Chetwynd Echo August 2, 2013

Chetwyndbaby sharesroyal birthPage 3

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Dangerousplant found

in PeacePage 7

Bernierignoring bus

issuesPage 20

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Prices are in effect from Friday, August 2 to Thursday, August 82013

Look what’s in thisweeks flyer at your local

INSIDEOfficial report showsChetwynd sewage

lagoons “insufficient”

BY MIKE CARTERChetwynd Echo Reporter

––––––––––––––CHETWYND- An engineering

report by Golder Associates Ltd.commissioned by the District ofChetwynd to find out what wentwrong this past winter with thetown’s sewage lagoons, points to amultitude of circumstances which ledto effluent being discharged into thePine River that was toxic to some fish

species.There is no indication of a “fish

kill” at present as a result of theabove normal toxicity in the effluentdischarged.The Golder report states the current

lagoon system is insufficient for thetown’s current population.As a result, the Golder report rec-

ommends deepening the currentlagoons, upgrading the aeration to asub-surface system and adding a

fourth aerated cell to increase capaci-ty, prompting District Council to passa motion which commits the town toan initial $84,000 in planning costs.The entire capacity-increasing proj-

ect, which could begin as early as thisfall, carries a final price tag in excessof $4.5 million. The Golder reportitself cost $41,000.According to District Chief

Administrative Officer DougPlease see "DISTRICT," page 2

Fleming and Public WorksManager Paul Gordon,there are several reasonswhy the problems arosethat could be attributed toan historical lack of regularmaintenance and a failureon the part of the District torealize the actual capacityof the lagoons.“When I started here, I

was told the sewer[lagoons] were more or less

designed for 5,000 people,”Fleming said.Operating on this

assumption, the districtaccepted commercialhaulers in 2008 and beganaccepting sewage from thePine River Gas plant aswell as the Grizco campservicing the now defunctWillow Creek Mine in2010.“It was a result of this

investigation [by Golder]that we were shocked to

find this 5,000 number thatwas circulated aroundtown for the last 25 yearswasn’t an accurate num-ber,” Gordon added.“The results of the study

were a bit of a wake up callfor us. We said OKwe haveto pull up our socks. Doingnothing is not an option.”Earlier this year the

Ministry of Environmentthreatened the town withan initial fine of $250,000,which would escalate to alarger amount if steps werenot taken to deal with theissue.Like most municipalities

in the province, Chetwynddoes have a permit fromthe provincial Ministry ofthe Environment under theWaste Management Act todischarge semi-treatedeffluent into bodies ofwater. The process of treat-ing sewage water relies onMother Nature to assist inthis last step of the treat-ment.The amount of discharge

allowed by a permit ismeasured in units ofBiochemical OxygenDemand or BOD, which is

the amount of dissolvedoxygen needed by micro-organisms in a body ofwater to break down theorganic material present.The Golder report shows

that this past winter, theDistrict’s six-celled lagoontreatment system wasexceeding the permittedBOD count by as much asthree times the allowedamount.“We found that some of

our presumptions weren’texactly accurate and itforced us to really addresswhat we have out thereand accelerate any work

plan that we had anticipat-ed,” Gordon stated.“The problem didn’t

happen overnight and itwas a long time coming I’dsuggest. There was a com-placency that I think we allhad based on this 5,000 thathad been circulating. WhenI go back to when thoselagoons were built, I can’tfind proof of that number.It was an urban myth thateverybody in townbelieved. To see that for us;we’ve been going on thewrong premise all along.”Fleming added that

some elements of the storythis far just didn’t makesense.“It’s what we did and

didn’t know at the time. Itnever drew any concern tomy attention that wewould add somebody likeGrizco into the pack[because] when I startedhere I was told the sewertreatment plant wasdesigned for 5,000. I can’tbelieve that 20 years agothey would have designeda sewer treatment plantjust to [service] the popula-tion of the day.”

Going forward, theDistrict will now have tocome up with a plan tofund the nearly $5 millionlagoon-system upgrade.“It’s our intent to lever-

age provincial and federalgrants,” Fleming said. “Theway the project is going tounfold is in pieces. We mayend up having to borrow asignificant amount ofmoney.”What this means for the

taxpayers of Chetwynd isthat the debt will be repaidthrough service and utilitycharge increases. Yet,Fleming believes the towncan minimize the rateincreases by being creativein how it finds the fundsfor the much-needed work.“This is a huge cost to the

taxpayers of Chetwyndpotentially, so we are goingto try to mitigate that asmuch as possible,” he said.“The easy way is to just

borrow the money and dothe work and tack it on thetax bill, but we’re going towork a little harder and do

Friday,August 2, 2013 Chetwy nd Echo2 Chetwy nd Echo

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LOCAL NEWS

NOTICEDue to the BC Day Holiday,

The Chetwynd EchoChetwynd Echo officewill be closed Monday August 5.We will resume our regular schedule

on Wednesday, August 3, 2013Our regular office hours are Mon -Thurs 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed

12-1 for lunch)

Continued from page 1

District must find almost $5 million to upgrade system

Please see "PROBLEM,"page 24

Doing nothing isnot an option.

-Paul GordonPublicWorks Manager


––––––––––––––CHETWYND – Chetwynd res-

ident Stella Chamale has wonthe North Peace RegionalAirport’s “Take the Pledge to

Fly YXJ” contest, bringing hometwo tickets to anywhere CentralMountain Air flies.Chamale said she wasn’t sure

yet just where she would begoing.The “Fly YXJ” pledge cam-

paign was a unique programthat encouraged residents of thePeace Region to consider theFort St. John Airport first whenmaking their travel plans.All anyone had to do to be

entered into the contest was take

the pledge either on the con-test’s Facebook page, the air-port’s website, or the manypledge box locations foundaround the Peace in airports andat special events.The pledge read, “I pledge to

make the North Peace RegionalAirport my first choice for trav-el. I understand this commit-ment will benefit me, my family,my business, my communityand my region.”

Dawson Creek DailyNews

––––––––––––––CHETWYND – For

many Canadian residents,news that a prince wasborn last week to Will andKate (more formallyknown as the Duke andDuchess of Cambridge)filled their social mediapages.But that news is just a

footnote for ColleenSimpson and ThomasLightburn of Chetwyndwho "feel like royalty"after the birth of theirbaby boy Barrett GeorgeLightburn on the sameday in Dawson Creek.Barrett was born at 7:45

a.m. local time onTuesday July 23, justbefore it was announcedthe royal baby hadarrived later in the morn-ing. The father said it was

"surprising to hear" thatKate and Colleen were inlabour at the same time,

as he had more pressingmatters to attend to atthat time.

