CommunityNews theExpress Update
Friday, June 29, 2012
Page 2
RDCK update for flooding on Kootenay Lake The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre wants to inform residents living on Kootenay Lake about increasing lake levels. Inflow/outflow information from contributing dams, weather forecasts and the inflow of high-elevation snowpack melt from creeks and streams indicates the lake will remain at high levels until at least July 4, 2012.
Record precipitation amounts in June have initiated numerous flood events since the early part of the month. Intense rainfall (upwards of 60-80 millimetres over 24 hours in localized storm cells) last weekend resulted in a number of flood events and numerous states of local emergencies, evacuation alerts and evacuation orders being declared.
The combination of record precipitation and runoff from creeks and streams has elevated Kootenay Lake to near record levels. The lake is currently at 1753.0 (as of midnight June 25), about a foot below the modern historic level of 1754.24 set in 1974. RDCK is providing sand for residents at the North Shore Hall, Heroux Road at Nine Mile, Balfour Fire Hall and in
Ainsworth at the Silver Ledge site. Sand bags are available at most Regional District fire halls, the Kaslo Public Works yard and at RDCK’s head office on Lakeside Drive in Nelson. For more information on personal and family preparedness including details on proper sandbagging techniques, visit: www. pep.bc.ca. Submitted by the RDCK
In emergency flood situations, residents near any body of water are advised to be particularly careful around high water. Here are some tips: Walking: * Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go the other way - six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet. * Never underestimate the swiftness of the water - flooded rivers and streams are unpredictable. Even though the surface water may be smooth, the water is moving very fast. * If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Driving: * If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. * Never stay with your car in a flooded area - if your car stalls, abandon it immediately and get away from the water to safety. * If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground - most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water. Boating: * Flood time is not a time
for play - flooded streams and rivers are not safe for recreational boating. * Boaters who must be on the water should use caution - be aware that your wake can cause greater flooding issues on land. Be courteous. Around dams or dikes: * Do not walk on dams or dikes. * Stay away from dikes and flood control devices - there is a high potential to be carried away by swift currents. * Heed warnings around flood-control devices. Children and pets: * Do not let children in or near any flood water! * Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. * Never let children play near rivers or storm drains when the water is rising or high - swimming skills have nothing to do with surviving in a flooded river. * Pets can get into trouble, too - there have been cases of people drowning trying to rescue their pets. * Keep your family and yourself safe. To stay up to date on all alerts and public safety notices, visit: www.emergencyinfobc. gov.bc.ca
The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of the man who died when a bridge on which he was standing was swept away by flood waters on June 23, 2012. The man has been identified as Edward Posnikoff, aged 72, of Crescent Valley. On the evening of June 23, Mr. Posnikoff was standing on a bridge over Goose Creek near the edge of his property in Crescent Valley near Nelson. A family member witnessed the bridge collapsing under pressure from the flood waters, and Mr. Posnikoff being swept away. Mr. Posnikoff’s body was found and recovered by Nelson Search and Rescue on the morning of June 24, about one kilometre down-
stream from where he was seen to go into the creek. The family of Mr. Posnikoff has been notified of his death. On behalf of the family, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy. The BC Coroners Service offers its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Posnikoff, and its appreciation for the assistance provided by the Nelson Search and Rescue team. The BC Coroners Service also stresses again to the public the dangers of fastflowing rivers and streams during this time, and urges everyone to take extreme caution when near any areas of high water. Submitted by BC Coroners Service
High waters should be taken Sudden death by drowning in Goose Creek, Slocan Valley seriously: Tips to stay safe
Submitted by the Government of B.C.
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CommunityNews ��������� theExpress Update
Friday, June 29, 2012
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�������������������������������� With summer officially upon us, when most of us start thinking about vacations and backyard barbecues, Nelson’s Fire and Rescue Services reminds residents that the threat of wildfire also comes with the warmer weather. The accumulation of combustibles in and around residential and commercial properties greatly increases this risk and is in violation of the City of Nelson’s Bylaw #3217 (*). The City of Nelson Operations Department has noticed an increase in the number of structures encroaching on city property in lanes. These are in the form of composters, garbage containers retaining walls and fences. Overgrown shrubs, trees, yard and tree clippings also encroach on city property. Improperly parked vehicles in the lane create difficult and unsafe passage for city garbage trucks, hydro line trucks, fire trucks and ambulance emergency service vehicles. What you can do to help: • Place garbage containers, composters and materials onto private property • Remove structures encroaching on city property • Trim overhanging trees and shrubs • Dispose of combustible materials, including dry leaves, yard and tree clippings • Make sure parked vehicles do not obstruct through traffic. Residents can dispose of materials at the Transfer Station located at 70 Lakeside Drive. The hours of operation are Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Fees for disposal are: • Small bag - $2.50 • 2.5 cubic meters or less - $5.00 • Metric ton - $50.00 We ask residents for their active participation in this joint endeavour to reduce fire hazards and to provide safe vehicle passage for all through traffic. At the end of the two week lane cleanup campaign, Nelson’s Fire and Rescue Services and the City of Nelson Operations Department will conduct lane asessments to identify any remaining problem areas.
