Week 1 – Jan. 1
Northern Gateway passes scrutiny
The Joint Review Panel recommendation that the federal government approve the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Project was announced.
The panel decided the project would be in the public interest to proceed, providing it met 209 conditions.
Meanwhile, the BC NDP called on the B.C. Liberal government to stop the Enbridge pipeline to protect British Columbia’s economy and environment.
Scammers pose as revenue agency
Residents of 108 Mile Ranch had reported a new e-mail scam that stated they had a refund due from Revenue Canada of $512.08, asking them to provide “all the information to complete your refund,” with a link to a fraudulent website.
Another common scam at the time referred to a website resembling the CRA’s that asked people to enter personal information.
Reaching out parent-to-parent
A three-week series of support groups meetings for parents with children with complex behavioural conditions had been held at the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre.
They had offered support for managing complex developmental and behavioural conditions and some 24 hours and 7days a week challenges they can cause for parents.
Week 2 – Jan. 8
BC Hydro hikes rates
BC Hydro rates were due to increase about 15 per cent during the next two years.
The new 10-year plan was to keep electricity rates predictable and as low as possible, while BC Hydro invests in new infrastructure for its aging assets.
Rate increases were set for the initial two years, at nine per cent in 2014 and six per cent in 2015.
Then the following three years will increase within maximum caps of four per cent for 2016-18.
Crohn’s disease impacts family
When local youth Brenden Jamieson, 14, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in late 2013 he was rushed to 100 Mile District General Hospital and then airlifted to Vancouver where he underwent emergency surgery.
His mother then spent the rest of 2013 – including Christmas, when the family joined them – with Brenden in his hospital room, and later shared her story.
District debt retirement
District of 100 Mile House councillors furthered their recently agreed to Debt Retirement Fund to help pay down the Highway 97/Horse Lake Road Interchange debt 10 years before its maturity date.
Mayor Mitch Campsall said the District’s portion of the project, about $2.3 million, was a significant tax burden on District taxpayers.
“This is going to save the taxpayers a whole whack of money.”
Week 3 – Jan. 15
New Year’s baby boy
The first baby born in 100 Mile House in 2014 was born at 12:41 a.m. on Jan. 8, to the delight of his parents and grandparents.
Cooper William Schalles arrived as a healthy baby boy who weighed in at 10 pounds one ounce upon arrival. He is the second child for his mother, Kelly, and father, Justin, who live in Ashcroft.
Stay alive – don’t text and drive
Some drivers continued to text at the wheel after a law that banned the use of personal electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle four years earlier (Jan. 1, 2010)
The BC Crime Prevention Association studies showed texting and driving makes a person 23 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle incident. Its research also showed five seconds of texting at 80 km/h is equivalent to 91.4 metres of missed road – almost the length of a football field.
H1N1 influenza hits Interior
The H1N1 virus was on the rise in the Interior Health region, where medical health officer Rob Parker said dozens of recently confirmed cases were only a small portion of the actual number of people who have contracted it.
“We’ve got 40 lab-confirmed cases, and most of those have come over the last two weeks (prior to Jan. 9) … and we are on the upswing.”
Week 4 – Jan. 22
Free trade agreement examined
South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce members heard Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod talk about the tentative free trade agreement between Canada and the European Union.
She said positive impacts for forestry will be “huge” and significant advantages will also be seen by cattlemen and small- and medium-sized businesses.
Welcome Blake Ward
The 100 Mile House RCMP announced it would be welcoming Staff Sgt. Blake Ward to the community as its new detachment commander.
Ward has an interesting background including the RCMP Marine Section based out of Prince Rupert, where for 12 years he worked the whole North Coast from northern Vancouver Island to Alaska.
Reform bill tabled
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod asked her constituents and party members in particular, to think about a private member’s Reform Bill and comment back to her.
She said the Reform Bill could allow a request signed by 15 per cent of the members of a caucus to prompt a non-confidence vote to oust a party leader – potentially, also the nation’s leader – by a majority vote.
Class composition censured
The British Columbia Teachers’ Federation reported class composition for students with learning difficulties was worse than ever in the province.
However, in School District #27, the superintendent and the teachers’ union president had a different tale to tell about how children entitled to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) are accommodated.
Week 5 – Jan. 29
New Prosperity on MP’s plate
The New Prosperity Mine was on the radar screen for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod.
When in 100 Mile House previously, McLeod said she and Cariboo-Prince George MP Dick Harris had both expressed concerns to Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq and Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver regarding the panel review concerns expressed recently by Taseko Mine.
Mine minister lobbies Ottawa
B.C. Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett visited Ottawa on Jan. 13 to meet with various federal ministers about New Prosperity Mine.
