CBT contributes $450,000 to Slocan mill site purchase - Valley Voice
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September 24, 2020 The Valley Voice 1
Volume 29, Number 19 September 24, 2020 Delivered to every home between Edgewood, Kaslo & South Slocan. Published bi-weekly.
Your independently owned regional community newspaper serving the Arrow Lakes, Slocan & North Kootenay Lake Valleys.
CBT contributes $450,000 to Slocan mill site purchase
by Jan McMurray Councillor Joel Pelletier added, “A Gordon told the Valley Voice that tax increase. The CAO explained 10-year project,” Councillor Perriere
The Village of Slocan is getting a lot of the community isn’t aware that although council hasn’t yet discussed that taxes typically increase by 3% said. “Remediation needs to be done.
huge grant from the Columbia Basin the Village was always interested [in this, “it’s probably safe to say” that annually, which comes to about $21 We don’t have any investors breaking
Trust for the purchase of the old mill buying the property] but we couldn’t the grant will be used to reduce the for the average taxpayer. The resident down our door to get their money back.
site. afford it. But as soon as the price $475,000 proposed to be taken from pointed out that as property values It’s the people of Slocan’s. We are not
“We are extremely thrilled to dropped, we could afford it, so we general surplus. increase, so will the $21. planning to fail. This development
announce that the Columbia Basin decided to move on it.” The Village has over $1 million in “Those conversations will be had should be a 10-year development.”
Trust, through their Land Acquisition Councillor Ezra Buller said general surplus, Mayor Lunn told the during budget discussions,” the CAO “The intent is to have a robust
Program, has granted the Village there was another offer on the public at the council meeting. replied. community consultation process,”
$450,000 towards the purchase of the property – another reason council One resident asked about the 3% “I think we should aim for a Mayor Lunn said.
mill site property!” says a press release had to act quickly. “There’s a big
issued by the Village on September 14. fear factor but we can all see the big
The $1.5 million sale of the picture – how good this is for our kids
property to the Village closed on and grandkids,” he said.
September 15. Councillor Madeleine Perriere
The press release says that council pointed out that the Village was able to
“will be embarking on an exciting move quickly on the purchase because
path moving into 2021 – inviting the approval from the electorate wasn’t
community to take part in a visioning necessary, as the Village is debt free.
process for the mill site and for “We didn’t need assent from the people
Slocan as a whole – in anticipation on the financing because the Village
of an Official Community Plan had no debts, so we could borrow up to
(OCP) update.” $845,000 without asking the people,”
The purchase was a popular topic she said.
during public participation at the The bylaw authorizing the loan
September 14 council meeting. All of up to $845,000 was adopted at
residents who spoke expressed support the council meeting. Chief Financial
for the purchase. Officer Colin McClure explains in a
One resident, however, after written report to council that the $1.5
congratulating council on the million purchase price is proposed
acquisition, said he felt there was a to be covered with the $845,000
lack of transparency on the part of loan, $180,000 from the Village’s
council. “One day, out of the blue, land sale reserve, and $475,000 from
I heard Slocan bought it. I don’t general surplus. He says the annual
disagree, but I feel we could be more servicing cost of the 30-year loan
of a team in this thing,” he said. could be covered by funding from
Mayor Lunn explained that when the small community grant and the
the price of the property dropped RDCK Community Development
from $2.3 million to $1.6 million, the grant, a $14,000 reduction in operating
Village had to make a quick decision, expenses, and a proposed 3% tax
and was given a very tight timeline to increase.
close the deal. “We tried to get it out However, now that the CBT grant
to the public quickly,” she said. “We has been announced, there is an extra
were as transparent as we could be.” $450,000 in the mix. CAO Michelle The Columbia Basin Trust has announced a $450,000 contribution towards the Village of Slocan’s purchase of the old Slocan mill site.
2 NEWS The Valley Voice September 24, 2020
Provincial funding confirmed for modular building at Winlaw School
by Jan McMurray is operational – plumbing, electrical, Nazaroff and some SD 8 staff attended it moves to the new modular, there will equipment and kitchen equipment to
The much anticipated new modular furniture, stairs and ramp for outside an early learning conference last fall, be more space in the main building for support the before- and after-school
building at Winlaw Elementary School access completed – we will be able to set where they learned about the ‘seamless programs such as Strong Start, Trenaman child care component. The community
is expected to be installed in about six up our K/1 classroom space,” she said. day’ – where parents can drop off their said. is also expected to make a contribution
weeks, now that provincial funding under “In a ‘seamless day’ model, families are children at one place for school as well The board has resolved to put of $25,000, which can be in kind for site
the New Childcare Spaces Fund has been able to sign their children up for before- as before- and after-school care. The $150,000 towards the project, which prep and services for the new building.
