merrittherald.com
ASSET LIMITS INCREASED
PIERCE POPS IN
Disabled residents can now receive up to $100,000 in gifts and inheritances without losing assistance / Page 3
Former Cents coach brought his Kootenay Ice over to the Merritt arena for a practice session / Page 10
Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905
bcclassified.com
MERRITT HERALD FREE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2015 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS
David Dyck THE MERRITT HERALD
It might be warm and damp here in town, but up in the Kane Lake area south of town, the Nicola Nordic Ski Club’s ski trails have already been open for two weeks. It’s the earliest opening in recent memory, said grooming co-ordinator Mike Hassel. “It’s pretty good up there
right now,” he told the Herald last Thursday. “Today I think we got just about an inch.” Opening the trails involves going over the 50-plus kilometres with a groomer attached to the club’s snowmobile, to pack the snow. “Then we also have to have a track setter on the groomer,” he explained. “You can set two tracks in there so you can really step out.”
The Kane Valley Trails lie on a piece of Crown land near Corbett Lake, about 18 kilometres south east of Merritt, just off Highway 5A. They are at a higher elevation than Merritt, and the location is generally five to eight degrees cooler. Merritt is foggy and overcast, it might be sunny and bright up there. “You could say it’s the lost jewel of the valley,” said Hassel. “A lot of
people when they come up there, they go, ‘Wow, there’s this much snow up here?’ . . . And there’s a little snow belt up there. We get lots of good snow. It’s really nice.” The club sustains itself on memberships, and a modest $500 grant that they get from the Rotary Club. But director Kate Anderson said they just usually break even. The biggest expense they have is the snowmobile and the groomer, and
paying the guy who operates it. “There’s a lot of hours in trail maintenance,” added Hassel. Anderson said earlier openings have become the norm in recent years. “As in everywhere in B.C., the snow is the best early, so we’re encouraging people to get out early and get their memberships early,” she said. “It’s cheaper than a gym membership, and way more fun,” said Hassel.
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2 • TUESDAY, December 8, 2015
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Conayt Friendship Society
Christmas Dinner & Dance Wednesday, December 16 - Merritt Civic Centre 5 - 10 pm / Dinner served @ 6 pm Entertainment: Santa / Bobby Garcia & 6 More Strings ENJOY A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS EVENING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WITH LOTS OF VISITING, A CHRISTMAS DINNER AND DANCING! Door Prizes and Dance Prizes for children, couples and spot prizes!
BRING CASH to buy tickets for the Elders and Youth cash draws.
FAMILY FUNDING (Left to right) Merritt Youth and Family Resource Society (MYFRS) executive director Lenora Fletcher, Telus Thompson Okanagan Community Fund board member Jim Reynolds and MYFRS board member Patricia “Lynn” Ray and Gordon Prosper. (Front, left to right) MYFRS board members Susan Fischer and Francis Holtz. Merritt Youth and Family Resource Society has received $9,240 to put towards its Reach Program from the Telus Thompson Okanagan Community Fund. Fletcher said the society depends on donations such as these as it doesn’t receive government funding and is locally operated. MYFRS’ Reach Program involves teaching youth life and social skills. The Telus Community Fund dolls out $350,000 annually in the Thompson-Okanagan region to non-profit groups. Michael Potestio/Herald
t r o p p u S s! t n e C r you
Youth tickets are 5.00 a ticket, chance to win $500.00, with FIVE second prizes of $100.00 each. Contact Deloris to buy tickets!! Elder tickets are 10.00 a ticket, with chance to win $1000.00, with TEN second prizes of $100.00 each! GRAND Prizes and second prizes drawn at the Conayt Community Dinner and Dance on Dec. 16, 2015
VENDOR & CRAFTER TABLES AVAILABLE. $20.00 PER TABLE. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE NOTE to URBAN ELDERS: the deadline has been extended until December 10, 2015 to come in and apply for an Urban Elders Hamper. Please see Conayt Front Desk for an Urban Elders Hamper Application.
PLEASE CALL CONAYT FRONT DESK TO REGISTER YOU and /or YOUR FAMILY, SO WE HAVE AN ESTIMATE OF HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ATTENDING. PHONE 250-378-5107
5 early bird prizes of Draw Dates: December 5 & 19, 2015 January 9 & 29, February 9, 2016
Draw Date: February 27, 2016 Tickets available $100 Each at Booster Booth - Arena or Call Meagan (250) 378-3604 Chances are 1 in 999 to win a grand prize. Problem gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111 www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca
BC Gaming Event Licence #79845
Know your limit, play within it.
