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What is your downtown vision? Vision 2020 – it’s true, we are rounding into the last few years before the turn of a new decade and it’s time to start thinking about how you see downtown in the future. Your downtown, our neighbourhood is the central hub for all of Kamloops. What would you like to see down here, what kind of neighbourhood do you envision yourself to be a part of? That is the basis of questions being posed by the folks from Downtown Kamloops, also known as the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA). They are currently working on a five year marketing and place management plan and want to know, ‘what do you want from your downtown?’ The group, which advocates for business development, safety and social issues, and increased densification, knows that the move to the suburbs of the 80’s is now happening in reverse. More and more people are flocking back to their downtown
cores and they want to would be a good idea to ers and bistro sets are a KCBIA is to help our help make that an even present the growth and direct result of that first businesses be successful,” more attractive thing. changes to our commu- visioning session. The tells Gay. “We are in the “We hosted a 2013 nity and let them help us session, which is being midst of planning next Visioning Session with retool and reshape the hosted by the Doubletree year’s agenda, calendar great participation from next few years.” Explains Hotel right here in down- and putting together our many of our area busi- KCBIA general manager town Kamloops, will be marketing plan and we used to plan and imple- want to know what is nesses and service pro- Gay Pooler. viders. That session really Many of the place ment the next few years and is not working for helped shape the direc- management initiatives of events, programming our businesses. It is very tion of our marketing and downtown has embarked and marketing in the important to us. We are activities over the last few on including their famous downtown core. making plans for 2016 - continued on page 2 years. We really thought it street piano, giant check- “One the goals of the
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2 n March 17, 2016
DOWNTOWN echo
Agreement reached for laundry services
Dance to the Djembe beat
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, members of Djembe Django took their place in front of the downtown Kamloops Library. Pictured here are members (l-r) Suzanne Legault, Raven Ritcey, Mona Banek, Una Connor and Diane Smith. These talented ladies entertain throughout the year at too many events to mention. For more information visit djembedjango.com.
Dr. Andrew Weaver, MLA and Green Party Leader to visit On March 18 to 19, the Kamloops branch of the British Columbia Green Party will be welcoming Dr. Andrew Weaver, MLA and Green Party Leader. Dr. Weaver served as Canada Research Chair in the School of Earth Sciences and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria. His research focus has been on environment science and climate change and his work made him one of the strongest voices in transitioning to a green future. As one of the lead authors for the
United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th scientific assessments, Dr. Weaver came face to face with some of the sobering pieces of evidence regarding our changing world. As a result, Andrew Weaver switched careers and begun his political career by announcing his candidacy for the position of MLA for Oak Bay – Gordon Head on Vancouver Island in 2012. His journey was the subject of a well received and inspiring documentary by Vancouverbased filmmaker Robert Alstead
called ‘Running on Climate’ (released 2015). In 2008 Dr. Weaver was appointed to the Order of British Columbia and in 2013 he was awarded a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Dr. Weaver’s visit in Kamloops will include several meetings with local Green Party members, a visit of the proposed Ajax mine site and a fundraising dinner at Nandi’s Flavours of India at 610 Columbia Street West, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Saturday, March 19, 2016.