confirmed. and after-school care, which will take discussion at the conference planted the represents the cost of a standard additional Winlaw School is seeing substantial
“We are absolutely delighted,” said place in the classroom space. The before- seed for the Winlaw project. classroom portable. The Ministry of investment, having recently gotten a new
Lenora Trenaman, chair of the board for and after-school care will be staffed by Trenaman says SD 8 will apply for Education has committed $25,000 to gym floor, new bottle fill stations, and a
School District 8. “Our Place will provide licensed Early Childcare Educators who child care licencing when the modular the project as a childcare demonstration paint job. The new playground is almost
much needed local services for families are employed by SD 8 and become a part has been installed. site. The Columbia Basin Trust has completed, and projects are underway to
and children, relieve over-capacity issues of the Winlaw School staff.” Right now, the K/1 classroom is committed $40,000 for furniture for replace part of the roof and install new
at Winlaw Elementary, and support both Slocan Valley Trustee Sharon operating in the main building. When the office spaces, as well as child care exterior doors.
learning and working conditions for
students and staff.” Daycare funding approved for Nakusp, but future unclear
The building will house the by John Boivin, Local Journalism portables and building an addition onto financial resources. August meeting trustees also voted
kindergarten/ grade one class, 20 before- Initiative reporter Nakusp Elementary. The estimated Their concerns were enough to to defer a decision to discuss whether
and after-school child care spaces, and Trustees with School District 10 $3.15 million for the daycare comes prompt the board to postpone pre- the board should become a licenced
office space for local professionals and (Arrow Lakes) were to decide this from the provincial program and the approving the project, until they knew child care provider, or contract out the
organizations to provide services such week on whether to go ahead with Columbia Basin Trust. they were getting the money. service to a third-party operator.
as counselling and art therapy. plans to build a daycare at Nakusp Taylor said the board will decide It’s not the only decision the board Visit the Valley Voice’s Facebook
“Our Place has been designed as a Elementary School. at its September 22 meeting whether has to make around the issue. At the page for updates to this story.
community hub for Winlaw families,” The provincial government to accept the funding and proceed with
says Trenaman, adding that the name
‘Our Place’ was derived from ‘Our Road,’
announced last Friday the 96-space
Nakusp daycare will be funded under
the plan.
“The board and district staff will
Search suspended
the road that connects the community of the New Spaces Fund. It’s one of 35 submitted
review all the information and answer
Winlaw with Winlaw School. communities to be approved under The search for missing Lardeau
any outstanding questions trustees
Trenaman explained that the the program. resident Thomas Schreiber was
may have both on Tuesday evening
1,440-square-foot modular will operate “We are excited to hear the suspended on September 20. Extensive
and in committee, and then hold a
as a kindergarten/ grade one classroom news about funding approval from but unsuccessful efforts to find him
public special regular meeting where
during the school day. “Once the modular MCFD New Spaces and CBT for began September 16.
a decision will be made,” says Taylor.
this much-needed childcare facility in The meeting will be a big one for Kaslo RCMP continues to urge
HOW SMOKE Nakusp,” said SD 10 Superintendent Steve Gascon, who won a byelection the public to remain watchful for him.
AFFECTS BIRDS Terry Taylor. “The needs assessment for the vacant trustee position on the Schreiber failed to return as
Birds have air sacs throughout their bodies, completed by an experienced external board just two weeks ago. planned following a canoe trip on
even in bones, that are linked to their lungs consultant identifies a strong need for At press time it wasn’t certain the Duncan Lake. He was last seen by
and act like bellows. Sacs change shape as
infant and toddler childcare, for 3- to board will approve the project. During family on September 15 around
muscles move. Unlike mammals, birds inhale
5-year olds, and also before- and after- its August meeting, two trustees raised lunchtime. Kaslo RCMP was notified
02 and exhale C02 and other by-products all the next morning. Thomas Schreiber
in one breath, and the constant air flow draws school care.” several concerns about the project,
But just because the funding is An investigation into Schrieber’s RCMP boat crew, searched Duncan
in particulates from wildfire smoke that can including the impact of tearing down
available doesn’t mean the project is disappearance was immediately Lak e o n S ep temb er 1 9 w ith
damage lungs and lead to lethal infections. portables to make room for an addition
going ahead. launched and led to the discovery of negative results.
to the school, the uncertainty about
In August, board trustees backed his white GMC Sierra pickup truck Schreiber is a 58-year-old
the future because of the pandemic,
off pre-approving the project, which parked at the Howser boat launch, Caucasian male with brown hair and
and how a less-than-full daycare
includes tearing down two aging with no canoe. hazel eyes. He is 6’2” and weighs 196
would possibly impact the district’s
Kaslo RCMP called for the pounds. He was last seen wearing a
assistance of Kaslo Search and pair of dark grey shorts, and a light
Rescue, who initiated a search both grey T-shirt.
on the water and from the air. Search Anyone with information on the
and Rescue personnel located an whereabouts of Thomas Schreiber
unoccupied canoe, believed to belong or his disappearance is urged to
to Thomas Schrieber, in the water on contact their local police, the Kaslo
the northeast side of the lake. RCMP at 250-353-2225 or remain
Members of the Underwater anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers
Recovery Team, along with Kaslo at 1-800-222-8477.
