Interior Health is now building patient care in real time

The Kelowna and Vernon Hospitals Project (www.buildingpatientcare.ca) has just installed sky-cams at Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH) and Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). The cameras will take photographs of the construction of the new Patient Care Towers going up at both sites.

Each camera will automatically press the shutter once every six minutes, providing a frame-by-frame photo archive of construction. So now you can watch as we build new facilities to benefit all Southern Interior residents.

Here is what the VJH site looked like a little while ago:

To view the site click here

Here is what the KGH sites looked like a while ago:

To view the Kelowna site click here

Anyone can view the images at any time by visiting the Kelowna and Vernon Hospitals website.


For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact www.buildingpatientcare.ca.

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Compare your Coldstream taxes to City of Vernon taxes!

Have you ever wondered how much your taxes would be if your property was located in the City of Vernon? Wonder no more! You can actually calculate it and compare the results to your 2008 and, once you received your current tax notice, to your 2009 Coldstream property taxes. Here is how:

Download the "Property Tax Estimator" from the City's website and fill in the values from your 2008 and 2009 Property Assessment (Land and Improvement separately). You will get the estimated sum of taxes you would pay in the City.

Here is an example: Land value: $260,000; Buildings: $197,000; Total:$457,000.

Estimated taxes as follows:

Property Tax Estimator (If the property was located in Vernon)

Property Taxes (If the property was located in Coldstream.)

Basically, the Municipal portion of taxes are almost 41% lower in Coldstream than in Vernon.

Now you know!


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South Australia's water shortage -- In need of a miracle

May 7th 2009 | LANGHORNE CREEK
From The Economist print edition

To turn a drought into wine

EVER since they started pumping water for their vines, the winegrowers of Langhorne Creek have learnt to cope with crises. But none as grave as the one they face now. Their water source at the mouth of the Murray River, in South Australia, has turned salty. Adelaide, the state capital 55km (34 miles) away, has been told its water supply from the Murray can no longer be guaranteed. The Murray Darling Basin Authority, a new body charged with saving Australia’s biggest river system from expiring, has its work cut out.

Early last month Rob Freeman, the authority’s boss, delivered grim news. The volume of water flowing into the Murray and its main tributary, the Darling, between January and March was the lowest in 117 years. The three-year volume up to March was the driest ever. Mr Freeman told Adelaide’s 1m people this meant that not enough water might be conveyed down the Murray to meet their “critical human needs” next year. Just 17 years ago, Adelaide relied on the Murray for only 10% of its water: regular rains filling dams in the city’s hills provided the rest. Now, it depends on the Murray for 90%.

Climate change and Australia’s worst drought in a century are partly to blame. But the river system that covers two-thirds of Australia’s irrigated farming land is also suffering from decades of overuse. South Australians feel this with growing bitterness. They are at the end of the line in a system that starts about 2,700km north. The more populous states of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) comprise four-fifths of the basin’s area. Farmers, especially cotton and rice growers in those upstream states, account for 83% of the basin’s consumed water. The impact of all this has left the Murray’s mouth near Langhorne Creek close to ruin.

The wine region’s first water came from an ancient aquifer. Too much pumping forced the authorities in the early 1990s to switch water licences to the Murray, 10km away at Alexandrina, one of two lakes at the mouth facing the Southern Ocean. Plenty of water then flowed through the basin to keep the lakes fresh. Langhorne Creek’s wineries boomed. A crunch came last year. The flows stopped, and Alexandrina’s level has dropped 1.5 metres. Its water is now too saline to use.

The authorities are now pondering the harsh step of building a weir at nearby Wellington to stop the salt water moving back into the Murray itself. Experts predict this would in effect destroy the lakes and their surrounding freshwater wetlands. Penny Wong, the federal minister for climate change and water, says the “unfortunate reality” of the flow figures means the option must be kept as a “last resort”.

