Disturbing future!

As the first fully 3D-printed gun is successfully test-fired and politicians scramble to regulate the weapons, VICE's Motherboard channel produces "Click.Print.Gun" - the inside story on the 3D-Printed gun movement featuring Defense Distributed's Cody Wilson, and the rapid evolution of a technology that has forced the American legal system to play catch up. Cody Wilson, a 25 year old University of Texas Law student and creator of Defense Distributed, is an advocate for the open source production of firearms using 3D printing technology. This makes him a highly controversial figure on both sides of the gun control issue. Motherboard sat down with Cody in Austin, Texas to talk about the constitution, the legal system, and to watch him make and test-fire a 3D-printed gun. Read more about the movement on Motherboard. Please email me directly with any questions! Best, Juliette juliette.eisner@vice.com. ********************************************************************************

Official Community Plan Review Open Houses.

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Another point of view on fracked gas.

More!

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For sale: Pristine wilderness property, just mind the mines

by Darryl Greer on Thursday, May 2, 2013 8:00am -  

The pristine wilderness around Kalamalka Lake near the city of Vernon, B.C., is a prime example of why the region is loved by tourists and residents alike. And, this being B.C., it was only a matter of time before property developers took note, too.

In 2005, Vancouver-based K & L Land Partnership began snapping up lots overlooking the lake, eventually acquiring 546 hectares and pouring more than $28.5 million into a planned residential subdivision. But what the developer insists it didn’t know at the time, and what it claims in a pair of lawsuits winding their way through B.C. courts, is that the land it bought is, quite literally, a minefield.

During the Second World War, areas around Vernon were used in military training operations, which included a mortar-practice range nearby Cosens Bay. After the war ended, though, many still-lethal munitions were left behind. Between 1944 and 1973, at least nine people were killed in the Vernon area after coming in contact with explosives.

But a lawsuit filed by the developer in B.C. Supreme Court against the attorney general of Canada alleges it wasn’t until 2011 that the Department of National Defence (DND) revealed to K & L that the land it had bought was also riddled with an unknown number of bombs, mortar shells and grenades, making it worthless for development. In seeking compensation from Ottawa for its losses, K & L claims the government committed an “ongoing unlawful act” by abandoning the explosives and failing to warn of the danger. K & L’s lawyer, Howard Shapray, says it’s not “rocket science” that the government should be held liable if its property—the unexploded bombs—is creating hazards.

It’s certainly a problem DND continues to deal with, decades after the explosives were initially left there. In 2005, it created the Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO) and Legacy Sites Program to deal with the hundreds of locations across the country where explosives may be waiting to go off. Last year, between April and December, DND contractors used sensors to scan roads, trails and beaches in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, looking for suspicious metallic objects, according to DND spokeswoman Kathleen Guillot. Until a review of the data is finalized, it’s impossible to know how much ordnance remains there, or how much it would cost to remove them. But as DND warns on its website, “no UXO legacy site can ever be declared completely hazard-free.”

As far as the government is concerned, K & L’s problems at Kalamalka Lake boil down to “buyer beware.” In the government’s statement of defence, it argues that, had the developer done its homework, K & L would have discovered the existence of explosives on the land because they are “notorious, a matter of public knowledge in the community of Vernon and its environs, and have been and continue to be widely reported in local and national newspapers.”

Shapray disputes that, saying his client never would have bought the property had it known of the dangers. That will be up to the courts to decide. As for this idyllic patch of B.C. wilderness, it will continue to hold the secrets of its dangerous past.

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Master Water Plan 2013 - what will it be?

Greater Water is on the threshold of producing yet another Master Water Plan. We are all waiting with bated breath to see what direction this plan will direct us.  The Plan has been twelve years in the making with over 60 millions of ratepayers dollars invested already. This investment resulted in some improvements such as the ultra violet treatment of Kal Lake water and the cosmetic treatment (i.e. equal to water quality provided by Kal Lake for free) of nearly all of the irrigation water from Duteau Creek.  Agricultural crops currently have the luxury of being irrigated with expensive treated water. Domestic customers of the DCWTP are receiving cosmetically improved water not acceptable by Interior Health as the final solution. In order to satisfy IH a filtration plant is required which would require large additional investments. One important problem is the allocation of costs between domestic and agriculture customers which will always exist as long as the two users use the same distribution system. Let's hope we'll get a sensible resolution to the problem. In 1991 as a first year Alderman for Coldstream I wrote the following letter to the Editor of the newspaper of the time. I hope that we learned from past mistakes and will not repeat them in the future. According to Albert Einstein "insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."  Here is my letter from 1991.

"SOME COMMENTS REGARDING THE REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY.

I read with interest the minutes of the meeting of the Interim Water Authority, March 26, 1991. It is noteworthy that the earlier attempts to form a Regional Water Authority failed because VID could not get assurances that the water supply for farm purposes would be guaranteed. Has VID received such assurances since? If so, what assurances have the  domestic costumers regarding their water supply?