"The prince is lucky toshare a birthday with ourlittle Barrett," said the

mom, her baby nestled inher arms.The royal child was

born at 8:24 am, our time,and quickly social medialit up with news of thelong awaited birth,despite earlier reportsthat the announcementwould be made tradition-ally by the use of an easel.As yet unnamed, the babyweighed in at 8 lbs, 6 oz."Let us join together in

celebration across theprovince to mark the birthof our future King," sug-gested the HonourableJudith Guichon,Lieutenant-Governor ofBritish Columbia. "As thethird in line, he is thefuture King of Canada.For Canadians, this his-toric occasion is an oppor-tunity to reflect on ourstrong and enduring con-nection to the Crown - an

institution that embodiesthe stable character of ourdemocracy."Premier Christy Clark

also issued a statement onroyal birth. "We join inwelcoming a new genera-tion to the Royal Family.We also celebrate therenewal of an institutionthat ties us to our sharedhistory across theCommonwealth," shesaid."For many British

Columbians, theMonarchy serves as asymbol of stability andhope in times of globaltransformation. With thebirth of their baby boy,this promise and commit-ment is renewed foranother generation.On behalf of all British

Columbians, I wish thenew family health, happi-ness, and joy."

3Friday,August 2, 2013Chetwy nd Echo

Be prepared for winter driving conditions.Check www.drivebc.ca or phone 1-800-550-4997for the latest road conditions in British Columbia.

Use caution when passingor encountering roadmaintenance equipment.

Drive Safely!

Be prepared for seasonal driving conditions. Check www.drivebc.caor phone 1-800-550-4997 for the latest road conditions in BC

Use caution when passing or encounteringroad maintenance equipment.

Drive Safely!

LOCAL NEWS

Friday 2 Saturday 3 Sunday 4 Tuesday 6 Wednesday 7 Thursday 8

High: 22Low: 13

High: 22Low: 13

High: 24Low: 11

High: 25Low: 11

High: 25Low: 10

High: 23Low: 11

High: 24Low: 12

Monday 5

British media blast was no match for Chetwynd babyboy news from Dawson Creek and District Hospital

"The prince is lucky to share a birthday with our little Barrett," said ColleenSimpson, seen here with her new baby Barrett George Lightburn and his father,Thomas Lightburn. Photo submitted

Chetwynd resident flying high after winning contest

Please see "PLEDGE," page 6

One 18-year-o ldk id wi th onep o c k e t k n i f e .

Twenty two off icers ,n ine gunshots and atazer. How did thathappen?Public outrage over the

death of 18-year-oldSammy Yatim who wasshot in an altercationwith Toronto police offi-cers on an empty street-car Saurday night is

being made very clear.In this time of social

media, the incident wascaught on video by sever-al witnesses and postedonline within minutes.As of Tuesday one onlinesite had more than750,000 views.I grew up in a family

that that taught me torespect the law and theofficers who enforcethose laws. And myviews have not changed.I can’t imagine how harda job being an officer is –especially in the city.However, I find it toughto respect the officersfrom the Toronto Police

Depar tmentafter this.B o t t o m

line: This kiddidn't haveto die. Hewas confinedin an emptystreetcar andwas thereforeno danger tothe public. Ifthe officerspresent wereafraid toapproach thiskid because he had aknife, why didn't theycall for someone to bringa riot shield? He couldhave been easily dis-

armed withvery littledanger toanyone.Why did

they have toshoot himnine times?How manybullets doesit take atclose range tokill one skin-ny youth?There had tobe more than

one officer shooting.After having shot this kidnine times, why did theyfeel the need to use atazer?

Instead of immediatelyshooting to kill, why did-n't they try to shoot toincapacitate him? A shotto the arm or leg wouldhave almost certainlymade the kid drop theknife and he'd be alivetoday (and perhaps get-ting the help he needs.) Iunderstand that one offi-cer has been suspended(with pay). What aboutthe other officer(s) whodischarged theirweapons?There is either some-

thing very wrong aboutthe way our police offi-cers are trained or, oncethey get out on the streets

some of them "go rogue."The list of those who

have lost their lives topolice bullets keepsgrowing. I'm not sayingthat a police shooting isnever justified but, fartoo many are not and yetthe officers involvedhave been cleared.It has got to stop.If we as a society are

going to place guns in thehands of our police offi-cers, they must beaccountable and theSpecial InvestigationsUnit has got to stop cov-ering up and condoningwhat amounts to murder.

4 Friday,August 2, 2013 Chetwy nd Echo

Email [email protected] or log ontoour Facebook page. Your response could be

included on page 5 next week.

OUR VIEWS

Sensible BC and DanaLarsen are coming to

Chetwynd next week to gar-ner support for a referendumto legalize Marijuana - do you

support the cause?

So many unanswered questions in the death of Sammy

CCHETWYNDHETWYNDEECHOCHO

Published each Fridayby Draper & DobieCompany Inc.

P.O Box 750 • 501650th Ave. Chetwynd,

BC • V0C 1J0

Telephone: 250-788-2246 Fax: 250-788-9988Email: [email protected]

Fan us on Facebook • Read us online www.issuu.com

An independent communitynewspaper established in 1959.Its main interests are those

which best serve the Chetwyndarea including Hudsonʼs Hope,

Jackfish, Hasler andGroundbirch areas.

Office HoursMonday to Thursday9 am to 5 pm

Submission deadlines:Tuesday at 4 pm

The opinions expressed on the editorial page of the Chetwynd Echo are strictly those of the paricular writers involved and are not necessarily sharedor supported in any way by Draper & Dobie Company Inc, itʼs management or employees. The columns of the Chetwynd Echo editorial page are opento letters to the editor of reasonable length dealing with current events or other concerns. All correspondence must include the name, address and telephonenumber of the author. The newspaper reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any submission or advertisements.

Naomi Larsen, Publisher/ Editor/Sales [email protected]@[email protected]

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Mike Carter, Reporter [email protected] Cloarec, Office Manager [email protected]

NOTABLYNOMI :)Naomi Larsen is Editor forthe Chetwynd Echo.Contact her at by phone at250.788.2246 or via [email protected]

Instead of immedi-ately shooting to

kill why didnʼt theytry to shoot to

incapacitate him?


You can email us at [email protected]; mail to Box 750 Chetwynd B.C.V0C 1J0 or drop of your letter at 5016 50 Avenue. All letters submitted must besigned with a return address and daytime telephone number so we can confirmthat it came from you. The Echo reserves the right to edit letters for clarity,legality, length and to refuse publication of any submitted material. We mayalso choose to use a letter as the basis for a story. So, be sure to keep yourletters brief and to the point. Letters originating from the Peace region get pri-ority. We encourage new contributors as we attempt to publish a cross-section

of public opinion. - Naomi Larsen, Editor

YOUR VIEWSWelcomePrinceTo the Editor:A few of your readers

actually tracked me downto ask what I meant bythat last list of abbrevia-tions for Canadianprovinces which appearedin a recent Echo.Sorry, Naomi, it was my

goof, but could you see fitto clarify, as follows:Wherever we livei nCanada we can contactour Prime Ministersthrough our MLA (mem-ber of the legislativeassembly). His job is toreport what we said tohim. Our job is to stand upand be counted whenthere is controversy overissues which vitally con-cern our nation.At the present time our

MP (member ofParliament) is MikeBernier.Also, a hearty welcome

to our newborn CrownPrince George. He will betrained intensively inpreparation for his coro-nation. I hope that on theday some of my descen-dents will be privileged toserve in our armed forcesand to solemnly swearallegiance to King GeorgeVI. By the grace of God,may he long reign overCanada.

