North West field. Lines have been brought up to the school and capped off awaiting Phase 2. While doing the groundwork it was an opportune time to have a dry well installed in a problematic area in the path of the new installation.

SESS – Interior painting continued through the summer with our crew members in the secondary wing now. This is between being pulled out to finish off some outside work and other areas of finishes as required by projects that were on-going. Two new exterior windows installed.

SOSS – As part of our cycle of Air Duct Cleaning, this year SOSS was taken care of, for the most part. We had to stop shy of completion as the Industrial Wing could not be done with the other project being worked on. Duct cleaning will be completed around Christmas time. Dust Collection Unit upgrade – Capital funding – This work is unfortunately still underway as we have been delayed by delivery of the unit. We are working with the school now for an interim fix to help them get their classes operational.

Elementary

Cawston Primary – New playground installed

Oliver Elementary – This school was in need and received a lot of our attention this summer. We have renovated the Primary, Intermediate and the two washrooms downstairs for the school. In addition, we relocated the kitchen and it now has a push through access. Copier work room was also moved.

Osoyoos Elementary – Major repairs done in the washroom. Interior painting will be starting this fall. Rainbow sidewalk refreshed.

Tuc El Nuit – New flooring in a few areas. Duct cleaning throughout the school parking lot paved

School Board Office in Oliver
Parking lot paved.

Four Assurances

In addition to the three certainties that are there for everyone, we have at least four that are specifically promised to those who choose to trust in the Lord.
Peace with God

This is not like a truce or agreement to tolerate each other. Not only is the slate wiped clean of offences, there is acceptance into the family of God and all the blessings that come with it. It is the demonstration of God’s love for us!
Opposition

Those who choose to follow the Lord will be marching to a different beat. Christians can hide their faith to avoid conflict but those who seek to live a godly life will be targets for anything from ridicule to martyrdom. The expectation is that sincere Christians will respond with love and respect no matter how badly or unfairly they are treated but the Lord will be there for you. That is tough but true!

Peace of God

No matter what negative circumstances or positive blessings come our way, there is the settled sense of harmony with God and His universe. Neither extreme needs to rob us of the joy of the Lord or divert our focus to material benefits. Unfortunately, many of us let it happen. That settled peace is a huge ideal!
Home

The ultimate plan is to bring us home to be with the Lord when this life is over. It is described as “better by far” in the New Testament. The Bible ends with a description of a new heaven and a new earth where things are done right. What a change that will be!

On the home stretch,
Henry Wiebe

Parks Canada understands that recently a road on private property, adjacent to the Fairview – Cawston road that links to Mt. Kobau, has been blocked to public access. While the area in question falls within the working boundary for the proposed national park reserve, Parks Canada has no jurisdiction or involvement in this matter. The federal government has no jurisdiction over property rights on privately owned land within or adjacent to national parks. This will remain the case for the proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. In short, Parks Canada has no jurisdiction or involvement with this matter.

The Protected Areas Establishment Team

Parks Canada

B.C.’s advance voting window is a full seven days,

beginning Oct. 15 through the 21,

from 8 a.m.-to-8 p.m.

 

check local listings

Oliver – likely Community Hall

Osoyoos – likely Sonora Centre

by Julie Martineau

To see a gallery of great pictures by Julie  – press here  southokanganphotos.today

Banner above is a Julie masterpiece as well

 

 

Interior Health Area – Alberta Border to Manning Park,  Osoyoos to Revelstoke and Golden. All the major centers of Nelson, Cranbrook, Creston, Trail, Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops, Kelowna.

There are 22 hospitals in this cohort –  in 4 different Regional Districts

• Five new COVID-19 cases were reported in Interior Health overnight, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 520.
• 34 active cases are in isolation.
• No one is in hospital.

***

Thursday report  148 new cases in BC

While the number of active cases in the province continues to drop, down to 1,371 on Thursday, the number of those being monitored by public health due to potential exposure continues to rise, now at 3,417 across the province.

There are 61 people in hospital, with 22 of those in critical care.

Elsewhere in the province, there have been 3,094 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health, 4,361 in Fraser Health, 203 in Vancouver Island Health, 278 in Northern Health and 87 cases among those who reside outside Canada.

The death count: 229 – 2 in the Interior Region

Below a map of BC showing the Okanagan in context to BC as in a group of the least cases per 100 thousand population.

