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

 

***

Aimee Grice – Oliver – Councillor – Town of Oliver

***

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.

***

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.

Premier John Horgan visited Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin in Victoria on Monday morning to advise her to dissolve the legislature, and told reporters at an 11 a.m. press conference she granted his request and thereby kick-started B.C.’s 42nd provincial general election.

“I’ve struggled mightily with this decision and it did not come easily to me,” said Horgan.

It is the first time in B.C. history that voters will go to the polls during a provincial state of emergency, which the NDP government first declared in response to COVID-19 on March 18.

British Columbians will vote about a month from now with advanced voting starting Oct. 16, according to Elections B.C.

 

Hamish Telford, a political scientist at the University of the Fraser Valley.  “The risk is considerable that voters may turn on Horgan and punish him for sparking an unnecessary election during a crisis.”

Source: Vancouver Sun

 

A really good discussion on left and right – recently

A really good debate about facts and statistics – recently

A really good chat….. that  went awry.

 

Won’t mention any names but a warning issued – we at ODN, the royal we love discussion, argument, debate and various points of view.

The owners, the advertisters, the readers however will not tolerate dismissive behavior, insults ( and yes the publisher has been found guilty of this in the past).

I have always said – keep it clean – fire a shot or two but ODN is not a forum for anyone wanting to take over the site or the conversation.

One recent reader/commenter thought that all his words, all his thoughts, all his comments sh0uld be published.

He has gone……….. and you might want to know why.

I tried to contact him via email and there was no reply. He continues to attempt to interject his “chain of thoughts”.. but alas he is not evident here anymore.

Once again – keep it clean, keep it objective, make your arguments but there is no excuse for dismissive behaviors and statements.

If your opinions, if your facts, if your references are not persuasive. Then you lose.   Slander someone, attempting to classify someone as an idiots doesn’t work. I can recommend many other internet sites where you can swear, use profanity and sexual references but in the end…………

 

you really look stupid.

 

Update – Premier Horgan to announce this morning after a meet with Lt. Governor.

***

Nothing official yet but political pundits say – Tuesday at the latest if the Premier wants and election prior to November 7.

BC elections must be on Saturday and sufficient time must be available to prepare the list of voters, mail outs, advance polls etc.

In Boundary Similkameen – the sitting MLA is not running again.

To the best of our knowledge no nomination meeting has been scheduled for the NDP or the Liberals – the two groups to battle it out.

ODN has attempted to contact sources within the NDP and the Liberal Party – but so far no contact, no communication, no candidates announced.

Could it be that the injured pelican who was stuck on Tuc-el-nuit Lake late last fall has returned?

On Sunday, September 20th a lone pelican flew in over our heads and landed right in front of the place he’d spent those harrowing weeks here until we were able to contact the Wildlife Rescue Centre of BC in Burnaby.

They came to Mr. P.’s aid as quickly as possible. He spent the winter there and after a a couple of operations and a very lengthy rehabilitation, he was taken to his summer home in Chilanko Forks, BC near Williams Lake where he has stayed with his family until now……….it may not be Mr. P. but we’re sure enjoying the thought that he may have wanted us to know he had fully recovered and is on his way to his winter home in California.

Carolyn Madge

Car Fire at bottom of Bellevue Drive on Meadows. 5pm Sunday
Exact cause not determined even tho the filter apparatus on top of the carb blew off.

Quick attention by Oliver Fire Department with several members living nearby.

635 fires listed by the BC Wildfire Service this year – with about 50 percent caused by human action

Autumn (FALL) begins tomorrow September 22 – 3 more months and then it is Winter and we ready ourselves for Christmas and the beginning of the new Year

As of this afternoon, all 29 cyclists have completed their commitment to cycle 1,000km over the past 10 days. This year, the group was challenged initially knowing that they’d have to cycle the majority of those miles on their own from home because we couldn’t have the full group on the road together.

Part way through our 10 day commitment, air quality from wildfires meant that we had to ask cyclists to ride indoors. Cycling indoors was a major mental and physical challenge for the group, but we were able to get everybody back outside on Friday and as of today they’ve all met their commitment. We are so grateful and proud of their achievement, which also raised significant funds for local kids.

To start our day, we had 3 groups of riders leave Vernon from the Kalamalka Lake viewpoint headed south for Kelowna. Arriving in spaced intervals, the group all arrived to a quiet but humble end to celebrate their achievements.