Bea KurjataChetwynd

To the Editor:Radical element replies to

insinuations by members on thecommittee in regards to my out-spoken stand against the bylawand several other programs pro-posed by the PRRD.

My take on what a radical isin this instance is that if yourock the boat these schemers areriding in you become a radical.You might upset their plans.It is my firm belief that if the

people who signed these peti-

tions to reject the bylaw wouldhave stood their ground and notbeen induced to compromise bya smooth talking chairman onthe committee, the bylaw wouldhave been thrown out or on itsway out.It is amazing how easily peo-

ple will swap ends when a littledoubt or fear are suggested. It ismy opinion that the chairmanon this committee wants thebylaw in but knows he must getsome concessions in order to

sell it to the people.The board of directors wants

the 11 million hectares that isnot in their clutches at themoment. They see the possibili-ties that this massive land grabwill give them in revenue andpower to further their schemesagainst the landowners. CharlieLasser wants to chair the com-mittee because he wants the lawin but slightly modified justenough to sell the scheme and agullible spineless public has

bought the truckload of bull.You of faint heart still have a

chance to reject the bylaw at theupcoming meetings. Don’t missthe opportunity. Radical is aconvenient term for someonewho rocks the political boat. Donot mistake cunning for wis-dom.Be reasonable. See it their

way.

Jim RossChetwynd, B.C.

“Gullible spineless public” has bought the the bull: reader

THE CHETWYND ECHOIS CONSIDERING

PHASING OUT CARRIERDELIVERIES COME

2014. DO YOU HAVEYOUR PAPER DELIVEREDBY ONE OF OUR PAPERCARRIERS? IF YES,

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

“My son was one of yourcarriers , His customerswere super awesome tohim always , for theamount they get paidand it's not much, itsmore work then it'sworth for them, I wouldsay and it's just as easy

for my subscription to bedelivered in the postalbox he had a good littlerun but he is 14 now and45$ a month is notenough for 14 year oldsnow a days . You guystreated him well I mayadd as well he washappy just became to oldand wanted more $$$ ”

- Vicki

“I hope they do notphase out our carriers,it's a great first job forour youth and we havealways enjoyed our carri-ers!” - Janet

“I don't have delivery,but I think you shouldkeep the carriers. It's agreat way to teach kidsresponsibility and theylove making money!And, it would be nice to

be able to say "I deliv-ered newspapers justlike mom or dad”

- Alyssa

“We have excellentservice from our carrierbut unless you have awaiting list of new carri-ers wanting these jobs, itis more cost effective tohave the papers sent toour post office box.”

- Sheree

“Yes and I like it.”- Tara

“I think it's an awe-some first job. My sisterand I use to do a ruralroute in our neighbour-hood, and made 50cents a paper plus tips!(Getting goodies and atwenty dollar tip atChristmas from each

house was thrilling whenyour 9) it probably costmy parents more in gasfor the skidoos Duringthe winter, but I think itwas a very valuable Ididn't even know theyhad paper routes inchetwynd..”

-Nicole

“I love getting mypaper delivered and itdoes give a young per-son a chance to experi-ence a job and someresponsibility.”

- Kelly

“All three of our kidsdelivered papers andthat taught them respon-sibility and many othertraits. People loved themand treated them great.They also loved thetreats etc. at special

times like Christmas andtheir birthday. They stilltalk about their experi-ences. It isn't a lot ofmoney, but they canlearn from that too. Ouryoungest learned quicklythat it was cheaper to bya great at the grocerystore than at a convincestore. They all managedto save a little moneytoo. It did cost us quite abit of money for gasbecause we lived out oftown, but it was worththe sacrifice to us. Welove to see the youngones doing this service.”

- Marleta

LOG ONTO OUR FACE-BOOK PAGE FOR MORE DIS-CUSSION AND JOIN IN!PLEASE KEEP COMMENTSRESPECTFUL.

READERCOMMENTSfrom our Facebook page


Nearly half of all wildfires are preventable. Please, be responsible in our forests.

If you see a wild� re call *5555 on your cell.

To learn more visit BCWildfire.ca

LOCAL NEWS

Airport manager Moira Green says thecontest was a huge success and the win-ners are excited to receive their prizes,which should be delivered later thismonth.“The North Peace Regional Airport

now has three commercial carriers withthe addition of West Jet in June of thisyear,” Green said.“As a commitment to our carriers, the

airport went to the community with arequest that the community make theNorth Peace Regional Airport their firstchoice for travel.”All three airlines donated prizes in sup-

port of the event and the winners wereannounced Sunday at the Fort St. JohnInternational Air Show.The pledge campaign was launched in

late April.“We had a wonderful time doing the

campaign,” Green said. “We usedFacebook and Twitter as our primarymeans of reaching the community andwe also went on the road and had organ-izations and city council’s and localcouncils take the pledge and posted theirphotos all on twitter.”Among the local governments that

took the pledge were the District ofHudson’s Hope, the City of Fort St. John,the District of Taylor and the Peace RiverRegional District.President of the North Peace Airport

Society Fred Jarvis said the airport is animportant contributor to business andpleasure pursuits in the region.“Without this airport there would be a

tremendous void in our economy andour lifestyle,” he said. “I believe weshould endeavor to make sure our oper-ators keep operations going well wherev-er possible to make sure our airport is incompetition with others.”


Pledge campaign launched

Stella Chamale celebrates outside of the Chetwynd Echo Office on Monday. She haswon two tickets to any destination flown by Central Mountain Air. Chamale is notsure yet where she will be taking her trip. Photo by Mike Carter

BY NAOMI LARSENChetwynd Echo Editor

––––––––––––––CHETWYND – It’s tall,

hairy and boasts leaveswith serrated edges andhugewhite flower umbrellaheads and it looks almostidentical to Giant Hogweed– but it’s not.Many people have seen

what’s called Cow Parsnipgrowing thick along Peaceregion roadways and whileat first glance it may looklike Giant Hogweed how-ever one of the main differ-ences is it’s height.Hogweed can grow 15

feet tall or more. CowParsnip tops out at aroundsix. And Cow Parsnip isnative to this area and iscompletely harmless. Infact, you can even eat it.Elaine Armagost,

Invasive Plant ProgramManager for the PeaceRiver Regional District saidCow Parsnip is also known

as Indian Celery.“It was a staple for our

aboriginal groups back inthe day,” she said.Giant hogweed season is

starting in on the B.C. coast

and in some areas of theKootenays and plantexperts are warning peopleto stay away from theharmful and invasive plant.The plant's sap can cause

serious skin burns and blis-ters that result in long-termsensitivity to the sun.Aragost said the burns canlast up to 10 years. If the sapgets into a person's eyes, it

can even cause temporaryblindness."If there was ever a plant

that lookedmean, this plantdoes," said Jennifer Grenzof the Invasive SpeciesCouncil of MetroVancouver.The noxious plant- com-

monly mistaken for cowparsnip and Queen Anne'sLace- is covered with stiff,spiky hairs and has leafedges that look like a serrat-ed knife.The plant can grow up to

five-metres tall. Whenmature, it produces largewhite flowers made up ofsmaller umbrella-like clus-ters.The toxic sap, which is

clear and watery, can befound on both the leaves

and the stem.Once the sap touches

skin, a person will feel tin-gling at first and then burn-ing pain. If the skin isn'ttreated, the patch of skincan become ultrasensitiveto the sun for up to 10 years,said Grenz."It's not a one-time prob-

lem," she said. "It's reallyserious."If they come into contact

with the sap, Grenz recom-mended people cover theirskin to shield it from sun-light and wash off the sapusing soap and water, andsee a doctor.For more information on

how to tell the differencecheck outhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sysmrqw4sEo


LOCAL NEWS

The construction of the Right-in Right-outproject on highway 97 and the Chetwynd &District Rec Centre will begin on August 6,2013. The project duration will be forapproximately 6 weeks.