Growers at Langhorne Creek and nearby Currency Creek, meanwhile, have formed a company to build a pipeline to secure their water from a cleaner point on the Murray further east. They may yet survive. Australia’s interstate water-trading scheme has allowed the state to buy water from distant farmers in NSW, who have switched to less thirsty crops, and keep it in store for Adelaide. Mr Freeman’s body, launched by Canberra late last year, is the first with power to manage the entire river system, overriding rivalries between the four basin states, so that calamities such as Lake Alexandrina’s don’t happen.

Unless drought-breaking rains come, that will be a tough ask. Craig Willson, proprietor of Bremerton winery at Langhorne Creek, and a director of its pipeline company, reckons drought and loss of the lake’s water have cut the region’s productivity by almost 40% over the past two years. “Even so, we’re surprised at how well some vines survive using less water,” he says. Applied to growers of other crops, the same lesson may help save the Murray.

Alex Milton, M.P.A.
Climate Change Analyst/Analyste du changement climatique
Agri-Environment Services Branch/Direction génèrale des services agrienvironnement
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada
200-303 Main St./Pièce 200, 303, rue Main
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3G7
Telephone/Téléphone (204) 984-4153
Fax./Télécopieur (204) 983-2178
Alex.Milton@agr.gc.ca

Something to think about!

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Water Filtration Requirements, Interior Health Authority

Southern Interior Local
Government Association

SILGA

January 27, 2009

Hon. Gordon Campbell, Premier
Box 9041 Stn. Provincial Government
Victoria, BC
V8W 9E1

Dear Premier Campbell,

Re: Water Filtration Requirements, Interior Health Authority

At the January SILGA executive meeting, a number of our executive members raised the issue of the inconsistent application of water filtration requirements mandated by Regional Health Authorities across the province. Our executive questions why these important regulations are not standardized across all of the Provincial Health Authorities. It was further noted that the Interior Health Authority’s requirements are significantly more demanding than those in the rest of the province.

We do not question the need and importance of safe drinking water for the citizens of British Columbia and for all the members of SILGA. However, we don’t understand why there are the different standards in different areas. Further, the cost of the changes needed to meet the IHA requirements are beyond the borrowing capacity of most of our members.

The SILGA membership would appreciate receiving an explanation outlining why each Health Authority has the ability to set individual standards and why the standards are not consistent across the province. Further, we would like to know how our members are supposed to fund systems that have to provide treatment to standards higher than those imposed in rest of the province.

We look forward to your prompt reply,

Kevin Flynn,
President, SILGA

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Hunters target firearms ban -- By Jennifer smith

Armed with education about the importance and necessity for hunting in the area, a group of hunters fired off complaints to Coldstream council Monday.

“We went from dealing with an isolated situation to all of a sudden banning all firearms in Coldstream,” said Rick Plovie, a 30-year outdoorsman.

“We’ve gone from one extreme to another.”

The issue of firearms first came up at a February meeting, following a resident’s complaint targeted at Plovie about hunting near residential areas.

Plovie stated his case at that initial meeting and explained that he was hunting on private property with permission from the landowner.

Coldstream responded to the issue by bringing forward and giving three readings to a bylaw which would basically ban hunting in Coldstream.

While farmers would still be permitted to discharge firearms in order to protect their crops from birds or animals, it would force hunters out of the area.

“There’s high-powered rifles going off in the Coldstream Creek wooded area surrounded by housing...I don’t want to get one of those in the back,” said Coun. Bill Firman.

Although council was slated to adopt the new firearms regulation bylaw Monday, after hearing numerous complaints about it council agreed to postpone it.

The issue will be revisited with members of the hunting community at a June 15 technical advisory committee meeting.

“We need to just back off this,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane, agreeing with the hunters that it needs some work.

Another issue with the bylaw, both the original and the new one being considered, is the definitions make it so that no form of a firearm, including bows and BB guns, are permitted to be shot.

“The way this bylaw is written I cannot practise archery in my backyard,” said Leon Meier, a national 3D archery champion.

“I believe this bylaw is a knee-jerk reaction to an urbanite who does not like hunting.”

Several large landowners also made a point that they originally purchased their land so that they could hunt or practice shooting on their property.