He encouraged his federal colleagues to recognize the strong economic and social benefits the proposed project would create for Cariboo communities.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett said Bennett is a strong advocate to lobby for the mine.
Municipal museum dream fades
The vision of a museum in 100 Mile House was severely hindered by a lack of available volunteers.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett had previously secured a $50,000 grant for the District of 100 Mile House.
Mayor Mitch Campsall said much more money was needed as well as a new group to take on getting The Lodge building repaired and safe for public use.
The artifacts already gathered for the museum were removed and temporarily stored.
Week 6 – Feb. 5
Court strikes down education bill
The BC Supreme Court ruled the provincial government’s class size and composition legislation was not only unconstitutional, it was intended to pressure the union and provoke a strike.
Justice Susan Griffin also ordered the province to pay a hefty fine in damages, plus court costs.
No ethanol for small engines
With most gasoline pumps carrying fuel containing 10 per cent ethanol, Exeter Forest and Marine owner Pierre Dion reminded folks not to use it in small engines.
Prolonged use in chainsaws, snowmobiles and other gasoline-fired equipment can both be harmful, such as damaging carburetors, and affect operation, he explained.
Beekeeping abuzz at board meeting
Backyard beekeeping was expected to soon become legalized after a local underground movement pursued the change.
Cariboo Regional District trustees were moving forward with innovative rural bylaw changes to permit hobby beekeeping and laying hens in many residential zones.
Horse Lake residents and “rogue beekeepers” Roger Meeks and Denese Hark had lobbied for two years to bring about this change.
Week 7 – Feb. 12
Education appeal pending
The province said it would appeal the B.C. Supreme Court decision restoring collective agreement provisions stripped in 2002.
Justice Susan Griffin had recently ruled that stripping teachers’ provincial bargaining rights is unconstitutional, and ordered the province to pay damages and court costs to the B.C. Teachers’ Federation.
Tractors on roads
Farm tractors driven on public roads must be covered by special insurance policies, and even then, only under special conditions.
Western Financial Group 100 Mile House manager Jennifer Appleby explained some basics about the insurance requirements, and provided some tips on how to decide what type of coverage you need.
Local mine group lobbies in Ottawa
A contingent of local New Prosperity Mine supporters headed to Ottawa last week to present their case to several federal politicians.
They met with parliamentary secretaries, the B.C.-Yukon Caucus, senators and MPs.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett and businessman Len Doucette were in the group that went to share local knowledge of the project issues, and believed they received positive reactions.
Week 8 – Feb. 19
Alice Singleton’s lasting legacy
The recent passing of Margaret Alice Singleton, longtime Lone Butte resident and postmistress, prompted her longtime friend, Anna Granberg, to share some fond recollections.
Alice left a lasting legacy in the small community, including her gift of the Alice Singleton Heritage House to the Lone Butte Historical Society in 2007.
Federal budget highlights
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod said the 2014 federal budget tabled in the House of Commons on Feb. 11, 2013 continued government’s plan set out back in 2009.
She talked about getting back to a balanced budget, keeping Canada strong in jobs and economic growth, and other several key components – some of which would be attractive to 100 Mile House constituents.
Throne speech features resources
The province’s MLAs sat in legislature for the first time in six months for the spring session, kicked off on Feb. 11, 2014 by the speech from the throne.
It highlighted economic growth, jobs creation, skills training, and a framework for liquefied natural gas (LNG) development in British Columbia.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett noted the throne speech included a 10-year skills training plan for youth and older workers who want to upgrade their skills.
Week 9 – Feb. 26
Court transcripts blown open
NDP Leader Adrian Dix read aloud from court transcripts in question period at the B.C. legislature, blowing apart the B.C. Liberal government’s attempts to keep private the details from negotiations with the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation.
Dix quoted former government negotiator Paul Straszak in court last fall, when he confirmed the government’s objective was to provoke a full-scale strike by pressuring teachers.
B.C. budget balanced
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says the key point in the “boring” provincial budget is that it is balanced.
She notes $50 million was shaved off of the budget in a core review of government.
While the NDP and industry groups decried fee increases to Medical Services Plan and BC Hydro, Barnett talked about how low income tax is an offset to the fees.
Designated drivers forewarned
Designated drivers were warned by a local lawyer that if their drunken passenger causes an accident, they may not be covered by insurance.
The B.C. Supreme Court had recently ruled that ICBC is under no obligation to compensate the designated driver.
Local lawyer Peter Messner spoke out about a similar accident on Horse Lake Road where an impaired passenger pulled on the emergency brake.
Week 10 – March 5
Taseko ‘disappointed’ with mine ruling
The proposed New Prosperity Gold-Copper Project near Fish Lake was rejected by the federal government on Feb. 26, 2014.
Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq concluded that the New Prosperity Mine project was likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
Taseko Mines Ltd. vice-president of corporate affairs Brian Battison said it was disappointing for both the company and the “thousands of people who supported the project.
First Nations commend mine decision
First Nations groups celebrated the federal government’s rejection of the proposed New Prosperity Gold-Copper Project and looked for an “end to 20-year effort to turn a pristine area into open-pit disaster.”
The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) Chief Joe Alphonse said it was the right decision to reject the “terrible project, which threatened our pristine waters, fish and Aboriginal rights.”
Medical marijuana production vetoed
No one showed up for the District of 100 Mile House council’s Feb. 26 public hearing for the Zoning Amendment Bylaw prohibiting medical marijuana production facilities within its boundaries.
The planning department had not received any phone calls or written comments about the bylaw amendment, one way or the other. At the council meeting later that evening, council gave third reading to the bylaw amendment.
Week 11 – March 12
Teachers vote for strike notice
The British Columbia Teachers’ Federation voted 89 per cent in favour of a 72-hour strike notice on March 6.
Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers’ Association president Murray Helmer said he wasn’t surprised, and noted if any strike action does occur later, it would be phased in.
Crime Stoppers leader retires
Al Blannin retired from her leading role with Crime Stoppers of the South Cariboo, after 28 years.
The group said they will miss Blannin, and recognized her strong leadership skills by making her a lifetime honorary director for Crime Stoppers of the South Cariboo.
Blannin felt she was leaving the helm in good hands, and said Sgt. Don McLean had been “a lifesaver” on the board and she sincerely hoped he stays with the group for the long term.
Mine decision disappoints MP
While her own government recently rejected the New Prosperity Gold-Copper Project, Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod said it was a let-down, as she believed the majority of Cariboo-Chilcotin people supported the mine.
“… I know that many are very, very disappointed, and certainly I share their disappointment.
“There were people for and against, but my sense was that it has strong support in the area.”
Week 12 – March 19
Mine rejection reactions continue
After the New Prosperity Gold-Copper Project was rejected by the federal government last month, local leaders are expressing various opinions.
100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall said it is “very disappointing,” while Cariboo Regional District chair Al Richmond said a scientific review was then needed to study the reasons the project failed.
South Cariboo Farmers’ Market wins award
The South Cariboo Farmers’ Market (SCFM) won a 2013 Farmers’ Market of the Year award in its category from the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM).
SCFM vice-president Tina Johnson attended the 2014 BCAFM conference in Vancouver, where the three winners were honoured during an awards reception.
District plans water upgrades
The District of 100 Mile House is planning upgrades to its local clean water system this year as part of a five-year capital plan.
One of the key projects happening this fall is remedial work being done at the under-performing Well 4 by Bridge Creek near the Red Coach Inn.
Week 13 – March 26
Rally interrupts fundraiser
Larry Badke said he felt “happy” Friends of Fish Lake (FOFL) cancelled its march around the 100 Mile Marsh after he and Jim Kolisnyk organized a rally on March 22 for supporters of the proposed New Prosperity Gold-Copper Project.
While the federal government had recently turned down the project, about 40 people stood outside the 100 Mile Curling Club, where New Prosperity Mine opponents FOFL were hosting a fundraising dinner but cancelled their march due to the rally.
PRIDE project funded
A group of Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) students, led by Grade 12 student Josie Jaegar, was awarded a $1,500 grant from the United Way.
The Youth Initiative Grant was awarded to support the group’s planned PRIDE project for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) awareness and education at PSO.
Facebook posts irks Mayor
Comments made by Len Doucette, both on Facebook and publicly, raised some hackles at the District of 100 Mile House.
Doucette had said mayor and council had been “sitting on the fence” on the New Prosperity Mine project have in council chambers.
Mayor Mitch Campsall responded that council has supported the mine project from “day 1.”
“I represent [and] speak for council, and council has always been positive towards Taseko Mine.”
Week 14 – April 2
CRD seeks input on medical marijuana
The Cariboo Regional District was asking residents for input on its move to allow commercial medicinal grow operations in heavy industrial zones only.
The board noted that with smaller setbacks in rural residential zones than in heavy industrial zones, residents could otherwise find a medicinal marijuana grow warehouse next door, and commercial growers might argue it is an agriculture endeavour and pursue a rural location.
Voyeurism investigation underway
An investigation into voyeurism was underway after RCMP arrested a paramedic at the 100 Mile House ambulance station on March 29, 2014.
The investigation and subsequent arrest came after a hidden camera was discovered in the washroom at Action Fitness by its owners Murray Helmer and Donri Heise. The device had appeared to be a pen, but when separated, revealed a storage device and a video camera.
Taseko seeks judicial review
Taseko Mines Ltd. applied for a second judicial review following the federal government’s denial of the proposed New Prosperity Gold-Copper Project.