Exterior work to the Chetwynd & DistrictRec Centre, including painting of the exteriorwalls, will commence during this timeas well.

Please be advised that there may be delaysalong highway 97 and a shortage ofparking in the Chetwynd & District RecCentre parking lot. Access along the frontof the building may NOT be available and allusers are encouraged to park in the rear of thebuilding.

We appreciate your patience during this time.All questions and concerns can be directed toour Project Manager, Paul Gordon.

NOTICETO THEPUBLIC:

No Giant Hogweed in Peace Region yet...

Giant Hogweed sap can cause severe burns and blindness. It looks very similar toCow Parsnip. Photos submitted

... But similar plant discoveredBY NAOMI LARSEN

Chetwynd Echo Editor––––––––––––––

CHETWYND – While GiantHogweed isn’t a problem in thePeace, Elaine Armagost, InvasivePlant Program Manager for thePeace River Regional District said anew plant that causes similar reac-tions has been discovered near theprevious Willow Creek mine ownedby Walter Energy.“On Friday the crew from here

and the area controllers for the PinePass area, we had recently had theinvasive plant specialist for theprovince and for the north up hereand on their way home they spottedthis plant, stopped and collected asample.” Armagost said the plantended up being Wild Parsnip whichlooks a lot like Cow Parsnip – but

with a bite.“It (Wild Parsnip) is yellow and

it’s not in the same family but it doeshave the sap like the Giant Hogweeddoes,” she said.Armagost said the leaf structure is

very different as well.The very small infestation has

already been taken care of.She says if anyone suspects they

have Wild Parsnip on their propertyor find any to contact the PRRDimmediately.


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A trip backin time

• Chetwynd Echo: July 11, 1973

Clarice McLeancelebrated her85th birthday onJuly 4. She wasguest of honourwhen relativesand friends gath-ered for a supperparty at the homeof herg r andaugh t e rBetty Gladue.

Chetwynd’s Atrium totake part in GrizfestBattle of the BandsBY MIKE CARTER

Chetwynd Echo Reporter––––––––––––––

TUMBLER RIDGE –Music fans, get excited.The peaceful tranquility ofthe wilderness is about toget rocked.The 12th annual Grizfest

music festival will kick offthis long weekend withone of the most diverseline-ups anyone could askfor. The event runs Aug. 2– 4 on the grounds of theTumbler Ridge HighSchool and is organized bythe Tumbler Ridge DaysSociety (TRDS).This year’s festival is

headlined by two Junoaward-winning acts.

On Saturday evening,Nova Scotia-born rhine-stone cowboy GeorgeCanyon saddles up onstage.On Sunday, the crowd

will witness Canadianpop-electronica actDragonette, A.K.AMartina Sorbara, cap ofthe weekend with what issure to be another one ofher critically acclaimedhigh-energy, 80s inspireddance-your-butt-off per-formances.Grizfest 2013 also fea-

tures performances fromthe 1970s British glitter-rock band Sweet,Vancouver Celtic-punkquartet, the Real

McKenzies, Wide MouthMason, Kira Isabella,Alyssa Reid, The WalkingShadows, Rick Stavely,and rock veterans HollyWoods & Toronto.The festival gets started

Friday evening with thebattle of the bands andvocalist competitions,which are free to the pub-lic. Winners of the twocontests will have thechance to perform as theopening act for theSaturday and Sundayshows.Chetwynd’s own alter-

native-rock/punk bandAtrium will be competing

Please see "FULL STU-DIO," page 9

Atrium is set to perform in the Battle of the Bands at Grizfest this weekend.Photo submitted

in this year’s battle of thebands along with AlisterStone from Fort St. John,Dawson Creek’s Fleesfrom Bears and MorganMcGown & Cover Mefrom PouceCoupe/Dawson Creek.Atrium was originally

composed of two sets ofbrothers: Connor andMichael Pohl, and Mattand Josh Stayner.However, the groupannounced in April thatJosh Stayner was leavingthe group due to a move.This will be he bands

third time competing atthe Grizfest battle of thebands, placing secondboth times prior.The band played last

year at the world famousWhiskey A-Go-Go onSunset Boulevard in LosAngeles, and hope to havea full studio albumreleased in 2013.Competing individual

vocalists are PouceCoupe’s Morgan McGownalong with Lesa Madsen,Andy Smith and KylaMcNeil who are all fromTumbler Ridge.Battle of the bands win-

ners will receive $1000cash and 6 hours recordingtime at a local studio,while the winning vocalistwill receive $500 cash and2 hours of recording time.The two competitions

add a unique element tothe festival. According toGrizfest organizer JoyMcKay, who said incorpo-rating the two competi-tions into the festival giveslocal artists the opportuni-ty to gain some experiencebeing on stage.“TRDS recognizes the

importance of the arts and

this is one way of givingnew artists an opportunityto perform on a largestage, before a large audi-ence with a professionalsound company,” she said,adding that it also givesthem the chance to net-work with professionalmusicians and managers.On top of providing

Tumbler Ridge with a des-tination event, the ideabehind Grizfest when itwas founded 12 years agowas to create an event thatpromoted local artists andCanadian music in gener-al.“Grizfest is a unique fes-

tival with a diverse musi-cal line-up,” McKay said.“The festival started smallbut has grown over theyears. Living in the north.Residents don’t have theopportunity to be exposedto the arts and holding thefestival in town gives themthat opportunity.”McKay praised the

sponsors of the event and

the hardworking team ofvolunteers.“Without volunteers the

festival would not be ahuge success,” she said.The festival also

depends on the loyal sup-port of local and out oftown businesses.“These businesses

donate equipment, man-power, [and] cash whichallows the festival to pro-mote a professionalevent.”Grizfest typically wel-

comes between 15-20 ven-dors on site as well sellingeverything from clothingitems, specialty foods, icecream treats, jewelry andmore.“The festival has grown

at a steady pace, and todaywe are able top securehigh caliber artists for allto enjoy.”McKay added that

artists often stay an extraday or two to enjoy whatthe region has to offer.“Artists do comment on

how beautiful the PeaceRegion is,” she said “andare often excited to visitour dinosaur track waysand waterfalls.”For adults aged 18-65, a

weekend pass is $100 ifpurchased in advance, or$110 at the gate. One-daypasses sell for $55 inadvance or $65 at the gate.Youth aged 13-18 and

seniors 65 and over can geta weekend pass inadvance for $60 or for $70at the gate, while one-daypasses are available for $35in advance or $45 at thegate.Advanced tickets can be

purchased by phoning theTumbler Ridge DaysSociety at 250-242-4246.