This is not the ride we had envisioned to celebrate our 20th Anniversary, but we are proud that we were able to pull it off safely and successfully. We had a great team that was adaptable, hard working and dedicated to the kids in our community. I hope to see them all back again next year for another ride together.

Until then, thank you for your support.

Ride Captain, Julio Krenz

copsforkids.org – use this link to donate

In 1977 George and Marie moved to Oliver, bought an orchard south of Rd 18 and two years later George built a new home on Mountainview Drive. 41 years in that house that is now sold.

Once George arrived in Oliver he gained employment at Gerard Zandee’s farm mechanical shop after a long career in management with Burns Foods.

In early October George and Marie will move to Manitoba to be near siblings on both sides of the family.

George and Marie married 54 years ago. They will be missed by many.

Look at the number of cases – that tested positive, the death rate and the general population

General BC population – 5.1 million people

How many have died of complications due to the Covid-19 virus – 219

Only 234 people sent to ICU – the most serious of cases

87 percent of deaths are people over the age of 70

13 percent of deaths in people under the age of 69

Deaths by region

1 in  Northern Health

2 in Interior Health

5 on Vancouver Island

211 in Fraser Health and Coastal Health (Vancouver to Hope)

Source: BC Centre for Disease Control

THE EXTENDED FAMILY                                                             

When I was growing up children were not encouraged to use first names when addressing an adult.  It was always Mr. or Mrs. so and so, or if the people were well known to your family, you were asked to address them as auntie or uncle.

As a result of this most kids had lots of aunties and uncles who were not related to the family.  However, if an adult was a senior citizen, they reverted back to Mr. or Mrs.

The result of this extended family meant that children were expected to help with chores for other people, mainly running errands, sweeping walkways or bringing in coal.  Because of this, our generation was brought up to be helpful.  We may have resented this draw on our time but knew it was expected, so never really thought it an imposition.  

Schoolchildren paid half the adult fare on the bus but were expected to give up a seat if an adult was standing.  This was an unwritten rule and if you were travelling alone and did not offer your seat, you were guaranteed a poke in the back from the person behind you, to remind you to stand.

I know that times have changed but is being helpful a thing of the past and outdated?  I really don’t think so and think that young people should still be made aware that their younger, stronger legs can be of service to a senior who is carrying a heavy load.

Each of our four daughters was brought up to think of others and they are all helpful, however only two of them expect their children to help out.  Half of my grandchildren help around their home, have definite chores to perform and if needed they are expected to help grandparents with weeding or helping move yard waste or other stuff.  They get spending money but are encouraged to earn extra by doing extra chores.

The other grandchildren, all in their early twenties, sit on their butts while their mothers, who work outside the home, carry in groceries, load and unload dishwashers, cook meals and do laundry.  A couple of these young people don’t have jobs as they have not decided what they want out of life, but their parents seem happy to let them lounge around for years on end.

I find it hard to keep my lip buttoned but it is not my business how my children raise their offspring, so I keep quiet.  Watching my daughters treat their kids like guests who should be waited on is very difficult so I prefer not to visit too often.  When we do visit I treat everyone to dinner out so mom can get a rest from caring for the whole group.

It is very hard not to comment on why expensive phones, computers and other non-essentials are bought for these loafers.  If you don’t work or help out, no treats, would be my attitude, but then again, I am of a different generation!

Each of our daughters had little jobs, while still at school, either baby sitting or some weekend job that gave them extra spending money.  When questioned now, they say they appreciated having to earn their own “extras”, and it made them appreciate the value of money.

We parents both worked but, even so, we rarely had extra money for treats.  All the family got good food, good clothing and all their school needs for field trips, etc. but our entertainment was mostly drives to local lakes and a picnic, as this is all we could afford.  Camping was our holiday and we all enjoyed it, we went to different beaches each day with food, books and swimwear and spent hours enjoying the ocean or exploring tidal pools followed by reading.  

All of our girls look back on these holidays with great memories and never felt we scrimped to make these excursions happen, only now do they realize now how little money we had to spend.

I feel some of my grandchildren are going to go into their lives thinking the world owes them a living.  How will they manage in the work place when they cannot even get up to get a glass of water?  Is mom going to go with them and pave the way?  I think not.  These parents are not doing their kids any favours by not preparing them for the working environment.  These are my feelings but, then again, I am of a different generation and maybe I am wrong.