All graphics and information from: BC’s Centre for Disease Control (Ministry of Health)

With kind permission from another independent renowned Canadian EMR expert, Dr Paul Héroux, I copy and post his December 10, 2019, “Proposed 5G rollout, Penticton” testimony, which I will forward soon to Penticton Council and RDOS Board of Directors as well:
Dr Paul Héroux, PhD McGill University, Montreal, Canada paul.heroux@mcgill.ca

To: Mr. Hans Karow
10th of December, 2019

Proposed 5G rollout, Penticton
I am happy to have this opportunity to express my opinion regarding the true adverse health impacts of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). I have been studying this subject for my entire scientific career, which includes 10 years in the power industry, consulting work for Nortel and Siemens, as well as 32 years with McGill University, where I am presently at the Faculty of Medicine, directing the Occupational Health program. I have given testimonies and evidence to many public committees and senate hearings and have been published and involved in over 45 studies or books. I was a member of various societies in this field, including the IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 28 on Non- Ionizing Radiation, the Society of Toxicology of Canada, ICOH: Scientific Committee on Radiation & Work, and am a reviewer for several publications including International Journal of Radiation & Biology, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

I have unique insight in how the telecom industry works, and therefore shall be straightforward with you. Public health is already being harmed with 4G, Wi-Fi and cell towers. 5G would add to the present detrimental health effects of EMR. 5G is being pushed by industry simply to expand markets for cell phones and streaming video. The true usefulness of cell phones in terms of allowing convenient communications is already satisfied with present systems, and 5G can only be justified within the confines of an industrial plant, and should not be allowed in the human environment. I believe that proposed 5G rollouts will be one of the most serious matters you will have to vote on in your careers, both from the point of view of protecting public health and privacy. Radiating masts should not be allowed to proliferate on every street, and radiation should be curbed within our homes. I hope that you will study the advice from experts rather than relying on the conflicted message of salesmen, so that your children, friends and family will not suffer from the long-term consequences of allowing 5G infrastructure in our lives. I suspect that few of you had prior knowledge of this matter.

You have a unique opportunity to reject 5G and adopt the legal, established principle explicitly incorporated into various laws and regulations in the European Union and various international bodies: “When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.” The only reason why there is apparent doubt in the media about the negative impacts of EMR is the unrelenting publicity by industry in favor of new products. These products have been allowed on the market only because industry infiltrated government agencies, particularly the US FCC. Tens of thousands of independent studies over decades do not lie about the health damage caused by wireless radiation. Cells that we observe in our laboratories, and animals that we expose to EMR are not biased, and do not lie. Industry does. EMR inflicts health problems on an unsuspecting and trusting public.

In spite of the demands on your time, I suggest that you educate yourselves and the public on the health risks of living and working near masts, on how to safely use their devices, and ban Wi-Fi wherever possible, especially in schools, where children are very vulnerable. This is important, because once installed, these systems will harm humans and nature for a very long time. Telecoms providers should not market devices like toys or even at all to children, but rather include warnings that these two-way microwave devices (as presently hidden in small print) should not be held near our bodies or heads to cause us harm. Electro-hypersensitivity is real and countries like France recognise it as an occupational disease. Court cases found against employers around the world, proving this condition exists, and courts are taking this matter seriously: some people in your community are suffering from symptoms stemming from EMFs, like headaches, fatigue, concentration issues, nausea, dizziness, digestive problems. Italian courts have found against a telecom company for an executive suffering from a tumour. Litigation is real and mounting. EMFs are known to target the nervous system and mental health, much beyond the smaller population of electro-hypersensitives.

We have evidence from epidemiology that cell phone towers produce measurable health impacts up to 500 m from their base. We also have evidence (Dode study: Mortality by neoplasia and cellular telephone base stations in the Belo Horizonte municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil) that if a tower is installed very close to a person who already has cancer, the probability that this person will die from the disease increases by as much as 45 %. The maximum effect is felt 2 years after installation of the tower.
Statements from industry originate from individuals who have never personally worked on the health impacts of EMR, but are relying on industry views, produced from chosen concepts that distort the true science on this subject. Regrettably, industry has been active in undermining science on every possible occasion, in the name of protecting their products. Many scientific careers were impaired or lost when their studies showed evidence of real harm to the public. Since EMR is imperceptible to most of us, and since wireless has been widely deployed, it is easy to promote the idea that it has no negative impacts. Statements that EMR is non-ionizing and below thermal levels are easy public relation tricks that divert attention from the scientific knowledge we have accumulated on this over the years in laboratory science, animal experiments, and epidemiology.