Then there are farmers like Bob Advent, who grows raspberries and is constantly affected by deer eating his crops.

“We have an overabundance of deer around and I would love to have some of the guys like (Plovie) shoot them,” said Advent, who would be forced to do the hunting himself.

Many of the hunters say these rules and regulations are not very supportive to maintaining a rural community.

“This is rural living at its best, let’s keep it that way,” said Meier.

“If you want urban living, go back to the city.”

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Four arrests made after goat killings -- By Roger Knox

Four North Okanagan teenagers are facing serious charges in connection with what RCMP are calling a very disturbing crime.

The quartet were arrested on the weekend in connection with the theft of two goats from a Spallumcheen farm on May 3, and the goats’ subsequent killing.

“Our investigation resulted in the arrest of four individuals, and the recovery of the two deceased goats in a remote area near Falkland,” said Sgt. Dave Evans with the RCMP.

“I don’t have any details of any specific ritual, but the way the animals were killed was quite disturbing. This is very disturbing to the public and to the police.”

The property owner discovered the two goats missing from a gated pen on his property on May 3.

Police received information on May 5 that some students may have taken the goats to a field and killed them.

The police investigation has been ongoing since that day.

Evans said the goats received multiple stab wounds, were dismembered and some of their body parts were cut off.

“The motive isn’t exactly clear what with this matter going to court, but it appears these persons took the goats to that location for what looks to be the express purpose of slaughtering them,” said Evans, who added that he had no information that the owner of the goats or his farm were targeted.

Of the four arrested, two were remanded in custody – an 18-year-old male from Falkland and a 16-year-old male from Vernon – pending a Monday court appearance.

The other two males, one 17, the other 16, and both from Armstrong, were released on promises to appear in court.

The four are facing charges which include theft of cattle (the definition of cattle under the Criminal Code of Canada, according to RCMP, includes goats and farm animals), injuring or endangering cattle and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

The theft charge, said Evans, is the most serious, as it’s a straight indictable offence which can carry a prison term of not more than 10 years.

It’s believed the two males released will not be facing the theft of cattle charges.

Evans said investigators will be seeking a psychiatric exam for one of the accused.

“We are interested in ensuring these people get the necessary help and treatment they need, that the motivation for why this crime was committed is discovered and that they can receive the treatment to make sure it doesn’t escalate or repeat itself,” he said.

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Don't forget to vote!

Please! Don't forget to vote!


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Readers write - Information

Dear CRA members!

The Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake (* SPrKL*) is a recently registered society whose main goal is to protect and preserve the health and safety of Kalamalka Lake and its watershed for future generations so that the lake may be enjoyed by all user groups in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Our objectives include informing the public that Kalamalka Lake is the drinking water source for most of Greater Vernon, and encouraging users to help take care of it.

Another objective is to provide boating safety information for all lake users.

*SPrKL* just received permission at the recent Coldstream Council meeting to post educational materials and to hand out Transport Canada safe boating literature at the boat launches including Kalavista, Westkal, Kinloch, and Kekuli Bay, during the upcoming long weekend.

We are now appealing to everyone to help us by volunteering an hour or two of your time at a boat launch this weekend - hopefully enjoying the sunshine and handing out info to lake users.

If you can help, please contact Louise Christie as soon as you can:

Home phone: 250 542-9109
Email: louisec@talismanenviro.com

Thank you in advance,

*SPrKL* Directors:

Christine Cookson – President
Jennifer Finlay (Sigalet)
Janice Morgan
Flo Ryan
Trina Koch
Louise Christie

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Coldstream Council Meeting -- May 11, 2009

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 11, 2009
IN THE COLDSTREAM MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC MEETING

A G E N D A

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Selected articles, Morning Star -- May 10, 2009

NORD Issues!

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Election Issues!

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Electoral reform -- All about BC-STV

Richard Rolke's article in the Morning Star opposes BC's proposed Single Transferable Vote system. He admits it works in some other countries, such as Switzerland and New Zealand but minorities are a fiasco in other countries such as Italy and Israel.