Vision 2020 - Making downtown Kamloops better The Marketing Visioning session is happening - continued from front and beyond and we want you to come and take Tuesday, March 22 at 5:00 pm at the Doubletree your seat at the table.” by Hilton located at 339 St. Paul Street. All visitors Some of the discussion will revolve around events; will be treated to snacks and appies, a presentation both revising current events and adding new ones as on current marketing, events and programming well as programming like Live at Lunch, marketing, happening now downtown, and roundtable discusadvertising, attracting and retaining retail business sions on hot topics. Guests to the previous Visioning and creating a vibrant and happening downtown. Session remarked on how informative and valuable They want to know how the changes they have their attendance was. RSVPs will be appreciated, as made in the last few years have impacted you, what seating is limited. You can email admin@kcbia.com is currently working for businesses and what road- or call 250-372-3242. More information and RSVP blocks they are facing. They are also open to hear form is also available online at www.kcbia.com. and discuss other great ideas to add to the plan. Tanya Orozco, freelance
Interior Health’s Board of Directors announced on March 1 that the health authority has reached a 20-year agreement with Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service Inc. to provide the majority of linen and laundry services through a centralized Okanaganbased facility, supported by regional distribution centres. “A clear case exists to proceed with outsourcing laundry services at our major facilities,” said Board chair Erwin Malzer. “With an anticipated savings of about $35 million over the life of the contract we will be able to increase our investment in facilities and equipment to support direct patient care, including necessary upgrades and expansions of our emergency departments and operating rooms.” The following Interior Health facilities where laundry services are currently provided will be affected: Kelowna General Hospital, Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson, Penticton Regional Hospital, Vernon Jubilee Hospital and Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. A total of 93 full-time equivalent positions will be impacted by the decision. Interior Health will work closely with the affected employees and the Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU) to ensure a smooth transition of the service to Ecotex by Summer 2017. Ecotex is an experienced BC based laundry service company and has provided laundry and laundry services for Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, Provincial Health Services and Providence Health Care among other clients. “Interior Health laundry employees have delivered high quality service to our patients for many years and I understand they may feel disappointed with this decision,” continued Malzer. “While there will be job displacement within our sites, we believe the commitment by Ecotex to build a facility in the Southern Interior and hire residents from our region will offset some of the impact felt. We will also work with the HEU to support laundry employees as they consider options for the future, whether that is through accessing vacancies or retraining.”
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March 17, 2016 n 3
ECHO ASKS Opinions of the people who matter – you.
Who is the last person you hugged?
Mary McKenzie
KCBIA Board of Directors announced
For those of you that missed the Kamloops Central Business Association’s (KCBIA) AGM and Downtown Kamloops Safety Panel; here is a quick recap. The new Board of Directors for 2016 were elected. The new president of the Association is Shatha Al-Reihani, general manager of the Plaza Hotel. Maeghan Summers, general manager of the Noble Pig Brewhouse remains the vice-president, Scott Campbell of Campbell and Company remains treasurer, new secretary is Mike O’Reilly of Caffe Motivo and director at large is Ryan Gentile of the Big Boot Inn. Other directors include; Sarah Sparrow of National Hospitality Group, Claude Richmond of News Kamloops,
Dino Bernardo of the Commodore Grand Cafe and Lounge, Sandra Blair of Daley and Co., Michael O’Brien of 4CATS Art Studio, Grant Veale of the Plainsman Group of Companies, Hal Hicks of Fulton and Co., Brendan Shaw of Brendan Shaw Real Estate, Shane Brooks of Stantec, Tony Bradwell of Urban Systems and Michael Popoff of Sunias Ventures who will sit as past president. The KCBIA is still are looking for participation from downtown Kamloops businesses and property owners on all of their sub-committees; Business Development, Safety and Social, and Marketing and Communications. For more information visit www.kcbia.com.
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Imminent gang violence unconfirmed The Kamloops RCMP and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) would like to assure residents of Kamloops that a recent local media report about potential imminent “gang war” in the community is unconfirmed at this time. “At this point there is nothing arising from our intelligence, investigations or community connections that support the increased threat level indicted in a recent local news article,” says Cpl. Cheryl Bush, Kamloops RCMP. “While a street level drug trade does exist there is no indication of any escalating risk to the public.” The RCMP would like to assure the community that efforts to disrupt and prevent organized crime from establishing a foothold in the community are ongoing. These efforts have been identified as a priority for the Detachment for a number
of years, and nothing has changed in that respect. “Recent investigations which have revealed an element of organized crime activity have certainly reinforced the need to continue this work,” explains Cpl. Bush. “All units within the detachment continuously gather intelligence and follow up on the information. These types of investigations are often met with little or no cooperation from all parties involved, leaving the police to rely on other sources and evidence to successfully prosecute those responsible for violence.” In addition, local enforcement efforts to suppress and diminish criminal activity taking place in the community are supported by CFSEU-BC, but both agencies say that receiving information from the public remains key in combatting criminal activity. “Through comprehen-
sive information sharing between partner agencies as well as members of the community coming forward with any information that they may have, we will be able to reduce any threat to the public,” explains Cst. Jordan McLellan of the CFSEU-BC. “We are always looking for information relating to organized crime, gangs and other groups of individuals who are participating in illegal activities.” Currently police in British Columbia, led by the CFSEU-BC, are using a predictive targeting process that has modernized municipal, provincial and federal intelligence, which helps police prioritize potential threats. There is a shared responsibility for combating gang violence across policing units and partner agencies. This intelligence-led process is the first in Canada to drive operations, tackling area-
specific issues while also meeting province-wide challenges. The CFSEUBC’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team travels throughout the province and works with local detachments to support their efforts in the reduction of violent crimes due to gang activity. “Fighting gang violence requires a multi-faceted approach to dealing with the problem,” says Cst. McLellan. “We are determined to succeed but we cannot combat gang crime alone. We work closely with our many partner agencies like the Kamloops RCMP, as well as our communities across the province and country.” Anyone, including the media, who has information that suggests there is the imminent potential for violence should be making a report directly to the police or to Crime Stoppers. Cpl. Cheryl Bush Kamloops RCMP
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March 17, 2016 n 5
BUSINESS PROFILE
Hiring Fair features over 50 employers
Steve Mitton.
