North Shuswap Kicker May 2022

Kickin’ it up with Jay at NorthShuswap.Info

CSRD Emergency Services - We’ve just had an update from the Shuswap Emergency Program (SEP) regarding a variety of issues from last year, and their planning for this coming summer. I’ll go over the highlights here briefly. If you need to contact them for any reason their email is sep@ csrd.bc.ca, phone 250-833-5950, for emergencies call 911.

FRESHETTE MONITORING– As there is ‘average’ snowpack in the area, unusual flooding is not expected but everything depends on the weather. Sandbags are available now, sand will not be available until it is needed. Contact SEP for more info.

POST WILDFIRE HAZARD ASSESSMENTS – Fortunately, the majority of the North Shuswap was spared from wildfires last season (fingers crossed for this year). In Seymour Arm there is no concerning news as the fire didn’t get into the Seymour River watershed. SEP will be monitoring the area.

EVACUATION PLANNING – We have had reports done for 3 of our North Shuswap communities. Those reports should be available in May. I understand there is specific evacuation route planning, how much time it may take, number of people needed to administer evacuation etc. Very detailed. The templates created for these communities, and future grants, will be used to create evacuation plans for the other communities. I’ll get these reports out as soon as I receive them.

NEIGHBOURHOOD EMERGENCY PROGRAMS – These are neighbourhoods who have gotten together and fleshed out actions to take, should an emergency arise. These require a neighbourhood leader and a number of street/area level captains for each neighbourhood. Where we have them, they are very important connections between local people and Emergency Services. In Seymour Arm during the fire last summer the NEP evacuated a ‘boat in only’ community at midnight one night and took care of them until Emergency Services was able to get there. Mostly, we’re a long way from immediate help, so these groups help bridge the gap. Call SEP for more info.

FIRESMART – last year they did 332 home assessments and attended 32 community events. They also handed out cash for quite a few homes to help with Firesmarting the residence and property. If a neighbourhood gets together for Firesmarting we may be able to get a bin and/or chipper out to help. Why not get them out to review your home and property to make it Firesmart. Contact Len at firesmart@ csrd.bc.ca or 250 253 5602.

There are many more emergency services that the CSRD has in place and actually, this is one of the more important that we provide. The CSRD has Structural Protection Units that can be deployed in event of a wildfire that can potentially protect many houses at a time; Emergency Management training, both online and in person; Emergency Support Services that kick in in case of emergencies, who set up reception centres, heating/cooling centres if needed, food, shelter etc. They are always looking for volunteers, or groups of people who have an interest in being prepared. Give them a call, they’re great people and they’re here to help us.

Ok, on to another topic. For those non-profits who might be looking for a grant from the CSRD for a project or event they’re planning over the summer, the last time to apply for a GIA will be the end of May! As of June, all grants are put on hold until after the provincial municipal election. It seems they don’t want any unscrupulous politicians handing out pots of money just before an election. Can you imagine? Anyway, you should have your grant applications in by May 20th just in case more information is required.

And speaking of election… I will be running again this fall. The last four years have been quite the ride, and most days I am pretty happy with how things are going. I’m not sure you can say the same of me, and I know I haven’t been able to make everyone happy. But that’s the job. For both you and I, sometimes reality sucks. If I have competition this fall we’ll see you at the All Candidates Forum, otherwise we’ll have another town hall and you can tell me what to do differently over the next four years.

Have a great month! Jay Simpson JSimpson@csrd.bc.ca 250-517-9578 Web&FB: NorthShuswap.Info