Canada, and BC in particular, is not like Italy and Israel with large numbers of small, fractured parties. We have the three or four major parties with appropriate voter base who wish to be represented in government. There is nothing wrong with politicians considering diverse ideas that represent their voters views and develop policies that incorporate views from a larger base population.

If 15% of the voting population favour the Green Party, they should have about 15% of the seats in the legislature . STV would provide that opportunity. In fact, I don't understand why the idea requires 60% approval for passing since we seem to believe that we live in a democracy where 50% plus 1 constitute majority.

For a perfect explanation how STV works please visit STV explained and consider this choice when you vote on May 12.

Check out also Christy Clarke's video on the top right corner of this blog. In addition, read the letters to the Editor in today's Morning Star presented below.

For information the current and proposed electoral boundaries maps are also enclosed.

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Selected articles, Morning Star -- May 6, 2009

Sorry for the belated posting -- I've been busy! Some comments later.

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NORD meeting today.

NORD Meeting today.

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Disgruntled Citizen -- Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPuJfbS2qMY

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Media Release -- Rafe Mair endorses NDP candidate Mark Olsen

Rafe Mair endorses NDP candidate Mark Olsen in Vernon Monashee

Sunday, May 3, 2009 .

VERNON — Mark Olsen, the NDP candidate for Vernon Monashee, received a public endorsement from Rafe Mair.

Mair says the Liberal energy policy is one in which “no one but industry had a hand in formulating [and] will ruin an ever-increasing number of rivers.”

Mair, a former Social Credit environment minister, endorsed Olsen at a public meeting at the Schubert Centre today.

Rafe Mair is concerned that Campbell and the BC Liberals are destroying the publicly-owned utility, BC Hydro, and that they are handing over BC’s water rights to international corporate interests. “This election, for me, boils down to a single issue—the environment and the plans by Campbell to deface and destroy the province I was born in and love and where seven out of my eight grandchildren live.”

Mark Olsen is a school bus driver for School District 22. He is president of the school district's support workers, and a passionate advocate for public education.

- 30 -

Contact:
Mark Olsen
markolsn@telus.net
ph. 250 540-4637

Donna Easto, media relations
donnaeasto@gmail.com

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Information -- Environmental issues.

Just a reminder that tomorrow, Sunday, May 3rd Rafe Mair will give a presentation at the Schubert Centre. Rafe is the spokesperson for "Save Our Rivers."

British Columbians are in danger of losing our rivers, access to our rivers and access to the outdoors to multinationals, mainly American, because of Campbell giveaways. Our rivers and water rights are in danger of being lost to British Columbians forever if the Liberals form the next government in BC.

You are urged to attend and voice your displeasure with the way the Liberals have raped and pillaged our natural resources as they pay back their political backers.

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Readers write - Information

Hey everyone, just thought you might like to witness the mentality of what we are dealing with! In fact, on Friday alone, there were 5 such incidents. Three here and 2 on the large public wharf.

Lynn

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Information for all

This is for information only at this time. We have been advised that there is an unconfirmed case of swine flu at Kidston School.

At this time we have no further info regarding confirmation or whether the School District would be following the lead of Beairsto School.

We'll keep you informed of further developments.

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Selected articles, Morning Star -- May 1, 2009

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Coldstream Environmental Committee Meeting.

THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM
ENVIROMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 4, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
4:30 PM

A G E N D A

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

2. ELECTION OF CHAIR

3. TERMS OF REFERENCE

· For Committee information.

4. NEW BUSINESS

A) For information – Memo re: Lower Coldstream Creek Water Quality Meeting held February 18, 2009

B) E-mail from Planning Department listing environment related activities currently in progress

5. NEXT MEETING

Monday, June 1, 2009

6. ADJOURNMENT

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Canada Pressured the US to Dilute Climate Action

Media Release
For Immediate Release
April 30, 2009

OTTAWA--The Conservative government tried to dissuade California from climate action while telling the Canadian public it was going to follow the US lead. Letters posted by the Natural Resources Defence Council written by our Ambassador to the United States, the Hon. Michael Wilson and Natural Resources Minister, the Hon. Lisa Raitt, reveal the government’s intention to thwart international action on climate change. The letters, addressed to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, urge him not to proceed with California’s low carbon fuel standard --- one of California’s world leading measures to combat global warming.