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Full studio album to be released later this year

George Canyonis set to takethe stage

Saturday night.


INDUSTRY

97

29

Townsend Creek

Kobes Creek

Farrell Creek

Gundy Creek

Beatton River

Sikanni Chief River

Halfway River

Peace River

Moberly River

Fort St. John

Chetwynd

Hudson Hope

Prince Rupert Gas TerminalFlow Direction

Coastal GasLinkFlow Direction

Pine River

Proposed Aitken CreekCompressor Station

Proposed North MontneyMainline (Aitken Creek Section)

Potential PRGT Interconnection Meter Station

Proposed SaturnCompressor Station

Existing NGTL Pipeline

Proposed KahtaReceipt Meter Station

Proposed North MontneyMainline (Kahta Section)

Existing SaturnReceipt Meter Station

Existing GroundbirchReceipt Meter Station

Proposed Aitken CreekReceipt and

Delivery Meter Station

Join us for an open house to talk about TransCanada’s proposed North Montney Mainline project.

Come out and join us for a great meal and a conversation about the project and a chance to win a door prize.

Bring your questions and we’ll supply the refreshments.

For more information, please call our project information line at 1.855.895.8753 or email us at [email protected].

Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there.

About the Project

The proposed natural gas pipeline, up to 48 in in diameter and approximately 305 kilometres (km) in length, starts from a southern point about 35 km southwest of Fort St. John to a northern point about 200 km northwest of Fort St. John where it will tie into a new meter station. The proposed project will safely deliver natural gas to the existing NGTL System and will create opportunities for local and Aboriginal businesses and annual property tax revenues.

August 12, 2013 4 – 8 p.m.

City of Fort St. John Pomeroy Sports Centre East Meeting Room9324 – 96th St.Fort St. John

August 13, 2013 4 – 8 p.m.

District of Hudson’s Hope Community Centre10310 – 100th St.Hudson’s Hope

August 14, 2013 4 – 8 p.m.

District of ChetwyndChetwynd Recreation Centre, Aspen Room 4552 North Access Rd. Chetwynd

Open House Events North Montney Mainline Project


––––––––––––––CALGARY –

TransCanada Corporationreleased its second quarterearnings last week, show-ing many future projectsincluding the PrinceRupert Gas Transmissionsystem, and the CostalGasLink pipeline con-tributed to the company’spositive outlook.The earnings report pro-

vided updates on theCostal GasLink pipelineand the Prince Rupert GasTransmission (PRGT) proj-ect, both of which have adirect effect on the Peace

Region.“All three of our busi-

ness segments generatedstrong results during thesecond quarter,” said RussGirling, TransCanada’spresident and chief execu-tive officer.“We were pleased by the

significant shipper interestin our Energy EastPipeline project, whichwould transport crude oilfrom western Canada toeastern Canadian marketsand add to our existing $26billion portfolio of com-mercially secured proj-ects.”The PRGT proposed

pipeline will transport nat-

ural gas primarily from theNorth Montney gas fieldnear Dawson Creek, to thePacific Northwest PortEdward liquefied naturalgas (LNG) plant nearPrince Rupert, BC.Malaysian national oilcompany Petronas recent-ly announced it will beinvesting $16-billion intothe Port Edward facility.“The proposed Prince

Rupert Gas Transmissionproject will allow BritishColumbians, and allCanadians, to continue tobenefit from the responsi-

Proposed Peace pipeline projects boostTrans Canada’s second quarter earnings

Please see "LUNCH," page11

11Chetwy nd Echo Friday,August 2, 2013

INDUSTRY

Smell ‘n’ tell

Natural gas is used safely in B.C. every day. But if you smell rotten eggs, go outside first, then call us.

Learn more at fortisbc.com/safety.

Call FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

2 Go outside.

Smell rotten eggs? It could be natural gas.

3

1

ble development of thegrowing supply of valu-able natural gas resourcesin the Western CanadaSedimentary Basin,”Girling said.PRGT president Tony

Palmer expanded on thissaying, “[our clients]believe that they can eco-nomically develop gas innortheastern BC, transportit across the province, liq-uefy it and ship it to Asiaand make a profit.”“That’s how any natural

gas or any developmentproject is assessed is - doyou believe that you cando it on a profitable basis,and also of course, do it inan environmentally friend-ly fashion and also satisfystakeholders that livealong that right of way.Those are critical factors.”The British Columbia

E n v i r o n m e n t a lAssessment Office and theCanadian EnvironmentalAssessment Agencyannounced in June that itis seeking public input onthe project as part of itsenvironmental review.Over the next few

months, TransCanada andthe two environmentalassessment offices will beconducting surveys and

studies to determine thepipeline’s impact onwildlife, vegetation,marine life, communitiesand culturally significantFirst Nations lands.The full project descrip-

tion is available atwww.eao.gov.bc.ca.“We want to be clear that

we have heard the inputfrom the communitieswith which we have metalong the conceptual corri-dor,” Palmer said in a let-ter to local governments ofthe Peace Region.“As part of our engage-

ment, we received inputand suggestions abouthow to improve the rout-ing from a number of com-munities. As our investi-gating work continues onthese routes we will con-tinue to engage you to

inform you of the outcomeof our work.”The 700-kilometre

Coastal GasLink pipelineproject will also delivernatural gas from theMontney gas-producingregion, near DawsonCreek, to LNG Canada’sproposed liquefied naturalgas facility near Kitimat,B.C.The company released a

statement on the CostalGasLink projects progresswith its second quarterreport that indicated it isstill in the early stages.“We are currently

focused on community,landowner, governmentand First Nations engage-ment as the CoastalGasLink pipeline projectadvances,” the statementread.


Surveys to be conductedover next two months

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––––––––––––––FORT ST. JOHN – The

Peace River RegionalDistrict was honoured thispast weekend at the Fort

St. John international airshow for giving over $1million in donations to theAlberta-based ShockTrauma Air Rescue Society(STARS).The STARS air ambu-

lance team unveiled thePeace River RegionalDistrict’s (PRRD) logo onone of its eight helicoptersJuly 28 in Fort St. John.Last year, the PRRD

committed to giving

$510,000 to STARS forthree years, totaling in$1,530,000.With this year’s install-

ment, the regional districtreached the one milliondollar giving milestone,earning them the right tohave their logo displayedon the helicopter servingthe Peace Region.“The Peace River

