Keremeos Review, April 02, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

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Number 14

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Serving the communities of Keremeos, Cawston, Okanagan Falls and Kaleden

Bike ride turns into bloody hospital trip Tara Bowie Review Staff

Submitted photo

Matt Glada, 35, poses with daughter Haylie, 5, days after a terrible bicycle accident that resulted in at least 15 stitches. Glada has become a strong advocate for helmet safety since the incident.

In the blink of an eye a nice evening bike ride around Pine Park with the kids suddenly turned into a bloody and terrifying mess that led to an emergency trip to the Penticton hospital. Matt Glada, 35, bought two second hand bikes for him and his girlfriend Stacey, so the whole family could go for a ride together. The family including children Haylie, 5, and Damien, 9, hopped on their bikes for a March Break ride last Wednesday night. “We made sure the kids put their helmets on and away we went,” he said. “I didn’t even think to check over the bikes.” They got to Pine Park and Dad decided to try a few tricks from his younger years. Unfortunately the front forks didn’t hold and Glada went smashing face first into the ground. “It was terrible. I could have had a broken neck,” he said. Paramedics attended the scene and

took Glada away on a spine board in case he had caused himself serious injuries. After testing in Penticton it was determined he hadn’t suffered a spinal cord or head injury and despite the 15 stitches and having an eye so swollen he hasn’t been able to open it for over a week, he feels lucky. “It could have turned out so much worse. I’m actually OK considering. It looks bad but I’m OK,” he said. Every year on average in the Southern Interior, about 110 cyclists are injured and two killed from May to October. The data was compiled using statistics collected between 2008 to 2013. It’s unclear how many of those injuries or deaths could be prevented by wearing a helmet. “It’s a hot-button issue around the house whether or not a helmet would have prevented the injury and I really don’t know, but I do know, it wouldn’t have hurt. Everyone needs to wear a helmet and check their bike before they go out,” he said.

Cawston Players set to take stage in Carnage

Submitted photo

The Cawston Players present God of Carnage at The Cawston Community Hall April 10, 11 and 12. Pictured Amanda Elyzen, Melissa Marr, Eben McKiblin and Morris Holmes are two warring couples near the end of a raucous evening.

The upcoming Cawston Players production of God of Carnage is a change from the successful round of light comedies. “This one is called a comedy of manners without manners, which is to say that the laughs have a hard edge,” said play director, Dave Cursons. The play is about a sit down chat between two sets of parents following playground violence between their young sons. Their awkward efforts to come to terms go awry and the meeting goes, well, ballistic. It may not be suitable for sensitive ears. The Cawston Players are a community theatre company and the members all have day jobs. Eben McKiblin, a builder, has lately appeared in Boeing-Boeing, Hotel Bethlehem and Barely Heirs. He was the sheriff in a very early Cawston Players production of The Death and The Life of Sneaky Fitch. Melissa Marr, an orchardist is with the players for her fourth year and gave us both The Spirit of Christmas Past and Present in Christmas Chaos and a Wise Person in Hotel Bethlehem.

Morris Holmes is a garlic farmer and new to the valley but no newcomer to the stage with extensive acting experience with Stage North Theatre in Fort St John. He was the sardonic shepherd teamed up with John Butcher in Hotel Bethlehem. From the Maritimes and formal stage training in Quebec, Amanda Elyzen is a winemaker and has had three years directing for the players. Amanda played Gretchen in Boeing-Boeing, the prospective heiress in Barely Heirs and the harried Stage Director in Christmas Chaos. Stage manager for the Cawston Players, Louise Giguere, an orchard worker, has ably taken charge behind the scenes since the days of Christmas Chaos. Cursons has been with the Cawston Players from the start with nearly 50 years of community theatre involvement on the Coast, Okanagan, Kootenays and Similkameen. God of Carnage is onstage at The Cawston Community Hall April 10, 11 and 12. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Curtain is 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at Cawston Marketplace and Similkameen Agencies.

A 2 www.keremeosreview.com Thursday, April 2, 2015 The Review COMMUNITY

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Phone: (250)499-2653 Fax: (250)499-2645 email: ads@keremeosreview.com

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The Keremeos Branch is located at 638 - 7th Avenue. Ph: (250)499-2313 THE

Similkameen Garden Club Meeting

When cats are happy or pleased, they squeeze their eyes shut.

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SUBSCRIPTION RATES Local Regular:

Local Seniors:

$38.10 + tax (2 yrs $73.15 + tax) 605 - 7th Ave., Box 130, Keremeos, BC V0X 1N0 Phone: 250-499-2653 publisher@keremeosreview.com

PHOTOCOPY SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE REVIEW: PRICES STARTING AT:

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Out of town: $56.65 + tax

Storytime at the Keremeos library will begin on Friday, January 16 at 11:15 am. Come and enjoy this free weekly preschool program!

Black & White Copies: 15 ¢ each Colour Copies: 75 ¢ each

~ Are you moving? packing? We also sell rollends ~

Come Celebrate Easter Sunday April 5th, 10:00 am St. John the Divine Church Service Everyone Welcome!

April 8th, 7:00 pm Keremeos Senior Center Open to the Public Admission FREE Guest speaker is Chris Mathieson from the Grist Mill! What’s happening at the Grist Mill this year?

Are you a non-proﬁt organization? Do you have a community fundraiser coming up? Can we help get the word out? Call the Review today to have your event listed in the events section or the calendar section FREE OF CHARGE. Call 499-2653 Space is limited to time sensitivity, 1st come, 1st served & no guarenteed placements.

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Keremeos Cawston Food Bank

You are invited to:

A Community Easter Celebration

2334 Newton Road, Cawston OPEN April 16

Live Music, Children’s Musical Performance & Refreshments

Easter Sunday April 5 at 10:30 am to 12 noon Victory Hall Keremeos Presented by Elim Tabernacle & Keremeos Community Church Info: 250-499-5847 or 250-499-2422

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

If you did not re-register in March you must register in April. Everyone must bring ID and proof of residency. 250-501-1010