“The Harper government has attempted to create the impression that we are working closely with the Obama Administration on continental climate action. This piece of fiction was already disputed by former TransAlta Vice President Bob Page in his comments on the National Round Table report,” said Elizabeth May, “Bob Page made it clear no US official with whom he spoke thinks that a cap and trade programme
including Canada is on the works. Now we know that the Conservative government is actively trying to derail action in the United States.”

The letters express concern that California’s low carbon fuel standard will prevent tars sands oil from being exported to California as well as potentially setting a standard that other states will attempt to follow.

The letters also suggest the low carbon fuel standard could lead to unfavourable and discriminatory treatment of tar sands oil. The use of this language can be read as a subtle threat to invoke the North American Free Trade Agreement to challenge California’s regulation.

Minister Raitt’s letter also attempts to mislead Governor Schwarzenegger by confusing Canada’s national emissions reduction target with improvements in the carbon intensity of tar sands production, giving the impression that emissions from the tars sands will be reduced when they are expected to more than double.

-30-

Copies of the letters are available at

http://greenparty.ca/files/raitt_letter_lcfs.pdf

Contact:Michael Bernard
Communications Officer
Green Party of Canada
613-562-4916 ext. 244
(c) 613-614-4916
michael.bernard@greenparty.ca

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All about Spiderman

Something different to enjoy!

http://www.beatymuseum.ubc.ca/projects/fieldnotes/spiders/gallery.html

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Selected articles, Morning Star -- April 29, 2009

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Voter apathy may have contributed to the lack of interest in the forum but the $30 price tag may have been a greater deterrent. After all, during the election campaign we can listen to politicians for free, so why should anyone spend thirty bucks to hear the same thing?

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Rafe Mair, representing the 'Save Our Rivers' campaign, will speak in Armstrong & Vernon this weekend

Rafe Mair, representing the 'Save Our Rivers' campaign, will speak in Armstrong & Vernon this weekend. http://www.ourrivers.ca/

Armstrong May 2
Oddfellows Hall, 7pm

Vernon May 3
Schubert Centre 1-4pm

Both events will include a Q & A session.

A photo suitable for print should be attached. It was provided to me by the Save Our Rivers campaign.

Contact info to arrange for an interview with Mr. Mair:

Damien Gillis damien@slingshotcommunications.com

604.780.2544

For more info regarding the Armstrong visit:

James Bowlby, jwbowlby@telus.net
(250)832-8383 - home or 250-833-5134, cell.

For more info regarding the Vernon visit:

Nick Hodge nhodge@mofp.ca
work 250 542-4048
home 250 547-6202

- 30 -

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Check out the following website:

http://www.ourrivers.ca/video-library-mainmenu-29/351-rivers-at-risk-complete

Watch the DVD

http://saveourrivers.tv/rivers_at_risk_complete.html


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BC’ Agricultural Policies Increase Risks of Swine Flu.

The recent swine flu is quickly reaching Pandemic status. It has now spread to 11 countries including Canada and has killed 150 in Mexico. In BC, we now have all the pieces in place for this pandemic to mutate into an even more deadly form.

Overcrowded conditions are what allows a pathogen like swine flu to mutate into dangerous forms. BC's agricultural regulations restrict traditional farming methods in favour of industrial ones, increasing the crowding of our hogs and poultry well beyond the safety limits. These industrial grown hogs and poultry are so genetically uniform that they might as well be clones, and since genetic uniformity makes it even easier for the pathogen, BC now has a lot to worry about. The Fraser Valley has the highest concentration of industrial poultry in all of Canada.