On page two Mr. Harvey reported that VID was unsuccessful in obtaining grants to carry out pilot water treatment studies. This is why we were asked to apply for a $10,000 grant, along with the City and the North Okanagan Regional District. The remainder of the $50,000 study would be provided by VID.

As I have previously stated I was not in favour of applying for such grant. For the record, I would like to state the reasons for my reluctance in the following.

It is generally believed that Canadians are studied to death. Unfortunately, common sense does not always prevail when the decision regarding the need for a study is made. I feel that the study proposed by the Vernon Irrigation District to investigate methods of improving the colour of their water supply is one of these unnecessary studies.

To a superficial observer the study sounds to be a worthwhile effort and many people would agree that this is money well spent. However, appearances can be deceiving. Why? I ran a study of my own and came to some conclusions which I wish to relate to you free of charge.

First the facts. There are thousands of communities in North America that have to treat their domestic water supply. All sorts of methods are available and numerous companies will provide free estimates to treat whatever ails your water. In fact, it was reported that "Penticton Council has approved a plan for a rapid rate sand filtration system which has  microbiological control." (The Morning Star, April 26, 1991. p. 8). They believe the new system will eliminate brown water colour caused by spring runoff. Their problem is similar to ours except for one unique aspect. What is unique to our area is the delivery system?

 
Let’s take a look at our delivery system.

VID was originally established to provide water for orchards and other agricultural crops. The farming community acquired water rights on high elevation lakes and rivers and installed conduits to carry this water to their fields.

Compared to Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes, VID sources look inferior. Goose Lake is the closest of these sources and in comparison to this lake MacKay reservoir looks quite acceptable. Of course, apple trees do not mind what the water looks like.

Eventually some enterprising individuals decided around 1967 that development could proceed much faster if we could secure some readily available water supply. Since VID water was available in the rural areas, using this water source was an ideal solution. The directors of VID realized the benefits of this option to themselves as it could reduce the cost of water to farmers. There was this small matter of water quality for domestic users but the attitude was that this problem could be solved later.

Problems did arise but the gravity of these problems did not hit home until recently when more and more people started to complain about the inferior quality of their water and demanded more for their money. VID, in essence, supplies raw water to both domestic and agricultural users. The only treatment VID water receives now is chlorination. For agricultural crops this is a luxury since no treatment is necessary for crops. Conversely, for domestic use the treatment is totally inadequate. Brownish colour during spring runoff coupled with the presence of fine particles makes this water unacceptable for domestic use. Unfortunately, these are the least of the problems. At times, VID water fails bacterial tests as well, since the high organic content reduces the effectiveness of chlorination. Outbreaks of beaver fever caused by Giardia is a constant threat. Giardia is not killed by chlorination and requires more sophisticated treatment.

Let us look at the reasons for these problems.

The ten-year average annual volume of water supplied by VID to all users is 13,285 acre feet (courtesy Mr. B. Harvey). That is the amount of water that would cover 13,285 acres at 1 foot depth. To put it in perspective, Vernon produces about 3,000 acre feet of effluent annually (including Coldstream's contribution). The highest volume of water processed by VID in any one year was apparently 17,300 acre feet. MacKay reservoir would hold only about a third of this amount.

The average amount of VID water used by domestic costumers is about 2,100 acre feet annually (this information was also supplied by Mr. Harvey. Other sources suggest a much lower domestic/agricultural use ratio). This is only 15.8% of the total water delivered. Because domestic users are plugged into the same pipe that delivers water to agricultural customers any treatment will have to be applied to all 13,285 acre feet of water. The chlorination treatment costs about $60,000 annually. Of this sum nearly $51,000 is wasted. Any further treatment also would have to apply to all of the water at fantastic costs. Since crops would not need this treatment, over 84% of these costs would be wasted.

Who would have to bear the brunt of these new costs? Obviously, since the treatment would benefit mostly the domestic costumers, they would have to be responsible for the costs. But why should they be responsible for the treatment of this inordinate amount of water when they only use a fraction of it? This would be unrealistic. There should be mutually acceptable solutions to this problem.

In fact, there are possible solutions but they are costly.

The first solution is to have filters installed in each domestic costumer's home. However, these filters should be of good quality that would eliminate all the problems, including potential health hazards, from the water. Each unit would have to be a multi media filter system (sand, activated carbon, and ceramic filter) yielding about 1.25 gallon of purified water per minute and costing between $3,000-$4,000, plus replacement filters.

The other solution, in my opinion the more favourable alternative, would be to separate the two delivery systems.

VID would continue to supply raw water to its agricultural customers. This water would need no treatment.

The Regional Water Authority would be responsible for delivery of domestic water to all domestic costumers. This would require the construction of new conduits to all areas presently supplied by VID. A water treatment plant would also have to be built to treat the raw water. The cost of this plant would depend on the source of the raw water. The source would depend on many factors (I assume this aspect was addressed by the water study which I have not been able to read yet). Some of these factors would be reliability of adequate quantities, cost of treatment and delivery, and acceptable quality. The Water Authority would make its decision on the source based on above factors.