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������������������ Mayor Dooley of Nelson appointed ������������������ federal position ���������������
Mayor John Dooley has been ������������� elected by his political peers to the Board of the Federation of Canadian ������������ (FCM), for his 7th Municipalities term, and what’s more, to the Chair �������������� position of the FCM’s BC Caucus. ����������� The Mayor ���� is one of eight members of the Caucus, which represents ����������������������� the best interests of rural communi������������������������ ties, towns and major cities all across British Columbia in dealings with the Government of Canada, on important matters including taxation, infrastructure, housing, transportation and green initiatives. “The recognition for the City is considerable,” says Dooley, ”It’s a privilege. You’re amongst a small group of people who are given the responsibility of representing all of Canada’s communities at the National level.” ������������������������������ Mayor Dooley has also been appointed as the Union of BC ������������������������ Municipalities’ (UBCM) representative ��������������������� to the FortisBC Resource Planning Advisory Group, where he’ll speak on behalf of the interests of homeowners ���������������� and small community business owners. The Mayor says the role is another great opportunity to build important relationships and confidence in the City of Nelson. “The fact that The City of Nelson has its own hydro generation facility—the only Municipality in BC that does—is going to be a real benefit. We work with FortisBC very closely.” Submitted by the City of Nelson
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Travis T. in the Kootenays, Wish You Were Here by Chris Rohrmoser
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theExpress Update
Arts&Culture
Friday, June 29, 2012
Page 6
International celebration of skate spawns community donation
Thursday June 21st is known internationally as “Go Skateboarding Day” and can now be recognized as the day Nelson & District Credit Union (NDCU) stepped up to help Kootenay Lake Outdoor Skate Park Society (KLOSPS) members realize their dream of an outdoor skate park for Nelson. Tom Atkins of NDCU met with Rob Levesque and several local skaters at the foot of Baker Street to celebrate the announcement of the donation of $10,000. The relationship between NDCU and KLOSPS goes back 10 years when Nelson skate park pioneers approached the Credit Union requesting some help, reflects Tom Atkins of NDCU. “It all started with some in-kind donations of binders, pens and some photocopying. There was an informal group of skaters, parents and community members that got the ball rolling with a meeting at the old Lord Nelson banquet hall. NDCU recognized the tireless commitment of this group early on, and we are happy to be here today with this announcement of $10,000 for the Nelson outdoor skate park.” Robert Levesque, society president adds, “The future looks bright. This has been one heck of a year, we got our location, we’ve acquired a design and the community support has been phenomenal. This kind of donation means everything. To have an organization like Nelson & District Credit Union make such substantial donations shows the youth that this community cares.” Please visit www.nelsonskatepark.com.
Cool teen stuff for a hot summer @ the Library Summer becomes wild and wacky with Wild and Wacky Sizzling Summer Wednesdays for teens at the Nelson Library. Teen Services Librarian Joanne Harris— with help from teen advisors Noelle and Emma—has cooked up some hot activities. The free program, running most summer Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5pm, includes prizes, snacks, and a chance to learn something cool. On July 11th, teens can learn to make buttons with a professional button-making machine—just bring your own slogan. Get your game on July 18th with retro board games or Wii and Xbox 360. The July 25th
French summer day camp Camp de jour
Mistiso’s Place Vacation Rentals, family-owned in Nelson, BC, has recently been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. This accolade is given to businesses that consistently receive exceptional reviews from their customers through their website. Customers say that Maria Baula-Schuh provides an immaculate level of service that offers memorable stays in her artfully renovated 1920s guest house. Located by the old theatre on Vernon Street, this vacation destination keeps the customers coming back time and again to experience the unique flavour of Nelson and the West Kootenays throughout all four seasons. The house has several suites
old 12 years ren 6 to d il h c r o F y $26 / da k e e w / $95
From July 2nd to Aug 17th Tuesday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm
For informat ion
& registratio n:
250.352.3516
campjourafk
o@gmail.com