Eleanor Deckert
Willow MacDonald, Thompson-Nicola Regional District director for Thompson Headwaters (Area B) and head of Thompson Headwaters Services Committee (THSC), invited Avola residents to a coffee house on Jan. 20.
Her goal to host monthly coffee houses has been interrupted for seven months, since June, 2013, when exterior renovations on the old Avola log schoolhouse began.
The coffee house meeting of 11 people was held at the Log Inn Pub since the schoolhouse/community hall is still closed.
MacDonald was looking for interest, input and local knowledge about possible future trail development.
She also reported on the new monthly date for the Community Connections bus travelling from Blue River to Kamloops return. The new date, changed at the request of users, is the first Thursday of the month.
Another bus, operated by Northern Health, runs every Thursday from McBride to Kamloops return. Formerly, only a doctor or dentist appointment was an acceptable reason to take the “medical” bus. However, MacDonald lobbied for a wider definition of “medical,” which now includes specialists, walk-in-clinic, optometrist, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and even to pick up a prescription.
At the coffee house, Karen Bruce, one of Avola’s three representatives on the THSC, explained how often she advocates for Avola when plans are being formed.
Because the THSC meetings are most often held in Blue River, some believe there has been a lack of clear communication between Avola residents and THSC decision-makers.
The coffee house, participation of the Avola reps and email to residents sending past minutes and future agenda for upcoming meetings as well as current newspaper reports are attempts to improve this situation.