Enthusiastic acceptance by the public of the convenience of wireless, the alluring attractiveness and addictiveness of devices coupled with the unrelenting invasion of our privacy by communications software have given the telecoms industry inappropriate control of the public space, allowing them through publicity to overstate usefulness, and to hide the associated health impacts. As background, human health was disregarded as an influence in the deployment of EMR because it was initially captured by the military, due to the importance of wireless in war, and swiftly passed into the hands of industry, which imagined enormous markets for wireless, that they wished to expand much beyond rational needs. We should be very conscious of the dangers of becoming a society dominated by automated communication, rather than human communication. Do we really want our children and ourselves to be subservient to technology and allow real power to rest in the hands of the very few large organizations (corporations and governments) who own networks, and the ability to digest massive amounts of information?
The groups pushing for 5G such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) do so without knowledge or expertise on health effects. Buzzwords such as Internet of Things wildly exaggerate the positive impacts and importance of their innovations, while at the same time ignoring more powerful technical possibilities such as wired connections and optical fiber. In short, industry takes no account of the health damage they cause simply because, in the words of Louis Slesin, the editor of Microwave News in New York City, “they do not want to know”.
Technology has amazing benefits when we control it. It should be steered in directions that are of real benefit and minimize harm. There are many ways in which human exposures to EMR can be substantially reduced, and privacy protected, while allowing the most sophisticated technological developments: fibre optics. In many parts of the world the situation is already intolerable, as shown by the emergence of electro-hypersensitive populations, and “unexplained” increases in many chronic diseases. But such excesses were anticipated by Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations in 1776 and will prevail unless discussion is promoted on a more rational ground. Is it necessary to wait for risks to become so large that they cause scandals, bankruptcies and massive death and morbidity before action is taken? Lead which was also listed as a possible carcinogen in the same way as wireless radiation, did not have to be used at all. The US industry decision to introduce tetraethyl lead instead of ethanol in gasoline, starting in 1921, led to mental health damage to millions of Americans which is why today we have unleaded fuel which eventually will be replaced by solar and other technology.

Please note that many insurers such as Swiss RE are warning loudly of the dangers ahead and some syndicates of Lloyd’s of London refuse to underwrite risks associated with EMR wireless exposure. These exclusions can often be found in fine print in domestic insurance and in cell phone instructions, which none of us ever read. 5G is slanted to increase individual exposures to EMR substantially, while touting benefits of faster video downloads and much reduced network latency. We argue that wireless phones have already provided the maximum benefits to society that they could, in the portability of important and short communications.

Is it good for our general wellbeing to be glued to our devices 12 hours per day and exposed 24/7 to wireless radiation? Please also remember that we are electric beings and EMFs disrupt our rhythm and human health in a way which we were never meant to endure. What benefit is there to download a 3-hour film within a few minutes rather than 20 minutes? What are the cost implications to the consumer with using our monthly allowances quicker? 5G should not be allowed to pollute the general environment. The evidence for the negative health effects of EMR is clear in cancer studies (physiological, animal and humans) and in epidemiology. What this evidence shows most glaringly is that the recommendations of International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, a self- appointed body dominated by industry, gives a new meaning to the word “protection” which does not at all protect the public because the levels set are so high. Canada follows ICNIRP’s highest ‘thermal’ allowable radiation levels in the world (unaltered since 1998) in spite of all the latest scientific evidence. Other countries do not follow ICNIRP as you will see, and I urge you to make your own prudent policies in full knowledge of the unintended consequences of EMR health effects. NGOs and other bodies such as ICNIRP or even OFCOM will not indemnify you when members of the public becomes ill, and later make claims, and finds out that all this information was at your fingertips.
I would therefore urge you to reject 5G and instead take proper advice from bodies like Environmental Health Trust, consider the superior route to go fully fibre optic, and show the world that you put public health first. You would be joining Brussels, Rome and others in stopping 5G.
If I can be of any assistance, please let me know.