September 24, 2020 The Valley Voice NEWS 3
Nakusp and Kaslo join the Kootenay Boundary primary care network
by Jan McMurray “The backbone of the new their readiness to take part in the Edney reports that region-wide, goal is definitely to reduce the
The BC government has primary care system in BC is initiative, listing the practitioners 21 new practitioners have already attachment gap and ensure every
announced a ‘primary care team-based care that responds to they felt were needed on their been hired. The 12 remaining resident in the Kootenay Boundary
network’ in the Kootenay Boundary the needs of each community,” said team, and outlining their ability to practitioners are expected to be who wants a physician or nurse
region, bringing a total of 33 new Minister of Health Adrian Dix. accommodate these practitioners in hired by the end of 2021. The 33 practitioner can find one.”
health professionals into the 13 Paul Edney of the Kootenay existing clinic spaces. practitioners include 3 full-time A government press release
participating clinics. Boundary Divisions of Family “All clinics who expressed equivalent (FTE) family physicians, says the Province will provide $5.3
Kaslo’s Victorian Community Practice said the goal of the primary interest were included in this first 5 FTE nurse practitioners, 6 FTE million in annual funding to the
Health Centre and Nakusp’s Saddle care network is “to strengthen phase of our primary care network,” registered nurses, 9 FTE social Kootenay Boundary primary care
Mountain Medical Clinic are healthcare at the first point of reports Edney. workers, 7.5 FTE allied health network when fully established.
amongst the participating clinics, contact (your doctor or nurse The Victorian Community professionals, 1 FTE clinical According to the press release,
along with Nelson Kootenay practitioner ’s clinic) so that Health Centre in Kaslo requested pharmacist and 1.5 FTE Indigenous the Kootenay Boundary primary
Medical Centre, Nelson Medical everyone in Kootenay Boundary and has already received a social health coordinator. care network is a partnership
Associates Clinic, Castlegar can access the care they need, worker and a physiotherapist, and “The improvements will not between the Ministry of Health,
Medical, Castlegar Kinnaird when they need it, leading to their Saddle Mountain Clinic in Nakusp happen overnight. Improvement Interior Health, Kootenay
Clinic, Salmo Wellness Centre, healthiest life possible.” has requested and will receive a and transformation will happen Boundary Division of Family
Crawford Bay East Shore Medical Edney explained that all clinics social worker and physiotherapist over the course of the coming Practice, the Ktunaxa Nation, and
Clinic, Trail Riverside Medical in Kootenay Boundary were invited in the fall, Edney said. There weeks, months and years as this the Okanagan Nation Alliance.
Clinic, Trail Columbia Family to participate in the Kootenay are also region-wide supports team-based approach is further The network involved consultation
Medicine, Trail Waneta Primary Boundary primary care network. including a pharmacist, registered embedded in the health care with the Kootenay Boundary
Care, Rock Creek Health Centre Clinics were asked to submit an dietician, respiratory therapist and system,” said Edney. “Evidence Aboriginal Services Collaborative,
and Greenwood Medical Clinic. expression of interest, outlining two aboriginal health coordinators. from multiple parts of the world which has representation from the
New library to be built in downtown Kaslo
shows that this ‘networked’ Ktunaxa Nation, the Okanagan
approach increases access to care Nation Alliance, Métis Nation,
while improving patient outcomes and the Circle of Indigenous
by John Boivin, Local Journalism and provider experience. Our Nations Society.
PHOTO CREDIT: KUL NIJJAR
Initiative reporter
Bookworms in the Village of
Kaslo rejoice: the community is
going to get a new $3 million library
downtown with the help of a big grant
from the Columbia Basin Trust.
“The Kaslo and District Public
Expand
Library marks their 100th anniversary
with the announcement of a partnership Your Skills
with the Village of Kaslo to see a new
downtown library constructed in the
to gain employment
next three years,” says a news release or adapt your business.
issued September 16.