Ongoing Community Events & Meetings OKANAGAN FALLS

SECOND MON: Communities for Kids OKFalls Table Mtg., 2:45 pm at StrongStart Early Learning Ctr. at OK Falls Elementary, 250-498-8433 for more info. TUESDAY: South Okanagan Toastmasters 7 - 9 p.m. at Best Western in Osoyoos. Call 498-4412, 499-2144. TUESDAY: Bingo at the Senior Citizenís Centre on Willow St. 1p.m. (except last Tues.). EVERY 3RD TUESDAY: Legion Branch #227 Gen Meeting 7 p.m. Jack Hill Room, OK Falls. WED. & SAT.: Carpet Bowling 1 p.m. Seniorís Centre. WEDNESDAY: Join the Stroke Recovery Club for stroke survivors and caregivers, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society ofﬁce, #2-996 Main Street, Penticton..Call Tina at 490-0613. FIRST WEDNESDAY OF MONTH: OK Falls Legion - Ladies Auxiliary General Meeting 1:00 p.m., Jack Hill Room, OK Falls. THIRD WEDNESDAY OF MONTH: OK Falls Womens Institute meeting at the Falls Community Centre business at 7, entertainment at 8 p.m. Call Betty for more info - 497-6665. THURSDAY: Bridge 1 p.m. Seniors Centre. THURSDAY: Crib 7 p.m. Seniors Centre. THURSDAY: Computer classes 9 a.m. Seniorís Centre. FRIDAY: Arts group painting 1- 3 p.m. FRIDAY: Whist 7 p.m. 2ND & 4TH FRIDAY: A Wellness Clinic is held at the Seniors Centre, on Willow Street, 9 to 11 a.m. Have your blood pressure, heart and weight checked by a retired registered nurse. Open to everyone. FIRST FRIDAY OF MONTH: OK Falls Legion - Ladies Auxiliary Dinner and Entertainment 6:00 p.m. After the Meat Draw. THIRD FRIDAY OF MONTH: OK Falls Legion Ladies Auxiliary Steak Fry Dinner 6:00 p.m. After the Meat Draw. FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS: The Okanagan Falls Legion Branch #227 has meat draws from 5:00 p.m. SATURDAY: OK Falls Legion Branch #227, Dinner and Dance 6:00 pm. FIRST SATURDAY: Ladies Auxiliary Branch #227. Drop in Bingo 1-4 p.m. Jack Hill Room. OK Falls. THIRD SATURDAY OF MONTH: Drop in bingo at OK Falls Senior Centre. 1128 Willow St.

KEREMEOS

MONDAY: N.A. meets at 8 p.m. at the South Similkameen Health Centre. MONDAY: Keremeos Bellringers, 7:30 pm, Cawston United Church, for info call Herma @ 499-5292, Joan @ 499-2450. 2nd MONDAY: Similkameen COPS, 7 p.m., Upstairs at the Legion (Legion Hall). Ben Gumm for info 499-0216 4th MONDAY: Orchard Haven - Friends and family council monthly meetings. Making a difference to residential care. MON, WED, FRI: Boot Camp 6 - 7 am, Sim. Rec. Centre. For more info call Annette 499-2238 TUESDAY: Tumble Bumble, 10:00 - 11:30 am upstairs at the Legion Hall. AGes 0-6. For info 250-499-2352 ext. 106. TUESDAY: Every 2nd, Caregiver Group, Activity Room, Orchard Haven 1:30 - 3 p.m. For info 499-3020 TUESDAY: AA Meetings, 7:30 p.m., in the Health Center Activity Room, info call Diane 499-1177 TUESDAY: Handguns 5:30 pm Fly Tying/22 Shoot, 7 pm, KCSA (Keremeos Cawston Sportsmans Association) Club House. More info call 250-499-7027. WEDNESDAY: Mother Goose 10:00-11:30 am, Strong Start at Cawston Primary. Ages 0-6. For info 499-2352 ext. 106. WEDNESDAY: Qigong exercise 9 a.m. Cawston Church Hall. 499-7852 for information. WEDNESDAY: Kyokushin Karate at Legion Hall from 5 - 7 p.m. Phone Lyle for info 292-8565.

WEDNESDAY: Diabetes Clinic, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Similkameen Health Centre. RN & Reg. Dietitian in attendance. Dr. referrals or self referral. Appts. necessary. Phone 1-800-707-8550. WEDNESDAY: Yoga at Cawston Hall, 6 - 7:30 pm WEDNESDAY: Keremeos Search & Rescue meetings, 7 pm, little brown building behind the Village Ofﬁce. 1st THURSDAY: South Similkameen Museum Society Meeting, 7 pm, at the Ecumenical Church in Keremeos THURSDAY: Tumble Bumble, 3:00 - 4:30 pm upstairs at the Legion. Ages 0-6. For info 250-499-2352 ext. 106. THURSDAY: Positively Pregnant, 10:00 - 11:30 am at the Family Centre. For info 250-499-2352 ext. 106. THURSDAY: AA meetings at 7:30 pm Health Centre activity room. Info. call Eleanor 499-5982. THURSDAY: KCSA Monthly meetings the last Thursday of each month at clubhouse 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Afternoon dances at the Keremeos Seniors Centre from 1:30 - 4 p.m. Whist 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm THURSDAY: Similkameen Adult Badminton Club, Oct. 16th to Dec. 18th, 7 pm to 9 pm, For more info call Manfred at 499-5290. THURSDAY: Weight Watchers, 5 pm, Elks Hall. More info call Sarah at 250-499-2878. FRIDAY: Keremeos TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 9:00 a.m. at the Health Centre. Visitors & new members are welcome. Call Georgina at 499-0202 for more info. FRIDAY: Elks and Royal Purple bingo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Keremeos Seniors Centre Bingo, 1:00 pm. SUNDAY: KCSA Trap Shooting, 11:00 am to ?, Weather permitting. SUNDAY: AA Meeting at 10:00 am in the Health Center Activity Room. Info call Eleanor at 499-5982. 3RD SUNDAY: Legion General Meeting. 2:00 p.m. Keremeos Legion Hall. 3rd MONDAY: Kars Under the K Meeting, 7:00 pm, Meeting Room at Health Center, Call Marcel Morin for info 499-7775. 2nd TUESDAY: Can-Do General Meetings. Everyone Welcome. Phone 499-2420 for more information. 1ST WEDNESDAY OF MONTH: Regular meeting of the Keremeos Seniors Centre, at 2 p.m. Keremeos. 1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAY: Search & Rescue meet 7-9 p.m., 8th Ave. & 4th St. Call 499-6067 or 499-5429. 2ND WEDNESDAY OF MONTH: The Similkameen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. at the Keremeos Seniors Centre, 2ND AND 4TH THURSDAY: The Royal Purple Lodge meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Elks Hall. Info: 499-7073. LAST THURSDAY OF MONTH: KCSA Club meeting. EVERY 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY: The Keremeos Elks meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Elks Hall. 1ST SUNDAY OF MONTH: Jam Session. Keremeos Seniors Centre. 1 p.m. Everyone Welcome. 499-0112. 1ST SUNDAY OF MONTH: Friends of Olalla, 4 pm, contact 250-599-9090.

