Wednesday June 5, 2013 www.saobserver.net $1.25 GST Included
Residents angered over dock removal By Barb Brouwer OBSeRVeR STAFF
A tidal wave of protest has risen over the province’s plans to remove illegal docks from Shuswap lake. Some 300 residents from around the lake met at Quaaout lodge Monday night to discuss options. Representing the north Shuswap chamber of commerce, dave cunliffe says semi-waterfront and waterfront owners from all areas of the lake attended. “This was an initial meeting to see if there’s an interest to work collectively to effect some changes,” he said, noting his focus is on the right of semiwaterfront owners to have docks and the need to get provincial permits to make dock repairs. “It’s about our local economy and I represent members of the chamber that will definitely be affected by this.” Inside: At issue is the removal The chair of of structures on crown SLIPP land and docks belonging to residents who live hands in near, but not on the water. his laying the blame on the Shuswap lake Interesignation. grated Planning Process See A4. (SlIPP), cunliffe says the organization’s “new direction” is threatening tourism and the economic viability of the area. But SlIPP, a multi-stakeholder organization including all levels of government created in 2007 in response to concerns regarding the deterioration of the lake, has never had enforcement power of any kind. Pat Tobin, regional manager of compliance and enforcement of the Ministry of Forests, lands and natural Resource Operations, credits SlIPP as being a very useful inventory and planning tool for understanding what’s happening on the lake and See Province on page A2
On the radar
LaChLan LaBere/OBSeRVeR
RCMP Const. Yvonne Dibblee attempts to clock Victor Toy with a speed gun at a community policing scooter rodeo held Friday morning at the Fifth Avenue Seniors Activity Centre. Residents, including those from a number of assisted living and care homes, attended the fun event promoting safe riding.
Date switch ignites protest
Canada Day: Residents rally to have Sicamous fireworks on July 1. By Lachlan Labere OBSeRVeR STAFF
Sicamous council will reconsider their decision to move the canada day fireworks display to August following a red and white uprising at town hall. A large crowd of people, representing all ages, appeared in front of the municipal civic centre Monday afternoon to protest a failed motion in council, and the ramifications it would have on local tradition. That motion, made at council’s May 22 meeting by coun.
This week The Salmon Arm Barrel Bonanza provided hours of equine action. See A19. Check out some of the winners in the CSRD’s region-wide photo contest on page A13.
charlotte Hutchinson, was to move the $20,0000 fireworks display, funded through taxation, back to canada day. couns. Hutchinson, Joan Thomson and Fred Busch were in favour, while couns. Terry Rysz, don Richardson and Mayor darrell Trouton were opposed. As per B.c.’s local Government Act, when there is a tie, the motion fails. The vote sparked criticism and dissent in the community and residents from other areas of the Shuswap See Meeting on page A2
LaChLan LaBere/OBSeRVeR
Seeing red: People gathered outside Sicamous’ Civic Centre to protest a decision to schedule the community’s fireworks display on the August long weekend.
Index Opinion ....................... A6 View Point .................. A7 Time Out................... A11 Life & Times ............. A13 Sports............... A19-A22 Arts & Events ... A23-A26 Vol. 106, No. 23, 44 pages