Wishing you all the best for the New Year; these are trying times and we would all hope to see positive
changes for the future
With that in mind here are a number of projects that I look to push forward in the New Year.
The Hike and Bike river path.
AT UBCM this past year we did get a consideration and a contact to help move this on. The application
for the license of Occupation that would allow us to maintain this asset has been in the system for four
years now. I will continue to be pushing hard to see it completed. There is absolutely no reason for the
Province to not complete this. We will put this contact to good use.
The Transit bus stop for the Gallagher Lake area.
This project is well underway with B.C. Transit agreeing that this is much needed in this area. The
Ministry of Highways will be conducting studies and planning for the safe access and egress from
Highway 97 for the busses and also for a safe pedestrian crossing system. This will take a considerable
amount of planning, engineering and financial commitment but it has started and we will look to move it
along.
If you are interested in either of these projects please help by putting pressure on our local MLA Roly
Russel and the appropriate ministries. Your input here helps considerably to create and expedite these
projects.
The expansion of the Willowbrook Fire Hall is under way and will hopefully be completed in late spring
along with the purchase of a new tender truck to increase water transfer capabilities. These two are
being done with Community development funding and gas tax grants and are at no load to the
taxpayers.
The Willowbrook Fire Department will also be adding a fully outfitted structural protection trailer and
command truck to tow it with to their inventory. These and the recently added bush truck and twelve
new SCBA breathing apparatus are funded by monies the Willowbrook Fire Department has earned on
recent forestry fire deployments. Once again at no burden to the local taxpayers but a great addition to
the fire protection abilities for the whole of area “C” and Oliver. The Willowbrook Fire Department while
being a very small catchment, has eagerly worked with the B.C. Wildfire service in fighting many of the
recent forest fires and has gained much knowledge from working with these experts that will be of
service in the future.
I will be funding the building of a public access basketball court. The Town of Oliver was good enough to
sell the land needed for this to the RDOS for a dollar. That was necessary so I could use community
development grant funding for this project. (No cost to the taxpayer.)
I will be looking to fund a bicycle pump track and hope to start this year. (Gas Tax Grant funding) This
will take some help from the town both in the donation of the land and hopefully some financial help.
These two are low maintenance projects so will not add to the Park & Recreation operations budget to
any degree.

I hope to work with the Oliver and District Heritage Society (ODHS)on more project this year as they
have just complete a “research and documentation” project on the Irrigation Canal affectionately known
as “The Ditch”. This facility was built just after WW 1 and is truly an engineering marvel for its time and
still functions extremely well. The ODHS has taken over the Fairview Town site Society and has added
this to their duties also.
This year we will be starting to advertise and “BRAND” the RDOS and Area “C” much more. This is
primarily as an education and information endeavor as many people are not aware of the scope of RDOS
obligations and duties. I would like to see more people become involved in the committee’s that
formulate our direction. This will start with are signage and advertising or information services and
develop from there.
These are the highlights and are just a few of the undertakings that are planned for this year.
I will always be looking to improve our area and hope that if you have any thoughts on potential projects
that you will contact either myself or my alternate Irwin Chahal.
May the new year of 2024 represent good health and good fortune to all.
Area “C” Director
Rick Knodel
rknodel@rdos.bc.ca
250- 460-1319

Believe it or not – I have recovered ODN log in after computer crash of my regular computer. This one is a backup not in use for five years/

Steller’s Jay Richmond Nature Park Dec 12 2023

The Oliver Curling Club has launched an exciting project to expand our building to be able to add a two story elevator and accessible washrooms.

The current planning is a two-phase project which includes the addition of an elevator and accessible washrooms on the second level in the first phase and the next phase would be to update the upper-level kitchen and bar facilities to bring them up to date with current standards.

The addition of an elevator to the building as well as accessible washrooms on both levels will showcase our community as leaders in providing access to persons with mobility challenges. Once completed this building will be a completely modern curling facility serving the south Okanagan community that is completely accessible on both levels.

This project is being managed by the OCCS Board of directors and construction committee members. The town of Oliver has reviewed the planning and issued the required permits to enable us to proceed with construction.

The accessibility project construction and upstairs renovations has been estimated to cost $365,000 plus any applicable taxes. The OCCS has received a grant of $100,000 from the
Federal Government to assist us in getting this project started. We currently have donor support of over $100,000 and will continue to fund raise to complete both phases of this project.

The Oliver Curling Club Society would like to thank the Kiwanis Club of Oliver for their recent donation of $20,000. We would also like to thank the Town of Oliver for their Grant in Aid support of $4,488.50.

Our project number is P0500 – OCC Community Lift
Thankyou
Brad Dufour
Vice President

APRIL 30, 2018

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play, and mild and sweet
The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men! And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along
The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, A chant sublime Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn The households born Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said; “For hate is strong, And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

“Victims of crime, their immediate family members and witnesses are impacted by crime in different ways, but they all need support and access to services in order to heal,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Today, we are expanding services and coverage for victims of crime to ensure that comprehensive and compassionate supports and services are accessible to those who need them, when they need them.”