If VID could supply adequate quantities on a sustained basis and if the treatment and pumping costs were lower than the same costs of the water obtained from Okanagan Lake, then it could enter into contractual agreement with the Regional Water Authority to supply the raw water.

This solution would cost money also but it would make sense. No treatment would be needed for irrigation water and high quality treatment could be afforded for domestic users. The sooner we realize that we have to act the cheaper the solution will be.

Who will pay for this solution?

Once the idea is accepted we must look for funding alternatives. Grants are often available and we would have to start actively searching for them. The users, who would have to buy treatment systems for their homes, would also have to contribute. The filtering system for individual households discussed above would cost them a lot of money ($3,000-$4,000 * 4,100 households = $12,000,000-$16,000,000). They might be persuaded to use some of this money towards a new delivery system. The first obstacle we have to overcome is the need to recognize the most sensible solution to the problem.

I would welcome comments on this issue from all concerned and would be glad to discuss any aspect of this matter.

Gyula Kiss
Alderman, Coldstream"

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Selected Newsclips - Morning Star - April, 2013 (In case you missed them).

 

With the renewed interest of lake disposal of treated waste-water, it is timely to take a glance back into the past. The possible disposal did not bode well for the Mayor of the time running for re-election.

 

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Water storage update!

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Let's all do the hula-hoop!

Watch for the dramatic finish!.

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Candidates Discuss Green Issues At Forum

Written by Peter McIntyre Friday, 26 April 2013 06:03

 

The Vernon Monashee candidates were talking about green issues at a forum Thursday night  at the Schubert Centre.

About 100 people attended the event put on by the Sustainable Environment Network Society.

One question asked if the candidates would endorse using the outfall pipe to dispose of Vernon's treated waste water, as recommended in the core service review.

Liberal Eric Foster said it would be "political suicide," Conservative Scott Anderson said he would like to see a referendum on the issue, New Democrat Mark Olsen was opposed, and independent Korry Zepik felt other methods should be tried.

Some of the topics included dealing with genetically modified organisms, making farming viable, the bounty on BC wolves, and rebates for electric cars.

All the candidates said they would support pushing for government grants to offset the costs of separating the farming and domestic water supply in Greater Vernon.

The talk by the end of the night had the hopefuls giving their take on legalizing marijuana and using hemp for more products.

Candidates Eric Foster, Mark Olsen and Korry Zepik all supported keeping the carbon tax but Conservative Scott Anderson says his party will scrap it.

He says it's unfair to farmers who can't be expected to plow their fields with bicycles.

The one candidate who could have got the loudest cheers was Rebecca Helps of the Green Party who lives in Port Moody, and couldn't make it..

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Volunteers wanted!!

 

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Photo gallery - Last night's full moon just after the eclipse - Debbie

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LOOK, its a bird, its a plane, NO, ITS A CAR! - Gyula

I thought I was dreaming when I looked out my window this morning. This is what I saw! A flying car!

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Hello, Volunteers and Friends of Bishop Wild Bird Sanctuary!

It's that time of year when the migratory birds are returning, the bees are beginning to buzz, the trees are budding and blossoming and flowers are starting to bloom!

It's also the time of year when we do a big spring clean-up at the bird sanctuary. Please join us this Saturday, any time between 10 AM and 3 PM to lend a helping hand and have a few laughs. 

Wherever your interests lie, you can help out - trail building and maintenance, native plant and butterfly garden care, water feature revival, wood chipper operating... Every little bit helps, even if you can only be here for a short time.

We'll have some fruit, snacks, and water on hand. If you'd like to bring kids or grandkids, feel free to do so as well. Please let us know if you're able to attend by Friday, April 26th so that we can make sure that we have enough refreshments.

Thanks! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, 

Aaron, Laisha, Jonah and Amalia

and the Board of Directors of Bishop Wild Bird Sanctuary

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Bishop Wild Bird Sanctuary
12408 Coldstream Creek Rd.
Coldstream, BC  V1B 1G1
t: 250.542.5122
e: bishopwildbird@gmail.com

 

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Reminder, Coldstream Council Meeting tonight, April 22, 2013

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Selected Newsclips - Morning Star - April 21, 2013 (In case you missed them).

One left wondering if the issue of amalgamation was part of KPMG's mandate. It is a political issue that is the decision of all involved parties and not by an accountant firm hired to determine if services are delivered efficiently within the organization that hired them. I don't remember voting on paying for KPMG's services for Coldstream. In fact, implementation of their recommendations are only considered by the City of Vernon's Council within their own jurisdiction.

 
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Photo gallery - Open House at Allan Brookes Nature Centre - Debbie

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Photo gallery - Happy Earthday 2 - Debbie

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