This is one of the reasons I initiated the petition against BC's Meat Inspection Regulations back in 2007. Small farms raising a variety of genetically diverse animals are the safest. Allowing mobile units to slaughter on farm can prevent the spread of disease from farm to farm and protects diversity as well as consumers. This is yet another wake up call that our cheap global food system is putting us at risk. Local food production is a cornerstone of my platform and should become policies in all parties who really care about the safety and security of our food system.

- 30 -

Huguette Allen,
MLA Candidate, Vernon-Monashee
Green Party Critic, Industry & Small Business
Phone: 250.547.0272 cell: 250.309.5973
www.VoteAllen.ca

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How much is your next sewer bill?

Implementation of the user pay sewer bill will change your bill. In order to estimate how much you pay here is a way to calculate.

The flat rate part of your next quarter bill will be $83.50. The additional fee calculated as 1.3X your water consumption indicated on your March Utility bill.

As an example: your last bill showed 35 m3 water consumption then your sewer bill will be 83.50+35X1.3=$129 (instead of $142 using the flat rate method). If your water consumption is lower your bill will be lower and if its higher your sewer bill will be higher.

In this example your savings for the year would be $39. However, I intend to press for more improvements in the future, including policy changes that will reduce the amount of reserves we collect for future infrastructure work.

The current policy is to set aside 50% of estimated future infrastructure improvements totally financed by utility (sewer) users. My opinion is that future residents should decide themselves how to pay for infrastructure coming in the distant future. Present customers are still paying for the extension of sewer line in 2007 (almost a million dollars) yet they are required to shoulder major reserve build up at the same time. Residents who are not on sewer do not contribute anything to these funds.

My intent is to remedy this oversight of previous Councils. Your support would be appreciated.

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Get used to saving water, Californians told

MSNBC.com

Drought portends 'a way of life ... now and into the future,' water chief says

msnbc.com staff and news service reports

updated 9:07 a.m. PT, Fri., April 24, 2009

GUSTINE, Calif. - When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joined thousands of farmers and farm workers at the end of a four-day march to protest water shortages, he said he'd do all he could to bring more water to the San Joaquin Valley.

He promised state and federal dollars to replace an antiquated irrigation and water delivery system. The Obama administration immediately earmarked $260 million from the federal stimulus funds to help do just that.

State and federal officials this week also slightly raised how much water farmers can get from managed rivers around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the critical region where most of the nation's fruits and vegetables are grown.

But those allocations are still far below what farmers are used to getting. Moreover, any significant improvements will take years or decades, and not even Schwarzenegger can deliver what Mother Nature hasn't provided — rainfall to end a three-year drought.

As a result of the drought and water restrictions, California farmers have left large swaths of land unplanted — and fewer jobs for farm workers, most of them Hispanic immigrants.

'Saving water ... a way of life'

California's head honcho for water resources was blunt, even as the governor promised help.

"By no means has California been lifted out of this third year of drought," Lester Snow, director of the Department of Water Resources, said last week. "In fact, 2007-2009 is expected to rank in the top 10 driest three-year periods in the last century.

"Saving water must become a way of life for all Californians now and into the future," he added.

Two months earlier, Schwarzenegger declared a state emergency because of California's drought. That order directed state agencies to provide assistance to drought-affected communities and businesses.

He also urged all urban users to reduce their water use by 20 percent.

And even with March rain and snow storms, California's largest reservoirs — Shasta and Oroville — are still only three-quarters as full as they should be at this time of year. The San Joaquin Reservoir is at a historic low.

The Westlands Water District — which serves farms in King and Fresno counties that produce about $1 billion in crops annually — estimates that the water shortages have meant that 300,000 acres of lettuce, tomatoes and other crops won't be planted this year.

Besides the drought, a federal court ruling to protect Delta smelt fish has reduced pumping capacity in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

The delta, which provides water to nearly two thirds of all Californians, has become a highly troubled resource. Three years of below-average precipitation have wreaked havoc on its habitat and water supply. Urban and agricultural pollution are also problems.

"In the future, the delta's fragile ecosystem, uncertain precipitation patterns and reduced snowmelt will further reduce California's water supply reliability," the Department of Water Resources stated.