The Crime Victim Assistance Program is expanding supports to victims of crime, family members, and witnesses through enhanced counselling, expansion of the offences covered and increasing benefit rates. In October 2023, the Province made amendments to the Crime Victims Assistance Act (CVAA) to ensure that wider access to support was available to those seeking assistance. Government has further expanded support by:

Adding new offences that vulnerable victims would receive support for, including victims of gender-based violence, conversion therapy and online sexual exploitation (for example: voyeurism, publication of an intimate image without consent and trafficking in persons); significantly increasing benefit rates to ensure that key services remain accessible to victims, including funeral expenses, crime scene cleaning, and counselling services (for example: the rate for registered clinical counsellors and Canadian certified counsellors is increasing from $80/hour to $135/hour); and

Expanding access to benefits involving extreme violence or death (for example: vehicle acquisition for victims with significant long-term physical injuries, bereavement leave for immediate family members in fatal cases and crime scene cleaning expenses for immediate family members and witnesses). “Because of these Crime Victim Assistance Program amendments, women, girls and gender-diverse people will have more access to financial supports, counselling services, protective measures and other benefits so they can cope and recover from the effects of violence.

Government continues to work with Indigenous partners and an advisory committee to develop and implement a three-year action plan to support survivors of gender-based violence by funding a variety of services to support women, children, racialized people, immigrants, 2SLGBTQIA+ people and those living with poverty and with disabilities who have been affected by violence as they recover and heal. Better support for survivors of crime is one component of a multi-year action plan to help end gender-based violence being developed by the Ministry of Finance’s Gender Equity Office.

Thanks to Sandra Smith

FROM FAIRVIEW

Flash fiction by Jessica Murphy

BANKING ON AUNTIE

The cottage looked so quaint from the road. The roof of thick
cedar shakes now covered in moss, the wide porch with its
gingerbreaded posts, the crazy-paved stone path leading to the
rear kitchen door. It was a postcard. From a century ago.
Joe and Marcie got out of the pick-up, looked at each other,
pulled on gloves, and marched up the drive –and the crazy
paving—to the kitchen door. Joe used a key and they entered.
The smell was evident immediately. Rats, mice, unused spaces.
There was a ‘funk’ about the house.
They walked hesitantly into the kitchen.
“We should never have let it come to this,” said Marcie.
“But,” her brother responded, “Aunt Josie did not want help.”
He laughed, almost hysterically Marcie thought. “In fact, she
adamantly refused help. Said we were just after her stuff.”
Their aunt, who had lived alone for some forty years, had
become a bit of a hoarder in her later years. Widowed and
childless, she had been a kind and generous aunt to her eight
nieces and nephews, the children of her five brothers and
sisters. She was the last surviving sibling, the last link to the
past generation.

At her ‘Service of Remembrance’ last week the cousins had all
met for the first time in years. Gladys and her husband Ben
could not spend any more time in the village, needed to get
back to the city, work called. Cousin John, the eldest son of the
eldest son, and who now owned the old family acres, was busy
with harvest. His brother Jim and sister Meg were equally busy,
teaching, in different schools of course. Even as children they
never could get along. Then there was Uncle Matt’s son Dave,
an RCMP officer stationed in the Maritimes—of course he was
not expected to help. And Aunt Doris’s son Will, who did
something in theatre in Vancouver. None of them could help
clean out their aunt’s house. So the job came down to Joe and
Marcie. As such jobs in the family usually did.
The cousins had been generous, in their own minds at least.
“Just keep anything you want,” said Dave. “It’s not worth the
shipping to send anything to Halifax.”
“We will share the money from the sale of the house,” said
Gladys, “But you two can take everything else. There is nothing
I want.”
Will shivered theatrically. “There is nothing—I repeat
nothing—in that house that I would allow into my condo.”
The teachers agreed. And their older brother John, with at
least a semblance of reality, said “It’s not going to be any easy
job, clearing that lot. You two deserve anything you can get out
of it.”

Marcie gingerly touched the grimy kitchen counter.
“I guess I’ll get started with the counters,” she said. “Then I can
start on the dishes and all.