Paul Héroux, PhD paul.heroux@mcgill.ca Professor of Toxicology and Health Effects of Electromagnetism McGill University Medicine Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Center InVitroPlus Laboratory, Tel. (514) 398-6988

Readers and especially deciding authorities are invited to read Dr Héroux’s very informative McGill Course OCCH-605 “Health Effects of Electromagnetism”.
Submitted by Hans Karow

Coalition to Reduce Electropollution (CORE, since 1992)
Coalition to Stop Smart Meters in BC (co-founded with Sharon Noble/Victoria in 2011)

Many months ago, MLA Linda Larson announce that she would not run for re-election.

Shortly after that  I spoke to councilor Veintimilla and suggested that she consider standing forward for the position. This is no small decision; the position is life changing and difficult.

First there is the stress of the nomination campaign (in this case that did not happen but more on that later). If successful there then there is the even more stressful election campaign that will take maximum effort, dedication, and focus. The candidate is expanded out from their normal sphere of comfort into surrounding areas that have considerably different issues and needs. Much homework is needed to become familiar with the delicacies of different areas. If successful here the real work starts of managing a whole area in a consistent manner; but add in little unexpected economic issues and uncertainties, floods, fire, crop failures, corporate failures and the most difficult of all, dealing with those who believe you have more power and influence than our system would even allow. To top it all of you are now forced to act inside the party lines and policies that may not be those of you or your constituents at large.

Along with all these pleasantries comes the pressure on family and local interests from prolonged absence, the inevitability of work following you home and never having a day off. As I said this is no small decision. The rewards can be substantial but so also the cost.

Over the last few years, I have been pleased to work with councilor Veintimilla and although we often do not agree we have always been able to come to a workable understanding. That is the mark of a true diplomat and for that reason I believe that she would serve this area well.

I do know that “by appointment” was not the way councilor Veintimilla wanted to become candidate but political parties have that power. Do I agree with the decision “no”. That decision of the party leaders would be made by considering if they felt that the sacrifice of days would be critical to candidates starting their campaigns and without a doubt, time is short. There it is, the first of inside the party dictates, it would not matter who the candidate was this was not a choice.

Rick Knodel

Important Notice!

Bulky Item Pick-up is scheduled for Monday Oct 12, 2020. (Thanksgiving Day)

Roly Russell of Grand Forks has been chosen by the membership of the party after a number of days of voting.

Aimee Grice of Oliver was not successful in her bid to become the New Democrat candidate.

The election is October 24th

The Greens have not named a candidate

The Liberals in BC did not have a selection choice vote and their candidate was selected by the Party leadership.

 

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Roly Russell, a director for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, has been elected the BC NDP candidate for Boundary-Similkameen for the October 24 provincial election.

“I’m thrilled to represent John Horgan’s team in Boundary-Similkameen,” said Russell, who won a nomination contest over Oliver Town Councilor Aimee Grice. “The BC NDP is the best choice to lead us out of the pandemic, and this region deserves a proactive and strong voice in a renewed John Horgan mandate.”

A proven leader, Russell has served on the RDKB board since 2013, including two terms as Chair. He is currently the President of the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments and Chair of the Grand Forks Credit Union Board of Directors.

Russell says his priorities include protecting the health of our forests, economic resilience, affordability and housing, addressing climate change and supporting local communities.

“This place is my home – I was born here – and I am passionate about making sure that we sustain and keep this a beautiful and sustainable region to earn a living and raise our families,” said Russell. “John Horgan’s leadership in the face of the pandemic and the BC NDP government’s willingness to navigate creative solutions following the 2018 floods cemented my decision to run for MLA.”

“We all remember the deep cuts the previous BC Liberal government made to key services that people need, and we can’t afford to go back to those dark days.” said Russell. “I’m eager to work with a John Horgan government to keep the Boundary-Similkameen and BC moving forward.”

 

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all the Constituents of the Okanagan /Similkameen who over the last seven and a half years have shared their stories, the good and the not so good, with myself and my Constituency Staff. Many issues we have been able to help with, and many not so much. However, we have always treated everyone who has come to us for assistance with courtesy and made every effort to direct their concern to the appropriate Government Agency or Staff for assistance.

We have, together, been through devastating fires and floods and I have great admiration for all those who are on the front line and who never falter in their unselfish commitment to our protection. Thank you.

Finally, thank you to my Constituency Staff in Oliver and my Legislative Staff in Victoria for always following up on requests in a timely manner and never loosing their sense of humour.

It has been a privilege and an honour to serve as MLA for the Riding of Boundary/Similkameen.