In downtown Kamloops, make it Mittz! There is no shortage of fabulous establishments to eat, drink and be merry here in the downtown core but one that stands out for a latitude of reasons is Mittz Kitchen, located right in the heart of the downtown core at 227 Victoria Street. Mittz Kitchen doesn’t stand out because of its awesome blue door or its incredible ownership, the reasons extend right from their interesting and glorious array of food; think pulled chicken poutine, beef and bison chilli or a pappardelle braised beef ragu right down to their watermelon mint coolers during happy hour. Their staff is beyond accommodating, always taking the time to explain the menu items or making sure that everything is up above your standards. “This is a story about two brothers, Jeff and Steve Mitton, who had a dream…” explains Steve. “But unfortunately we were not athletically inclined enough to play professional sports so we decided to open a restaurant instead! We are two locally raised brothers who have worked in the hospitality industry for a combined total of 54 years in many capacities and in a variety of different restaurants. That’s a lot of years, so we decided to strike out on our own to see if we learned anything! What we came up with was Mittz Kitchen – a place for grub and grapes.”
Those combined years of experience have really paid off for the brothers. Mittz Kitchen is a food lovers dream right down to the warm and hospitable environment. People from all walks of life come out to enjoy their lunches, dinners and happy hours and once patio season hits, it is almost impossible not to see someone you know out enjoying the sunshine and a nice cool drink on a sunny day. “We see Mittz Kitchen as an upscale casual dining experience, the kind of place you will just want to hang out at and partake in some libations, crushed grapes and tasty grub,” finishes Steve. “Our menu could be described as Canadian cuisine with local ingredients and global influences. It could also just be described as tasty goodness! We, along with our wickedly talented chef Dave Rempel, hope you enjoy what we have put together for you.” If you haven’t stopped by Mittz Kitchen in a while, head on down and see what they have on the menu for you. Mittz Kitchen is open seven days a week, Monday to Friday at 11:00 am and Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am. Word on the street is they have a stellar brunch, so make it your destination this weekend. They are located at 227 Victoria Street and available by phone at 778-471-5050. Tanya Orozco, freelance
On Thursday, April 7, more than 50 of Kamloops’ employers will participate in a local hiring fair organized by Open Door Group and WorkBC. Located at the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre, the event will run from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and is free to attend. The purpose of the Kamloops Spring Hiring Fair is to give job seekers the opportunity to meet face-to-face with a variety of potential employers, develop a network of local professional contacts, and help both sides to ask and answer questions. While the list of employers and organizations continues to grow, some of Kamloops’ largest employers are Walmart, London Drugs, Retirement Concepts, Home Hardware, Tim Hortons, Tolko, Mark’s Work Wearhouse, Domtar, iTel Networks and many more will be in attendance. You don’t need to register and the event is open to the public. However, job seekers should show up to the event prepared. Research the companies you would like to apply to, dress appropriately, bring several copies of your resume, and be prepared to talk about your abilities and skills. For a full list of employers, updates, and to share with friends search the event on Facebook ‘Kamloops Spring Hiring Fair’.