She opened the kitchen sink cupboard door, and jumped back.
“Ooh, there’s a mouse nest!”
She shivered. “I don’t mind cleaning but I can’t do mice.”
Joe knew of his sister’s fear of rodents and immediately came
forward. “I’ll handle this.”
He reached down to the nest of wadded papers, and pulled it
free from the floor of the cupboard. He began to stuff it into a
plastic bag, then stopped.
“This is a scrap of a bank note.” He spoke quietly. “The whole
nest is chewed up money. One hundred dollar bills, I think.”
They both looked closely at the pale brown paper shavings.
“And some fifties. See the red?” Marcie pointed.
They looked at each other.
“If the mice made nests out of money, how much do you think
is here?”
“No idea,” his sister replied. “But we are going to find out.”
She grinned, for the first time today.
The siblings cleaned Aunt Josie’s house and prepped it for sale.
It took some time. None of their cousins enquired about the

progress of the job. Every niece and nephew received an
eighth of the net sale proceeds of Aunt Josie’s house, just over
$30,000.00 each.
Having gone through all the rooms, all the drawers and
cupboards, even some banker’s boxes in the attic, Joe and
Marcie had found over $120,000.00 dollars in Canadian
currency. Even a couple of $1000.00 dollar bills, which were
going to take some explaining at the bank, as they are officially
out of circulation.
Neither Joe nor Marcie ever bothered to tell the others about
the cash they found in the house. Apparently their cousins
were not interested in anything from Aunt Josie’s house.

Bylaws:

• Water Regulation Amendment Bylaw 1351.13 – Council adopted Water Regulation Amendment Bylaw 1351.13. This Bylaw would allow for an increase in water rates and irrigation rates by 15% in 2024.

• Water Supply Service Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw 1414.01 – Council adopted Water Supply Service Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw 1414.01. This Bylaw would allow for an increase in parcel taxes by 15% in 2024.

• Sewer User Rates Amendment Bylaw 1331.01 – Council adopted Sewer User Rates Amendment Bylaw 1331.01. This Bylaw would allow for an increase in sewer rates by
30% in 2024.

• Sewer Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw 1360.07 – Council adopted Sewer parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw 1360.07. This Bylaw would allow for an increase in parcel taxes by 30% in 2024.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1380.31 (591 Church Avenue, 586 School Avenue) – Council
adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1380.31. This application seeks a zoning amendment
from Residential Low Density One to Residential High Density One to allow for the
construction of a four-unit townhouse on each of 591 Church Avenue and 586 School
Avenue. The proponent is also seeking a Multiple Family Development Permit (with
variances) to decrease front and exterior side parcel line setbacks, parking, and retaining
wall height. A Public Hearing took place prior to the Regular Open Meeting on July 31,
2023.

Notice of Motion – Councillor Schafer – Council approved Councillor Schafer’s Notice of Motion ask, to match the RDOS donation of $500.00 to the Okanagan Gleaners.

Canada Summer Jobs Application – Council authorized staff to submit a grant application to the
Canada Summer Jobs grant program to hire a Records Management Student. If successful, this
student will be tasked with digitalizing paper records at Town Hall, Finance, Public Works and the
Fire Hall.

Temporary Use Permit – 5966 Sawmill Road – Council approved a three year temporary use permit to allow for indoor recreation use (laser tag) at 5966 Sawmill Road.

Grant in Aid – Updated Request Oliver Food Bank – Council approved to support the Oliver
Food Bank’s request for a Grant in Aid in the amount of $4,488.50. This contribution will go
towards covering the cost of fencing that was recently installed around the building’s perimeter.

Grant in Aid – Oliver Curling Club Society – Council approved to support the Oliver Curling Club
Society’s request for a Grant in Aid in the amount of $4,488.50. This contribution will go towards
the construction of the accessibility renovation being completed at the Oliver Curling Club.

UBCM Emergency Program Grants – ESS – Council approved for staff to submit a grant application for $30,000 from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Emergency Support Services grant under the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund stream for the Oliver Emergency Support Services (ESS) program. The Emergency Support Services grant will pay for 100% of costs and expenses. The grant can go towards a wide array of supplies and equipment – for example, training for the team, technology equipment, and supplies for the Reception Centre.

Project Coordinator Status Report for October 16, 2023 – November 27, 2023 – Council
received the monthly report for the role of: Emergency Program Coordinator, Social
Development Project Manager and Grants Project Manager. The Town’s Accessibility Plan
continues with the support of the Accessibility and Age Friendly Committee. The Committee
has created a draft of the major principles for the Accessibility Plan. The Town is continuing to
participate in conversations with other municipalities, First Nations, and the Province about the
implications of the new Provincial Legislation Emergency and Disaster Management Act. Staff
participated in a full-day workshop with the Province in early November to learn more about
the new legislation and local authority-specific regulations currently in development.

FireSmart Coordinator Update – Council received an update report for the role of FireSmart
Coordinator. The FireSmart Coordinator is to act as a liaison between FireSmart BC and the
Town of Oliver. Energy and time is being focused on education on building awareness,
distributing FireSmart resources, spreading awareness surrounding the risk of wildfire and how
to increase community resiliency. Booth’s were set up at both the Roots and Fruits festival and
the Wine Capital Weekend, and a presentation was made at the Oliver Senior Centre.

Delegations:

• Oliver and District Heritage Society Museum and Archives Presentation – Oliver and District Heritage Society Museum and Archives presented to Council seeking approval to hire a Cultural Heritage Consultant to prepare an update to the Town’s 2005 Heritage Strategy which would include options and recommendation for Council on a Municipal Heritage Incentives Program.