The new library building – the first
for the library since it was formed in View of the property looking north towards Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains. Get up to $1,000 for training courses
1920 – will be on the corner of 5th grant contributions, a release states. the assets was necessary to move the
Avenue and Front Street, across from “We are so pleased to support project forward. Or up to $7,500 for specialized
Front Street Park and the pottery the Village of Kaslo to advance The library will occupy the future skills training
shop. Until now, the library has their vision for a vibrant downtown building through a long-term lease and
been in Kaslo’s historic City Hall. core by building a new library,” be responsible for all operating and
However, that space is just a third of said Johnny Strilaeff, Columbia maintenance costs. Our Training Fee Support program helps you
the size needed to properly serve the Basin Trust president and CEO. To pursue the $3 million it will gain the skills you need for the job you want.
community, officials say. “Libraries are an important focal need in construction costs, the library
“The library board identified a point for communities and have such will apply to the federal Investing ourtrust.org/tfs
need for a new facility in our strategic a positive impact on the quality of in Canada Infrastructure Program
plan, having outgrown the current life for residents. The new library (Community, Culture and Recreation
location,” said Anne Heard, library will offer countless opportunities for Infrastructure) in October.
board chair. “We value our partnership community members and we’re so “We are excited to be part of this
with the Village in realizing our excited to see the building begin.” significant project and look forward to
aspirations for a state-of-the art library The new library will be a seeing the new library come to fruition
in a prominent downtown Kaslo cornerstone of Kaslo’s heritage in the coming months and years,” said
location.” downtown and a focal point of Kaslo’s Mayor, Suzan Hewat, “and a
The purchase was made possible community activities and life long big thank you to CBT for helping us
with a Land Acquisition Grant from learning, the release says. secure the property.”
Columbia Basin Trust that will cover Under provincial library The library also serves Regional
a portion of the $300,000 purchase legislation, public library associations District of Central Kootenay Area D
price. The balance will be covered cannot own land or buildings, so a residents, covering a vast service area
through library fundraising and other partnership with the Village to hold of 5,786 square km.
The Slocan Valley Legacy Society is here for you...
to help build a culturally, economically, and environmentally resilient community.
As stewards of the Legacy Endowment Fund, we give yearly grants
from the endowment’s interest to deserving organizations and projects
in our beautiful Slocan Valley.
Your gift to the Fund will keep on giving... in perpetuity.
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4 OPINION The Valley Voice September 24, 2020
The tragedy what New York City barely survived
in early summer, Vancouver can
of the COVID survive nicely this fall.
The COVID pandemic is very
Commons real, and very unpredictable. It will
Choosing the best way to spike here and there for some time to
manage the COVID pandemic is come. Without adequate precautions,
making each side of the debate very a COVID outbreak could spread like
upset. The epidemiologists urge us wildfire. Or, were we very lucky, it
to take difficult precautions, hoping might hardly spread, particularly if
thereby to keep to a minimum the winds of COVID-denial don’t
the potential deaths, the potential fan it. But those Twittery-winds are
breakdowns in medical services, blowing. They are adding to the risk
and the economic disruptions that that things could get much worse
otherwise would appear to be all too for us all: for the careful as well as
likely. Many of us would like to see for the careless, for the local health
such precautions firmly in place. We system, as well as for our local
accept their necessary restrictions. economies.
Meanwhile, the many COVID The COVID threat is no hoax.
deniers urge us to believe that all It just hasn’t visited us yet to any
is well in places that (so far) have alarming degree. The trouble is
avoided implementing difficult that without effective precautions,
precautions, citing Sweden and even if and when it does arrive, it will
New Zealand, as safe and sane areas likely already be too late to avoid
of “freedom.” The deniers want some terrible new costs: costs to
minimal restrictions. They want the the economy, to our regional health
repeal of the many “unnecessary”
precautions taken here in BC.
system, and to the social fabric of our
unique local communities. – KASLO HOTEL IS OPEN –
They say the so-called COVID Please help us all to lower Pub open 3 pm to 10 pm, dining-in and take-out 11 am to 8:30 pm, off-sales
“pandemic” is a hoax.
It would be very nice if each of
those risks that are currently being
increased through COVID denial.
WELCOME BACK!
us could choose which set of social Please help us to reduce the risks www.kaslohotel.com 250-353-7714
rules we preferred to live under for of our having to face those very
The Ingrid Rice cartoon is a satirical look at current events in politics and is sponsored by the Kaslo Hotel. The Hotel does not necessarily share the political views of the artist.
the next little while. But we cannot.
We all have to live together under
costly outcomes that already have
followed the latest spikes of COVID
Non-motorized sadly. It may be slightly embellished
as all effective stories tend to be, but
‘Experts’
just one set. And locally we have to infections seen in so many other status for not by much.