Looks like a winter scene

Big camp out scheduled but no real evidence.

Wade? wassup

It’s For Sure (Part 1)

Common certainties in life are the proverbial taxes, some degree of pain and suffering in life, then death. But there are other more positive and encouraging assurances in these uncertain times. Here are three of them.

1. The Creator Exists
God is the Designer, Creator, Sustainer and Owner of all that there is. He has not lost control. From the tiniest cell to the immeasurable vastness of the universe the phenomenal complexity, balance and organization is being sustained. There are so many conditions that are just right, and that are being held in place for us. That did not come about by itself. The universe is an accomplishment that defies our imagination. This commands awe and respect for the Creator. That’s for sure!

2. Love Exists
We are extremely fortunate that this same God is loving, kind and compassionate. He is caring and forgiving towards all He has made. We can count on that. It’s our perception of what love is that causes us confusion. There is romantic love (eros), friendship love (phileo) but also divine love (agape). While all three will include wanting to do what’s best for the other person none of them are as thorough as agape love which can show itself as ‘tough love’ too. This is the kind that God exercises consistently in providing for us and caring about us even when we rebel against Him. This calls for appreciation from us plus compassion to everyone, for sure.

3. Sin Exists
“Wait a minute!” you may say. “Aren’t these articles supposed to be uplifting?” Yes, they are, but the only people who want a lift are the ones who realize they are down. We are sinners by nature and by practice, not just imperfect people who make mistakes. We want God to stay out of our lives in spite of all He’s done for us. That is the sin. The penalty for sin is death – spiritual death now and physical death eventually. But again we are very favored in that Jesus was willing to pay that penalty Himself for us all. He did not have to do that for us. It was love that kept Him on the cross, not the nails. We are told that He bore our sins in His body on the cross. What a priceless gift for those who acknowledge their need and accept it – for sure!

I don’t understand all the issues that trouble us but I will let my life be guided by answers I can’t question rather than questions I can’t answer.

(Part two (next week) will deal with 4 other certainties that are for those who want to live a Christian life that honors the Lord.)

Gratefully,

 

Henry Wiebe

 

If all goes well – there might be rain

But the prevailing thought is that the jet stream will move the smoke eastward over the next 36 hours

We shall see

 

firesmoke.ca

VICTORIA – To make the Royal BC Museum’s collections and archives more accessible, the B.C. government will build a new collections and research building in Colwood.

“Today we are taking the first major step to modernize the Royal BC Museum,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Our government is building a state-of-the-art facility to preserve our history for future generations. This construction project will create jobs for people on Vancouver Island and help support B.C.’s economic recovery.”

The 3.2-hectare (eight acre) piece of land at the Royal Bay development in Colwood will include a new approximately 14,000 square-metre facility. It will use mass timber construction and meet CleanBC energy efficiency standards. Building construction will generate more than 950 direct and indirect good-paying jobs.

The proposed facility will house the Royal BC Museum’s archives, collections and research department. It will improve research activities by providing dedicated research labs and learning spaces. It will also improve access to the museum’s vast collections. The new building will offer learning opportunities for students, both in person and online.

The collections and research building will hold the following collections, as well as the BC Archives:

* birds and mammals

* botany

* fish

* entomology

* history

* paleontology

* modern history

In October, crews will begin preparing the site for construction, including surveying and earthworks. The government will undertake a competitive procurement process in the coming months to select a design-build team to lead the development of the project. Project funding details will be released upon successful execution of the contract with the successful bidder. Government expects the project to break ground in winter 2021 and to be complete in summer 2024.

This is the first phase of the Royal BC Museum modernization project. The main museum and public galleries will remain at the downtown site in Victoria. The B.C. government is committed to redeveloping the museum space downtown and will announce plans in 2021.

It has been an interesting week as I ponder the make up of the human race and the collection of dysfunctionals we truly are. I did a lot of listening and reading different points of view and the collection of belief systems various people subscribe to.

Yes I do that a lot but this week was different.

A friend of mine was short a picker in his orchard so I got out the lone picking bag I have left and went to give him a hand. It gave me some time to really absorb what people are saying in many cases not thinking about what they are saying.

The Covid-19 situation is but one example.