Regional District has sup-ported STARS initiatives tobe a quick responder tocritically ill and injuredpatients in our region,”PRRD Chair KarenGoodings said.The PRRD joins other

organizations like theRoyal Bank of Canada,Fortis Alberta,TransCanada, Shell,Petroleum ServicesAssociation of Canada andATCO, who have alsoreached the $1 millionmilestone over the 25-yearhistory of STARS.“This incredible support

helps STARS save lives,”STARS president and CEOAndrea Robertson said.“Now, when our helicopter

and crew respond to emer-gencies in the region, wecan proudly display thePRRD’s logo for all to see.”STARS is a charitable,

non-profit organizationserving the Peace Regionfrom a base located inGrande Prairie. The basehas been in existence sincelate 2006, flying hundredsof missions every year,including emergencyresponses into northernBritish Columbia.2007 marked the first

mission in northeastBritish Columbia. Sincethen, STARS has attendedto more than 76 patients inthe region, including ninecritical transfers fromChetwynd."STARS touches a lot of

people in a lot of ways,”Russel Bardak,Community Educationleader and flight para-medic for STARSexplained.“One of the disadvan-

tages of living rurally isdistance. We don’t havethat quick access, we're notten minutes away from

definitive care.”Before becoming a flight

paramedic, Bardak experi-enced STARS first hand,when a friend of hisbecame entangled in farmequipment in rural Albertaand had to have a life sav-ing helicopter ride toEdmonton.“Fundamentally what

we do is only one part of acomplete chain of sur-vival,” said Bardak. “Otherlinks in the chain includeother first responders, firedepartments, otherEmergency MedicalServices, law enforcement,dispatchers, andbystanders that happen tocome across somebodywho is critically ill orinjured.”STARS has fuel caches

located all over Alberta,and BC including one inDawson Creek. Thesecaches facilitate long dis-tance travel.The organization has car-

ried out over 23,000 mis-sions and covers 95 percent of people living inWestern Canada.

Chetwy nd EchoFriday,August 2, 201312

DISTRICT OF CHETWYNDNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

forProposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 986, 2013

(Moberly Lake Construction Ltd.)Pursuant to Section 892 of the Local Government Act RSBC 1996, the Council of theDistrict of Chetwynd gives notice that all persons who believe their interest to beaffected by the provisions contained in the “District of Chetwynd Zoning AmendmentBylaw No. 986, 2013 (Moberly Lake Construction Ltd. – 45 Avenue NW)” shall beafforded an opportunity to be heard on matters contained in the Bylaw at a PublicHearing scheduled for the below noted date and place:

Date: August 12, 2013Time: 4:00 p.m.Place: Council Chambers, District Office

Bylaw No. 986, 2013 proposes to amend the District of Chetwynd Zoning Bylaw No.932, 2010 by rezoning part of Lot 1, Plan 28021, District Lot 1976, Peace RiverDistrict from Multiple Family Residential – Low Density (RM-1) to Single FamilyResidential (R-1). The purpose of the rezoning is for future single family residentialdevelopment.

Property owners who believe their interest in property may be affected by the proposedamendment bylaw may view the bylaw and all other written information pertaining tothis matter in detail at the District of Chetwynd Office located at 5400 North AccessRoad, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday inclusive,excluding statutory holidays.

Any inquiries should be referred to the District of Chetwynd, Telephone:250-401-4100, Fax: 250-401-4101, Email: [email protected] or by mail toP.O. Box 357, Chetwynd, BC, V0C 1J0.

Dated this 31st day of July, 2013.Carol Newsom, Director of Corporate Administration.

45

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10th Annual 3-D Archery ShootJuly 27 @ Broken Arrow Archery. Course

opens at 9 am. All ages!

Free English PracticeMondays 9:30 am at Northern Lights

College and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm at theChetwynd Public Library Call

250-788-2559

Chetwynd Breastfeeding Support Networkmeets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m at the

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Fun Darts at the Royal Canadian LegionSaturday’s 7 pm

Little Giant Air Cadets . Mondays at 6:30pmat the Royal Canadian Legion. Ages 12-18.

2013 Peace Region Community toCommunity Poker Run. August 17 2013

Contact Chetwynd Visitor Centtre 250-788-3345

Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meetsevery Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the PineValley Seniors Centre Call 250-788-3306

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Baby’s Best Chance Pregnancy OutreachProgram Drop in : Mondays 10am to Noon.Weekly Group Sessions Tuesdays 11 am-

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LOCAL NEWS

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS––––––––––––––

CHETWYND – Smartmeter opponents acrossBritish Columbia aren't sat-isfied with the concessionsannounced by the provin-cial Ministry of Energy andMines on Thursday, July 18. Bill Bennett, minister of

energy and mines, followedup on earlier suggestionsthat B.C. residents wouldsoon be able to opt out ofthe smart meter program ifthey have concerns aboutthe technology by offeringthree options to BC Hydrocustomers. The threeoptions are: accept the stan-dard smart meter installa-tion at no cost; accept thesmart meter, but pay an ini-tial fee to turn off the smartcomponent of the meter -the radio - and a monthlyfee to read the meter; orkeep the existing analogmeter and incur a monthlyfee to read the meter andcover the cost of what thegovernment calls "institut-ing duplicate systems." "The cost of instituting

duplicate systems," said anincredulous Sharon Nobleof the Coalition to StopSmart Meters. "It says it's going to be

more expensive than thedigital - why?" she contin-ued. "The digital withoutthe transmitter in it is sup-posed to do nothing morethan the analog is doing. So,why would there be a sepa-rate cost for the analog?""We have developed a poli-

cy that respects the wishesof those who do not want asmart meter," said anEnergy and Minesspokesperson in an email,addressing the matter of theadditional cost to residentswho don't want the technol-ogy. "Customers who choose

this option will pay for thecost of installation andmanually reading the meterevery second month," headded. "We believe it wouldnot be fair for the 96 percent of those who havetaken a standard smartmeter to pay the additionalcosts that will be created forthe four per cent that don'twant one. This is a fair solu-tion for everyone." However, Sage Aaron,

communications directorfor the Canadian Office andProfessional Employees

Union (COPE) 378, whosemembership includes anumber of meter readers inthe Peace Region who havelost their jobs since theinstallation of smart metersbegan, said it seems thegovernment is trying tomake refusing the technolo-gy "financially prohibitive"if it can't simply convinceresidents to accept thesmart meters. "If they can't get them one

way, they seem to be tryingto force them into it anotherway," said Sage. Noble said it amounts to

extortion. "I don't think itreally offers us a whole lot,"she said. "My initial reactionis: 'Yes, finally, the govern-ment under Bill Bennett isbeing a little bit more will-

People can opt outof Hydro Smart

Meters - for a cost

Please see "METERS,"page 18

ing to discuss things withus than under RichColeman's department.' ButI think it's a cynical politicalploy to try to get smartmeters onto all of ourhomes. "Bill Bennett says he

doesn't want to bully, hedoesn't agree with intimi-dation, but when you'retelling people that you'regoing to have to pay sig-nificantly to keep yourhealth and to protect yourfamily from somethingyou think is dangerous,that's extortion." Noble's concerns about

the smart meters are mostlyassociated with the poten-tial long term health effectsof exposure to radiationemitted by the transmitter,but also extend to fire dan-gers and inaccuracy report-edly associated with thetechnology. "The radiation is a big

thing," said Noble. "PerryKendall, our provincial[health] officer, we've beenpushing him and pushinghim to implement the pre-cautionary principle basedon so many new scientificarticles and studies show-ing how dangerous theseare," she continued. "And he said he would

refer the studies to the BCCentre for Disease Control(BCCDC). And he wouldtake action. Well, a reportwas released by the BCCentre for Disease Controlthat acknowledges majorhealth problems [associatedwith] this radiation. Andthey're calling for precau-tionary action. This stuff isreal. And it's dangerous." It has been reported that

