Wildfire season will put B.C. strategies to the test

We should know within weeks whether a relatively recent shift in government response to wildfires is having the desired effect, or whether the changes brought on by climate change will prove too daunting

By all accounts, B C is likely heading into its worst wildfire season in the province’s history, dwarfing even the catastrophic years of 2017 and 2018, which saw an average of 1,700 fires consume more than 1 2 million hectares each year

Over the last century, forest services and governments of all stripes have adopted all kinds of strategies when it comes to dealing with wildfires From the “let it burn” approach to zero tolerance to prescribed burning to co-existing; the strategies change because the wildfires keep happening.

After 2017 and 2018, the BC NDP government gradually moved to a “365day” approach that deploys work crews year-round to do prep work in the forests, to mitigate the damage caused by wildfire as much as possible

Last week, Premier David Eby reminded reporters this approach is now in place.

“For the province, it’s been critical for us to make sure we have our fire service working year-round now so we’re not trying to spool up the fire service at the beginning of the fire season so they’re able to prepare throughout the entire year,” Eby said

Some of that prep means working closely with First Nations and municipalities in regions prone to wildfires It also involves clearing debris off the forest floor, thus depriving wildfires of a potential fuel source.

But will all this prep work be enough?

Certainly, the last four wildfire seasons have been relatively benign, except for 2021 when, among other things, the town of Lytton burned to the ground and almost 900,000 hectares were burned.

However, several factors are coming into play that make this season particularly worrisome A combination of a prolonged drought, record high temperatures and little precipitation has forest and wildfire service workers sounding the alarm

If the month of June remains dry, that sets the stage for a potentially catastrophic summer By the time July rolls around, the forests will be so dry that lightning strikes could ignite all kinds of infernos.

The key will be how many “interface” fires are caused These are the kind of wildfires that approach nearby communities, forcing mass evacuations and threat- ening homes and other structures

So far this season, more than a half million hectares have been consumed by wildfires.That is more than the entire season total for 16 of that last 20 years, and we still have more than two months to go

The prospect of a bad wildfire season will no doubt put a lot of towns on edge throughout the summer But it has implications when it comes to travelling around the province as well If you’re planning a road trip around B C this summer, do lots of planning. Is there more one road out of where you are heading? Do you have emergency provisions, etc ?

Let’s hope the newish approach of yearround prep work pays off So far, so good But it’s a long summer

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC

NewWest can’t handle any more towers

Editor: Please, no more residential towers in New West! There is enough construction going on already, and the schools are overcrowded. Not to mention the strain on other infrastructure like hospitals and waste management

Lisa Finnigan

Development will add to SkyTrain overcrowding

Editor: I support densification near transit hubs or nodes such as the SkyTrain stations

However, I have two main concerns: w the management of private automobile and commercial truck traffic and deliveries to, from, in and around the development. w the impact of all the additional residents seeking to use the nearby SkyTrain station platform and the likely overcrowding on the SkyTrain cars, even with the possible increased frequency of service.

I do not support significant increased densification in other areas of New Westminster such as along Sixth, 10th, or 12th streets or in the area of Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue. In these areas, there is not enough parking or public transit options to accommodate significant densification

Michael Cunningham

Lane closures helped downtown walkability

Editor: Traffic calming measures work! The recent lane closures due to the Pattullo Bridge replacement project rendered our downtown from a through-traffic gridlock into a beautiful and safely walkable area

As a driver, I have not noticed any negative impact on the rush hour gridlock on Royal or First, which was to be expected

The lack of traffic in the downtown provides ease of access for parents to pick up their kids from Qayqayt and the many daycares without getting stuck in through traffic.

As a cyclist, my almost daily close calls on Columbia are now zero. Before, I would get rushed drivers turning right without looking and almost clipping me or my young children who ride themselves to school at ages five and seven.

I witnessed many drivers overtaking on the right over the bike lane and parking lots when they were behind someone obeying the speed limit of 30 km/h

It is a no-brainer to make the traffic calming permanent

This would bring in much-needed downtown revitalization.

Access to businesses without worrying about getting stuck in traffic and safe passage for all vulnerable road users Every New West citizen would benefit, and no one would be excluded.

Jens Vent-Schmidt

May Day brings the community together

Editor: I have attended many May Days since moving here in 2005.

My daughter also happily participated with all her willing classmates, and they were sad to hear future students would not get to experience the joy, history and dancing of May Day in school

We continue to attend May Day and love the way it is evolving, as long as everyone enjoys it. Isn’t it really for the kids and the community to come together can’t get better than that

Lisa Falbo

Teddy says thanks for the greatWestie walk

Editor: Thanks to Westie Rescue of Canada for their sponsorship of the Moody Park Westie Walk on June 4th

It was my Westie (Teddy) and my first attendance at a most enjoyable event.

The number of Westies there was a delight and gave my dog the opportunity to connect with brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins whom he had not before met We look forward to your next event.

Bernie Livingston

Douglas College is proposing a new and modern academic building that includes its first-ever student housing This proposed 20-storey project will expand the vibrant College community and be located across the street from the current New Westminster Campus. Project highlights include:

Alignment with the New Westminster Official Community Plan

• Student housing with 369 beds

Academic space including classrooms, labs, collaborative spaces and food services

• Designed community plaza on the corner of Agnes and Eighth streets

In-Person Open House

Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location: New Westminster Campus, 700 Royal Ave., main concourse (Level 2)

Online Open House

Date: Monday, June 19, 2023

Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm douglascollege-ca. zoom.us/j/62196823683

Zoom meeting ID: 621 9682 3683

Passcode: 852195

Please fill out the community survey on our website or use the QR code from May 30 to June 27, 2023.