19+
TUESDAY, December 8, 2015 • 3
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Find the Herald online www.merrittherald.com Merritt Herald @MerrittHerald
INSIDE Opinion --------------------- 8-9 Sports ----------------------- 10 Classifieds ----------------- 11
REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: December, 1974
PARADE OF WINNERS Although there were six categories Light-up Parade floats were judged on, there were only three first-place recipients. Carrie Ware and Co.’s Polar Express float (left) took best theme, most original, best lights and best overall. The runners up in each of those categories were a tie between CIBC and Santa Claus; the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations; and Baillie House, respectively. Tumbleweed Playschool took best school spirit (top right), and Canadian Tire’s Santa Claus float snagged the ribbon for most enthusiasm, with a three-way tie between Carrie Ware and Co., Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Tumbleweed Playschool for second place. David Dyck/Herald
Government increases asset limits for PWD’s More than 500 Merrittonians could benefit from the province’s recent move to ease restrictions on the amount of assets people who receive disability assistance can hold. Starting now, a British Columbian with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation may receive up to $100,000 in cash gifts and inheritances without losing eligibility for that assistance. The previous cap was only $5,000. For a couple where both have PWD designation, that number increases from $10,000 to $200,000, a press release from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation stated. Also, for the first time in B.C., persons with disabilities will be able to receive more than one cash gift without effecting their eligibility for assistance.
Mirror Vintage Your Looking Glass to the Past!
In the case of an inheritance, the higher asset limits will free up many clients from having to set aside that money in a trust. The government is also creating greater flexibility in how people with a PWD designation manage funds held in a trust account by removing the current $8,000 annual cap on withdrawals. As of October 2015, 536 Merrittonians were receiving disability assistance. The B.C. government made these changes through its 10-year action plan, Accessibility 2024, after consultation with families showed there was a demand to make it easier for people on disability assistance to develop assets and for family members to provide support, a ministry spokesperson told the Herald. "We have heard from families they want more opportunities to financially support their loved ones and ensure a secure future for them. That’s why our government has made it easier to work, earn money, gain independence and now, to build long-term savings,” said Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, Michelle Stilwell in the release.
Christmas
Memorial Service
Join Us In Honouring The Memory Of Those You Love
WILL BE HOSTING
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11TH at 7 PM DOORS OPEN at 6:45 PM
A
A non-denominational program of remembrance. Music & Light Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP.
MERRRIITT FUNEERA RAL CHAPEL 250-378-2141 225 500-37 378788--2214411 or or 11-800-668-3379 -8800 00-6 -668 668-3 -337 3799 • 211 22113 1113 G Granite Gran ranite ite A Ave., Av ve Me Merri Merritt rritt rri t tt
PARTY Mirror Vintage Open House
Your Looking Glass to the Past!
DECEMBER 11TH AND 12TH! There will be a raffle refreshments, door prizes and you can save up to 20% on your purchases. Watch our facebook page for details! 6OGHT 3TREET s PM
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B.C. and Alberta now have the highest allowable asset levels for people with disabilities in Canada. As of August 2015, there were about 96,000 people receiving disability assistance in B.C. Couples with one person designated as a person with a disability can earn up to $12,000 annually, while couples or families where two people are designated as a person with a disability can earn up to $19,200. To qualify for disability assistance a person must have severe impairments that limits daily living activities, and their medical information must be verified by a health professional. BC Employment and Assistance (income and disability assistance) is an income and asset-tested program of last resort.
Although Merritt has progressed well over the past three years, much concern is being expressed locally as to its present wellbeing, considering the recent mill closures in the province and the local unemployment situation due to layoffs in the industry. A local building contractor, on being contacted, told the Herald “I haven’t noticed my business falling off at all — it’s fantastically high for this time of the year.”
God
the Word, the World
By Herman Kneller
The Jews were so determined that they should chase the Romans out that on several occasions small armies of Jews attacked the Romans. After a few of these attacks, the Jewish Romans broke out in about 54 A.D.
given the order, He would make it possible to keep it. Things got so bad that people started eating things they shouldn’t. They were sure that God would not allow the pagans to take His temple.