Kendall, Health Canadaand the World HealthOrganization have all said

smart meters do not pose ahealth risk, according to theB.C. government. "It's just one more thing

that adds to the cumulativeeffect of all this electronic-magnetic radiation," saidlifelong Fort St. John resi-dent Jewel Bacon. "And my concern is all

the pregnant women -mothers - and all the chil-dren out their playing. Andthey're going to be exposedto that every day, all day.And that is my concern. Ihave no concern for myself,but I have concern for thechildren." Bacon also noted that con-

cern exists whether or notsome residents can holdonto their analog metersbecause their neighbourswould likely have smartmeters. "It's dangerous," Noble

continued. "It's a fire haz-ard. There have been manyfires. And many are notbeing reported." Noble also said that infor-

mation about fires causedby smart meters can't beobtained from the fireauthorities because thereisn't a code for smart meterfires. "But there have been

smart meter fires all overNorth America," she added.

Additionally, Noble isconcerned about the accura-cy of the instruments. "Last week, I sent to Bill

Bennett 50 pages of com-plaints from people ...who've received smartmeters and their subse-quent bills were astronomi-cally high," she explained. "You can look at your

usage on your bill and com-pare it to last year. And, insome instances, it's two andthree times higher, and thehome hasn't changed. ...They have no explanationfor it." Noble said she has heard

many "sad stories" from sin-gle parent homes where res-idents can't afford to paythe electricity bills theyhave received since theirsmart meters were installed. "The bills are astronomi-

cally high," said Noble."And the options that Mr.Bennett is offering will donothing to help these peo-ple. This is a sad state ofaffairs and we're going tokeep fighting it. We've gotour lawyer. We've instruct-ed our lawyer to preparethe filing for next week withour class action suit." The primary concerns of

COPE 378 are about theirmembers. In addition to the lay offs

experienced by meter read-ers throughout theprovince, the union is con-cerned about the future offield services representa-tives who currently per-form tasks such as readinganalog meters where theystill exist. Sage said COPE 378 has-

n't received any informa-tion about the futures ofthose members from eitherBC Hydro or Accenture, thecompany that assumedresponsibility for over 1,600BC Hydro employees -including meter readers - in2003. "We worked hard to pres-

sure the government [tolook] into a transition planfor our members," saidSage. "What we want and what

we always asked for wasquite simply a transitionplan so that our meter read-er workers could move toother work within BCHydro," she continued. "At the beginning, when

BC Hydro and Accenturewere one animal, the meterreader department was theground floor - was the mail-room - [where] peoplewould come in and theywould move into otherstreams within BC Hydro,like the design and drafting

department." Now meter readers have

lost their jobs and BCHydro has lost potentialemployees for other depart-ments, situations not likelyto be rectified by this newpolicy around smart meters. "It's an orchestrated mar-

keting scheme," said ArthurHadland, director of Area Cof the Peace River RegionalDistrict (PRRD), discussingthe smart meter issue. "Andit takes the power awayfrom the people." Hadland believes there is

a plan in the works to sellBC Hydro to GeneralElectric (GE). "They came within a fin-

ger pinch of doing it in2005," he said. "And withthe $70 billion debt, I sus-pect that that's the agenda

again." The smart meter saga

starts to dip into conspiracytheory territory at that pointthanks to the idea that anappliance manufacturercould also be an energy pro-ducer who knows every-thing about householdenergy consumption."Many people are con-cerned about privacy issueswith this ZigBee chip," saidNoble. ZigBee chips allow smart

meters to transmit data.

"The government is goingto be pushing [for] appli-ances to have smartmeters," she continued. "Little tiny chips in them -

ZigBee chips - so they cancommunicate and they cangather data. And this datawill be sold." Noble characterizes the

situation as governmentturning her home into a"business enterprise"against her will. "Hydro is putting these

things on our homes thatare more than meters," shesaid. "They are transmitters.They are radios. And theyare being used to gatherinformation from all of myneighbours. Maybe 1,000neighbours are going tohave their data runningthrough my home to helpHydro run its business." "It's all about marketing,"

said Hadland. It is all aboutmoney, too. "They should pay me to

keep my analog," saidNoble. "We're saving themmoney. The analog costs $49to buy new. The smartmeter costs $555. The ana-log has a life expectancy of30 to 40 years - some evenlast longer than that. Thesmart meter is going to last10 years if we're lucky." Noble added there is also

the cost of softwareupgrades. "There are so many costs,"

she said. "It's going to costthe province money wedon't have. So, as far as I'mconcerned, they should bepaying me to keep my ana-log." "I think this a little late,"

Hadland said of the smartmeter opt-out plan. Workforce Training and

conTinuing educaTion"They spent a billion dollarsramming it down people'sthroats."

Friday,August 2, 2013 Chetwy nd Echo18

LOCAL NEWS


Meters being used to gather information from residents

NOBLE

... itʼs a cyncialpolitical ploy totry to get smart

meters onto all ofour homes.

HADLAND

Itʼs an orchestrated

marketingscheme.

Red-right-through straw-berries the size of smallishcups, that actually taste likestrawberries, clustered ripeon the bushes; shiny toma-toes begging to feel the biteof your teeth; and succulentcukes weighing down thevines all speak of high sum-mer and remind us of beau-tiful gardens (but that’sanother story for anothertime). Right now it’s timeto stay home and experi-ence. Why would I want toleave when summer is rest-ing so sweetly on country-side, garden, and green-house? Why would I go to

Victoria when everything togladden the life and warmthe soul is right here in myhome town? Why?Good questions. I

thought you’d never ask. Answer: You may

remember that the Districthas been working for morethan a year to expand theDistrict boundaries toinclude the major taxableassets at Willow CreekMine. The mineral leasehas been within Districtboundaries since 1996 butthe land generates little taxrevenue. Council andAdministration had beenurging the Provincial gov-ernment to act quickly onour request and Ministrystaff were on side with us.Political considerations anda looming provincial elec-tion brought everything to

a halt back in February.Now, because the formerprovincial government wasunable to act on our requestbefore the election, we arestarting over to make ourcase with a new Ministerand several new ministerialstaff.Hence, our flying trip last

week to the Capital.Our visit to Victoria coin-

cided with the last day of

the sitting legislature soCAO Doug, Director ofFinance Bill, and I took inan hour of Question Periodwhile we waited for ourappointment with theMinister. Entertaining!Mike Bernier, our newlyelected MLA for SouthPeace introduced us andthe members gave us atruly bipartisan welcome.We also spent a productive

hour with MLA Bernierbringing him up to date onthe history, process, andpresent status of ourb ounda r y - e xp an s i o nrequest. Fortuitously, weencountered North PeaceMLA and Minister ofAgriculture Pat Pimm atVancouver Airport andbriefed him on our missionthus gaining another ally.It is difficult to weigh the

impact of our half hourwith the Minister ofMunicipal Affairs. With thehopes and fears of everymunicipality in theprovince ringing in herears, we know that ananswer will not be on ourdesk next week but we arehopeful for a sometime-this-fall response. SomeMinistry staffers haveworked on this file in the

past and have its history inmind; we sense that theyare at least sympathetic toour needs.Chetwynd has secured a

follow-up audience withthe Minister in Septemberat the Union of BCMunicipalities conventionat which we will urge theimportance of resolving theboundary expansion issuesooner than later. However,the wheels of governmentturn very slowly thoughthey grind exceeding small.While we wait, ChetwyndAdministration will contin-ue to contact Ministry staffto urge the process on to asuccessful conclusion.


