News Leader News for October 31, 2006
SOS PREPARES TO SEND OUT WARNING SIGNAL
The recently formed Save the Okanagan/Similkameen (S. O. S.) group met last Wednesday night at Riverside Centre to plan for meetings scheduled for later this week.
The meeting, chaired by Brad Hope, was informal but covered a number of key points.
The main purpose of the meeting was to brainstorm as the committee prepared for presentations to be made at a public information meeting set for November 1st at Riverside Centre. The meeting, set to start at 7:00 PM, will feature two guest speakers. Karen Campbell of the Pembina Institute and Casey Brennan from Wildsight will present information on the toxic elements found in coal emissions as well as discuss British Columbia's government regulated standards for these emissions and potential health and environmental impacts.
The SOS group is currently attempting to create and direct a wave of letters of opposition to be sent to various government officials using as many special interest groups as possible throughout the Similkameen Valley. There are a total of three meetings currently scheduled to discuss the matter, with particular reference to the Compliance Energy proposed coal-fired power plant near Princeton. In addition to the November 1st meeting in Princeton there will be another one the following night in Victory Hall in Keremeos at 7:00 PM as well as a meeting hosted by Yale-Lillooet MLA Harry Lali on November 9th at Riverside Centre at 7:00 PM. "It's important that public opinion be heard," Hope told the SOS meeting. The group will also prepare an information brochure to hand out to anyone who wants to learn more about the harmful effects of emissions to health and environment.
"We need a good information package on everything from mercury to CO2 to give out," Hope told the gathering.
Although members are certain Compliance will counter any information used by SOS, the group plans to put together an information brochure built on solid, proven facts with source information noted for anyone to investigate further.
The group discussed the difference between the proposed Compliance project and the coal gasification method and emissions.
Hope explained that a pulverized coal project is "dirty, but it's cheap" and noted that while gasification would be a better method to use to create energy, it would also be much more expensive for Compliance to utilize.
He stated that for the sake of the Similkameen Valley and it's residents, a pulverized coal project "is not good enough. We have to do better."
Hope also said there are currently two coal gasification power projects in operation in the United States with many more applications in place for throughout the US and Canada.
Emission standards were an issue in the meeting where SOS Committee member Mary Masiel stated, "Even with low emissions you're going to have something which will lead to health concerns."
It was also stated that the number of jobs promised by Compliance seems to fluctuate and Hope defended the emotional part of the project related to employment.
"We need jobs. I have no problem with that."
However, the perceived sacrifice has his attention.
"I have a problem with neurological disorders and birth defects. When you compare people's health with dollars I think you have to come back to health," Hope pointed out.
This led him to remind all in attendance that this was the reason why SOS has to be a strong voice defending the Similkameen.
"Are we so desperate in Princeton that we have to take the junk?"
In addition to the information brochure, the group decided to go to residents in public locations during this week to distribute information before the public meetings.
Additional promotion of the meetings will be taken care of through a phone campaign, posters around town as well as advertising using a variety of methods.
THIS IS COMMUNITY LIVING MONTH
As leaves drift slowly to the ground and frost gently makes an entrance, autumn signals the conclusion of another year. So, too, does Community Living month mark the culmination of a busy year, providing us with an opportunity to relive the challenges and victories we've experienced in our journey towards inclusion and integration.
Last October, a new alternative for housing became a reality with the construction of Victoria House, a replacement for Mary Anne Apartments. The new building offers options for a higher level of care, should the need arise, in a cluster setting. Independent, semi-independent, supported or intermediate care individuals could conceivably live within a short distance of each other, allowing opportunities for staffing configurations that would meet financial targets.
In January, we began the long and busy road to accreditation, an exercise that will improve our services to the persons we serve and ensure our business practices and program delivery methods meet CARF standards. The accreditation process is similar to the process incorporated by schools and hospitals and is a requirement of our funding source. Camping trips, day trips to the Merritt pool, mini-golf in Penticton, bowling in Princeton, a cruise to Los Angeles, a visit to Disneyland, self-advocacy workshops in Abbotsford, joining the CIBC Run for the Cure, employment opportunities in the community, respite trips to Vancouver, Penticton, Kelowna and Oliver, Posse games and pen pals in Victoria are only a few of the activities enjoyed by our Community Living group this year.
Attendance has increased and new participants have brought new life and energy into our programs. The New Beginnings Program is responding to the diverse needs of a larger client base and will be incorporating changes in order to meet the needs of all involved. Both residential living and day program participants will focus on responsibility and involvement, capitalizing on abilities.
"Accessibility, empowerment, ability and potential" are key words for staff working in our programs. "Can't, won't, shouldn't" and "disability" are words that create barriers and, therefore, no longer exist in our vocabulary. Everyone is learning. New goals are being set and attained.
Members of the community are always welcome at any of our sites. We encourage you to drop in and see the diversity of our programs. We offer a variety of services under the Community Services umbrella and are receptive to questions and suggestions. Community support is a key to our success.
Our sincere thanks to the community, our valued staff, committed volunteers and dedicated Board of Directors for your continued support of the people we serve. Together we can build a community where everyone belongs, everyone contributes and everyone cares.