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6 n March 17, 2016
DOWNTOWN echo
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For appointments please phone 250-376-5124 or 250-319-7827
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Derek Johnson and daughter Aurora from All Aboard Games were on site at TeenFest armed with Superfight, a game of absurd arguments. One of the most hilarious “fights” involved Justin Bieber armed with explosive eggs and a 50-foot tall bear on a pogo stick! This one-day exhibition for youth ages 12 to 18 years took place at the Tournament Capital Centre on Saturday, March 12.
WCT announces 2016/2017 season Since 1975, Western Canada Theatre (WCT) has been producing great theatre for audiences in Kamloops and across Canada. WCT has had a remarkable impact on the national theatre landscape, producing premieres of important new Canadian work, training some of Canada’s finest theatre professionals and showcasing their work and artists across this country. WCT is also showcasing some amazing new work: a world premiere by WCT artistic director Daryl Cloran (The Cure For Death By Lightning), and the world premiere of a new comedy (Made in Italy) written by and starring Farren Timoteo. WCT is opening their Mainstage series with a riotous comedic ghost story (Blithe Spirit) featuring Kamloops’ own Anita Wittenberg, Janet Michael, Christopher Weddell and Kelsey Gilker. For the first time in almost 17 years, William Shakespeare makes a triumphant return with the zany adventure story (The Comedy of Errors). Plus some good ol’ country music (Ring of Fire) and an ultimate feel-good musical loved the world over to celebrate the holidays (Mamma Mia!). Based on the powerful and pro-
found response to this season’s High-Wire Festival, WCT has proudly created the (Re)Imagine Series. In the spirit of the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the series will investigate the relationship between Canada’s First Nations people and the settlers with two plays (The Cure for Death by Lightning, Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth), plus readings and corollary events. In 2016/17, the High-Wire Festival will consist of two exciting components. In October, WCT will host Secret City, a unique audio adventure exploring the hidden histories of locations in Kamloops. Additionally, as part of WCT’s 40th Anniversary, they announced a call for submissions in order to select up to three new works for commissioning. The High-Wire Festival will continue in February with public presentations of the winning selections. WCT will also offer more great programming specifically for young children with The House at Pooh Corner. It’s an amazing season that will make you proud to “Find Yourself at Western Canada Theatre!” For more information visit www. wctlive.ca.
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Sycamore String Quartet next in New Gold Chamber Music series Kamloops Symphony Orchestra’s (KSO) next New Gold Chamber Music series performance will showcase the talent of KSO principal musicians for Sycamore String Quartet. The ensemble will perform on Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 pm at the TRU Alumni Theatre. Sycamore String Quartet is made up of Cvetozar Vutev, Annette Dominik, Ashley Kroecher and Martin Krátk. This ensemble will bring their many years of experience together to perform string quartets by Haydn and Schubert. Cvetozar Vutev has over 25 years of experience teaching and performing. He has been concertmaster for Kamloops Symphony since 2005. Vutev is a first violin player with the Okanagan Symphony and the concertmaster of the Opera Kelowna Orchestra. Annette Dominik is a founding member of Kamloops Symphony. She studied languages and always continued with her music education at
BUSINESS UBC and Laval in Quebec. PhD studies in linguistics COMPUTER took her to Montreal, where she played in many chamSPECIAL ber groups, performing in
Montreal and Vermont. In 2000, she resumed teaching at UCC/TRU and has been Principal Second Violin of the KSO since 2006. - Intel i3 3.5GHz Ashley Kroecher has been Processor - 500Gb Hard Disk performing and teaching in the Thompson Okanagan - Windows 7 Pro area for over 11 years. He upgradeable to is principal violist of the Windows 10 Kamloops Symphony and assistant principal violist of the Okanagan Symphony. Martin Krátk is currently $449 while the Kamloops Symphony’s quantities last principal cellist; he also sits assistant principal in the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra. He teaches weekly at the Kamloops Symphony Music School and the Kelowna Community Music School. More information can be found at www.kamloopssymphony.com. Tickets can be purchased 250.374.6887 throughP.Kamloops Live! Box Office at 250-374E. sales@kcc.ca or at the door. 5483, www.kamloopslive.ca W. www.kcc.ca 945 Notre Dame Drive
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2015. The remainder of the meet- replace the process being run by ing will be an opportunity for the the BC Environmental Assessment public to seek clarification from Office. The intent of the meeting the consultant on their presenta- is to provide the public with the tion. Members of the public who opportunity to hear the preliminary wish to speak will be allocated findings from SLR before they three minutes to put forward their officially submit their comments questions and comments. to the EAO prior to the end of the This City-led initiative does not 75-day public comment period.