The Jews were no match for the Romans The temple worship was all about the Àrst but they put all their faith in the temple of coming of Jesus: the animals, mostly lamb, God. They believed that He would not were killed as a sacriÀce. This represented permit the Roman Gentiles to occupy it. Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would come When the Romans really brought their and die in our place. army in and went after the Jews, the Jews This had come to pass. Jesus came ran into the city. The city had strong, big and was sacriÀced. The Bible says that walls, so they shut the gates to protect when Jesus died, the big veil in the temple themselves from the Romans. that separated the two main parts of the Among these inside were Christian. temple, was torn from top to bottom. The What were they to do now? They angels tore it to show that the real purpose remembered what Jesus had said. “Pray of the temple was Ànished. The real lamb that your Áight be not in the winter, nor on had died and the temple worship was no longer important. the Sabbath day.” However, the Jews believed that the The conditions in the city became bad. No food could be brought in for the disciples had come and stole Jesus’ body Romans would not let anything past them. and that he was not resurrected. The Romans were going to force the Jews The Jews put so much trust in the to give up. building but not in the Lord of the building. As things got worse, the Christians kept More next week. praying for they believed that if Jesus had
Paid advertisement
Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD
MERRITT STILL PROGRESSING IN SPITE OF LUMBER LAYOFFS
4 • TUESDAY, December 8, 2015
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Winter 2016 leisure guide is now available Merritt residents! Are you looking to stay active over the winter? Well, look no further, the Leisure services guide is now available. If you want to try something new, or just stay active, take a look at the Winter Activity Guide, From fitness
and aquatic classes to sports for adults and kids, the guide has recreational opportunities for everyone, taking place in your neighbourhood. Winter is here so don't delay your plans to stay active in the new year. Use our Winter Activity Guide to plan your New Year resolutions for
2016. You can pick up your copy of the guide at: City Hall, Arena, Baillie House, CPO, Library, ICS, and the Merritt Herald office. You can also get a digital copy at www.merritt.ca. See more at www.merritt.ca
SUMMARY OF CITY OF MERRITT SNOW REMOVAL POLICY This procedure outlines the responsibility of the City, residents, businesses and contractors as it pertains to snow removal in Merritt. NOTE: For purpose of this procedure “Area 1” is designated by heavy black line and “Area 2” is all remaining streets.. Service Level based on Snow Accumulation: 0 – 5 cm: Area 1 only sanded AS PRIORITY 5 – 20 cm: City streets are graded and sanded in the following time frame: Area 1 – within eight (8) hours Area 2 – within thirty (30) hours Over 20 cm: Exceptional Snowfall – will call out such manpower and equipment as may be available and required to maintain city streets in as passable conditions as possible. Priorities: No.1 Emergency access routes to essential services such as hospital, police, fire, ambulance, City services. Dangerous roadways including hills and intersections. No.2 Schools; No.3 Downtown Business Core; No.4 Highway Commercial properties; No.5 Residential properties Disposal: Residents, businesses and contractors are not permitted to blow or plow snow from private property onto right-of-ways, streets, lanes or walkways. Residents and businesses in areas with City sidewalks adjacent to roads shall be permitted to place snow from the walk on the road. Sidewalk Clearing: Every owner or occupier of residential zoned property shall remove snow or ice from sidewalks or pathways abutting the said property within twenty-four (24) hours of accumulation except for weekends and holidays. Every owner or occupier of real property shall immediately remove snow, ice or rubbish from the roof or other part of a structure adjacent to a highway or pathway or sidewalk where such snow or ice or rubbish presents a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Every owner or occupier of commercial or industrial zoned property shall remove snow or ice from sidewalk or pathways abutting the said property by ten (10) a.m. of any day and, as needed, following the accumulation of snow or ice. Complete copies of this procedure can be obtained at City Hall during regular business hours.
Next council meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca
City of Merritt ★ 2185 Voght Street, Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 ★ Phone: 250-378-4224
TUESDAY, December 8, 2015 • 5
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Especially during the holidays please be responsible
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Christmas time often means one party after another with drinks galore. When you accept an invitation, plan ahead of time how you’re going to get home. Members of the same family or group of friends can designate a driver, arrange to share a taxi at the end of the evening, or use a free or for-hire drive home service. Even if your alcohol consumption is minimal you still ought to check that you’re still capable of driving safely. Use a personal breath alcohol tester to find out if you’re over the legal limit; they are on sale at most provincial liquor and wine stores. It might be hard to remember this when under the influence, but a person’s behaviour and faculties are altered by alcohol. When blood alcohol content is over 0.5 g/l, a driver’s field of vision shrinks, distance perception changes, visual reaction times increase, there is more sensitivity to glare, and vigilance and resistance to fatigue are reduced. Perhaps the ultimate danger is that alcohol consumption results in a loss of inhibition, which causes drivers to under-evaluate dangers and break traffic laws.