HEDLEY

TUESDAY: Once a month Soup and Sandwich - watch for posters.Hedley Seniors’ Center on Scott Ave. THURSDAY: Library 2 pm - 7 pm Hedley Seniors’ Center, free computer use. 1ST MONDAY: Hedley Heritage Museum meeting, 6:00 p.m. at the Museum, Everyone welcome to attend. 2ND SUNDAY: Pancake Breakfast, Hedley Seniors’ Center, 8:00 am to 10:00 am. 3RD MONDAY: Monthly meeting at Seniors’ Center, 2 pm. 3RD MONDAY: Community Club meeting at 7 pm at the Club. DAILY: Coffee & good conversation at the Seniors’ Center 6:30 am - 8 am. Every Mon./Wed./Sat. Exercise at 9 am. EVERY SUNDAY: Church Service at 9:30 am, Hedley Grace Church. EVERY SUNDAY: Hedley Farmers Market 9-1, July - Oct. DAILY: Hedley Heritage Museum open daily 9am - 4pm, Daly Ave. EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY: Exercise at 9:00 am.

Our classifieds are also available on line at bcclassifieds.com

NEWS

The Review Thursday, April 2, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A 3

Vandals walk away with signs Tara Bowie Review Staff

The RDOS is on the trail of vandals in the area. Sometime last week vandals struck the opening of the Keremeos trail cutting down entrance and directional signs. “We had our bout of vandalism this year. Not everyone is happy about the signs and the vehicle restriction signs,” Justin Shuttleworth, parks and facilities co-ordinator for the RDOS said. The cost to replace the signs will be about $1,500. “Our budget this year is a little over $260,000 and that goes into a lot of things and when these things happen it really adds up. Vandalism is hard to keep up with

and it’s an unnecessary cost.” Currently Keremeos has about 5.5-kilometre of trail that runs through the village starting at the Red Bridge and going all the way to Kobau Park in Cawston. Last year the RDOS and the local Similkameen Trails Society worked to add a section of trail to connect Becks Road. “That is kind of where the trail ends now. It’s unfortunate it ends at the highway but before it was a dead end,” he said. The goal now for the RDOS and society is to connect the trail to Newton Road. Shuttleworth said he’s working with the Ministry of Transportation and the owner of

the property as there is an abandoned rail bed on the property. “This is a slow process but we make headway each year,” he said. The Red Bridge Trail was formally established in 2011, Shuttleworth said. The RDOS requisition is up in all areas this year for trails. Shuttleworth said the additional monies collected will go towards a number of initiatives but will mainly be used to hire a summer staff member to do an inventory of assets on all trails in the RDOS. “We want a more accurate picture of our trails,” he said.

Grist Mill work party set for April 18, 19

Tara Bowie

Signs and blockers like these ones were vandalized at openings to the trails along 10th Avenue sometime last week. The cost to fix what was vandalized is about $1,500.

Phone: 250-499-2711 Fax: 250-499-5477

Box 160 702 - 4th Street, Keremeos www.keremeos.ca email: town@keremeos.ca

2015 - 2019 FINANCIAL PLAN

Council has been discussing the 2015 - 2019 Financial Plan at a series of meetings from December 2014 through March 2015 and is now in the process of finalizing the Financial Plan. Citizens are encouraged to attend Council meetings in order to listen to Council’s discussions and ask questions. The proposed 2015-2019 Financial Plan will be reviewed at the regular meeting of Council Monday, April 7, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. An opportunity for public input will be provided. A copy of the proposed Financial Plan will be available to the public on March 27, 2015 at the Village Office and on the Village’s website (www.keremeos.ca). For more information please contact the Village Office at 250.499.2711

Important Notice to Resource Road Users File art

Grist Mill volunteers prepare for new season.

Volunteer recruitment is underway for this season at The Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens. A Spring work party at the mill will happen on the weekend of April 18 and 19 winding up with an appreciation dinner from the operator, Chris Mathieson. Anyone with a few hours to spare is welcome to lend a hand. Since 2009, the Grist Mill Heritage Club has celebrated with events at the mill for Victoria Day, Fathers’ Day, Canada Day, BC Day, Labour Day, and Apple Day on Thanksgiving Monday. The goal of the volunteer

efforts at the Provincial Historic Site of the Keremeos Grist Mill is to concretely express community support for the continued public enjoyment and appreciation of the restored 1877 water driven flour grinding mill on Keremeos Creek. Fears the site might be mothballed were allayed recently when the province responded to a robust outcry from the Lower Similkameen and surrounding communities. Mathieson Heritage Services asked for and has just lately begun a 10-year arrangement with BC Heritage. The Grist Mill Heritage Club

is a committee of the Grist Mill Foundation which was constituted in 2010 and has lately registered with The Charities Directorate of Customs and Revenue Canada. Fundraising will be in support of programs at the site which provide education and promote an appreciation of heritage values. This year The Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens opens on Victoria Day Weekend, May 16th. Anyone interested in volunteering with The Grist Mill Heritage Club can call 250-4995417.

For an Easter treat, try our Hot Cross Buns! Available until April 6th

At Tree To Me

OPEN: 9 - 5 DAILY

11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Easter Sunday (Sunday Brunches every Sunday until Mother’s Day!)

1217 Hwy 3A, Keremeos ~ 250-499-9271 ~ www.treetome.ca

A province wide, safety-oriented project is underway to standardize twoway radio communications on forest service roads and some resource roads. This project includes standardized signage, new dedicated resource road radio channels and standardized call procedures. The Okanagan Shuswap Forest District, along with other districts in the Southern and Northern Interior, will be implementing new resource road radio channels commencing on May 4, 2015. Districts on the Coast and in the Cariboo have already transitioned or are currently transitioning. Forest industry workers and other road users using mobile radios must have their radios reprogrammed to incorporate the new resource road channels. It is recommended that road users retain current radio frequencies until they are sure they are no longer required. New signs posted on local resource roads indicate which radio channel to use and the calling interval, with drivers required to indicate their direction of travel and their vehicle type. Drivers using mobile radios must call according to the posted channels and call protocols. All road users are reminded that forest service roads are not radiocontrolled, but radio-assisted. All users should drive safely and according to road and weather conditions. It is strongly recommended that all resource road users exercise additional caution during this transition period. Local resource road safety committees have worked together to implement these changes. More information (including radio communications protocols, radio channels, maps and standardized signs) is available online at: www.for.gov.bc.ca/hth/engineering/Road_Radio_Project.htm If you have questions about this project, please contact the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District Office (Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations) at (250) 558-1700, the website above, or Industry Canada at 1 800 667-3780.