Spring break soccer camp invites guest coach Soccer Quest has announced the attendance of Matt Sheppard as the guest coach for the High Performance Spring Break Camp from March 21 to 24. Matt will be in attendance at all the sessions and this is a great opportunity to be taught the good habits of becoming a top player from one of Canada’s top coaches. Matt has just completed a contract as the head coach of the New South Wales Soccer Association in Australia. He also coached with the Canadian National team program and won National Gold with the BC U14 Girls provincial team. Matt is an ‘A’ license coach and is currently working on his Pro License. He is presently the head coach for the Calgary Chinooks. For more details or to register for the Spring Break Camps go to www. soccerquest.ca or call the Soccer Quest office at 250-572-GOAL.
Feedback requested on Goose Lake Road closure The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is asking for comments from the public related to the proposal by KGHM Ajax to request a permit to permanently close approximately 6.8 km of Goose Lake Road where it would be under the wet tailings storage lake. The company has no plans to replace this road. Do you use the Goose Lake Road for access to Lac le Jeune Road, biking, motorcycling, walking, running, bird watching, etc.? Please send your
written comments to the Thompson Nicola District Office, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure via mail at #127-447 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T3 c/o Development Approvals, or by email at TNDistrictdevapps@gov.bc.ca. Also, send your response to the BC Environmental Assessment Office Public Comment site at http://ajax.projects. eao.gov.bc.ca/public/project/569d3edbbfa11d0c009 f92ee. Deadlines are April 11.
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The City of Kamloops, specifically City Council, will be hosting a town hall meeting to share its consultant’s preliminary review of KGHM International Inc.’s (KGHM) submission to the BC Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO). Following the presentation, the public will be invited to ask questions of SLR Consulting regarding the information presented. This public meeting will take place at Thompson Rivers University Grand Hall from 6:00 to 10:00 pm on Friday, March 18. The meeting will begin with an overview by SLR Consulting on its initial findings of KGHM’s submission and which will include an initial response to the questions posed by the City of Kamloops and residents at the City-hosted public input session on September 28,
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Get exposed!
(L-R) Diane Florence and Judy Basso from the Kamloops Art Gallery attended the Kamloops Arts Council’s Art Exposed VIP reception on Thursday, March 10 at the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre. Attendees had the chance to get a sneak peak at the more than 220 works of art by area artists and enjoy a tasting by Privato Vineyard and Winery as well as live music and snacks.
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Art Exposed Jurors’ Choice prizes awarded
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Jurors’ Choice prizes were awarded at the opening of the Kamloops Arts Council’s (KAC) Art Exposed Regional Exhibition on Friday, March 11. The awards came with $100 (1st) and $50 (2nd) cash prizes in each category. Photos of the winning artwork can be found on the KAC website. 1st Place, 2D Established (presented by the TNRD): Janice Jarvis, Sienna (pastels). 2nd Place, 2D Established (presented by New Gold New Afton Mine): Doris Laner, Green Canoe (oils). 1st Place, 3D Established: Les-
lie Bolin, Atmospheric Fired Teapot (clay/bamboo/leather). 2nd Place, 3D Established: Sheila Macdonald, Just Hanging (clay). 1st Place, 2D Emerging: Nicole Joss, Piaf (pencil crayon/acrylic on wood). 2nd Place, 2D Emerging: Bailey Koopmans, Raveled (digital freehand). 1st Place, 3D Emerging: Laura Balogh, Moving Pictures, the Stills of Life (mixed media). 2nd Place, 3D Emerging: Keith Elliott, The Goldfish Bowl (wood/metal). This year’s jurors were Tracey
Kutschker, Vaughn Warren and Wendy Weseen. Art Exposed features over 250 works of art by 160 area artists, from youth to senior. Work by artists of all ages and levels will be displayed at the Kamloops Old Courthouse for the duration of the exhibit. Art Exposed is open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm all week; closing Saturday, March 19 at 5:00 pm. Admission is by donation. People’s Choice and Artist’s Choice will be awarded at the end of the exhibit. For more information, visit www.kamloopsarts.ca.