When it comes to the virus, why is it we have to legislate some into compliance? A few examples. In days gone by if a farmers barn burned down, the neighbors did a barn raising and rebuilt it before the next days sun went down. It was about human compassion and respect for a neighbor whose livelihood was compromised. Today in the midst of a pandemic we can’t even get people to wear a mask.

Listening to some…. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

Some have actually claimed by wearing a mask to possibly protect others, you are being drawn into a government conspiracy to somehow control you. Think about that. How shallow a mind would a person have to be, mentally prevented from thinking because they wore a mask?

I also loved the one where someone at a civic council meeting south of the border said wearing a mask was somehow against God. No I did not make that up. Getting past the nonsense is a hard task in some cases. Many believe there is a media and government conspiracy. If you ponder that for a moment, government and media have been at each others throat since the advent of scribes like Homer and Plato. It…. the constant that keeps lawyers busy.

Today the internet is full of conspiracy theories and people prognosticating on dark threats to our well being as a species.

The media is brainwashing us. That is the mantra of unknown voices who have their own agenda, the one where they want to show how brilliant they are by spreading unsubstantiated rumors at lightning speed to the gullible who are too lazy to fact check what they are hearing. So here is a question for you. Why is it there are some who put their faith in others with no credentials who post stories without fact or evidence instead of credible news outlets who have the resources to ensure the stories are factually true?
For example we know there is no vaccine for Covid-19. The science and medical establishment say at present social distancing and masks are the best defense we have. This is reasonable in view of what we are facing.

There are also snake oil salesmen with magic cures and potions.

Concoctions and remedies that some buy into are often of more harm than good. They go from the sublime to the ridiculous. What would you believe is a deterrent, wearing a mask and social distancing, or running in circles around your house, naked, swinging a bag of squirrels over your head? The choices are approaching this level of nonsense.

What is the main reason for all these conspiracies? In my view We have world events moving faster than people can digest them mindfully or emotionally and there are those who will grasp the first thing that looks like an answer. Some believe the government is in a deep plot against them. I think it might be worse. We have governments watching the problems of the world mount, and individually and collectively these same governments have no answers. In that vacuum the citizens of the world are running off madly in all directions looking for answers and leadership and there is little to be found.

As for choices, I will stay out of the way, I will socially distance and wear a mask if for no other reason than I cannot afford a bag of squirrels.

 

 

Fred Steele

” With two age groups, 20-29 and 30-39, making up the bulk of recent Covid-19 cases in British Columbia, the median age for an infected patient has dropped to 38 years old.

It was 55 at the start of the pandemic.”

BC Centre for Disease Control

Civil jury trials suspended, ensuring timely access to justice during COVID-19

VICTORIA – Starting on Sept. 28, 2020, following consultation with the Supreme Court of B.C. and key stakeholders, the attorney general is amending the Rules of Civil Court to temporarily suspend all civil jury trials for a period of one year.

This action by the Province is intended to help courts remain safe and minimize the impact of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Criminal jury trials resumed on Sept. 8, 2020.

Under this temporary suspension, civil jury trials will resume on Oct. 4, 2021, with any trial taking place before this date to be heard by a judge alone. In addition, neither plaintiffs nor defendants will be permitted to adjourn cases to a later date in order to have the matter heard by a jury, unless the court orders otherwise.

This change effectively extends the direction by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of B.C. to cancel civil jury trials up to and including January 1, 2021. Other provinces, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, have also temporarily suspended civil jury trials as a result of COVID-19.

The suspension of civil jury trials will help to minimize any delays arising from the impact of additional safety measures required in courts as a result of COVID-19, such as the need to find alternative locations or rearrange rooms to allow for physical distancing, installing plexiglass barriers and hand wash stations in the courthouse, and carrying out enhanced cleaning and regular health screenings

Strong in-class student participation for September restart

VICTORIA – As the first full week of school comes to a close, early attendance numbers show more than 85% of K-12 public school students returned for in-class learning, with increased staffing and supports, according to a Ministry of Education survey.

“It’s been incredible to see so many students being able to connect with their teachers, support staff and classmates again, and that school districts developed remote options for other students across B.C.,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “Both as a parent and as Minister of Education, I’m grateful to educators and staff for the innovation, collaboration and hard work that went into getting schools ready for this safe restart, with local solutions to meet the specific needs of students and families.”

The Ministry of Education surveyed school districts and independent schools to find out what investments they were making and how they were supporting students and staff during the pandemic. To date, 44 public school districts and 129 independent schools have reported to the ministry.