There seem to be a number of
‘experts’ writing to the Valley Voice on
live with our rather limited medical places around the world.
infrastructure, one that could easily Barney Gilmore Slocan River I like to record history with
photographs. I have photos and
various subjects, lately the pandemic. It
has been categorized by these experts
become overwhelmed, even in the Kaslo My child is 14 years old. His
video footage of motorboats as a great threat and by other experts
face of those low rates of COVID opinion is that motorboats and
infection once seen in Sweden, COVID motor craft of any description do
speeding on the Slocan River from
this July and August. I have shared
as a hoax. (Tell all the relatives of the
millions who have succumbed that
or the similar rates once seen in It’s hard to know what to believe. not belong on the Slocan River. I
the footage with a local concerned they perished from a hoax). I would
Auckland, NZ. On the one hand, we have the anti- fully agree with him and I know so
group. They have shared it with suggest that some have passed away
The relatively few BC COVID people who have evidence many concerned people who feel
the Department of Fisheries and due to complications from existing
hospitalizations and deaths, seen so to support their theories. On the other the same way.
Oceans. conditions exacerbated by COVID-19.
far, are no assurance that BC will hand, we have the medical profession In my son’s words... “Canada
I requested a Library of The conspiracy theorists perhaps
stay in such a fortunate position, who also have evidence to support advertises itself as being a place of
Parliament search to help believe that 1984 is now here and that
even with the current level of modest what they say. Regardless about what natural beauty. A place where you
understand the process of seeking George Orwell and Elvis are lurking
restrictions. This is particularly true you believe, the fact is that people of can feel at peace in nature. Now
non-motorized status for the Slocan around the corner forcing them to
when so many visitors and so many all ages are dying and getting sick all take a minute to imagine yourself
River. It is an involved process, of wear masks. Along with people’s rights
virile locals mingle carelessly and over the world. sitting on the banks of the Slocan
course, which will require public not to wear a mask comes a greater
closely together, as today they Ron Heppner River with eagles soaring above,
consultation. responsibility as a human to DO NO
continue to do. You cannot argue that Edgewood your family splashing carefree in the
I feel very strongly that this HARM to others, so please, all you
river, all is well. Then... ROAR!!!
issue needs to be acted upon quickly. naysayers and non mask wearers,
A jet boat speeds by clocking 50
EDITORIAL / LETTERS POLICY I have been assured by the stay away from me! Opinions that
The Valley Voice welcomes letters to the editor and community news or 60 km an hour and drowns out
Village of Slocan that this matter are not based on factual evidence are
articles from our readers. the sound of your own thoughts.
will be discussed at their next meaningless and serve no purpose
Letters and articles should be no longer than 500 words and may be Then just when you recovered from
council meeting on September 14. other than to argue endlessly and
edited. We reserve the right to reject any submitted material. the metre-high wake, a Sea-Doo
I can hear my son’s cry for further polarize and paralyze proper
Please mark your letter “LETTER TO THE EDITOR.” Include your intrudes and spins a doughnut and
“help” to save the Slocan River fact-based discourse. Opinions are like
address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. ducks fly, otters dive and flee in
from the unnecessary and damaging elbows – everyone has one, but every
We will not knowingly publish any letter that is defamatory or libelous. fear, and children scream “Mom!
presence of motorized water craft, elbow’s opinion isn’t correct.
We will not publish anonymous letters or letters signed with pseudonyms, Dad! Help! Your day has just been
and I sure hope you can too. I think Ben Franklin said it best:
except in extraordinary circumstances. ruined.” (Dictated by Wolf.)
J. McMahon “He who teaches himself has a fool
Opinions expressed in published letters are those of the author and not My son is a good storyteller,
Slocan for a master.”
necessarily those of the Valley Voice. except this is not a tale of fiction,
So stop fantasizing and face reality.
The Valley Voice Box 70, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0
This thing has not gone away and it
is real.
Phone/Fax: 1-833-501-1700 E-Mail: valleyvoice@valleyvoice.ca Website: www.valleyvoice.ca Jim Van Horn
Kaslo
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September 24, 2020 The Valley Voice LETTERS 5
Why do you do some ways a striking resemblance
to the assassination of JFK. Almost
by law to leave your home except to
buy necessities or get medical care.
polio. The virus used to live only
in animals but was able to make
“During the pandemic, national
leaders around the world flexed
it in the road? everybody now believes that some We were encouraged to stay at home the move to humans. This makes their authority and imposed airtight
I don’t understand the crosswalk bad monkey business went down in as much as possible during stage one. it a zoonotic virus, and they aren’t rules and restrictions, from the
fad and why members of Village Dallas but nobody to this day can Encouraged. Not required. So I’m all that uncommon. We have had mandatory wearing of face masks
councils suddenly feel the need to say the who, what or why called for really wondering what democratic others and will have more. There to body-temperature checks at the
use public property to advertise their by Ms. Hartman. (Perhaps because freedoms people feel they have lost is simply no evidence that any of entries to communal spaces like
stands on so-called social justice they are all dead.) When sinister in all this. the other contentions about this train stations and supermarkets. Even
issues. Hard to understand why a forces, human or biological, are on The anonymous concerned virus are true in any way at all. after the pandemic faded, this more
Village council, which these days the loose, fear is unleashed. Even a private citizens who paid for the ad in The notion that vast conspiracies authoritarian control and oversight of
is invariably concerned about the quick study of history will show that the September 10 issue do not speak are behind everything we’re afraid citizens and their activities stuck and
environment and the protection of our fear has been used countless times to for me, even though they say they of ignores how impossible it is for even intensified.”