A4 www.keremeosreview.com Thursday, April 2, 2015 The Review OPINION

Timing all wrong to pick a fight on the playground The provincial government is not exactly behaving well on the playground, with the introduction of Bill 11. The pain of the teachers’ strike still lingers. It is a time when legislators should be speaking to teachers and school boards with their nice, indoor voices, trying to make friends and even maybe sharing a snack. The province promised to fund the costly teacher’s agreement that ended the protracted labor dispute, but dealt a $54 million budget shortfall to local school boards off the bottom of the deck. That’s tough to be sure. However there is only so much money to spend and school board trustees– while not liking it – understand that as well as any other elected official. Bill 11 goes a step too far by giving the Minister of Education the power to replace trustees if they do not comply with provincial directives. Don’t be confused – the power the government is usurping does not belong to boards. It belongs to citizens who have the right to cast ballots to elect school board trustees. If nothing else it would be more seemly to wait and see if local boards can actually come up with the required consolidation and cost sharing plans – by buying pencils in bulk and turning down the heat– before aggressive or threatening gestures are made. The government also announced changes to professional development for teachers, without any consultation with the BC Teacher’s Federation and no advanced warning. It’s a move that smacks of posturing, and power struggling, and it’s vaguely insulting. After all the name calling, polarization and accusations that characterized the 2014 teachers’ strike, it is the worst time possible to be playing these games at recess. - AD

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Treaty trouble has deep roots VICTORIA – Why did the B.C. government suddenly slam the door on their old friend George Abbott, after spending months recruiting him to head up the B.C. Treaty Commission? The instant media narrative, embraced by a shocked Abbott and then by NDP leader John Horgan, was that this was payback for grievances nursed by Premier Christy Clark from the 2011 B.C. Liberal leadership contest. Done on a whim, Horgan said after a week grilling Clark and Aboriginal Relations Minister John Rustad. Clark is suddenly a sore winner, lashing out, wrecking two decades of careful and costly treatymaking. Like many instant media narratives, this one makes no sense and is almost certainly wrong. If Clark was resentful about the roasting she received from leadership rivals Abbott and Kevin Falcon, she had an odd way of showing it. She appointed Falcon as finance minister to drive a stake into the harmonized sales tax, and Abbott as education minister to fashion a

pre-election truce loans, from the with the everfederal government to First hostile teachers’ union. Both Nations to finance completed their treaty talks. Of unlikely tasks and every $100 spent retired as heroes trying to honour of the party in the century-old Tom Fletcher 2013. duty to sign treaties across B.C., Outgoing chief $80 is a loan treaty commissioner Sophie from Ottawa, $12 Pierre was as disis a grant from mayed as anyone at the news Ottawa and $8 is a grant from of Abbott’s demise. While the B.C. two were in transition meetThe plan was for First ings, Pierre learned that she Nations to repay their loans was not being replaced, leav- out of cash settlements made ing the federal-provincial-First to them for 100-odd years Nations Summit partnership of of uncompensated resource 22 years in a shambles. extraction, which is now Clark went further when accepted as being contrary to questioned by reporters about British and Canadian law. the sudden reversal. The future It was the blunt-spoken of aboriginal relations in B.C. Pierre who first acknowledged may or may not include the this hasn’t worked. Some of B.C. Treaty Commission. the 50 First Nations stuck at “There have been some the treaty table have borrowed results, but four treaties in 22 too much to go on, she said last years for $600 million is not year, calling for an “exit stratenough result,” Clark said. “We egy” that forgives debt. The probability of the B.C. have to be able to move faster, and we have to find a way to government making this deciinclude more First Nations in sion without talking to the federal paymaster is exactly zero. the process.” That $600 million is mostly I’m told the province’s clumsy

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in Keremeos & Okanagan Falls 605 7th Avenue, Keremeos BC Box 130, Keremeos BC V0X 1N0 website: www.keremeosreview.com email: editor@keremeosreview.com Phone: 250-499-2653 Fax: 250-499-2645

timing had something to do with Ottawa’s late demands. I asked Clark if her plan to settle land claims faster was anything like the 2009 attempt by Gordon Campbell’s deputy minister Jessica McDonald to negotiate a province-wide deal declaring aboriginal title. Clark sidestepped the question, saying only that the 150 B.C. First Nations not at the treaty table need a say and a solution too. (McDonald now faces a similar legal gridlock as the Clark-appointed CEO of BC Hydro, trying to build the Site C dam.) Pierre, a veteran administrator from the Ktunaxa Tribal Council in the Kootenays, made a prophetic statement when her term as chief commissioner was extended three years ago. She said if Ottawa isn’t prepared to give federal negotiators a realistic mandate on compensation and sharing of salmon rights, they should “shut ’er down.” Her advice may have been heard after all. Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: tfletcher@ blackpress.ca

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NEWS

The Review Thursday, April 2, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A 5

Do you have one of the top ten most stressful jobs? The top four most stressful jobs, according to last year’s CarreerCast.Com’s report, are as follows and in order: enlisted military personnel, military general, firefighter, and airplane pilot. That shouldn’t surprise anyone. All these professions share elements of personal risk and tremendous responsibility for the lives and wellbeing of others. That said, anyone who doesn’t understand the most stressful job in the world is that of parent is deluded. Like being in the army it involves elements of personal risk and tremendous responsibility for the lives and wellbeing of others. Plus the pay is lousy. Number five on the list seems a bit odd at first blush. The job of event coordinator doesn’t sound that stressful, until you consider how much it has in common with parenting. This is always especially apparent at the end of March Break, after fourteen consecu-

tive days of listening to how over dinner the oldest DeMeer the whole family is dying of child still living at home pointboredom. (Year after year I ed his fork across the table and forget to book the brass band proclaimed the whole reason I and bouncy castle). broached the subject was to creMonday morning the middle ate a way to slip that nugget of DeMeer son routed desperately information into print. Further, in his backpack for a book he he maintained that reporting by was supposed to read over the nature is not a stressful occupaANDREA DEMEER hiatus. At least he managed tion. It simply attracts people to look sheepish as he headed who are by nature highly prone old dog down the driveway mumbling to stress. new tricks something about trying to get in Being a reporter, like being a few chapters on the bus. a parent, often exposes one to We can pass over numbers six and seven unfair criticism. It’s quite stressful. on the list – public relations executive and Police officer and taxi driver round off senior corporate executive. If stress is central the top ten most stressful jobs and it’s hardto these jobs it may be because they are so ly worth detailing the many commonalities easily placed to make life hard for people these professions have with being a fulltime doing the eighth most stressful job. Mom or Dad. That’s the job of reporter. The only real surprise with this list is the While discussing the merits of this column absence of fast food server - also a job that

falls under the parent umbrella. Next to minor sports referees I’ve witnessed more abuse of people serving coffee and hamburgers than any other worker. I’ve also watched the back end of a drive thru window at Tim Horton’s, where a digital clock ticks away every second it takes to serve each and every customer, 24-hours a day. And I thought I had lots of deadlines. CareerCast.com rates the least stressful jobs as audiologist (it’s pretty quiet) hairstylist (hair always grows back) jeweler (you wait all day on people who are getting engaged, married, or celebrating a special event) and tenured university professor (no possibility ever of being fired.) I can’t imagine what any of those careers would be like, and I don’t think any of them have much to do with raising children.

