Submitted by Coun. Suzanne Carpenter
The District of Sicamous received a $5,000 grant from Healthy Communities BC to conduct a community study with the purpose of determining what the residents of Sicamous need to become a healthy community.
A healthy community involves health care, education, community infrastructure, economic development, employment, seniors, youth, First Nations, immigrants, arts and culture, the environment, water, transportation, trade and meeting the needs of both our permanent and part-time residents.
We are so lucky already to have doctors, dentists, holistic health professionals, the Sicamous and District Chamber of Commerce, the Eagle Valley Community Support Society, an active seniors community, good schools, arts and culture, lakes, rivers, trails, sustainable food and good, clean air.
As a community, we have to work together to protect these assets. We have to pay attention to the needs of those who live here, we have to listen to our seniors, our youth, our businesses, encourage new business and work together as one to make Sicamous a better place to live.
I was just reading a book by Doug Griffithes and Kelly Clemmer (rural community advocates), which notes how one of the fastest ways to kill a community is to not have good drinking water. By this time next year, we should have some of the best drinking water in the province.
The Healthy Communities funding will be used to host community meetings with various sector groups and the general community to gather the thoughts and vision of what a healthy Sicamous would be, and how we can work together to make it happen.
When all the sessions have been completed, the information gathered will be compiled into a report and a document that prioritizes the outcomes in a way that will provide clear guidance from the community to the next council.
Please look for posters, check your local paper or go on the District of Sicamous’ website for the upcoming dates and times of these meetings. Do not miss your opportunity to have your say.