beautiful surroundings, would want achieve political ends which always are writing on behalf of Canadians. large numbers of people to keep Censorship: A ‘fact’ checking
to turn a sleepy, pleasant-looking come down to power and control. Tia Leschke such things secret AND it ignores the site (a recent invention), “snopes.
country town into an aesthetically To conclude, may I straddle Winlaw evidence, or the lack thereof. com” put out: “Did CDC ‘Quietly
tacky permanent billboard for some the fence (ouch) and offer this: We need to focus on the simple Update’ COVID-19 Deaths To Say
cause or other. You want to send a
message, make a statement? Fine,
COVID-19 is real. It can kill. Perhaps
the .0001% simply grabbed that
Pete’s bog actions that can help us live with this
virus until we get a vaccine. As our
Only 6% Are Legitimate?” “False.”
After going through a LOT of their
In decades past, Pete Leontowicz
but that is not what public property ball and ran with it. On an over- provincial public health officer put narrative information, you finally
and family had the intent to look after
and the public purse are for. Use heated, over-crowded planet whose it, “Soap, water and common sense” see this buried piece of information:
the marsh trail at the north end of
the pulpits and platforms available workforce is rapidly becoming and wear a mask if you can’t avoid “However, fueling the conspiracy
Slocan Lake, and it was well looked
to the rest of us rubes, like this redundant, what better solution than being closer than six feet from other theory, the CDC web page stated: ‘For
after. Pete limited vehicle traffic
nice, discrete letter to the editor, for a global pandemic? If it is real like people. Contact tracing and testing. 6% of the deaths, COVID-19 was the
to his land. He directed use of the
example. the Black Death, then Mother Nature It’s not that complicated. Just follow only cause [of death] mentioned. For
marsh trail through his own land. He
There is a pretentious is having her way. If it is not… then the science. deaths with conditions or causes in
thrived on school children visiting
presumption out there that us proles use your computer to study historical And, by the way, Elvis died in addition to COVID-19, on average,
the marsh for field trips. The marsh
need constant in-your-face reminders precedents. The who, what and why 1977, despite what some want to there were 2.6 additional conditions
trail was designed by the Leontowicz
of what to think and believe and how are then revealed, at least in rough believe. or causes per death.’” Yes, this
family to observe nature and was
to behave properly as we just try to outline. History never repeats? Dave McCormick CDC information is available. The
used by schools from throughout the
get on with our daily lives minding Biological or malfeasant, it most Kaslo article then speaks about “conspiracy
region. Students from Edgewood to
our own sweet business. We don’t
need loudspeakers on sidewalks
certainly does.
Kris Wheeler
Castlegar to New Denver visited and The true theorists.” For black-and-white
thinkers, they need to go no further
wafting whale music to keep us Slocan Park
observed the natural marsh as part of
their biology courses for decades.
conspiracy than the “False” sentencing.
ecologically in tune, or Silverton
bridge painted up to look like a
Oh, the comedy With recent activity, the walking
The true conspiracy is
conspiracy theories themselves and
Baby-with-the-bathwater
situation: dismiss and disqualify. This
Like many people, I always read trail into the marshland and beach has
Brussels sprout to get us to eat our it is working. They are designed to has happened with scientists who have
the letters first. They are generally been removed. This has been taken
greens, or, ultimately, Big Brother- breed suspicion leading to distrust, come forward including Dr Erickson,
interesting, informative, and often from the students.
type posters everywhere with the culminating in the disintegration of Front Line Doctors, Senator/
entertaining. The last few weeks L. Brache
faces of Village councillors glaring democracy. Through this process, Physician Scott Jensen, experts in
they have gone beyond entertaining Silverton
down at us to keep us on the straight authoritarianism emerges, paving the Plandemic documentary, and
to provide a wealth of comedy. I’m
and narrow. There are already an
infinite number of laws on the books
talking about all the conspiracy Keep it simple the path to totalitarianism, trumping
democracies all over the world.
many more.
