News Leader News for June 10, 2008
SPIRIT SQUARE HONOURS VETERANS
The Town of Princeton will revitalize its commercial district with the development of its own Town Square in Cenotaph Park, Small Business and Revenue Minister Rick Thorpe said Saturday, June 7th, announcing a $200,000 contribution from the Province's BC Spirit Squares program.
"The upgraded plaza will give Princeton residents and visitors an excellent venue to celebrate this city's past, present and future, while at the same time honouring both the Cenotaph and our veterans," said Thorpe.
"It is also the perfect location for the community to commemorate BC150, the 150th anniversary of the founding of the crown colony of British Columbia."
The Town Square is centrally located in the downtown core, adjacent to Town Hall, the Royal Canadian Legion, post office, and shopping district and is easily accessible by roads and sidewalks. The venue includes a green space with lawn, trees, picnic tables and the Cenotaph. The funding will provide for improved landscaping and lighting, improved pedestrian safety, washrooms, covered seating and a performance space.
"The town square has historical significance for the residents of Princeton and has served as a gathering place since the community was established," said Mayor Randy McLean.
"The Cenotaph, a prominent feature within the square, will be honoured, respected and enhanced with this initiative. Statistics tell us that you can judge a community's well-being by its town square. A town square is a long-standing tradition in Canadian communities and the provincial government's recognition of their significance is greatly appreciated. We are excited about BC's 150th anniversary this year and we look forward to celebrating Princeton's 150 anniversary in 2010."
The $20-million BC Spirit Squares program is helping to create or improve outdoor public meeting/celebration spaces around the province, providing up to a maximum provincial contribution of $500,000. For more information about BC Spirit Squares visit www.spiritsquares.gov.bc.ca. To learn more about BC150, please visit www.bc150.ca.
AIRPORT RECEIVES PROVINCIAL $$$
Provincial funding of up to $100,000 towards a fuel facility will improve operational service at the Princeton Airport, announced Small Business and Revenue Minister Rick Thorpe on behalf of Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon in a short ceremony during Airport Appreciation Day June 7th.
"Our government is committed to investing in local airports to help create new economic opportunities, and ensure more reliable air services," said Thorpe.
"This project will provide the Princeton Airport with the necessary infrastructure to begin playing a significant economic development role in the area."
Prior to this funding agreement, lack of a fuel facility meant that aircraft flying in to the Princeton Airport had to carry enough fuel to fly out again. By enabling refuelling, the new fuel facility will expand the options available to aviation flying into or out of the Princeton Airport.
"With our strong economy, airport traffic is continuing to grow in British Columbia," said Falcon.
"We are taking appropriate measures to handle that growth, as well as enhance services. This project provides a building block for future development and economic activity for the town and the surrounding region."
The project is undertaken in partnership with the Town of Princeton, which owns and operates the airport. The total project is budgeted for $295,000, with work expected to begin immediately and be completed this summer.
"This upgrade to the regional airport fulfills a major component of our economic diversification strategy," said Princeton Mayor Randy McLean.
"A fuel facility has been our number one priority and our consultants have consistently told us that a fuel system would ensure that the airport reaches its full potential and becomes an economic catalyst for our region."
The importance of this project was highlighted in letters of support received from the British Columbia Aviation Council, Canadian Helicopters Limited and the aviation programs under the Provincial Emergency Program, the Ministry of Forests and Range and the British Columbia Ambulance Service. In the event of an emergency in this region, it is particularly important to have a new and convenient source of fuel available for aircraft that are providing emergency service.
The funding is provided through the ministry's Transportation Partnerships Program (TPP) which helps communities and regions realize economic growth, boost tourism and create new jobs through contributions to BC's airports and ports. The ministry is reserving $27-million over the next three years for this program.
DISTRICT SALUTES DEDICATION
School District 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) hosted a casual get together June 2nd in the PSS Library to honour teachers and staff who have worked in area schools.
The annual Retirement/Long Service Celebration has taken place in recent years as a way of recognizing contributions made within the School District.
Receiving 10 Year Service Pins were: Paula Barchard, Barry Clarke and Kirk McConnell.
15 Year Service Pins went to Marjorie Brewer, Lorna Coyne, John Dunsmore and Johanna Nott with 20 Year Service Pins presented to Eileen deBruyn, Vickie Marr and Terri Ortwein.
Receiving 25 Year Service Pins were Sharleen Anderson and Lorna Gregson.
A total of five people will be retiring at the end of the school year. They are Eileen deBruyn (20 years), Bonnie Jesten, Fran McHaffie (27 years), Johanna Nott (16 years) and Diane Rodewoldt (33 years).
Each retiree received an engraved school bell to mark the occasion.
COUNCIL NEEDS REMINDER
The Accessibility Awareness Committee attended the June 2 Town Council meeting to report on progress and to have the proclamation signed for the June 7 Accessibility Awareness Day.
Ken Carlson told Council the committee has spent most of its $15,000 grant on helping community groups make their premises more accessible with automatic doors.
He went on to remind Council the sidewalk corners in Princeton still need work, and the washroom in Town Hall is not wheelchair accessible. Mayor Randy McLean told the committee to keep reminding Council of what needs doing.
A traffic expert was scheduled to inspect the Highway 3 pedestrian crossing, as the manually operated light has been ineffective in stopping traffic, and the button used by pedestrians cannot be reached by anyone in a wheelchair. Council wants flashing lights advising motorists there is a stop ahead.
COUNCIL GOES TO TONASKET
Mayor Randy McLean and Councillor Jim Manion attended Founder's Day celebrations in Tonasket on May 31.
This occasion is one of the visits made annually by Princeton people to recognize the ongoing "Sister City" relationship between Princeton and Tonasket. Tonasket has been invited to Racing Days and will be invited to the Traditional Music Festival in August.
Mayor McLean and Councillor Manion commented on what a great celebration Tonasket held this year, along with a good parade, doubly good when Princeton's old fire truck took second place.
Council thanked Kim Macahonic and the Youth Ambassador candidates for going to Tonasket, and Stan Thompson for once again transporting the fire truck.
