News Leader News for August 26, 2008
PRINCETON JOINS THE BIZPAL NETWORK
Opening a new business in Princeton just became easier thanks to BizPaL, a new online business permit and licence service that saves time spent on paperwork and helps entrepreneurs start up faster.
The launch of BizPaL in Princeton was welcomed August 19th by the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry; together with Rick Thorpe, MLA for Okanagan-Westside; and Princeton Mayor Randy McLean.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to be working with the Province of British Columbia and the Town of Princeton to provide ways that make it easier for area businesses to have access to essential information and reduce paperwork costs," said Secretary of State Ablonczy.
"This approach is consistent with other measures announced in Budget 2008 and in our overall economic plan, Advantage Canada, which will provide an innovative and entrepreneurial business environment for Canadians."
"I am pleased to see our three levels of government are working together on behalf of taxpayers by bringing BizPaL to Princeton," said Thorpe.
"Small businesses are key to making our local economy competitive and productive. BizPaL will support Princeton's small businesses by providing easy access to essential information, reducing paperwork and saving time."
BizPaL is an innovative project that provides entrepreneurs with simplified access to the information on permits and licences that they need to establish and run their businesses. This unique partnership among federal, provincial, territorial, regional and local governments is designed to cut through the paperwork burden and red tape that small business owners encounter.
"We want to give businesses every encouragement to flourish in our community, and BizPaL will be an excellent first step for those starting out," said McLean.
"I'd like to thank council for their support in bringing BizPaL to Princeton."
"BizPaL is a user-friendly, time-saving tool to help cut red tape and reflect our government's commitment to making British Columbia Canada's most small-business friendly jurisdiction," said Kevin Krueger, Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister responsible for Regulatory Reform.
"This is what can be achieved when all levels of government work together in partnership."
The BizPaL service in Princeton was developed with the support of Industry Canada, in collaboration with the Town of Princeton and the Province of British Columbia. Area business owners and entrepreneurs can access the service by visiting www.bcbizpal.ca.
The BizPaL program was recently recognized for its successes with a Premier's Innovation and Excellence Award in the Partnerships category. The goal is to have BizPaL available to all municipalities in British Columbia by 2010. The Town of Princeton is the 40th community to join the BizPaL network.
Visit www.bcbizpal.ca for additional project history and information and to access the websites of participating partners.
SENIORS FEAR PROPERTY SALE
Princeton residents living in Burr's Trailer Court on Penryn Avenue are afraid of what may happen to their homes. The property is for sale, and it has never been zoned as a mobile home park. The zoning is medium density residential, and a new owner may decide to turn the property to a different use, such as condominium development. Residents could face a future without a place to put their homes.
Residents of Burr Trailer Court brought their fears to Town Council on August 18, asking if Council could assist them in any way to preserve their homes. Most of the residents are senior citizens who have lived in the park for many years.
Speaking on behalf of the manufactured home owners, Julia Gully, of Merritt, explained to Town Council the precarious future these seniors may face. She spoke of her own experience in the Lower Mainland, where the mobile home park in which she lived was sold and converted to another use. She and other park residents were forced to move, and had a difficult time finding other parks that would accept them. She moved to Merritt at a cost of $12,000. She suggested the Town buy it and retain it as an affordable housing site.
Mayor Randy McLean told the group Council has some options but preferred to discuss the options before making a decision.
TOWN PLANS DYKE UPGRADES
The firm of Kerr Wood Leidal has completed an assessment of dyking along the Tulameen and Similkameen Rivers within Town boundaries. A number of flaws were identified, most of which were concerned with the height of the dykes and the quality of dyke construction.
The dyke assessment for the Tulameen River states, "The existing dyke was constructed out of material that was readily available; however, this material would not be considered appropriate for dyke construction today. The dyke crest along this section is also narrow (< 4 m) and the dyke is encroached upon by buildings and roads, which further complicates dyke upgrades."