Stay safe and wash your hands.

Linda Larson

As we approach October and cooler weather, effective Wednesday October 7 we will be receiving clients back inside the Food Bank to check-in and pick up hampers between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Due to physical distancing requirements, only one client at a time will be allowed inside.

In order to enter the building, you must be wearing a mask and keep it on while inside, sanitize your hands (sanitizer will be provided), and show your Food Bank ID card at the desk.

Your hamper will be placed on a table which you will collect on exiting the building.

To ensure your safety and ours, regular sanitizing of all surfaces will be done by our volunteers.

Photo supplied by Aimee Grice, Venables Theatre

On September 22nd, we lit the theatre lobby up in RED to participate in the Canada wide Day of Visibility for the Live Event Community, an unprecedented and united show of support for the live event industries in Canada.

Search #lightuplive to see photos of other participating venues and artists.

Quick Facts:

* Illicit drug toxicity death rates involving males have increased in recent months and have remained high, whereas rates of death involving females declined to average levels in August 2020.

* Illicit drug toxicity death rates for those aged 19 to 59 have increased in recent months and remain high.

* Illicit fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamines continue to be the top drugs involved in these drug deaths.

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VICTORIA – The BC Coroners Service has published updated reports on illicit drug toxicity deaths and fentanyl-detected drug deaths to the end of August 2020, with 147 illicit drug toxicity deaths reported in the month.

The illicit drug toxicity death total represents a 71% increase over the number of deaths in August 2019 (86) but a 16% decrease from the number of deaths in July 2020 (176). The BC Coroners Service has detected a sustained increase of illicit drug toxicity deaths since March, and B.C. has now recorded six consecutive months with over 100 illicit drug toxicity deaths.

Once again, post-mortem toxicology testing data published in this most recent report suggests an increase in the number of cases with extreme fentanyl concentrations (exceeding 50 micrograms per litre) in April, May, June, July and August 2020 compared with previous months. From April to August 2020, approximately 14% of illicit drug deaths showed signs of extreme fentanyl concentrations compared with 8% from January 2019 to March 2020.

There have been 1,068 illicit drug deaths to date in 2020 in B.C., based on preliminary data. The total number of illicit drug deaths in the first eight months of 2020 have surpassed the total for all of 2019. The number of non-fatal overdose incidents has also increased significantly.

BC Emergency Health Services reports close to 7,500 overdose calls throughout B.C. this summer, making it the highest number of overdose calls ever recorded in a three-month stretch.

September 26th is Oliver’s BC Thanksgiving Food Drive’s 10th anniversary!

Because of the COVID-19 concerns this year brings, there will be NO DOORSTEP DONATION PICK-UPS OR BAG DROP-OFFS. Instead, you can support the Oliver Food Bank and the 2020 BC Thanksgiving Food Drive in any of the following ways:

By dropping off food donations (non-perishable), cash or cheques at the Oliver Food Bank (6047 Station Street) between 9am and 2pm on the day of the BC Thanksgiving Food Drive: Saturday, September 26th.

By mailing a donation cheque to the Oliver Food Bank, Box 405, Oliver, BC, V0H 1T0.

By e-transfering funds to oliver.foodbank@gmail.com (donations will go directly to the Food Bank account).

By donating via credit card through Feed the Valley on the Food Banks BC website at foodbanksbc.com or through the Canada Helps website at www.canadahelps.org. Donations must be designated for the Oliver Food Bank.

All donations of $20.00 or more submitted directly to the Oliver Food Bank along with the donor’s name and full address are receipted for income tax purposes. Donations made by credit card through the organizations listed above are receipted for income tax purposes by those organizations.

Oliver donated over 7700 pounds of food during last year’s BC Thanksgiving Food Drive, helping restock the shelves of the Oliver Food Bank.

Every month, approximately 500 people use the Oliver Food Bank to feed themselves and their families. Your generosity in supporting this effort over the last 9 years has meant well over 53,000 pounds of food has been donated locally and that our Oliver Food Bank has been able to feed hundreds of people in need. We encourage all locals and businesses to help restock the Oliver Food Bank shelves in time for Thanksgiving.

We will available to collect donations at the Oliver Food Bank (6047 Station St.) between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm on collection day: September 26th, 2020.