Blazers Hockey School announced The 2016 Kamloops Blazers Hockey School will run from August 8 to 12 at the Sandman Centre. The school is open to boys and girls in four groups including Initiation (born 2010 to 2011), Novice (born 2008 to 2009), Atom (born 2006 to 2007) and Pee Wee (born (2004 to 2005). The camp includes two separate ice-times daily including power skating and skills training, classroom session, off-ice activities and a lunch program. Current Kamloops Blazers coaches Don Hay, Mike Needham, Terry Bangen, Chris Murray and Dan De Palma will run all on-ice sessions. Power Skating instructor Nina Hrycewich will run the power-skating sessions. Each group will be led by a current Kamloops Blazers player, with a minimum of two group leaders per group. “I never thought I’d play for the Blazers at the
time, I just enjoyed going to the camp and having fun with the other kids on and off the ice. I learned so much from the instructors and it helped me get to where I am now. It’s really cool now that I’m an instructor, when just a few years ago I looked up to them. I just want to give kids the same great experience I had when I went.” Said Nick Chyzowski, current Blazers forward and former Blazers Hockey School Participant. As a special offer to season ticket holders, Kamloops Blazers Hockey School will be offered at a cost of $400 when the child registered, or their parents, hold a season ticket for the 2016-17 season. Early registration is suggested as spots are limited and fill up quickly. To register or find out more information on the Kamloops Blazers Hockey School visit: http://blazerhockey.com/page/kamloops-blazers-hockey-school.
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March 17, 2016 n 9
Prescribed burn in Kenna Cartwright Park The City of Kamloops is partnering with the BC Wildfire Service, Kamloops Fire Rescue and a local contractor, who will act as burn boss, to perform a prescribed burn in Kenna Cartwright Nature Park this spring. Starting March 14, the BC Wildfire Service will have a crew in the park doing site preparation work, which will include slashing and piling of debris, clearing areas around wildlife trees so that they are preserved, and ensuring that existing trails and roads are cleared and will act as fire boundaries. A “black line” will be put in along the eastern boundary where there are no existing roads or natural fireguards. A black line consists of a controlled burn strip that prevents fire from spreading, since there are no longer fuels available in
Singing in the rain?
that area. Once the site preparation is finished, BC Wildfire Service staff and the burn boss will monitor the weather, venting index and site conditions, and will indicate when burning should occur. Generally, there is about two days’ notice before the burn begins, so park users and residents will have advance notice. Based on current conditions, the City hope to do the burn in March. Signage will be put up at all the Kenna Cartwright Nature Park entrances explaining what a prescribed burn is and showing a map of the burn area. Park users are asked to stay out of the burn area for their safety, as well as the safety of crews working in the area. Reasons for the prescribed burn include forest health, After having such a beautiful day last Saturday, along came Monday and Community Wildfire Protection took the sunshine away. These geese were at Riverside Park quite enjoying the rain – the only thing missing was a performance on the bandshell. and noxious weed concerns.