Real danger adds spice to the Chopaka Rodeo Art Martens livingsignificantly.ca

When Nancy Allison, lead organizer for the Chopaka Rodeo, sat down with Linda and me at our kitchen table last week, her smile and sparkling eyes quickly convinced me she’s a zealot. “I’ve been at this for 50 years,” was her response to my initial question. “I was 9 at the time of the first rodeo. My Dad, Barney Allison, was one of the organizers. It began on his ranch, and although he is gone, it is still there. First everyone went to church. After church some people began doing calf roping for fun. From that small beginning it developed into a very successful rodeo.” A popular event on the amateur rodeo circuit, it attracts contestants and spectators from the Coast, Williams Lake, Washington State and elsewhere. Events include bullriding, bareback, saddlebronc, team roping, ladies, junior and Pee Wee barrels, and more. “Wild Cow Milking is a crowd pleaser,” Nancy said. The Kids Calf Scramble requires contestants to chase and snatch ribbons from the ears of calves. According to Nancy, the rodeo is a good place for young contestants to practise their techniques. In addition to an added purse of at least $500, winners of major events will receive a coveted silver buckle crafted by Montana Silversmith. “In the early years the cowboys went out and caught wild horses for the rodeo,” Nancy said. “Now all contest animals are supplied by contractors. Each time an animal (rough stock) supplied by a contractor exits the chute it costs $150.” One of the contestants, Chad Eneaus, began riding saddle broncs at age 14, and bulls when he was 16. He won the Canadian High School Bronc Riding Championship. He is a member of the Western Indian Rodeo Association and won the Saddle Bronc Championship in 2010. He has won prize money in a number of rodeos and I felt fortunate in tracking him down. He told me, “in the beginning it was kind of a saving grace. It gave me an opportunity to challenge myself emotionally, mentally and spiritually.” When I asked Chad about the dangers, he replied, “in one rodeo a bull threw me and then planted its rear hoofs on my chest. Both my lungs collapsed and my liver was lacerated.” He paused a moment and then said, “you have to know when to get a new hold, and when to let go. You don’t have a second to think. It has to be automatic. You have to figure out how to work with the animal. The ground is the best teacher. It hurts when you land.” Hay rancher Linnea Cappos has been part of the rodeo since 1979. “I rodeoed hard for 40 years in the barrel event,” she told me in a phone conversation. “I competed in the Barrel Racing event. Now I just help the girls make it happen. I’m involved with the paperwork and I also prepare the ground for the Barrel Racing. It’s a timed event and the footing needs to be secure for the horses so they don’t get hurt. The rodeo has given me a lot of satisfaction,” she said. “Now I just want to give something back.”

Linnea loves the family atmosphere. “When I get there, I head first to where they make the Fried Bread. People sit on blankets or lawn chairs. There are no bleachers. Some sit on the tailgates of pickups. It’s pretty informal.” She has gotten her 4 year old grand daughter Sophie involved in Barrel Racing. “She does it because I do it,” she said. “Like me, she loves horses.” I asked Nancy about the level of danger for contestants. “The saddle events are probably more dangerous than the bareback ones,” she replied. “A rider can get hooked on the saddle horn and be dragged along by the horse. One year a rider caught a hoof in his chest. I had to drive him and the first aid attendants to the clinic. On the way they shouted at me to stop because they had lost him. They pounded on his chest and he came back. After a few days in the hospital he was fine.” “This year we’ll probably get at least 1000 spectators, if the weather’s good. I tell people to bring their coolers, bikinis, mackinaws and lawn chairs. The entrance fee is only $10.00 and free for kids 10 and under. The show begins at 10 am.”

Saddle events are considered more dangerous than bareback ones because a rider can get hooked on a saddle horn.

After listening to Chad and Linda, I’m quite content to let others do the bronco and bull riding. The fried bread sounds pretty good though.

Need money

fa$t? File your taxes. Use H&R Block’s Cash Back Service*. If you’re getting a refund you can file today and have your money in 24 hours or less. For more information, speak to an H&R Block Tax Professional today.

Address 250-499-5111 City Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm Phone

630A 7th Ave.

After hours appointments available. Closed Sunday.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015 Join us for a celebration of the Similkameen Valley tourism industry and unveiling of the 2015 Travel Experiences Guide! Main Event: Riverside Centre, 148 Old Hedley Rd, Princeton 5-6:30 p.m. Networking, refreshments, business showcase exhibits, presentation and marketing projects for 2015/16. Afternoon session for tourism operators: Riverside Centre, 148 Old Hedley Rd., Princeton 1:30-4:30 p.m. Professional development workshop with Jody Wall on ‘Google my Business.” Workshop Q&A and one-on-one assistance with similkameenvalley.com website 4-4:30 p.m. RSVP to Salina Petschulat Curtis

1-250-707-1298 or

email: support@similkameenvalley.com

Sponsored by:

Similkameen Valley Planning Society

Manfred Bauer, Chair SVPS Joan McMurray SVPS Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) Chair Official Tourism Website: © H&R Block Canada, Inc. At participating offices.

http://similkameenvalley.com/

NEWS

A6 www.keremeosreview.com

Keremeos Review Thursday, April 2, 2015

Have something to sell? Letters to the editor Downtown in avalanche of disrepair Conserve money, ditch conservation law Our classifieds are also available online at www.bcclassifieds.com

To The Editor Re: RDOS Director Not Happy With Budget. Please Taxpayers pay attention to your Directors, things are in the works that we do not need and it will cost us dearly on our taxes, now and forever. This Conservation By-Law is not needed nor do we want to pay for it. $55,000.00 to process the direction to investigate the development of a conservation fund, to find out the public opinion and undertake public engagement on a referendum for

a Conservation Fund! If this costs $55,000.00 how much will the fund cost? If Ms. Bryn White and her South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Committee want this program go and raise the money yourself, we already have lots of Conservation Laws from Federal/Provincial/Regional Government we do not need any from another entity. My opinion for what it is worth. Alyce Coggan Cawston