In the summer, Fleming directed school districts to connect with families in their community to determine their return to school plans – and to confirm if they planned for their child to attend school classes. As part of this, all school boards were given the authority to offer remote options to students within their districts, as well as the tools needed to increase their existing programs to meet any demand. If a family needed alternative learning options, school districts were expected to work with families to provide remote options that keep children connected to their school communities.

Yesterday saw something I had not seen before – thought someone was dropping off chemicals near the road.

My expert in the area says it is an application to kill puncture-vine weed.

The area where this is visible – west of Sumac Street on Fairview Rd – all the way up the hill.

Thursday – 165 new cases – 1 reported death

Prior

Wednesday – 122 new cases

Tuesday – 97 new cases

Monday – 61 new cases – 6 reported deaths over the weekend

Sunday – 119 new cases

Saturday – 137 new cases

Friday – 132 new cases

Week totals

7 deaths reported for a total of 220

621 new cases reported for a total of 1705 active cases

Thanks to Mike Monaghan

BC government announcement today

The next steps in B.C.’s recovery plan will help build a stronger, more resilient economy for everyone.

* Making health care better by hiring 7,000 new front-line health-care workers. This includes thousands of health-care aides to manage outbreaks in long-term care homes and 600 contact tracers to help stop further spread in the community. The plan will also increase support for mental health care in the workplace and introduce a new Hospital at Home initiative that will allow patients to receive medical services in their own home from a team of health professionals.

* Creating jobs and opportunities by investing in targeted and short-term training in the skills people need to get work in high-demand fields, including for those who want to move into new, front-line health, child care and human-service positions. The plan will also expand Indigenous skills training and accelerate the creation of affordable child-care spaces so that more parents, particularly women, can get back to work. It includes investments of over $100 million to support tourism-related businesses and communities.

* Helping businesses grow and rehire with a 15% refundable tax credit based on eligible new payroll. It will also introduce a small- and medium-sized business recovery grant to support approximately 15,000 hard-hit businesses, while protecting as many as 200,000 jobs. Tourism operators will be eligible for a special top-up. The plan will also provide a temporary 100% PST rebate on select machinery and equipment to make it easier for eligible businesses to make the kinds of investments that will allow them to grow and become more productive.

* Supporting strong communities by investing over $400 million to revitalize community infrastructure and support local governments to provide the valuable services people depend on. This includes $100 million in infrastructure grants for shovel-ready projects that will create jobs right away. The plan also earmarks over $1 billion in provincial and federal investments to help keep people moving, whether by transit, TransLink or BC Ferries. An additional $540 million in combined federal/provincial funding will help B.C. communities address other local challenges impacted by COVID-19.

Upgrades have recently been completed at Oliver Landfill and Keremeos Waste Transfer Station, to improve Solid Waste Management services.

Both landfills are operated by the Regional District of OkanaganSimilkameen (RDOS).

Modified shipping containers have been installed to allow for the safe drop off of used motor oil, oil filters and anti-freeze. The containers, supplied by the BC Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA) provide spill containment and secure storage.

The used oil depots at all RDOS landfills have limited storage, therefore there is a limit of 20 litres of used oil per vehicle, per day. Jiffy Lube in Penticton and the T2 Bottle Depot in Oliver are designated for larger volumes of used oil. Agriculturists or businesses with large volumes of motor oil can work directly with BCUOMA on the best options for safe recycling. For more information, please visit www.bcusedoil.com or
call 1-844-722-8662.

Oliver Landfill upgrades also include a new entrance configuration, an upgraded 24 metre (80 feet) scale, a new scale house and a new alignment of recycling containers for RecycleBC. The Oliver Landfill is currently open 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Used oil and anti-freeze is accepted Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

In addition to the new BCUOMA container, the scale house at the Keremeos Waste Transfer Station has been upgraded. A new container has been added for disposal of residential paper and cardboard, residential batteries, electronics, lights and smoke alarms. The Keremeos Transfer Station is currently open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and seasonally (March to the end of November) Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m.

In 2007, Keremeos Landfill stopped burying waste. All garbage is now transported to Campbell Mountain Landfill in Penticton for disposal. The RDOS is working with the province to develop a closure plan for that portion of the property where garbage used to be buried. The dedication of the current site as a Solid Waste Management/Transfer Station will ensure residents of Lower Similkameen will have

 

Shirley Jean Murray
May 26, 1932 – September 14, 2020

 

It is with deep sadness that the family of Shirley Jean Murray announces that she lost her battle with cancer on September 14.

