News Leader News for October 16, 2006
MCLEAN SAYS, "I'M TRYING TO DEFEND OUR VALLEY."
An informal meeting held last Wednesday night at Riverside Centre had three objectives when it started: the formation of a group; a name for the group and a defined purpose.
By the time the meeting ended ninety minutes later, there were three objectives: the selection of a chairperson; a name for the group and a defined purpose.
What happened between the start and end of the meeting was very interesting.
A total of fourteen people attended the meeting, which was chaired by Randy McLean. He explained his concerns regarding the coal power plant proposed by Compliance Energy.
He made it clear he was not completely in favour, nor opposed to the project.
"As far as I'm concerned, if Compliance Coal lives up to all the government standards it's still not a valley I'd want to live in. We should want the very best for our valley and the very best for our province." McLean also explained why he thought it was important for a citizen group be formed locally.
"If we are able to form a group in the community to act as another spearhead to act on this issue it would have a little more impact than just a couple of people."
The purpose of the group, although never really defined, was given clear directions from McLean.
"We believe we need to get the best deal for the forty years this (Compliance's power plant) will be here."
McLean says a letter sent to Town Councils in nearby communities asking the question OHow would you like a coal-generating plant at the gateway to the Okanagan/Similkameen?' - has been met with unanimous support, although local Town Council members are split on the proposal with three, including McLean, opposed and two "waiting to see what happens."
It was revealed at the meeting that Compliance has apparently sent a spokesman around to local businesses to conduct one-on-one discussions with business owners on the benefits of the power plant.
Two business owners at the meeting called the tactic 'brainwashing' and one admitted embarrassment for "falling for it."
Another business owner at the meeting said, "We have a legacy. If we don't protect it what have we got? We've got air. Without that we have nothing." He went on to point out the beehive burner at Weyerhaeuser being removed and changes to the landfill site to address environmental concerns over the years. He then asked why the community would even consider having a coal power plant after these steps had been made to improve the area.
McLean commented, "If we make enough noise and it gets too expensive for them and they leave, I can live with that."
Two major goals were determined during the meeting. The first one was described as "getting the best deal we can," with the second as "not getting a bad plant" with the main goal for the group to be able to present "the other side of the story" as Compliance has spent a lot of time and money promoting their proposal and concept.
"We're two and a half hours away from 1.5-million people and some time someone will bonk us on the head and say ODon't you know where you live?' They're all coming out here (to get away from the Coast)."
Another meeting is planned for this Wednesday, 7:00 PM at Riverside Centre.
The meeting is open to anyone interested in getting involved in the 'steering committee.'
PXA INCREASES RENTAL RATES
Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA) is the Board of Management for the fairgrounds complex. The PXA has established new rates for use of the agricultural barn beginning on October 1. Rental for a pen/stall combination is now $50 a month, which covers costs of operating the barn and keeping pace with maintenance required. New pens will be constructed as soon as possible.Barn users requested a tack room but the PXA decided lockers could be constructed, and rented out to cover the cost. This will be discussed with barn users.
The heritage structure started in 1996 must be completed, but there is only $2,900.00 in the fund. The PXA must decide how to finish the building.
Members were disappointed with the rejection for funding from the Weyerhaeuser foundation for community building. A letter from Weyerhaeuser expressed appreciation for the importance of the facility but regretted they are unable to fund improvements at this time.
A lot of discussion centered around removing the old stage and replacing it with a "china top" trailer which would provide a roof. John Draper is going to contact an outlet for used equipment and find out what is available.
Plans are going ahead for the annual Spook House to be held at the fairgrounds on October 31. The concession will provide food and hot drinks, and the Fire Department will run the Spook House.
The annual general meeting of the PXA will take place on November 24 at Town Hall. Persons wishing to be part of the Board of Management can buy a PXA membership at that meeting. A new executive will be elected.
HEDLEY HOSTS COMMUNITY FORUM
A total of twenty-five people attended what was called a 'non-political forum' chaired by RDOS Chairman Dan Ashton.The panel included BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko, USIB Band Manager Philippe Batini, local business owner Brenda Gould, Youth Representative Megan Nendick and Regional District Director for Area G Joe Nitsch.
Atamanenko described the format for the evening as simple.
"The idea is to have people here from within the community from different segments along with elected officials to discuss various local issues."
Then Ashton allowed each panelist an opportunity to bring up issues.
Nitsch identified four issues which included what he considered under representation in Ottawa for Western Canada; new slaughterhouse regulations; accountability in government and difficulties the Keremeos Museum Society has encountered in acquiring the former RCMP station building for expansion.
Nendick, a Grade 12 student, spoke about her concerns related to drug use crystal meth in particular in her community and the effect it has on her community.
Gould indicated she had "a few beefs" which included the universal childcare credit; the GST; the lack of federal legislation protecting heritage sites and the slow response of Heritage Canada on a project she is involved with through the USIB.
Batini admitted he really didn't have much to say. It was a welcome break from what was turning into panelists complaining to the MP rather than tackling issues with the MP.
Batini mentioned a concern regarding cuts to government programs that were benefiting the community and then Atamanenko was allowed to respond to all points presented.
Some were surprised that he supported each and every issue discussed and had a response for all of them.
Then the meeting shifted to the original intent, input from those in attendance.
The biggest issue from the floor was the proposed coal-fired power plant project of Compliance Energy for Princeton.
Opinions were requested from panelists and Batini was obviously targeted based on a financial deal the USIB signed with Compliance.
Batini explained the purpose of the arrangement stating the document covers items including protection of the environment and respect for Aboriginal rights and title.
"If the project is a real potential risk to the environment and health then we are not in favour of it," he said saying the USIB deal is designed to establish accountability guidelines with Compliance.
He then pointed out many established industrial sites that have already been accepted by residents are already threatening the environment.
Atamanenko's response to the question was simple and direct.
"Any decision made on this (the coal-fired plant proposal) should be a local decision."
He expressed concerns shared with Princeton Mayor Randy McLean that the established pollution control standards may not be strict enough and a curiosity of why such a plant would be established with global warming concerns becoming more obvious.
The group fielded more questions from the floor on a variety of subjects and following a short refreshment break, continued with casual one-on-one discussions.