The assessment recommends raising the level of the dyke as well as widening the dyke, as well as expanding the landside toes of the dyke wherever possible. The same recommendation applies to the dyke along the Similkameen River.
An application for funding is being made at this time. Until funding is secured, there is no schedule for reconstruction work.
FAIR ENTRIES TIMETABLE AND RULES
Are you planning exhibits for the fair on September 6 and 7? You will need this information!
Exhibits can be brought to the fair between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 4, and from 12 Noon to 7:00 PM on Friday, September 5. People planning to bring livestock should register their exhibits on these days, even though they will not bring the livestock to the fair until Saturday morning.
Note: Thursday is the best day to register non-perishables, such as woodworking, photography and needlework. Perishable items, such as flowers, vegetables and baking, should be entered on Friday. This applies to Junior Fair exhibitors as well as adult exhibitors.
Exhibitors are expected to complete their own entry forms (there is a form in each exhibitor's booklet). Exhibitors will be given a tag for each item. Any entries unrecorded or fees unpaid are not eligible for prizes. Exhibitors may enter only one item per class (e.g. only one jar of strawberry jam). Classes are numbered.
Judging will take place after 7:00 PM Friday, September 5. Decision of the judges is final. During judging, only judges and convenors will be allowed in buildings.
Educational material provided with the exhibit will earn higher rating in most divisions.
Exhibit buildings will be open to the public from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Sunday.
Exhibits may not be removed before 3:00 PM Sunday. At this time, items donated for the auction will be gathered. The Fair Board will provide stickers to go on exhibits intended for donation for the auction.
All animals are to be kept under control by the owner. Cages are provided for poultry, but the owner is expected to care for the birds. Exhibitors of rabbits and caveys must provide their own cages. Pens are provided for larger livestock, but the owner is responsible for food and water.
All dogs must be on a leash unless competing in dog trials. All animal droppings must be disposed of by the owner.
Livestock and dogs NOT in competition are not to be on the fairgrounds.
Prize money will be available after 4:00 PM on Saturday, except for those competing in the horseshoe tournament or for any class not judged by that time.
A MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL LAWRENCE
Opening Day at PSS
Welcome to the new school year! After a restful summer that went by very quickly we are excited to get back to working with our students.
Opening day at Princeton Secondary School is Tuesday, September 2nd and students are in school for two hours from 10:00 AM until 12 Noon. Bus schedules will be adjusted accordingly.
We have the launch of our new Independent Directed Studies (IDS) course this year as well as a new morning cafeteria course. The AM cafeteria crew will be offering breakfast items for sale and some that will be free of charge (likely toast and jam).
One of the changes in our schedule has the 10-minute break moving from between First and Second period to between the Second and Third period, so be sure to send some snacks if your child can't wait that long for the cafeteria to be open.
What equipment is required the first day? It's pretty basic, a binder with paper and a writing implement. Teachers will inform students of their course specific requirements in the first few days.
For example, a gym strip for PE or a specific type of calculator for a science or math course.
Are there any money requirements? Yes. We have a $20.00 activity fee that goes towards student council and something new this year, a school agenda. A $5.00 fine arts fee that helps with the cost of the wonderful performers that come to our school. And finally, there is a $7.00 charge for a lock, $5.00 of which is refunded following Grade 12.
This is a total of $32.00. Yearbooks can be ordered now at a cost of $35.00. They go up to $40.00 later in the year. We sold out the last three years so it is better to order early. We had a number of disappointed students last year when there was a mad scramble to buy up the last few books.
Our fridge magnet school calendar will be sent home in September but a few dates that are coming up quickly are Picture Day on September 9th and Meet the Teacher Night on September 16th, starting at 6:30 PM.
In addition, our first PAC meeting is on September 29th at 7:00 PM. All parents are welcome, and we value your input into the policies and procedures of our school and our school district.
Good luck to the Grads of O08 and a reminder to pick up your Passport to Education booklets that can be redeemed for dollars for your continuing post-secondary education.
Please feel free to give the school a call if you have any questions.
See you on September 2nd!