Shirley passed away peacefully at home in Oliver at the age of 88 surrounded by the love of those closest to her.

She was born in Kelowna May 1932 and predeceased by her parents, Roy and Catherine Pollard (Kelowna), sister Dinny O’Connell (North Vancouver), brother Jim Pollard (Kelowna).

She is survived by her loving husband, Neil of 57 years, daughter Sheilagh (Barney), North Vancouver, son Chris (Kristina), Oliver; very special grandchildren, Caragh and Maya Lang and Megan and Trent Murray along with sister, Karen Smith (Castlegar). Shirley will also be fondly remembered by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Shirley graduated from Kelowna High School in 1950 and continued her studies at UBC, School of Business. Upon graduation, she was employed with a firm of chartered accountants in Vancouver until she married Neil. After some time in Kelowna and Penticton, they settled in Oliver in 1971.

Shirley’s passions included family, community, gardening, travelling in their RV and her love of reading (3 major newspapers daily and multiple books a week).

Shirley was always highly involved in her community. During her children’s formative years, she took an active role in their extra-curricular activities at the arena, on the playing field, in the gym and on the ski hill.

Her community involvements included her role as an active member of the Hospital Auxiliary Board for over 50 years, 12 years as Campaign Manager for the Oliver Cancer Society, founding member and President for the Oliver Soroptimists, committee member for the B.C. Winter Games (1985) and the Oliver Senior Games, active engagement with the Mt. Baldy Association, spent 4.5 years on the Oliver District Parks and Recreation Commission and was instrumental in forming the Community Foundation for Oliver in her role as Director. As such, it came as no surprise when she received the Oliver Good Citizen Award in 1992 along with other community recognitions.

Shirley exemplified strength and resilience to the end, demonstrating true dignity throughout her fight with cancer. We would like to thank her for sharing her life with us and instilling her values of compassion, humility and gratitude. She will always be remembered for the beautiful soul that she is, touching everyone around her.

Shirley loved her community and would appreciate any donations going towards the Oliver Community Foundation, 390 Main St. 2nd floor, Penticton, BC V2A 5C3.

A private family service will be held at the Oliver Municipal Cemetery.

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

Now hiring full + part time servers and line cooks for year round work
Drop off resume or email

fsotiros@shaw.ca

Pappas Firehall Bistro

source: firesmoke.ca

Mapping of fires and smoke distribution in Pacific Northwest – seems to indicate a clearing trend, less smoke, less particulates, lower indices.

Rain in forecast

The start of fall to commence next week

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has issued a new public health order making it easier for people to access safe alternatives to toxic street drugs.

The order, issued on Wednesday, authorizes registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses to prescribe pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs “to help separate more people from the poisoned street drug supply to save lives and provide opportunities for ongoing care, treatment and support.”

Only doctors and nurse practitioners have been able to prescribe drugs, including substitute medications for illicit-drug users as an alternative to potentially deadly substances on the street.

Overdose deaths have spiked in B.C. since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. B.C. recorded 911 overdose deaths between January and July of 2020. Over that same period of time, 195 people died of COVID-19.

More than 5,000 people have fatally overdosed in B.C. since the province declared a public health emergency in 2016. Before the pandemic, the number of fatalities had been on the decline for the first time since 2012.

Boundary Similkameen

 

Do the Liberals have a candidate – ready to go if an election called?

Will the NDP utilize Colleen Ross of Grand Forks again?

Despite rumours of a fall election – there has been very little “political” action in our provincial riding.

MLA Linda Larson indicated previously she is not planning on running again – several people have been mentioned as a replacement but a decision has NOT been made by those in the party.

Rumblings of some new interest in the NDP job – but it seems “mums” the word.

ODN has reached out but so far – no one wants to appear to be too eager….

Some blue sky appeared Tuesday afternoon with an increase in light

Let us hope we see that trend continue

Just want to let you know the winner’s for this 11th week are:

Aimee Grice Ticket #391 – $52.00

Sean Petrick Ticket #17 – $100.00

 

Smoky Lake

What to do if your deferral is ending…….. and you cannot pay?