Don’t drink and drive!
DRINKING &
DRIVING CAN
STOP YOU
DEAD For up-to-date road and weather conditions please check Drive BC
at www.drivebc.ca
For up-to-date road and weather conditions please check Drive BC at www.drivebc.ca
ARRIVE ALIVE! Please Don’t Drink & Drive this holiday season.
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YOU BOOZE, YOU CRUISE, YOU LOSE. 1301 Nicola Ave., Merritt, BC 250-378-5121
Don’t drive if you’re Tipsy, Buzzed or Blitzen. Office HOurs: MOnday - friday 8:00 aM - 4:30 PM
1999 Voght Street, (next to the Credit Union) PO Box 3090, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
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EVERY HOLIDAY SEASON, MADD ASKS DRIVERS TO PUT A MADD RED RIBBON IN A VISIBLE LOCATION ON THEIR VEHICLE AS A REMINDER TO PLAN AHEAD AND DESIGNATE A NON-DRINKING DRIVER.
6 • TUESDAY, December 8, 2015
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Buying gifts can Be challenging, we can help!
STOCKING S STUFFER 4200W Gasoline Generator KCG-4200G
$419
99
fast DeLIVeRY
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Beer & Wine Store DOWNTOWN MERRITT: #120 1700 Garcia St. Railyard Mall
Valid December 1st - 31st, 2015
Home hardware
Heavy-Duty
building centre Locally Owned & Operated
1701 Voght St., Merritt, B.C. 250-378-4215 www.merritt homehardware.ca
250-378-5217
Hair Salon & Ladies Clothing Boutique
Tools
for real craftsman
JoIco chrIstmas pack haIr prodUcts Up to
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250-378-9238 1800 garcia street, Merritt, BC
1990 Quilchena Avenue, 250-378-6664
Locate a smiley face, bring a non-perishable food item into participating merchants &
✄
30 - 50% off All flAt Irons
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Mens and Ladies Jeans
Professional Clipper Sets Gift CertifiCates available Reg. $80 Now $40 • Piercing/Tanning • Lots of In-store Specials
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2040 Granite Avenue
Quilchena ore General St Be warm and cozy in our hand knit sweaters, toques and mitts.
30% off
S& Spaner & Webb W Clothing Company
Dec 8 - 15, 2015
20 minute drive north of Merritt on Hwy 5A
We are home to "Quil" the Quilchena Store Hereford
25% OFF
all collars, leasHes and Harnesses
Bring in an item for the food bank
Mirror Vintage
Your Looking Glass to the Past!
Have a Vintage Christmas with Mirror Vintage in downtown Merritt.
Get your Xmas shopping done now for the best selection. 10% off all purchases if you bring something for the Food Bank Hamper.
Unique gifts to create & relive memories.
*excludes dogfood & grooming
2144 Quilchena Avenue
Ph:(250)378-8828
Thursday, Friday, saTurday 11am-4pm 250-378-7634 • 1798 Voght St. Merritt BC
Christmas Ornaments
BUY 1 GET 1
EvErything you nEEd
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SavE on thE
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as shown
Johnn y ’s on the Rez Mon - Fri 6am - 9pm, Weekends & holidays 7 - 9 pm
154 Hwy 8 West, Merritt, BC • 250-378-9557
50% OFF
Authentic Native Art Gallery
2001 Quilchena Avenue
250-378-2022
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merritt’s Diesel speciAlists
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receive double stamps.
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69 $
Store Hours: 7 am - 9:30 pm Restaurant: Monday - Saturday 4 pm - 8 pm 2801 Clapperton Avenue www.bobsminimart.com Merritt , BC 250-378-6500
Double stamps
For Rules & Regulations look on your Passport, which can be picked up at these participating merchants.
2051 Granite Avenue, Merritt, BC
Shop LOCAL & win BIG! 7th Annual Passport To Christmas Contest Runs from Nov. 24 - Dec. 17, 2015
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3-3623 Dewolf way • 250-378-2229
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each purchase of $25 earns you a stamp. fill your card with 10 stamps and get $20 off your next purchase!
all Xmas beer Gift Packs on saLe Come in early for best selection!