MP makes bleak topics sparkle To the Editor: I went to see Nathan Cullen, Member of Parliament for Skeena, Bulkley Valley, last Saturday. His talk was basically about saving our coast, but he covered all the issues that were brought up as well. Nathan is extremely personable and likeable, and funnier than a lot of stand-up comedians I’ve seen. He started out by telling us about himself; his heritage and where he lived, then asked us to make up small groups of two or three and tell each other about ourselves. The room was buzzing immediately. Then people told him what they talked about. At one point we crossed our arms, then crossed them the other way. A lot of people admitted that they had to think about it for a minute. The conclusion we all came to is that changing the way we always do things is difficult, or at the least, uncomfortable. While he was giving us the most horrendous statistics about the tar sands he was dotting his talks with

Do you have a business?

funny stories. His stories remind me of Aesop’s Fables because they all had a lesson. He showed a picture in his area where the Stikine, Nass, and Skeena rivers meet - a breathtakingly beautiful place. And Shell Oil wanted to frack right there. At a meeting with elders and locals one elder leaned toward Nathan and said “Don’t worry, we have a plan.” When Nathan asked what it was he said “Cowboys and Indians.” He told him they were now elders with emails, and they had a common cause. People who fought with each other got together and ganged up on Shell. When Shell called Nathan he was told they were pulling out because they had lost their “social licence.” Nathan gives them credit for having recognized that. But, of course, the real credit goes to the cowboys and Indians.

Letter to the Editor: I live and worked in Keremeos for the last 15 years. I have seen many changes and at the same time have hardly seen a change. I am self-employed and that means dedication, self-reliance and consistency. Being self-employed is not always easy, there is not always a paycheck every two weeks. There is a responsibility to our

building (our place of work), its cleanliness and overall appearance most of all to the patrons, and yes we shovel the sidewalk. The buck stops here. The responsibility of all else downtown belongs to council. The run-down appearance of the downtown (trees, benches, lights, sidewalks and much more) falls directly on the shoulders of the present and past administrations.

What you see downtown is the result of accumulation effects of many years of neglect (failure) of councils duty to the downtown and to your neighbourhoods as well. Yes we needed new council, we just did not get one. The village, you deserve better, it is time we collectively demand it.

To the Editor: Trucks with a certain gross vehicle weight should be made to take the bypass. Having big trucks drive through town adds no value to the community. They don’t stop for shopping or lunch. They create unnecessary noise in our quiet town. They are ruining our asphalt. Who pays for repairs of premature wear? There’s the danger of the hill and jake brake noise. The intersection had to be widened to accommodate turning of large

trucks and it’s still tight. Trucks are still running at 11:30 p.m. and ruining the night peace time. As far as the empty space by the old Red Bridge Pub, travellers should be able to use it as overnight parking spots but no setting up camps. Sani-dump and water available. Public toilets are at park. These kind of travellers will shop and go to restaurants. The recreational place should be utilized better with more activ-

ities. We should advertise the community better with updated signs. The village should talk turkey with Bandit Signs and create a more up-to-date sign of Keremeos. It should advertise the shops, restaurants, motels, walking, fishing, parks as well as the overnight opportunities. Keremeos is beautiful. Let’s show it!

John Bassani Keremeos

Trucks add no value to downtown

Manfred Jilg Keremeos

Donna Stocker Cawston

WE CAN HELP YOU GET NOTICED

Review E

Call Maria for details

250-499-2653 250-499-2653 or 250-497-8880

NEWS

The Review Thursday, April 2, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A 7

Rain can’t dampen giving spirit in Honduras Gerrie Harker Submitted

Arriving in Honduras early December, we were very anxious to travel to the village and greet our people there. It had been eight months since we departed Honduras last April 2014. During our absence, we had several substantial donations made to our cause, one which was anonymous from Osoyoos and others which came through caring, concerned residents in Richmond B.C. (namely Colin Foo, a long time friend of Roger’s) and local people of our valley. We were so fortunate to have secured over $2,000 at our fundraiser at Rustic Roots Winery in Cawston, Dec. 29, 2014. Many thanks and “muchas gracias” to all that helped. December and January are the rainy months here, so unfortunately due to the terrible road conditions, we were unable to get to the village. Most of the five-kilometre road was washed out. However, in late January, after the locals of the village manually repaired large wash out areas of the road, we travelled to the village. At this time, we had our guest Colin Foo with us and he was thrilled to give out gifts of soccer balls and school supplies to the children. At the same time, pictures were taken of the existing new kindergarten that was completed in late 2014 and final plans were made with the villagers to begin the second school as soon as could be arranged. The site was ready, but we needed some dry, hot weather to get a large delivery truck up the rugged, steep hills to village. During the next month, Roger met with the mayor of Santa Fe to consult on the desperate need to repair the road. Subject to this, fuel expenses were funded by Roger Clinton and another local charity (U.S.) Corazon y Corazon, to assist the municipality with the road repairs. Finally after much anticipation, on Feb 27th, we received a call that the road was passable. Since this time we have made numerous trips to the village with food, household and medical supplies. Sick children and ailing adults have either been transported to hospital or given medical attention in the village. Also at this time, we were informed by the Mayor that a team of medics from Canada and the U.S. would be visiting all the villages along the coast and doing surgical clinics in most of the larger cities. This indeed was a huge help for us. Prescriptions were delivered and parasite medication was administered to hundreds of villagers. Things were finally starting to happen. As of this date, we are pleased and proud to announce that Roger Clinton has recently purchased over $10,000 (U.S. Funds) of building supplies, which have all been transported in three trucks to

A Similkameen couple is continuing efforts to improve conditions in a Honduras village.

the village. This is an all day procedure, given that, when the first truck load arrived, they were unable to make the steep trek up the mountain, due to a recent rainfall. On that day, many villagers came the five-km on foot or horseback to assist with the unloading of the truck, until further help could be found. The large delivery truck returned to the township of Tocoa.

Cawston Community Hall Society

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

PUBLIC NOTICE RE: BUILDING AT 7TH STREET & 7TH AVENUE CORNER, KEREMEOS, (formerly Keremeos Toonie) To complete work on the building exterior, we will be RE-ROUTING pedestrian traffic through the parking lane on 7TH STREET. On MAIN ST. (north side of the building), we will be needing to use 1/2 the width of the sidewalk.