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SPRING FASHION ARRIVING DAILY Clearance continues on select items
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10 n March 17, 2016
DOWNTOWN echo
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Try your luck with these fun events and activities ■■ Barnhartvale Coffee House with Shawna Caspi on March 19 at 7pm at Barnhartvale Hall. FMI contact Chrisy at 250-573-0025. ■■ Fun Laughter Friends adult social group events: March 20- Plant and Seed Exchange, April 5 – Meet and Greet, April 12- Ladies Only Morning. FMI contact laugh2014@shaw.ca. ■■ Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship on March 19 at 8:30am at the Doubletree Hotel, 339 St. Paul St. Guest speaker Ray Parker. Tickets at the door. FMI call Harold at 778-220-7880 or Buck at 250-319-9952. ■■ Cedar Bark Bracelet Making on March 19 at Eagle Eye Gifts, 442 Victoria St. Learn how to make a cedar bark rope bracelet with Lydia Peter. FMI call 250-372-1114. ■■ Seedy Saturday on March 19 from 9:30am to 1pm at OLPH Parish Centre, 635 Tranquille Rd. Local, Heritage and Heirloom seeds available and much more! Teahouse, Eats Amore Food Truck, children’s activities and door prizes. Sponsored by Kamloops Regional Farmers Market. FMI contact info@ssolgardens.com. ■■ Kamloops Garden Club meeting on March 23 at 7pm at the Heritage House, 100 Lorne St. Informative quest speaker and time to talk gardening ideas with the group. New members are always welcome. ■■ Addictions with Author Lorelie Rozzano and co-facilitator Lorne Hildabrand on March 24 beginning at 8:30am at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre, 1250 Rogers Way. FMI and to register contact Julie John at 250-572-
Can you spell ‘fun’? - 24 players gathered together on Wednesday, February 24 to play in the Scrabble Tournament sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Kamloops. First place winner Maureen Anderson took home one night for two at the Sandman Signature Hotel, second place went to Jason Wiggins with a $25 gift certificate for McCracken Station Pub and last place Alexa Melnychuk won a $25 gift certificate for Hello Toast. Proceeds from the tournament, totaling just over $650, are going to the Kiwanis International project, ELIMINATE. The goal of this project is to eliminate Maternal-Neonatal Tetanus throughout the world, especially in third world countries. With the proceeds, Kiwanis is able to vaccinate about 325 women against tetanus.
6215 or Julie_joh@hotmail.com. ■■ David Bowie Tribute on March 26 from 7 to 9pm at The Art We Are , 246 Victoria St. An open mic-style concert featuring local musicians covering Bowie’s songs. Entry by donation with proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Foundation. ■■ The Kamloops Family History Society meetings on 4th Thurs. of each month (Sept to May, except Dec) from 7 to 9pm at Heritage House, 100 Lorne St. If you are interested in genealogy, come join us, all are welcome. FMI call Catherine at 250-579-9108. ■■ The Kamloops Heritage Society is looking for garden crafts and crafters for the first annual Garden Party at St. Andrews On the Square on May
28 from 8:30am to 12:30pm. FMI or table rentals please call Mel at 250-377-4232 or e-mail info@standrewssquare.com. ■■ An Evening with Jonathon Byrd and Corin Raymond on April 18 at 7pm at St. Andrews on the square, 159 Seymour St. Tickets available at Erwin’s Fine Baking, 369 St. Paul St. ■■ Family Caregiver Series on May 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 6 to 8pm at Alzheimer Society Resource Center, #405 235-1st Ave. A five-session series for family members who are caring for a person with dementia. To register call Tara Hildebrand at 250-377-8200 or e-mail thildebrand@alzheimerbc.org. ■■ Walhachin Spring Celebration on May 14 from 10am to
HAPPY HOUR
MargitSky PROJECT LL & GRI B U P S S P O R T 50-376-6121 2 INE R & W E E B COLD 6-6011 250-3
DNEY 26 SY 5 - 7
Thur to Tues 3 to 6pm
SATURDAY MARCH 19 8:30pm - 12:30
AV E
Wednesday Wing Night
35¢ ea.
Thurs. Prawn Night
25¢ ea.
Add Steak & Salad for $6.95
Pints of Budweiser
$399
W IN P R IZ E S !
No Cover Charge
7
4pm at Walhachin Soldiers memorial Hall, 4359 Central Ave. Fundraiser to preserve the history of Walhachin. For table rentals and FMI call 250-318-6100 or email friends@walhachin.net. ■■ Drop In and Dance every Fri. (until June 30) at Dance Discovery, 224 Victoria St. Dance lesson at 7:15pm and practice your dancing at 8:15pm. FMI visit dancediscovery.ca. ■■ Drink and Draw on second Wed. of each month from 6 to 8pm at Red Collar Brewing, 355 Lansdowne St. Minors welcome with an adult. Free event. No experience necessary and supplies provided. FMI call 250-377-2400. ■■ Open Mic Night last Thurs. of the month from 9pm to 12am at the Central Station Pub. Free.