Persuasion: Facebook and social
theory letters. I’m getting a good Among the many fissures
to keep us upright and well-behaved. This process of disinformation media platforms have a wide user
laugh from some of them, especially that SARS-C0V-2 seems to have
No need to turn our streets into has been going on for some time; coverage to propagate the narrative.
the one that called cardiomyopathy, uncovered are the lengths to which
sermons. The nanny state is already COVID-19 is simply the perfect Memes for example are quick to
which can cause severe heart damage some will go to develop convoluted,
a meddlesome thing but the preacher vehicle to piggyback upon to foment pass around and their origin is
and is one symptom of COVID, complicated explanations for things
state is a royal pain. doubt on a global scale – disaster questionable. One meme states: “It’s
Broken Heart Syndrome. The writer they don’t like, don’t understand or
Please let our villages remain autocracy for the mind. We don’t see a mask. You’re not being asked to
claims it’s caused by keeping elderly don’t want to acknowledge.
quiet, unassuming places where spiritual qualities in authoritarians, shove a jar of pickles up your ass.”
long-term care patients away from Enter the conspiracy theorist.
people simply live their lives and we find a reflection of our own Classic bully behaviour: Come on.
those who might infect them. Sigh. Whether it’s a fake virus, a Chinese
not become canvases on which to internal prejudice and dysfunction. It’ll be ok. It’s not as bad as [inserting
I’d like to thank you for hoax, 5G, Bill Gates, Soros,
permanently paint and advertise Ultimately, this entire process an object into an orifice]. Many
publishing Richard Caniell’s piece. chemtrails, labs in Wuhan, fake
any particular group’s politics. feeds hate as it satiates an insular consider this funny.
He makes most of the points I would death rates, microchips, poisons in
Thank you. worldview. Hardly conducive to Dig into Cambridge Analytica’s
have made. There are a couple that vaccines, GMOs, the New World
Dom Tassel peace on earth. influence (for pay) on Brexit and
he didn’t. Order, faked moon landings, the 9/11
Silverton James McKee Trump’s campaign to see social media
1. Fear. There are claims that inside job, population mind control
Edgewood hijacking (search for undercover
Response fear of COVID-19 warps our minds.
I’m not fearful – I just don’t want to
or where Elvis was last seen alive,
social media is full of them. COVID-1984 secrets for the video).
Narrowing the spectrum of
to ‘COVID-19 get it (again) and possibly give it to
someone who might have a much
I’m reminded of two basic
principles (among many) that
A friend coined this term. I use
it here specifically to consider loss
information. Pressure to act against
is a hoax’ harder time with it than I did. So guide scientific understanding and of freedoms – making free and
your personal convictions. No say in
experimenting with deadly viruses.
Imagine my surprise when I I take what precautions I can. But research. First is that the simplest informed choices. You don’t need
No voice or vote on lockdown
found myself one of the ‘usual the conspiracy theory letters just explanation is often the best one. to be a genius, scientist, or a science
procedures – imagine how we could
suspects’ in Kathy Hartman’s letter. I radiate fear. Fear of the WHO, fear Second is that extraordinary claims teacher… it takes awareness, paying
have set up safety nets and protected
thought I had made it quite clear that of government control, fear of the require extraordinary evidence by attention, being open.
the most vulnerable. Obvious to see
I was not supporting any particular ‘dangers’ of masks, fear of forced way of support. We live in the 21st Items to be aware of:
profits being made, too difficult to
point of view but merely analyzing vaccinations, fear of Bill Gates, fear century and, presumably, know and Regulations: “…the US banned
ignore the lives destroyed in the
numbers supplied by Richard of ‘one world government,’ fear of understand more than we did during certain classes of experiments,
process.
Caniell. Ms. Hartman, however, has ‘technocratic elite,’ and on and on. the Middle Ages when we burned called Gain of Function (GOF)
I strongly advocate strengthening
called for my 100 words or less, so 2. About this fear of government witches at the stake and used trial experiments… but the ban… was
the immune system and not cutting
here they are. control and losing our democratic by ordeal to determine guilt or lifted in 2017.” (ref:; online article:
ourselves off from nature. Adapt and
First, the word ‘hoax’ is freedoms – what actual control are innocence. “the-case-is-building-that-covid-19-
respond in nature; respect and care for
a misnomer for what may be they talking about? During phase We need to get a grip. The had-a-lab-origin”)
our place in nature and preserve and
happening in our world. ‘Humourous one, schools and some businesses simplest explanation (and the one Planning: In 2010 the Rockefeller
protect that relation (video ref: “How
or mischievous deception’ is, were required to close. Many other backed up by evidence) is that foundation put out a document
Society Makes You Feel Alienated”
definitively, not what the usual businesses chose to close. They talk COVID-19 is caused by a virus, (available to download): ‘Scenarios
- Gabor Mate).
suspects have in mind. Beyond a lot about lockdowns, but there has less dangerous than Ebola or the for the Future of Technology and
T. Orlando
that I can only say, as an older never been a lockdown in BC. A 1918 flu virus, but more dangerous International Development.’ One
Winlaw
person, that COVID-19 bears in lockdown is when you aren’t allowed than the seasonal flu and, apparently, scenario, ‘Lock Step,’ stated this:
6 LETTERS The Valley Voice September 24, 2020
Sinixt matriarch medicine harvesting. I was up there RE: Ad paid for consistent with known facts.