Strap yourself in

SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

by Jessica Murphy

 

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Zaffino as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The decision, by unanimous vote, took place during a special meeting of the RDOS Board on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

“The Board is excited to have Jim lead the transition over the next year,” said Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Chair. “Jim is committed to sharing his expertise during the hiring process for a permanent CAO beginning in late 2024. The Board is proud to have an individual of Jim’s calibre and expertise in-house and able to support the Regional District without interruption.”

“I’m looking forward to continuing to support the RDOS Board and staff to accomplish the organization’s strategic priorities,” said Jim Zaffino, RDOS CAO. “Staff are focused on striving for customer service excellence and fiscal responsibility.”

For further information, please contact Christy Malden, RDOS Senior Manager of Legislative Services.

THE PROBLEMS WITH THE CARBON TAX

The provincial NDP government has stated; as its mission it will at all cost keep the carbon tax.
One of the primary problems with the carbon tax is that on a whole it unfairly punishes those of fixed,
moderate, or low income who have no alternative. Often these residents are not close to transit or are
rural where electrical power is challenging especially at times of intense weather or where natural gas is
not available.
The premise in creating this tax is that it would curtail the unnecessary or frivolous use of carbon fuels.
The implementation of this tax has not reduced the consumption by this group as they use these fuels
out of absolute necessity. The Federal and Provincial governments started to realize this shortly after
implementing carbon taxes and in true bureaucratic thinking the solution was to start a rebate program
to make the tax “revenue neutral”. Let’s just think about this for a second; if you wanted it to be
revenue neutral why implement poorly thought out a carbon tax in the first place and then create an
expensive bureaucracy to return it? One other point here is that the whole concept of having to return
tax money due to hardship actually shows a contemptuous lack of understanding on the plight of the
most financially challenged Canadians.
So much for the NDP being the protector of the working class and low incomes. They have become a toy
of large corporation and the wealthy.
To be meaningful the carbon tax would have to be wealth based and on a sliding scale: Now wouldn’t
that create a commotion.
This NDP, Government is hiding behind academia and wealth and every one of these MLA’s should be
hanging their head in shame. But the 2.8 billion dollars that it will bring in this year, on the backs of the
poor, is a great corrupter of what was once noble intentions. Their boot rests squarely on the throats of
those who are financially less fortunate in order to fill their coffers.

Rick Knodel

Come down to buy-low foods this morning. See us showcasing our newest and oldest engines in our fleet as we BBQ fully donated food from buy-low with all proceeds going to the Oliver Lions Club.
Today !
11:00-1:00

Water Quality Summary Report for October 2023 – The water distribution system is in summer mode of operation using surface water for irrigation use, along with some ground water in system 2. Oliver had a total of 13.6mm recorded precipitation in the month of October. According to Environment Canada the normal precipitation for Oliver, from 1981-2010, is 21.6mm for the month.

Building Permit Activity Report for October – Council received the report noting 1 Single Family Improvement, 1 Institution, and 1 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces permit for a total project
value of $315,500.

Fire Department – The Oliver Fire Department responded to 22 calls (9 rural, 11 in-town, and2 OIB) during the month of October.

Delegations:
Oliver Curling Club – Oliver Curling Club presented to Council regarding their fundraising initiative for the accessibility improvements being made at the Oliver Curling Club, including a two story elevator and accessible washrooms.

Council adopted the amended Sister City(ies) Policy and amended the Town of Oliver Sister City Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. These amendments included the composition of the Committee, with representation from the Town of Oliver Council, Oliver Tourism Association, South Okanagan Chamber, and up to two members form the community at large. The Town will also take over managing the budgeted funds from the Oliver Tourism Association.

Secrest Hill Agricultural Farmworkers Campground – Council approved the request for fundingfrom the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen for the Secrest Hill Agricultural Farmworkers Campground in the amount of $8,700. This would assist the Regional District with their annual operating deficit of the campground.

Five-Year Infrastructure Plan 2024- 2028 Proposal – Council reviewed the Proposal for the FiveYear Infrastructure Plan 2024-2028. The infrastructure spending plan will impact the utility
rates set by the Town and the balances in the Town’s reserve accounts. Budget Planning meetings will continue into January 2024.

Section 57 Notice on Title 6479 Park Drive – Council approved under Section 57 of the Community Charter to file a notice in the Land Title Office for the property at 6479 Park Drive due to unpermitted work that was completed without inspections, in contravention of the BC Building Code and the Town’s Building Bylaw 1404, and which has resulted in the building on the property being in an unsafe condition.

VISION ZERO BC Grant Opportunity – Council approved for staff to submit a grant application to VISION ZERO BC for $20,000 to install three pedestrian- controlled flashing crosswalk signs in
Oliver.

What is CAN-ICE?