R CK TRIVIA 8PM EVERY WEDNESDAY
Friday Prime Rib Night
Saturday 11am–1pm Steak Sandwich w/Fries & Salad $9.95
Saturday & Sunday Breakfast served until 2pm starting from $6.99
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March 17, 2016 n 11
echo stargazer
Dear Pisces: (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) It’s still ”me” time. You’re shining both individually and with your partner but you’re the real star of the show. A new dress and a suddenly playful smile bring hope for an early spring. Dear Aries: (Mar. 21 - April 20) A reflective mood has you revisiting the past and recharging your emotional batteries, but your outward and expressive energy has you on edge and wants to get out and play. Try and get out of the city and ditch the cold for a couple of days. A secret affair is calling. Dear Taurus: (Apr. 21 - May 21) You’ve entered a cycle where friends, networking and your expanded social group take on a greater importance and bring you luck. Ask your friends for help and you’ll receive the benefits of good karma. Love is waiting at a group event. Dear Gemini: (May 22 - June 21) You can see the signs of progress but love is still giving you fits. If your outward expressions are being met with a silent smile then channel some of that flirty energy back into your work. An office romance is waiting. Dear Cancer: (June 22 - July 22) You’re currently so busy that it’s difficult to imagine you taking a vacation but that’s exactly what’s in store. Exotic and unusual faces bring a fresh perspective and a new outlet for fun. Think big picture as a face from the past comes calling. Dear Leo: (July 23 - Aug 22) If someone close has started becoming a downer then shake it off. You’ve just awakened to your own financial potential and it’s time to go and get what’s yours. Love will return but for now, get cracking on the paperwork. Dear Virgo: (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) It’s all systems forward in love. Keep an eye on the details but try and keep the romance alive. If problems at home start getting the best of you, call a close friend for advice.
Dear Scorpio: (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) It’s finally time for Scorpio love! Get out there and take a chance. You are in a very lucky cycle where personal expressions and a childlike enthusiasm will win hearts and favors. Buy a lottery ticket. Dear Sagittarius: (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your emotional and physical strengths return with enough zeal to burst any bubble of gloom. Home and plans for the future take centre stage. Mend fences with family. Dear Capricorn: (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) Your heart will belong to your partner this week. Do something special for the relationship. Presents are nice but together time is even better. Dear Aquarius: (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) All efforts should be channeled into your finances. Both team and individual ventures have the green light. Keep your eyes open for friends who may not have your back. Astro-week Sonnyscopes courtesy of Collin Sonny Rosati, Vancouver Astrologer, Hypnotist. For personal readings visit thesunnyside.net.
Notable Quotables “Women are crazy. Men are stupid. The main reason women are crazy is that men are stupid.” – George Carlin
Antiques & Collectibles Sale March 18 & 19, 2016 Friday 4pm - 8pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Admission $3 (kids under 12 free) 730 Cottonwood Ave, Kamloops BC (Behind Library Square) Phone: 250.376.4777 Fax: 250.376.4792 Email: nsccs@shaw.ca
North Shore Community Centre 730 Cottonwood Ave Kamloops BC V2B 8M6
Independent living with a sense of community!
Dear Libra (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Plans made now to improve your habits, health and daily routine have a strong chance of success. Take a second look at your New Year’s resolution and get back on track. It’s not too late. Things are just beginning.
Fundraiser Event The North Shore Community Centre’s Annual Spring
FOR SALE
1 Bdrm Units starting at $172,000 in 55+ Complex Perfect for the retiree who is still independent, but would like to down size to a home with less upkeep and no yard work. All suites have a balcony or patio that looks out to the beautiful grounds of Cottonwood Manor. All appliances and a/c included. Separate storage space and plenty of closet space. Located within walking distance to mall and McArthur Island.
CALL 250-376-4777 TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW
12 n March 17, 2016
DOWNTOWN echo
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