Taseko president and CEO Russell Hallbauer said the proposal – specifically its plan to save Fish Lake – wasn’t evaluated in a “fair, open and transparent manner.”
The company believed it should have had the opportunity to respond to any third-party submissions made to government regarding the mine, but noted it wasn’t given the chance.
Week 15 – April 9
Drinking driver penalties upheld
Roadside screening suspensions and impoundments continued when the B.C. Court of Appeal turned down a constitutional challenge of the Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) program.
Drinking drivers failing an IRP breath test would continue to be subject to 90-day driving suspensions, $500 penalties and impounded vehicles.
Land commission changes
The Agricultural Land Commission was undergoing changes that Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett said would benefit her constituents.
It involved the establishment of two agricultural zones in B.C., one for areas of prime agriculture land, and the other for areas with shorter growing seasons and less arable land.
Barnett explained she often saw rezoning applications turned down that would have allowed better uses for land with poor soil and no water – whether commercial, industrial or residential.
CRD buys recreation land
A parcel of land purchased by the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) was thought to foresee potential for an aquatic centre.
Noting it had not designated a firm project for the new 13.5-acre property adjacent to the South Cariboo Recreation Centre, CRD chair Al Richmond said it was a good, strategic acquisition to prepare for future development options. These included an aquatic centre, a new Agriplex building, and expansions to the ball fields, equestrian grounds, bike park, trails and parking.
Week 16 – April 16
The safety of sawmill workers and communities was to be further strengthened through a new Dust Mitigation and Control Audit protocol being offered to mills throughout the province.
100 Mile House Fire-Rescue chief Darrell Blades said any more tools for sawdust control and safety are helpful, and this was a great tool for the mills to apply in looking at the Dust Mitigation and Control Programs.
Health unions seek strike mandate
Some 225 health-care employees at Fischer Place, Mill Site Lodge and 100 Mile District General Hospital would soon cast their vote on a strike mandate being sought by Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU) and some other unions in the province.
A number of local BC Ambulance employees were also to vote, as they would fall under any resulting job action.
District taxes, fees going up
The District of 100 Mile House presented its draft annual five-year financial plan at a public hearing.
Despite a two per cent rate increase across the board, the District would be collecting around $10,000 less revenue this year under steadily decreasing assessed values of major industry (mills).
Meanwhile, the burden had impacted other property classes to maintain the annual taxation and revenue requirement.
Week 17 – April 23
Teachers commence strike action
Teachers in B.C. began Stage 1 job action on April 23, 2014.
Cariboo Chilcotin Teachers’ Association president Murray Helmer noted this first stage was only administrative.
He said it was “frustrating” that more than six weeks after teachers voted on a strike mandate, government’s offer remained virtually unchanged, with wage increases at about 6.5 per cent over three years.
Taseko stands up for Prosperity
Taseko Mines Ltd. vice-president of corporate affairs Brian Battison said the company’s objection to a recent federal environmental review process was “all about fairness” of government processes.
The federal government’s decision to reject Taseko’s New Prosperity Gold-Copper Project was a “serious situation” with billions of dollars at play and thousands of new jobs at stake, he explained.
“The federal review panel failed in its duty to deliver a fair process [which] resulted in the federal Minister of Environment [Leona Aglukkaq] and the cabinet of Canada in making the wrong decision.”
Firefighter training
100 Mile House Fire-Rescue (OMFR) fire chief Darrell Blades noted its South Cariboo Recruit Academy had several members – new and existing – from various local volunteer fire departments undergoing training.
Each firefighter’s particular level of training partly determines if they can enter a burning building, or must fight the blaze from the outside. Most firefighters who had certification to enter blazing buildings at that time were OMFR members.
Week 18 – April 30
A dozen folks turned out to the Lone Butte Community Hall on April 23 for one of three local public hearings on potential bylaw changes for the medical marijuana industry.
Most people at the hearing supported the general idea, with supporters leaning toward establishing a separate, Medical Marijuana Zone for these commercial operations, rather than adding it on to the existing Heavy Industrial Zone.
The Lodge’s fate not decided
District of 100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall said the comments on Facebook and talk around town had spun out of control after potential for a water treatment plant included an option for tearing down The Lodge.
He explained the District merely received a report on Well #4, where clearing and using The Lodge site was just one of four options, and would not make any decisions on it for some time yet, Campsall said.
Farmer slams ALC bill
Proposed changes to the Agriculture Land Commission (ALC) were drawing concern from some B.C. farmers.
Horse Lake farmer Rod Hennecker said the current bill should be scrapped, as its Zone 2 is a “green light” for industry and developers to take over farmlands.
“I agree some tweaking could be done … such as allowing second houses on pieces of agriculture land, so that sons and daughters can carry on. But a wholesale change is not the way to go.”