CAN-ICE is the next big thing in sports surfacing. CAN-ICE is the result of focused research and development specific to making a synthetic surface that offers exceptional glide quality for skating and puck response for hockey. For the first time there is a synthetic ice surface that was made for that purpose not adapted from “cutting board” technology. CAN-ICE is made from UHMW-PE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) combined with special polymers to produce optimal performance and durability while eliminating the need for “glide enhancers” as with other systems.

Google it !!

Inkameep Native Reserve (St. Gregory Mission) – near Oliver (Osoyoos Indian Band)

There are two sites where members of the armed forces are buried and one memorial for a man buried in Italy.

Cpl. Ernie Baptiste (Batiste) George was killed in action in Italy in 1944. He was attached to the Canadian Infantry Corps (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish). He died 12 days before Christmas as the allies invaded North Italy. He was 26 years old.

Memorial Plaque at St. Gregory Mission Church – OIB Oliver BC. He is the son of Chief Narcisse George and Victoria George. He is buried and honoured at the Villanova Canadian war memorial in Italy. ( The memorial site is north of San Marino )

Lest we forget.

Emergency department closures that have previously been called “unacceptable” by Oliver’s mayor will return to the South Okanagan General Hospital this weekend.

Doctor shortages will once again make emergency services unavailable at the Oliver Hospital from 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, to 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, Interior Health has announced.

The department has faced dozens of closures over the past two months.

Patients can access care at the Penticton Regional Hospital during this time, IH says.

All other services through the night will continue as normal at Oliver’s hopsital.

A new funding model to address doctor shortages was announced by the province on Oct. 19. It includes a commitment of $7.5 million in funding to help stabilize the shortages at hospitals in Merritt, Oliver and Salmon Arm.

The announcement sparked optimism in Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen, who at the time called B.C.’s commitment “a “positive step in the right direction.”

Prior to that, though, Johansen was much more critical of the situation. In early September, when emergency services were unavailable for 24 consecutive hours in the community, the mayor called the closures “unprecedented.”

Thanks to Penticton Herald

 

Remembrance Day Community Centre Service begins at 9:30 AM with a parade from the Community Centre to the Cenotaph at 10:45.

 

The Remembrance Day Ceremony including wreath laying begins at 11:00 AM at the Cenotaph.

 

Immediately following the ceremonies the Traditional Tea and lunch will be served in the Hall at the Legion.

Evacuation Order RESCINDED

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) has RESCINDED the Evacuation Order issued for Electoral Area “G”. The RESCIND is effective Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 5:00 pm. A geotechnical assessment of the situation was completed this afternoon and determined that the risk of rock fall has returned to previous levels.

The results of the 2023 Summerland Recreation Centre Referendum are in and the majority of voters decided against the district borrowing money.

Unofficial results from ballots cast were released Saturday evening by Chief Election Officer Kendra Kinsley.

The 2023 Summerland Recreation Centre Referendum votes are as follows in response to referendum question: “Do you support the Corporation of the District of Summerland borrowing up to $50 million with interest, over a period not exceeding 30 years in order to finance the construction of a new recreation centre to be located at 8820 Jubilee Road E., by way of Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2023-016?”

Pursuant to Section 13 (1) of the BC Emergency Program Act an Evacuation Order has been issued by Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen to protect the health, safety or welfare of a person or to limit damage to property due to: a rockslide

Members of the RCMP and other agencies under the direction of RCMP will be expediting this action.

The Evacuation Order is in effect for the following areas:
3455 Highway 3
3491 Highway 3

WHEREAS due to the Rockslide in Electoral Area G, in the vicinity of Keremeos West, and the imminent threat to life and property; and,

With the power authorized under Section 12 (1) of the Emergency Program Act (RS, 1996, Chap 111) it is now declared that a state of local emergency exists in the RDOS for all of Electoral Area G;

The State of Local Emergency commences immediately on 11/05/2023, and is to remain in force for seven days until 11/12/2023, at 11:00pm PST unless revoked byorder of Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen or the Minister responsible.

Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

DriveBC confirms Highway 3 is closed in both directions due to a rockslide.

The rockslide is between Hedley-Nickleplate Rd and Ashnola Rd for 5.5 km (3 to 9 km west of Keremeos).

The estimated time of opening is currently not available.

A detour in effect via Highway 3 to Highway 97 to Highway 5 then to Highway 5A.

DriveBC says the next update will be Monday Nov 6th at 1 p.m,

Twice a year, in B.C. and in most parts of Canada, Canadians join with approximately 76 other countries around the world and practice Daylight Savings Time (DST).

Since 2007, the clocks have moved forward on the second Sunday in March and then moved back on first Sunday of November.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors held elections for chair and vice-chair on November 2, 2023, during the inaugural Board meeting at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

· Director Mark Pendergraft, Electoral Area “A” (Rural Osoyoos) is elected 2024 RDOS board chair

· Director Spencer Coyne, Town of Princeton (mayor) is elected 2024 RDOS board vice-chair

The Regional Board consists of elected representatives from each of the nine electoral areas and appointed representatives from six member municipalities within the RDOS; City of Penticton, District of Summerland, Village of Keremeos, Town of Princeton, Town of Oliver, and Town of Osoyoos.

The Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District (OSRHD) Board of Directors, which consists of the same members as the Regional District, also held elections for chair and vice-chair on November 2, 2023.

· Director Martin Johansen, Town of Oliver (mayor) is acclaimed 2024 OSRHD board chair

· Director Tim Roberts, Electoral Area “G” (Rural Keremeos, Hedley) is acclaimed 2024 OSRHD vice-chair

OSRHD funds a share of hospital projects and equipment. Meetings are held on the same day as the regular meeting of the Regional Board.

I do find it interesting how the Provincial NDP party, the great protector of the average working-class person has changed.

When faced with the opportunity to do a good thing and join in the Federal Governments reduction of
heating oil carbon tax they have stayed the course of taxing those with no alternative; they have
decisively turned their backs on those who most need help at this time.
Let me explain; oil heating is a small percentage of the heating energy in B.C. but serves farming
ranching and other primarily more remote rural areas. These are also the areas that have the lowest
income levels, the least dependable electric delivery services and no possibility of natural gas service
due to low density of population. This is a similar situation for Atlantic Canada and was the reason for
the push to remove the heating oil carbon tax there.

The NDP making billions from its race to expand natural gas service has jumped into bed with its corporate masters demanding concessions on natural gas taxation. But what concessions are they asking for as B.C. has its own carbon taxation system and has the ability to make these changes on its own. The NDP has turned decisively away from its past support of the working and middle class. They have become an institution solely dedicated to increasing its partnership with environmental and corporate lobby groups under the veil of safety and conservation; while turning a blind eye to the larger more affluent carbon hogs. Truly our system staggers under the weight of poorly thought-out taxations andregulations all the while ignoring the growing symptoms of an overburdened average citizenry.

A growing split in Provincial opposition, gently prodded on by the NDP pretty much dooms us to a continuation of the status quo and further misery for the “middle class”.

“May you live in interesting times.” Is a Chinese curse.

Rick Knodel

RDOS appoints interim CAO

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors has parted ways with its Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

“On behalf of the Regional District Board of Directors, I’d like to thank Bill Newell for his years of dedication and service to the RDOS,” said Spencer Coyne, RDOS Vice-chair. “Since 2008, Bill has worked to establish the Regional District as a high performing organization. He guided staff and the Board of Directors through an attempted ransomware attack, global pandemic, and countless natural disasters.”

The RDOS wishes Bill Newell the very best in his future endeavours. Jim Zaffino, RDOS Senior Manager of Finance, has been appointed Interim CAO.

KATHRINE ‘KAY’ ROTHEISLER

JULY 28, 1947 – OCTOBER 20, 2023

On Friday, October 20, 2023, Kathrine ‘Kay’ Rotheisler of Oliver passed away surrounded by family at the South Okanagan General Hospital at the age of 76.
She will be dearly missed by her loving husband and family.

At the request of the family, private service arrangements have been made.

Manfred Bauer

Manfred was born and educated in Germany. He did his apprenticeship in industrial trade and post-secondary education in Business Administration. Manfred has lived and worked in Keremeos since 1986.

Chair, Education on Substance Abuse Committee since 2005
Director Similkameen Valley Planning Society
Keremeos Councillor from 2005-2011
Keremeos Mayor – elected November 2011

At a time when print newspapers are shrinking and disappearing across the globe, a new weekly publication has appeared at the south end of the valley.

Four editions of Osoyoos Daylight have hit the street on consecutive Wednesdays. So far, the tabloid has comprised 16 pages with intensely local content and a respectable number of ads.

The free publication is available at several local businesses and, according to its website, through home delivery.

What makes the folks behind Osoyoos Daylight believe they can buck the trends in an increasingly online environment is not clear, since editor Trent Nellis declined to be interviewed for ODN. The paper’s website touts itself as, “… your weekly source for accurate, unbiased and comprehensive news coverage for the members of our local community.”

Story and photo contributed

Steller’s Jay… In between rain showers🌧🌧today.

 Traveled the site and located the meeting rooms and convention rooms.

 Attended the fire Risk Reduction Initiative and Fire Safety Act overview.

Questions and comments were:

Effect of new fire code inspection and regulations on local budgets.
Effect on small businesses in rural areas
Effect on heritage buildings and associated businesses.
Timing out of fire apparatus as opposed to being assessed for condition and suitability for fire service.
Effect of fire halls being classed as Post Disaster Relief buildings and the unnecessary added cost of that code on small catchment fire hall construction.
Will the province start paying into medical first response calls as they are augmenting paid for service paramedic ambulance calls?
Will ICBC start paying for motor vehicle calls as other responders are or as out of province cars are covered by their insurance?

 The Fire Commissioner’s office and Fire Underwriters Service need to start considering the much lower incomes and revenue stream for rural areas.

That started off the week and the following is a synopsis of the ministers meeting and meetings with the Official Opposition.