Here are the Winner’s for this weeks draw

Regular Draw $52.00 – Ticket 90 – Heather Frank

Regular Draw $100.00 – Ticket 346 – Heather Falkenholt

BC Tree Fruits – owners of the Monashee Packinghouse in Osoyoos (now closed) seek to exclude more than 5 hectares of land for other purposes that agriculture.

How many hectares are you proposing to exclude?

5.2 ha

What is the purpose of the proposal?

For over 80 years, this parcel has been utilized for the receiving, packing and storage of the contracted growers’ fruit. Because of multiple costly upgrades required to the aging building, BC Tree Fruits Cooperative ceased to operate the packinghouse as of September, 2017 and consolidated its operations in the South region to its Oliver facility. The Oliver packinghouse has since undergone multiple upgrades in both technology and equipment to handle the incremental volume.

Similarly, BC Tree Fruits Cooperative made a strategic long-term investment decision to modernize and consolidate several other existing facilities into one comprehensive facility to be developed in the Central Okanagan.
As a result, it is BC Tree Fruits’ intention to sell the parcel and apply the sale proceeds towards the development of a proposed new packing plant facility at or near the City of Kelowna.

Explain why you believe that the parcel(s) should be excluded from the ALR.

First and foremost, the parcel has very limited agricultural capability in its current condition [refer to the attached Agricultural Capability Assessment Report prepared by Associated Environmental Consultants Inc. (dated July, 2018)].
Given that the packing plant on the parcel has ceased operations, it no longer serves the original objectives of the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative specifically and the tree fruit industry in general. Accordingly, the parcel no longer benefits agriculture; whereas exclusion and sale of the parcel would enable BC Tree Fruits to use the sale proceeds towards the construction and development of the proposed consolidated facility in the Kelowna area – an objective which clearly would benefit agriculture generally, the tree fruit industry specifically, and the 430 plus grower members of the Cooperative.

Clearly, it would be fiscally prudent and in the best interests of the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative and its grower members to maximize the sale value of the parcel and apply the sale proceeds towards the substantial development costs of a regional, modernized, and centrally located facility – a facility which would enable BC Tree Fruits to remain competitive in world markets.

Given its lack of agricultural capability and its lakefront location, the sale value of the parcel can best be maximized if it is excluded from the ALR.

It should also be noted that the Town of Osoyoos has an operational sanitary sewer force main (located adjacent to the southern boundary of the parcel) which has extra capacity to accommodate development should the parcel be excluded from the ALR. Similarly, the Town of Osoyoos has a pumphouse (lake water) adjacent to the eastern boundary of the parcel which supplies water to irrigation system #8.

Reliably informed that voting is now taking place – in a virtual context – to select a candidate for the upcoming provincial election.

Two candidates in the running:

Aimee Grice – Town of Oliver Councillor

Roly Russell – Rural Director (Area D Grand Forks) and Chair of the Kootenay Boundary Regional District

Results should be confirmed by the end of the week

What happened on September 8th – readership of ODN spiked on that day?

80,313 visitors in previous 30 days
Those viewers looked at 206,127 items on the pages of ODN

Most startling is the average viewer stayed on the website for more than 2 minutes so that means – some less and some more gaining info from the Oliver Daily News

As I often do – I challenge websites with news to explain their numbers… they won’t.

If you find that the odd news item is on another site and not on ODN – try to remember that the local newspaper groups (with internet)  has fully staffed offices in Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton and Kelowna – with a vast network of reporters and a fair amount of government subsidies.

It would seem that the Liberal Party of BC, like the NDP is starting to play hardball and both parties  seem to indicate they do not want nominating meetings… they do NOT want democracy and they are about to scare away members from voting and financial support.

That is the message given to me this morning by local insiders.

On the Liberal Party of BC website – the following:

Oliver councillor, entrepreneur, and Chamber of Commerce president* Petra Veintimilla (Boundary-Similkameen)

* note the President of the Chamber is Greg Sol of Osoyoos with past president Alberto Veintimilla. 

Petra has been named as the appointed Liberal candidate – not duly elected by party members.

Two other people had expressed an interest in contesting a nomination but now shut out.

 

Time: 7:45 am Tuesday

Hairpin Curve – Fairview Rd at entrance to Town’s Sewer Facility

2020 Council Policy Review –

Council continued with its 2020 Council Policy Review. The Christmas Closure Policy was amended and a Respect in the Workplace Policy was adopted that includes additional provisions respecting responsibilities, processes and education.