The Cawston Community Hall Society Annual General Meeting takes place at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 14th at the Cawston Community Hall 2119 Main St. Cawston.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE PATHWAY INDICATED BY THE CONES/PYLONS + BARRICADES. THANK YOU so much for your patience and understanding since last fall; we will expedite the work as best as we can. Sincerely, Jenifer Liew for 779688 BC LTD., Keremeos

Homes ge�ng curbside garbage collec�on in Keremeos, Hedley, Olalla (Area ‘G’) and Cawston (Area ’B’) can place out a maximum of two (2) large items for collec�on Friday April 10th, 2015. 



The two large items can be furniture, ma�resses or appliances NO building materials, water tanks, toilets, doors or items containing gasoline or oil

Ques�ons? 1‐877‐610‐3737 or info@rdos.bc.ca

File art

The Keremeos Transfer Station will be open an additional day of the week as of April 8th

SUNDAYS: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm WEDNESDAYS: Noon to 4:00 pm Extra Wednesday openings will only run from April 8th to the end of September. Visit www.rdos.bc.ca, call 1-877-6103737 or e-mail info@rdos.bc.ca for more information.

A 8 www.keremeosreview.com Thursday, April 2, 2015 The Review TV GUIDE

THE

Review

T V L i s t i n g s - Page 1

April 2 - April 8

WEATHER WATCH

three day forecast THURSDAY

Sunny High 12 Low -2

OUR READERS ENJOY THEIR TV GUIDE!

THURSDAY EVENING APRIL 2, 2015 7 PM 7:30 8 PM

FRIDAY EVENING APRIL 3, 2015 7 PM 7:30

9 PM

Max. 12.9°C

31%

Highest & Lowest Temp. (1941-2011) 20.1°C (1991) -4.4°C (1949)

SATURDAY

Cloudy with 40% Chance of Showers High 10 Low -3 9:30

10 PM

8 PM

8:30

9 PM

9:30

10 PM

Min. 0.6°C

Precipitation Frequency

Greatest Precipitation (1941-2011)

10.4 mm (1981)

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11:30

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11 PM

11:30

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SATURDAY EVENING APRIL 4, 2015 7 PM 7:30 8 PM

8:30

0.0 mm total precipitation

Mix Sun & Cloud High 12 Low -2

250-499-2653

2005

High 10.9°C Low 0.1°C Average Temperatures

FRIDAY

They pull it out of the paper and keep it all week as a reference for their viewing pleasure. Why not be top of mind all week long? To secure your advertising in this space, call the Review today.

Weather history for March 31

8:30

9 PM

9:30

10 PM

10:30

11 PM

11:30

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NEWS

The Review Thursday, April 2, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A 9

Local business owner ready to get saucy at Fest of Ale Tara Bowie Review Staff

After years of trying, a local restauranteur has secured a spot in the largest craft beer event in the Southern Interior. Mark Mudahy will cook for thousands at Penticton’s Fest of Ale coming up on April 10 and 11 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. “I’ve tried for many years to get in as a vendor,” he said recently during an interview at the Review office. “I’ve only gone as a spectator. It was crazy busy there was lots of food and beer.” Mudahy owns MJs Pizza and

Caribbean Food and has been making his own sauce for more than 14 years. For the last two years he’s been making a spicy jerk sauce using a Penticton brewery craft beer as the base. Mudahy uses a craft beer produced by The Tin Whistle called Black Widow to create the sauce. “It’s a spicy, hot spicy seasoning. It’s hot,” he said. Mudahy said because of the paring with the brewery he was able to secure a spot inside the convention centre for Fest of Ale. His menu for the event, which

attracts more than 4,000 people over the two days, includes jerk chicken using the black widow sauce with Caribbean coleslaw and a coco bread dinner role. He will also be taking a selection of Jamaican patties including spicy beef, spicy veggie and mango barbecue. Mudahy makes other sauces including his Jamaica 911 hot sauce. The sauces can be purchased at his store in Keremeos or the The Tin Whistle brewery and other select locations in Penticton.

Workshop offers plain language skills as part of Literacy Now programming A Plain Language workshop is being offered April 16th at The Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens. Those with a variety of interests can come enjoy some time working together on the challenge of plain language. The workshop comes from Literacy Now South Okanagan Similkameen hosted by Similkameen Family Literacy. The workshop happens in the bright and comfortable Tea Room at Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens at 2691 Upper Bench Road in Keremeos. Author Dawn Renaud is the presenter in the free of charge workshop provided through Literacy Now, South Okanagan-

Similkameen. The host is Similkameen Family Literacy. “The Similkameen is home to quite a few talented storytellers. It would be a pleasure to help them hone their individual skills”. “I’m intrigued by the variety of businesses in the Okanagan and Similkameen,” said Renaud, “and I have enjoyed helping them with their newsletters, media releases, business proposals, standard operating procedures and web copy.” Dannielle Hyde, the Similkameen Coordinator for Literacy Now helps coordinate organizations and individuals working to support literacy in the South Okanagan and Similkameen. Similkameen

Family Literacy in Keremeos presents ongoing programs locally including children’s theatre, writers’ craft, literacy in personal development work and a one-toone reading program for primary students. Funding comes from BC Gaming proceeds. Similkameen Family Literacy aims to promote the enjoyment and good use of language in all age groups. Coordinator is Dave Cursons at 250-499-2352 Local 107. Register in advance for the April 16th Plain Language Workshop by email at literacynowsos@gmail.com, by phone at 250-770-0029 or at 250-4992352

Foundation dinner about funds and fun Review Staff

It’ll be an evening of great food and goodwill with a goal of raising funds for a variety of important causes. The second annual Lower Similkameen Fundraising dinner will be held April 18 at the Branding Iron Bar and Grill. Proceeds from the event will be held with the Community Foundation of South Okanagan

Similkameen and doled out to local recipients. “The great thing about this event is that the money raised from the dinner and silent auction supports charities and projects in the community,” Kim English, an event volunteer said. Past charities and projects that have received funding from the foundation include the Similkameen/Keremeos

Recreation Centre, Cawston Hall and the Hedley Seniors’ Centre. Volunteers are currently looking for items from local businesses and artisans to include in the event’s silent auction. Tickets for the April 18 event are going fast. They are $25 and can be picked up at Similkameen Agencies. Tickets include dinner, silent auction and live entertainment.

Tara Bowie

Mark Mudahy of MJs Pizza and Caribbean Food is highlighting his signature spicy jerk sauce made from The Tin Whistle craft beer Black Widow at this year’s Fest of Ale in Penticton.