1. B.C. assessment authority meeting on property tax inequity (the adverse effect of extreme wealth on rural area property taxes). No power to change but very good direction suggested at
looking to section 19-8 for a similar legislative change. This section gives developers a considerable break on development property tax. It was suggested that this could be brought into use for those who have long term ownership of a property as a family home.

2. Minister of agriculture and ALC on need for farm equity with food farms. Luke warm response from ALC. Pronounced reluctance to grant same privileges to small food farms.

3. Meeting ministry of Forests Parliamentary secretary and assoc. on the delay on the license of occupation for the river dyke hike and bike. A four year wait so far. The Okanagan representative took interest in this and we will be looking into the delay.

4. Meeting with the ministry of finance on Property taxes and extreme wealth on local property taxes. Extreme wealth is causing an artificial large increase in property assessments and as rural areas are not a taxing authority large property tax increases on those who can least afford this. It seemed to be sympathy but insincere. Seem stuck on the tax windfall even though it is from those who least can afford it. There was a reaction section 19-8 which allows developers a much lower property tax until project completion.

1. Ministry of Municipal Affairs, to see that we can undertake secondary housing on properties less
than one hectare. Currently this is allowed only if the property is serviced by a municipal sewer
service. This was done to protect water ways where building is concentrated. The current
regulation will allow for a second suite in the existing house though and this load is then put on
older non inspected septic systems. Since the development of this regulation the design of
septic systems has become more sophisticated and inspection services for these systems are
now common. The thought is that secondary houses on some of these properties could through
septic inspection be safely be service by the same septic systems or even allow for the
implementation of a second service. This would also open the door to septic system inspections
and would help correct the issue of failing septic systems fouling water ways. There is no
intention to allow the subdivision of these properties. In fairness this would be a difficult
regulation to formulate and would have a small effect on the affordable housing needs. It is
hoped that proposing these changes will slow the current government from forcing us to
subsidize affordable market housing which would substantially increase property taxation.

2. The second topic for this ministry was from OK Falls for more infrastructure support to expand the existing sewer service through the area. The cost for expanding through what is the area
under incorporation study is considerable for this lower income area. Overall I was for the most part disappointed with the direction of this government. There seems to
be little concern for the financial plight of the mid to low income population. It is to be seen if I am wrong about the choice for solutions adding considerable weight to the tax payer. I truly hope I am wrong.

Meeting with the leader of the official opposition:

1. Need for equity in farming. Substantial advantages are granted the vineyard winery industrythat are not given to our food farmers. This was immediately understood and accepted as having been well noticed and of considerable concern to the survival of our small farms, food security and diversity of crops.

2. The need for property tax reform this was also understood but will have to work on the solution but 19-8 was considered the most effective route to correct the problem.

3. The one hectare minimum auxiliary building lot size. This was the most difficult to present but brought up that including septic inspection and up grading as a motivator would remove the
major concerns.

4. My last meeting with the Ministry of Public Safety. The coverage by ICBC was overshadowed by many of the other weights being added to our VFD but it appears that there was some
acceptance of needs for reform here.

I did feel better about these meetings but that is the function of the opposition.

RDOS, Area “C” Director

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
October 3, 2023

2023 – 2024 Goose Hunting Season – Council approved that the Goose Management Programcontinue for the 2023 – 2024 season with six permits issued.

Flashing Crosswalk Location Recommendations – Council directed staff to install a flashing crosswalk sign at the intersection of McKinney Road and Coyote Street.

Oliver Ambassadors – Outgoing Ambassadors Zephyr Pickell, Jordyn Nelson, Riya Chahal and Heera Buttar were presented certificates for their service as Ambassadors during 2022 and
2023. The 2023-2024 Oliver Ambassadors Kayla Barisoff, Faith Klone, Lilah Smith, Hugo Pickell, Mehgen Boye and Kira Usher were sworn in during the Regular Open Council meeting.

Transfer of Lease – Northern Lights Helicopter Ltd. To W.F. Heli-Leasing Ltd. – Council consented to assigning the Northern Lights Helicopters Ltd. Hangar Lease to W.F. Heli-Leasing Ltd. with all the terms and conditions of the lease remaining the same.

UBCM Disaster Risk Mitigation Fund – Council approved for staff to submit an application the Union of BC Municipalities’ Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation funding stream under the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for up to $45,000.00.

UBCM Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments Equipment and Training Grant – Council approved for staff to submit an application to the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund’s Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments Equipment and Training stream for up to $30,000.00

Delegations:

• Student and Residency Doctor Program – Dr. Robin Craven presented to Council regarding an innovative plan to bring more Doctors and Nurses to Oliver by recruiting Medical Learners.

• Council directed staff to invite Cathy Peters to present at a future council meeting on the of Anti Human Trafficking.

Why do we celebrate National Truth and Reconciliation Day?

Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a day to honour residential school survivors, children who died while attending these schools, and the families and communities still impacted by the residential school system.