Telecommunications Tower – 6450 Spartan Street –

Council was provided with photo simulations of the proposed Rogers telecommunications tower at 6450 Spartan Street. The examples provided were of mono and tri-pole towers in various colours. Council requested Rogers provide further options in advance of the upcoming public consultation process.

Animal Control Amendment Bylaw 1224.05 –

Animal Control Amendment Bylaw 1224.05 was read a first, second and third time. The bylaw amendment includes provisions for permitting domestic ducks within the municipality, while also adding more provisions for the keeping of chickens. Some additional housekeeping amendments were also undertaken to reflect current processes.

Heritage Procedure Bylaw 1395 –

Council gave first, second and third reading to Heritage Procedure Bylaw 1395. The bylaw has provisions for adding and removing a property from the Community Heritage Register, procedures for adopting a heritage designation bylaw for a specific property or structure, and procedures for the issuance of heritage alteration permits. South Okanagan Secondary School was removed from the Community Heritage Register as the school was destroyed by fire in 2011.

Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 1383.01 –

Council gave first, second and third reading to Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 1383.01 as amended. Fees and charges are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure relevancy in relation to budget. Fee schedules were amended relating to building permits, development services, and general fees.

Delegation – BC Step Code –

Council received a presentation from Peter Robinson, Chief Technology Officer, Community Energy Association, regarding upcoming energy efficiency requirements relating to the BC Building Code starting in 2022. Staff will be consulting with local builders to ensure the new energy requirements are effectively implemented and will be bringing a new Building Bylaw to an upcoming meeting for Council’s consideration.

Strategic Plan Update –

Council received the first and second quarter updates for the Strategic Plan. Council met in July and August to update and amend priorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Universal No-Cost Contraception – City of New Westminster –

Council supported a request for support from the City of New Westminster’s resolution that petitions Premier Horgan seeking universal no-cost prescription contraception, administered in BC by the Medical Services Plan.

Three 24-hour reporting periods.
In the first reporting period from Sept. 18 to 19 we had 121 new cases.
From Sept. 19 to 20 we had 117 new cases
In the last 24 hours, we have had a further 128 new cases.

4 new deaths reported Monday
Total 227

Roly Russell – Grand Forks – Chair of the Regional District  -Kootenay Boundary

 

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Aimee Grice – Oliver – Councillor – Town of Oliver

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ODN talked to the provincial office, riding field organizers and the local riding association but no date set for nomination meeting.

According to Doug King of Kaleden, it will likely be an virtual/electronic meet in the very near future to pick from amoungst the two that have indicated their interest.

RDOS information system update

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has restored its regular email services. Board Directors and staff now have access to the email addresses that were in use prior to the service disruption.

An attempted ransomware attack in August resulted in limited access to information and network services, including email and some functionality on the RDOS website. During this time, staff are taking the opportunity to update and improve network service functionality and resiliency. The RDOS appreciates your patience while staff work to fully restore network services.

The following general department email addresses that were created while regular email service was down will continue to be active:

info@rdos.bc.ca

finance@rdos.bc.ca

billing@rdos.bc.ca

publicworks@rdos.bc.ca

planning@rdos.bc.ca

buildinginfo@rdos.bc.ca

engineering@rdos.bc.ca

hr@rdos.bc.ca (Human Resources)

cs@rdos.bc.ca (Community Services)

“This has not been a time of instability in government, this has been a time of unbelievable cooperation and collaboration for the people of British Columbia,”

“This is exactly what John Horgan should have continued doing. He has chosen not to.

This is an irresponsible and unnecessary election that he’s proposing. Whatever excuses he’s making up for it, let’s be clear: This is about him and his party, putting their fortunes ahead of British Columbians at a time when people are worried about their jobs, their financial security, their children and their health.

And they don’t have the privilege that he has, with an ongoing salary and a secure pension.

“He has to realize that he is out of touch with reality for most British Columbians right now.”

Leader of the Green Party of BC, Sonia Furstenau

The problem for Ron and or other people interested – the provincial organizing committee has not set a date for a nomination.

ODN has contacted other interested parties and the provincial organizing committee with no results….

Hovanes told Oliver Daily News he has stated clearly in the past an interest in the nomination and has been surprised a nomination meeting had not been scheduled.

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No word from the New Democratic Party – seems at least one SO town councillor interested in addition to a rural director from the Grand Forks area.