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TUESDAY, December 8, 2015 • 7
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Dyson
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2025 Coutlee Coutlee Ave., Ave., Merritt Merritt 2025
Ph: 250-378-2332 250-378-2332 Ph:
8 • TUESDAY, December 8, 2015
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HERALD OPINION MP REPORT
Ottawa abuzz This will be the first full week that all Members of Parliament will be back in DAN ALBAS Ottawa View from the and HILL already a heavy partisan overtone is descending on Parliament Hill. The issue buzzing around Ottawa at the moment is news reported from the CBC that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is billing taxpayers for the cost of two nannies. As CBC also reported this is in stark contrast to the comments made by Mr. Trudeau prior to the election that wealthy Canadian families did not need universal daycare subsidies. A point that also resonates with many in the NDP as a national daycare program was part of the NDP platform as opposed to a daycare plan solely that benefits the Prime Minister who currently earns $334,000 per year. From my own perspective as a Member of Parliament who is also a father to a family of four, I do not believe taxpayers should provide special childcare subsidies to elected officials. Other news released this week less political in nature is from Statistics Canada confirming that Canada’s GDP grew 0.6 per cent in the third quarter ending in September. Expressed as an annualized rate this translates to real GDP expansion of 2.3 per cent in the third quarter — a rate that also exceeded real GDP growth in the United States during the same time frame. As many will recall the Liberals were promising multiple deficit budgets largely on account of inaccurate claims that Canada was in a recession. Will positive GDP growth result in revised Liberal Government deficit spending? Unlikely.
See ‘House’ Page 9
Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com
Christmas is a time for giving back JACKIE TEGART View from the LEGISLATURE The first snowfall of the season has arrived and with it our thoughts turn to the holidays and spending time with family and friends. The holidays are also a time when we open our hearts to those less fortunate in our communities. I’m so proud of the people of Merritt who donated more than 6,000 pounds of food toward
Sales Associate Holly Roshinsky sales2@ merrittherald.com
Production Dan Swedberg production2@ merrittherald.com
MERRITT HERALD 2090 G
the Merritt Royal LePage Hands of Hope food drive in less than three hours last Sunday. This was an increase over last year’s drive and will be used to help replenish food-bank shelves and fill 260 hampers for families throughout the Nicola Valley. Special thanks to all the volunteers on a job well done! The Nicola Valley and District Food Bank Society received a helping hand this year thanks to a $65,000 provincial gaming grant, which will be used to fund its Christmas hamper program, food bank and winter outerwear program. The Merritt Community Christmas Dinner will be held at the
Civic Centre on Dec. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. A turkey dinner will be served to Merritt food bank clients, the homeless and anyone else who needs a bit of help at this time of year. You can help out by contacting C.J. Martin at 250-378-8119 or email charltonmartin1958@ gmail.com. Merritt’s Country Christmas celebrations were a big success again and the chamber of commerce deserves a big pat on the back. The 12 entries in the Festival of Trees will be on display until Dec. 11 at the Country Music Hall of Fame. I’m looking forward to seeing many old and new friends at the Mingle and Jingle Open House at city
Editor David Dyck newsroom@ merrittherald.com
RANITE AVE., PO BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. PHONE (250) 378-4241
Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com
hall on Dec. 18. While you’re thinking of others this season, remember to keep tabs on your own well-being. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at this time of year so it’s important to make your health a priority. There are a variety of services and supports available that are easy to access for those that need them, and the people on the other end of the phone are always ready to listen and help. Here to Help (heretohelp.bc.ca) is a provincial mental health and substance-use website with information on how to manage mental illness and maintain good mental health, including self-management resources and screening self-tests. You can also consult
Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com
a network of direct and contracted services for individuals suffering from substance-use problems including counseling. Christmas is a time for family, friends and giving a helping hand to those in need. I’m looking forward to welcoming my kids and their families this Christmas for a wonderful time of joyous chaos. I hope you take advantage of all the great events and services our community has to offer so your holiday season is memorable for all the right reasons. From my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Jackie Tegart is the MLA for Fraser-Nicola
Office manager Ken Couture classifieds@ merrittherald.com
FAX (250) 378-6818
Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
This Merritt Herald is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org