Community Walk-In Clinic to Open October 3rd in Penticton, BC

Penticton, BC – In a remarkable display of community collaboration, local family physicians, nurse practitioners, Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen, Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen, and the South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice are thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of a temporary Community Walk-In Clinic in Apple Plaza Penticton, commencing the afternoon of October 3rd, 2023.

This collective effort not only demonstrates the dedication of local primary care providers but also underscores the unwavering commitment to ensure accessible primary care services for all residents in the South Okanagan Similkameen region.

Clinic Lead, Dr. Tom Oliver, shared, “By working together, we found a way to keep the Walk-In Clinic in Apple Plaza open for at least six more months. Ideally every patient in our region would have access to a family physician or nurse practitioner, but until we can achieve that goal, we are doing what we can to provide service for unattached patients.”

Key Details of the Community Walk-In Clinic:

Location: Apple Plaza Penticton [162 – 1848 Main Street]
Opening Date: October 3rd, 2023
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (some exceptions due to lack of staffing)
The clinic will offer a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services, including general medical consultations, minor procedures, and referrals to specialists when necessary.

The Apple Plaza Walk-In Clinic had previously announced its closure for September 30th, 2023, due to a shortage of physician staffing. However, the new collaborative model offers a fresh approach to the clinic’s operation. Dr. Heidi Ingram explained, “In the old model, doctors own the clinic, hire and manage the staff, look after the building, all while trying to provide medical care to patients. My partners and I just couldn’t attract anyone to work in that type of clinic anymore, which is why we needed to close. But in this model, we are supported by community organizations. We aren’t doing it alone.”

While the healthcare landscape may evolve in the future, the Community Walk-In Clinic is firmly committed to providing patient care for at least the next six months.

Individuals in the South Okanagan Similkameen in need of medical attention can call 250-493-5228 to schedule an appointment or book online at https://pathwaysmedicalcare.ca/clinic/community-walk-in-clinic. Patients with existing family doctors or nurse practitioners are encouraged to contact their providers before visiting the Walk-In Clinic.

Those seeking a family doctor or nurse practitioner are invited to register on the Health Connect Registry at Health Connect Registry Link.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that since 2019, 50 new physicians have joined the South Okanagan Similkameen community, with an impressive 86% of them being under the age of 40, signifying a positive shift in healthcare resources for the region. 18,335 patients have been attached to a family physician or nurse practitioner over the same period, with 9,200 patients still looking for a primary care provider in the region.

A horror story by Jessica Murphy
JUNE 26, 2019

RECOIL

A perfect May morning with nothing on the schedule but gardening—perhaps, a perfect day.

In the shed I began to gather my tools—the spading fork, the half-moon edger, the adjustable leaf rake, my Hickok loppers, my… That is when I noticed the hose coiled in the corner. I was immediately fearful, it looked like a snake, ready to strike. I shook my head free of the concept, looked again, and it was a snake!

I stood back, took a deep breath and looked again. The rubber hose, with its brass spray nozzle was just that, unmoving, dusty even from the long winter in the shed.

My heart rate up, and admittedly a bit shaken, I continued to pick out my tools. Something niggled below the conscious part of my brain.

I knew that the anti-depression medication I had been prescribed, just three weeks ago, had most likely prompted that vision. One of the side effects was hallucinations. When that is a side effect only, you do not want to know what it is doing to the rest of your brain. But I meekly took it anyway. The depression was otherwise too difficult to deal with, and it made dealing with anything else impossible. Staying in bed through breakfast, lunch and dinner might be a viable diet plan, but not sustainable. Neither is turning off all the lights at seven p.m., so no one knows you are home. Or adjusting your answering machine to pick up on the first ring. Or…..a lot of things.

It had taken some time—and therapy—for me to learn that clinical depression is not sadness: it is just that the word for the condition was badly chosen. It has nothing to do with melancholy or loss. It is a chemical imbalance of a specific area of the amygdala, an otherwise unnoteworthy lobe of the brain. As a chemical problem, it can be corrected with the offsetting chemicals in a precise dosage. Perfect. Scientific. Easy. Except not. Most people prescribed medication for depression have to go through a lengthy adjustment period, as the dosage is adjusted to suit the patient. I was still in that phase.

I had been warned about hallucinations. It’s hard to prepare for one. What is it? When is it? How do I know? But this one I recognized. It is too early in the year for snakes. They do not slither into garden sheds and coil in corners. If anything they would lie quietly behind the bird seed bag, waiting for the inevitable thieving mouse to drop by. No. This was a hallucination.

To prove to myself that I was not afraid of the garden hose, I purposely walked over to that corner of the shed. I needed the dandelion weeding pick that sat with the other small tools, on the second shelf, above and to the right of that corner.

As I reached for the pick, the hose coiled tighter, and the brass nozzle whipped towards my left knee.

Then I remembered: in preparation for seed starting, I had moved all of the hoses to the greenhouse.