The Mayor’sReport

wwiitthh MMeerrlliinn NNiicchhoollss

Meeting with the province about boundary expansion“Our visit to Victoria coincidedwith the last day of the sitting

legislature...”

Disclaimer: The preceding isthe opinion of Mayor MerlinNichols and may or may notreflect the views and/or wish-es of council.

OPINION

RREEAADD AALLLL AABBOOUUTTIITT EEVVEERRYY WWEEEEKK!!PICK UP YOUR COPY AT THEFOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

IGASuper Valu7-ElevenPeoplesFas Gas

Pomeroy HotelCrowfeathers Store

Chetwynd Home HardwareA&W

Days InnStagecoach Inn

Tim HortonsChamber of Commerce

Red LionRecreation Centre

District of ChetwyndMargʼs Mini Mart

Groundbirch Store

DAWSON CREEK DAILYNEWS

–––––––––––––– DAWSON CREEK –

Mike Bernier, MLA forPeace River South is com-ing under fire from schoolboard officials, who arecalling him out for a lackof support regarding theschool bus budget cap."We're not sure how

much support we're get-ting from the MLA,SchoolDistrict 59 (SD 59)Secretary-Treasurer GerrySlykhuis said lastThursday at a public board

meeting of the Peace RiverRegional District (PRRD).Last year, SD 59 began

changes to how its bussingsystem was run in linewith a change in howfunding was divvied outto schools for transporta-tion.The changes meant that

some school districts wereleft with more money thanbefore, but others - like SD59 - were left with lessmoney.Some of the changes that

have already happenedinclude increases to busfees for some schools, acancellation of Rolla busruns, and no longer allow-ing certain bus routes todeviate to pick up somestudents.Other changes that SD 59

is currently consideringinclude canceling furtherbus routes, and puttingother drivers into under-utilized bus runs."The Board has decided

to hold a referendum inOctober 2014 to raise thefunding shortfall throughlocal rural taxation," SD59's presentation states."Raising $400,000 in tax

revenue in RegionalDistrict areas D and Ewould result in a taxincrease of approximately$18 per year on a propertyassessed at $300,000."Another possibility

could be to start going to afour-day school week atrural schools, or additionalfees.SD 59 Board Chair

Richard Powell said thatthe meeting was to let the

regional directors knowabout these upcoming pos-sibilities.After the election,

Bernier was quoted as say-ing that he "will be work-ing ... with both school dis-tricts to see what if anychanges can be made to fixthis issue."At the meeting, Slykhuis

said that SD 59 had meet-ings with Bernier aboutthe issue. However, hesaid that so far, his grouphas not heard any type ofresponse from him aboutthe concerns brought up inthat meeting.SD 59 Board Chair

Richard Powell also saidthat he felt Bernier "hasn'tlooked into it as much as(former MLA BlairLekstrom) did."However, he felt that

was Lekstrom had been inthe position longer, andthat Bernier only becameMLA last May."It's hard to make

changes," he said. "I wouldgive him some time."Powell also said that

Slykhuis would be leavingSD 59 for another positionin another school district.He said that Slykhuis -who has been heading upthe transportation issue -would be working with hispredecessor about theissue.Similar concerns are also

felt in School District 60,which houses Fort St. Johnschools.At the PRRD meeting,

the board agreed to write aletter to current provincialMinister of EducationPeter Fassbender askingfor a timeline of a technicalreview regarding what thePRRD called "a cookie cut-ter approach."The letter would include

information on the area'sexpected increase of eco-nomic growth, and theexpected increase of high-way traffic as well."Kids need to get out

there safely," said Fort St.John Mayor LoriAckerman.One PRRD director,

Arthur Hadland, alsochose to criticize Bernier."It really bothers that

(Bernier) wasn't as sup-portive as the previousone," he said.Hadland also felt that

these recent cuts were "dis-respecting our communi-ty."Hadland lost to Liberal

candidate Pat Pimm in theelection last May. BothPimm and Bernier areLiberals.Bernier could not be

reached as of press timefor response.

Friday,August 2, 201320

EDUCATION

IN LOVINGMEMORYof

MAX DESJARLAISThere is a face before me,A voice I would love to hear,A smile I will always remember,of a brother I loved so dear.Deep in my heart lies a picturemore precious than silver or goldIt's a picture of my brother

whose memory will never grow old.

LOVE ALWAYS YOUR SISSY.....LOVE ALWAYS YOUR SISSY.....MARGARETMARGARET

Bus issue beingleft behind by MLA

BERNIER

21Friday,August 2, 2013

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The Sensible BC tour is coming to town!Meet Dana Larsen and join the

campaign for a marijuana referendum

Find out more at http://SensibleBC.ca

Chetwynd: Fri. Aug 9. 6 pmMurrayʼs Pub (4613 47th Ave)

•••Dawson Creek: Sat. Aug 10. 11 am

White Spot (11300 8th St)•••

Hudsonʼs Hope: Sat. Aug 10. 4:30 pmHudsonʼs Restaurant (9006 Clarke)

LOCAL NEWS

some politicking to try andfind some financial assis-tance.”“Fair share” tax benefits

that the District receivesfrom the province as a wayof mitigating stresses onmunicipal systems fromindustrial resource compa-nies operating just outsideof the municipal taxboundaries will be consid-ered as an option.“That’s probably part of

our debt repayment plan,but there is not enoughfair share to do the entirething.”

The lagoons will mostlikely fall outside of theparameters of the permitagain this winter. But

Gordon says the ministryis aware of that and ispleased that something isbeing done to fix the issue. “We’re spending a pile

of money for a small com-munity and we’ll get thatconsideration this winterif we are strugglingagain,” Gordon said. “All I can commit to

them is to keeping ourexisting system running asbest I can but in the eventthat we should fall outsideof our parameters again, atleast they know we aremoving forward. Theywere happy to see ourcommitment.”


Problem was a long timecoming says District CAO

Doing nothing isnot an option.

-Doug FlemingDistrict of Chetwynd CAO

The above graphic depicts the current sewage lagoons and the future expansion area.The District of Chetwynd must find approximately $5 million for the project follow-ing a report stating the ponds were insufficient. Photo submitted

Chetwynd Echo August 2, 2013

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Transcript of Chetwynd Echo August 2, 2013