Obama aide takes notice

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar personally weighed in by touring the delta area with Schwarzenegger earlier this month.

After a helicopter view, Salazar noted that California's massive system of reservoirs, pumps and canals, built a half century ago, was designed for a population half the size of the state's 37.7 million people.

"It is time to modernize, it is time to make hard choices and it's time for the federal government to re-engage in full partnership with the 21st century water system for the state of California," he said in announcing the $260 million in infrastructure funds.

Schwarzenegger, for his part, reiterated his call to build more dams and urged state lawmakers to place a water bond on next year's ballot. He also favors building a canal to pipe river water around the delta, an idea rejected by voters in 1982.

Salazar declined to endorse building new dams or a canal. He did rule out suspending federal environmental laws, as some members of California's Republican congressional delegation have suggested in an attempt to funnel more water to farmers.

"That is not the solution here," Salazar said. "The solution that we're looking at is one that is going to have to be comprehensive in nature that takes into account the huge variations you're seeing in water supply."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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It should be an eye opener for the Okanagan Valley residents as well.

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Readers write - Information

On May 22 we will have organic ground beef for sale, they come in 1 lb packages and cost $3.00 each.

Anybody who would like to purchase some organic ground beef for the BBQ season could get in touch with us by email: senn@telus.net;

Regards
Lilly Senn

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REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM -- 2009-04-27

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009
IN THE COLDSTREAM MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
6:00 PM

A G E N D A

Agenda package1
Agenda package2

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Selected articles, Morning Star -- April 22, 2009

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A celebration of Earthday with some creatures of Earth -- by Debbie Gibson.

Spring is here -- let's celebrate!

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Readers write -- Information Re: SPK

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY!

SPKL

The Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake

MEMO TO POTENTIAL SPKLers!

The recently registered Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake (SPKL) is now in the process of looking for members to support our cause.

The idea to set up this society was originally that of Christine Cookson, who was involved in a similar movement where she grew up in Switzerland.

The purpose of SPKL is to preserve and protect the quality of Kalamalka Lake and its watershed for future generations so all user groups may enjoy the lake in an environmentally sustainable manner.

We desire to use a fact-based approach for decision-making with regard to Kalamalka Lake and its watershed. Our objectives include identifying, researching, monitoring issues of concern and taking appropriate actions where problems exist; collecting valuable water quality data; and providing and promoting educational opportunities. We plan to achieve these objectives by engaging local residents and community groups; partnering with government agencies, educational institutions and other non-profit organizations; and acquiring funding through grant applications and fund-raising events.

Some SPKL activities so far include:

• Collection of water quality information from Kal Lake
• Sending a letter to the Ministry of the Environment requesting information about the spraying of effluent at Silver Star and its possible subsequent effects on the Kal Lake water quality
• Addressing Coldstream Council regarding the above issue
• Sending a letter to the District of Lake Country, urging opposition to the proposed 200-400 boat slip marina on Wood Lake
• Applying for a Unilever - Evergreen Grant for the purpose of enhancing the Kalavista Lagoon by aiding in its clean up, enhancing the riparian vegetation and habitat, educating the public regarding the role of the lagoon system in the health of Kalamalka Lake, and involving school children and the general public in the process.

We are looking for members who are passionate about the environment, and willing to contribute some of their time and energy to the task of keeping Kal Lake healthy and safe for wildlife as well as humans. We have some ideas and action plans “in the works” around how we wish to accomplish our goals and objectives, and we need more input and people power to make it all happen.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the protection of one of the world’s most valuable and beautiful resources please join us! The attached membership form can be filled out and sent with a cheque made out to SPKL to: Greg Ockert, 11505 Primrose Drive, Coldstream BC, V1B 2C3

SPKL Directors: Christine Cookson, Jennifer Sigalet, Janice Morgan, Flo Ryan, Trina Koch, Louise Christie. Greg Ockert

8585 Kalavista Drive, Vernon BC V1B 1K4, (250) 542-4350, info@spkl.com

Sparkle -- The Society's Newsletter!



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