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YOUR OPINION House will resume sitting today From Page 8 Late last week the Trudeau Liberal Government announced a spending commitment of $2.65 billion over the next five years to help other developing countries fight climate change. The list of other countries and how this money will be spent was not revealed. However, as this announcement was not part of the recent Liberal campaign promises, and is not in the current budget, it is widely expected that deficit spending will increase. On the subject of deficit spending this week the Parliamentary Budget Officer released a report indicating that the new Liberal Government is not expected to balance the budget in the 2019-2020 fiscal period as is currently promised. According to the parliamentary budget officer the projected deficit in 2019-2020 will be roughly $4.6 billion and not a surplus of $1.7 billion as forecast by the Liberal Government. Much of these projections are based on economic growth assumptions and as is always the case of government there must also be consideration for government spending increases or decreases. It will be important in this next Parliament that we work proactively and constructively on policies that will help encourage economic growth. As mentioned previously with all Members of Parliament back in Ottawa, this will be a very busy few weeks. On Wednesday all caucuses will be meeting as is common practice when the House of Commons is in session, and on Thursday our new Speaker will be voted in with a new preferential secret ballot process that will be more timely then the run off process that has been used traditionally. On Friday Canadians will hear the new Liberal Government’s throne speech that will outline the commitments and priorities of the new Liberal Government that can be expected in this session of Parliament. On Monday, Dec. 7, the House will officially resume in what is expected to be a one week session before the Christmas break begins. In next week’s report I will cover the throne speech and whatever bills are put before the House. As always, I welcome your comments, questions and concerns. I can be reached at Dan. Albas@parl.gc.ca or toll free at 1-800-6658711. Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola
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LETTER
to the editor
Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com
Editor: Country Christmas weekend has long been a favourite time and we have always looked forward with anticipation to the Light-up Christmas Parade. We were both taken aback and deeply honoured to be the parade marshals this year. As we reflected on the opportunity, it was humbling to be selected when there are so many people who endlessly give of their of time, talent and effort for the betterment of the community of Merritt. It was an amazing experience, especially to see so many people lining the route on a cold evening. Our thanks to the Country Christmas Committee for the privilege and Doug and Norma Mervin, our chauffeurs for the comfortable ride in their special car. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
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Gloria and Ed Michayluk Merritt
OPINION
editorial
Biosolids fight isn’t over yet By Don Vincent
I thought it was time for a little information and clarification about how things stand with the biosolids issue. Some in the community have expressed the opinion that this issue is over, the threat ended. This is far from true. The five local chiefs are presently meeting with the government to discuss the complexities of this problem. The chiefs are at these meetings to make sure the moratorium is respected, and no further biosolids will be sent into this valley. The government is at these meetings in an attempt to find a means to renew the hauling of biosolids into the area. At best we are at a standstill. It need hardly be said that should talks break down, for whatever reason, that we will be back out at the “blockade” sites enforcing the moratorium! Meanwhile, the great dedication and energy of our local TNRD representatives Randy Murray and Herb Graham, has successfully swayed a vast number of other B.C. regional government reps to support changes to the way biosolids are managed in B.C.
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HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Going forward, the government in office may or may not accept their suggested changes to these guidelines. We certainly hope they will listen to our elected representatives! As more and more people around the province (and indeed around the world) are becoming aware of the dangers inherent in the disposal of the sewage sludge in the form of biosolids, onto agricultural and forest lands, other options are gaining traction! One of these, pyrolysis, is being looked at by many communities (including the recent contract signed between Kore Infrastructure and the City of Los Angeles) as a cleaner (almost zero emissions) solution that can actually pay for itself, put energy back into the grid, and not jeopardize future generations with an unnecessary toxic burden. The Friends of the Nicola Valley Society is still growing, with the Facebook page membership around 1700 strong. The Facebook page and website (www.biosolidsbc.com) continue to serve our community — and many other groups around North America battling the same issue — by publishing related news, local updates and scientific articles. I am happy to announce that we will be having our first anniversary potluck and fundraiser
PLUS...
event on January 30, 2016 from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Merritt civic centre. Everyone is welcome to this great evening of entertainment and community building! We will be posting more information about the bands and entertainers as the date nears. Our essential message has not changed since the start of our campaign: the land application of sewer sludge (aka biosolids) must cease, and other, greener and sustainable methods of dealing with waste should be pursued. The government has a duty to act with precaution when the health of its citizens (and the health of the environment) is threatened. There is sufficient evidence from objective, arm’s length studies, that biosolids do indeed pose a serious risk. And by the way, it bears repeating that it is the rural folks who are being asked to carry the burden of this risk. It is the cities that profit by this method of cheap toxin dispersal throughout the countryside. It is after all their sewage, loaded with their pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, street drugs, and all manner of toxins that we out here in the country are being asked to accommodate. This just is not fair. It is time for change, and we will be standing firm to make this happen. Don Vincent is a member of the Friends of the Nicola Valley Society
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Kamloops SOMETHING G IN IS HAPPENO PS O L AT KAM . E DODG
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