Now that we’re halfway through September and a little over six months since the official declaration of a global pandemic, the six-month “vacation” that many Canadians took from their mortgage and other debt obligations is coming to an end.

By the end of June, 760,000 Canadians had put their mortgages on pause and a full 2.6 million (or roughly 10 per cent of credit consumers) had put at least one of their debt obligations on an active deferral. These deferrals were meant to help households stay financially solvent during temporary unemployment with the hope that the labour market would significantly recover by the time the deferrals expired.

To further complicate the problem, the significant government handouts will also be ending at around the same time. Just recently the latest Canadian household debt ratio numbers came out and they showed a dramatic decline from 175.4 per cent to 158.2 which sounded quite promising on the surface. But the true story here is that debt loads didn’t shrink at all during the past few months, only that disposable income went up due to all of the stimulus.

So, what happens if your deferral is about to end but you can’t afford to resume payments? Let’s look at two main scenarios and how to respond. First, if it looks like you’ll be able to start making the payments again soon, you can consider several options.

A short-term loan or borrowing from a line of credit might be the simplest solution if you have either option available. But if you’re not fully confident that you’ll be able to start paying again soon, this could put you much farther into debt in short order.

You should also consider reaching out to your lender and explaining your situation. If you can prove that you just need a little bit more time, they may be open to extending the deferral a little longer for you. If you go this route though, be very careful to fully understand what other ramifications their extension comes with.

Second, if it looks like you are nowhere near ready to start making payments again, some additional planning is likely going to be required. It’s very unlikely that a lender will do a significant additional deferral for you, but you should still discuss with them right away. If you wait until after you’ve missed a payment, your options will quickly dwindle.

For some, a major decision may need to be made including selling your house or filing a consumer proposal.

Selling your home may not sound to appealing but it would be much better for you to be in control of that situation instead of having your bank foreclose and sell it for you. A consumer proposal could allow you to reduce your non-mortgage debt and stay in your home as long as you can keep making mortgage payments.

Finally, what if you chose to take a deferral to build up an emergency cash reserve and can afford to not only start re-paying, but can also put that built up reserve against your outstanding debt?

At this point, the outcome of the pandemic is nowhere near clear and a second shutdown is seeming more and more likely. Even though you’re accruing a little extra interest from the deferral, you might want to consider going back to regular payments only and sitting on that cash reserve a little longer.

Once things fully settle down, you can decide what to do with your emergency fund then.
Regardless of what position you’re in, the worst thing you can likely do is nothing. Be proactive in your financial situation, no matter how bleak it may feel and make the best decisions available to you by getting all of the information and the best advice.

 

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

The murals that had been on display at the Okanagan Historical Society Kiosk in the Fairview town site have been restored and returned to the Fairview Kiosk.

The Fairview kiosk site consists of two adjoining lots that were the site of the Presbyterian Church, constructed at Fairview in 1899. In 1925 the Presbyterian Church was dismantled and moved to Okanagan Falls where it currently serves as the United Church. The windows were covered from the inside and a charge of dynamite was hung from the ceiling and lit. The explosion loosened the nails, making the dismantling of the church possible. As a result of this, it received a nick-name, the “Blasted Church”.

The Okanagan Historical Society acquired the Fairview properties from the United Church of Canada in 1970. The present kiosk with the Glenn Clarke murals was officially opened in May of 1997. Over time the murals faded and suffered minor damage. They were taken down late last year and restored by the original artist, who lives in Penticton. New polycarbonate protective coverings have also been purchased and installed. It is interesting that one reason the project took so long to complete is that the demand for (and the cost of) polycarbonate has increased dramatically recently, due to Covid 19 safety requirements.

The Okanagan Historical Society would like to acknowledge a donation from the Okanagan Archives Trust (OATS) that helped with the completion of this project.
The murals are interesting and the site is very attractive. They are certainly worth a visit.

The Fairview Heritage Townsite Society has tenure on an adjoining 80 acre parcel and has recently completed a major upgrade to a 1.1 kilometre trail that meanders through the old town site. Remains of the town site have faded with time but it is still a very pleasant walk and can be tied in with a visit to view the murals. The trail can be accessed from the Fairview kiosk site or a new parking area on Old Golf Course Road.

The photo below shows Bruce Hamilton, Larry Shannon and Ernie Dumais, with three of the twelve restored murals.

Written by Larry Shannon
Top photo by South Okanagan Photos
Bottom picture submitted