Celebrate & Worship with us

SIMILKAMEEN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Across from Bear’s Fruitstand 250-499-0153 Easter Sunrise Service at the Grist Mill 7:00 am Pastor Continental Breakfast to follow at the David L. Similkameen Christain Fellowship. Kelly

FOOT CARE CLINIC

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC CHURCH $25 Fee Fri. Apr. 17 & Sat. Apr. 18 Call for an appointment 250-499-5543

With Foot Care Nurse Lesli Lorinez 526 - 7th Avenue,

Keremeos 250-499-5543

April 3rd: Good Friday Service at 3:00 p.m. Easter Sunday Mass at 9:00 a.m. Celebrating Jesus Rising from the Dead: HAPPY EASTER TO ALL

A 10 www.keremeosreview.com Thursday, April 2, 2015 The Review FEATURE EVENT

50 ANNUAL CHOPAKA JACKPOT RODEO th

STOCK CONTRACTERS: ALLISON, TERBASKET, DEJONCKHERE, & WILLIS

Hilltop Esso 499-2862

Video/DVD, Lottery, Ice, Groceries 6:30 am to 11:00 pm

499-2225

50th ANNUAL CHOPAKA JACKPOT RODEO 15 Miles south of Keremeos B.C. Everyone Welcome Easter Sunday April 5, 2015 Rodeo Commences High Noon Admission $10.00

7:00 am to 9:00 pm

Keremeos Funeral Chapel

1-800-275-1202 712 - 5th Street, Keremeos

Cawston Market Place

We’re still locally owned and operated!

250-499-2970

Good Luck, to all of this year’s competitors! Main Street, Cawston

• No Name • Fresh Produce • Frozen Foods • President’s Choice

Keremeos Building Supplies is now Home Building Centre

Same Great Location: 620 - 8th Ave., Keremeos

250-499-5322

Hours: Mon - Fri, 8 am - 5 pm Saturday 8:30 am - 5pm

Enjoy this year’s

Chopaka Rodeo!

Toll Free: 1-855-498-5122 linda.larson.mla@leg.bc.ca

Linda Larson, MLA Boundary Similkameen

FEATURE EVENT

The Review Thursday, April 2, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A11

50 ANNUAL CHOPAKA JACKPOT RODEO th

FRIED BREAD!

EVENTS:

• Saddle Bronc • Calf Roping • Team Roping • Bull Riding • Ladies Barrels • Ladies Breakaway • Junior Barrels • Junior Cow Riding • Pee Wee Barrels • Kids Calf Scramble • Wild Cow Milking

Olympic Towing & Service 24 Hour Towing & Service 250-499-5624

THE CHOPAKA RODEO COMMITTEE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES, MARRIAGES OR DIVORCES AND/OR PREGNANCIES!

Conces

sion

Availa bl

Bring lawnchairs & blankets

e Central Fabricators Ltd. 1004 Hwy 3A

250-499-9544

ADDED PUR$E$

We salute all the organizers of the Chopaka Rodeo!

Lower Similkameen Indian Band Phone:

499-2711

The Village Of Keremeos

Fax: 499-5477

702 - 4th Street, Keremeos www.keremeos.ca email: town@keremeos.ca

It’s

Chopaka

Time...

Rodeo

A 12 www.keremeosreview.com Thursday, April 2, 2015 The Review NEWS

Fabric of RCMP about to be ripped apart, union rep Kathy Michaels Black Press

A wholesale change in the way the Mounties conduct internal business may be the only thing to keep the national police force functional, says an advocate of unionization. Earlier this month, the Mounted Police Professional Association held meetings across the Okanagan, aimed at educating RCMP members about the benefits of unionizing, a right recently made possible with a Supreme Court decision handed down in January. “We conclude,” the Supreme Court majority wrote at that time, “that the s. 2(d) guarantee of freedom of association protects a meaningful process of collective bargaining that provides employees with a degree of choice and independence sufficient to enable them to determine and pursue their collective interests.” It concluded the current regime denies Mounties that choice and “imposes on them a scheme that does not permit them to identify and advance their workplace concerns free from management’s influence.” Although the court didn’t explicitly endorse moving forward with unionization, association representative Rob Creasser said that’s the best option. “We are light years behind every other Canadian and international police agency when it comes to having the right of collective bargaining and having a meaningful say on pay, benefits and working conditions,” said Creasser, noting officers in more than 250 police forces in Canada are already union-

ized. He says the absence of that ability has made the RCMP a toxic workplace. Creasser echoed what the local police superintendent has often said, noting that regional detachments are grossly under-staffed. “If you took a community policed by RCMP and compare it to a community policed by the Ontario Provincial Police, the caseload per member would be 1.5 to two times higher for the RCMP,” he said, adding that a recent report on RCMP staffing calls for 5,000 new members, immediately. Wages, he said, are also $8,000 to $10,000 less in the RCMP than they are in other police forces. “So we are working harder for less money right now,” he said. Those conditions have created a toxicity that has spilled out onto the communities the Mounties are supposed to protect. “I’m not trying to make excuses,” he said. “But there are quite a few people who are off on stress related leave because they can’t handle it anymore, and that exacerbates an existing shortage, and that puts more pressure on those who are left behind.” In this area alone, there were a series of court cases involving Kelowna Mounties and community members. Of particular note was the case with Buddy Tavares, a brain injured man who was kicked in the head by a Mountie after he had submitted to arrest. The volume of those kinds of stories have abated, seemingly in tandem with increased police staff-

Earlier this month, the Mounted Police Professional Association held meetings across the Okanagan, aimed at educating RCMP members about the benefits of unionizing, a right recently made possible with a Supreme Court decision handed down in January.

ing. On the national stage, the problems keep popping up as well. The question may just be whether or not change is affordable. “Our system of labour relations hasn’t informed the public about the challenges we face,” Creasser said. “I think if people know, they’re supportive. Now that I’m a civilian, if I think about living in a community of 80,000 people with only four RCMP members on the rad, I’d chip in more money.” If that doesn’t happen, he said,

it might be time for the RCMP to get out of community policing altogether. “I believe that the RCMP is in trouble,” he said. “(Experts) say you need 5,000 more bodies right now if we’re going to continue with federal policing.” That doesn’t account for the number of bodies required for jobs that traditionally fell outside the purview of the RCMP, like policing international gangs and anti terrorism measures.

“There was a recent case here where the people graduating from depot in Regina were diverted to Ottawa to work on Parliament Hill (following the shooting of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo ),” he said. Those Mounties were supposed to go to detachments across the country to help fill the voids there. “If you continue to take from Peter to pay Paul, the fabric of the RCMP is just going to rip apart,” said Creasser.

The Review Thursday, April 2, 2015

THE

Review

SUNDAY EVENING APRIL 5, 2015 7 PM 7:30

April 2 - April 8

8 PM