What I’m seeing with regard
community is deceiving us about
COVID-19 is like believing that
opposes again this spring with my family to
dig for wild potato and to visit old by concerned to the COVID-19 debate is that 99% of climate scientists are lying
fact-based refutation is being
Zincton growth forest. Others were also food- private citizens represented as personal attacks. It’s
about climate change when monster
fires are climbing up the Pacific coast
As the Matriarch of the Sinixt gathering in the same avalanche I am very disappointed that the even sometimes called an attack on towards BC. In the ashes of coastal
Smum iem (traditional governance chutes within the proposal area, Valley Voice published this full-page freedom of thought and speech. Yet communities from California to
system) in the Columbia River area of especially for nettles. We who have screed. Would the VV publish a full- the Valley Voice has given equal Seattle lies the telltale story of my
BC, I am writing in strong opposition lived here for more than 10,000 page ad paid for by a cluster bomb space to both sides of the COVID-19 generation’s betrayal of young people
to the Zincton Village proposal years have a long history with these manufacturing business recruiting issue. Everyone is free to believe and through our denial of inconvenient
and to refute misinformation in important sites. Getting a “Zincton new employees? I do understand write what they want, but when they truths. Yes, the whole human
the proponent’s recent letter in the permit” to use areas of our homeland that your policy is to print letters ask a newspaper to publish it, and race loves the freedom to believe
Valley Voice. is NOT “free access.” of various opinions. That is another expect people to read it, the accuracy whatever they want to believe, but
As an Indigenous People divided Having spent time up Kane thing, imho. of their views may legitimately be reality imposes consequences on
by an international boundary, our Creek in the proposal area, I am Among the points in the challenged. that which can be devastating, so we
unceded rights as Sinixt are upheld aware of the old growth there as well advert are numerous conspiracy No one represents this process should all fight for the truth in our
in Canada by Article 36 of the United as its vulnerability to developments theories and calls for dangerous and more than Donald Trump. Donald is public forums.
Nations Declaration on the Rights of such as this. Mountains are the water ineffective “alternative treatments” having a very hard time after tapes Anne Sherrod
Indigenous Peoples. This declaration towers of our region and the source like hydroxychloroquine and emerged showing that he knew that New Denver
has recently been affirmed by the BC of not just fresh and clean water but vitamins. And worse is the list of COVID was “far worse than the flu”
legislature. According to Articles also the ability to clean the water.
26 and 32, anyone operating in our One mature cedar alone cycles 150
“Required Actions,” which basically
call on us (i.e. via yours and my
in March, yet he told the American
people that it was just another flu, Coverage of
tum xula7xw must obtain our free,
prior and informed consent (FPI)
gallons of water per day. Erosion
and subsequent sedimentation, like
‘representative’) to ignore the
actuality of this pandemic.
deceived them about the death rate,
and refused to support lockdowns,
COVID
The extreme polarization of
for any activities on our lands. happened this spring at Carpenter Those paying for this ad seem to testing, masks. He has been the most opinion on all things COVID
Our Sinixt Indigenous rights and Creek, have huge impacts on water think the relatively few COVID-19 prominent advocate of the view that lately provided by the letters to the
responsibilities encompass the water, quality and quantity, affecting cases in BC, and even Canada, the COVID emergency is a hoax editor of the Valley Voice is rather
land, forests and animals throughout everything and everyone down to indicates an insignificant or no and all the US needs to get over the interesting. Amongst the diversity
our tum xula7xw. the lake and beyond. We humans threat to the public’s health. Can pandemic is “herd immunity.” of views stated, it struck me that
David Harley, the proponent, are 87% water. All life relies on they not see what is happening But reality has caught up with an elephant might be missing in
falsely asserts in his September 10 clean water. south of the 49th where there are Donald, and it isn’t pretty: he is the discussion room: the near total
letter to the editor that “The Sinixt As the caretakers of this land, two kinds of fire, the coronavirus facing 200,000 (and rising) dead dereliction of the business model
Nation lived here for thousands we must also care for all the animal and the wildfires? Both are out of Americans, and a lot of very angry of journalism and its symbiotic
of years and are (sic) currently people who share it with us: grizzlies, control. Neither is a hoax. But the live ones. The US has less than 5% relation to the COVID pandemic.
based in Colville, Washington.” mountain goats, western toads and COVID-19 virus will last into next of the world’s people and more than For some reason, concepts like
The Sinixt still LIVE here. Putting wolverines are among the diverse year and beyond! Is there something 20% of the COVID deaths. Trump’s ‘COVID’ or ‘pandemic’ are proving
us in the past tense is extremely species who use the area and are at about that border other than it being advocacy of “herd immunity” would more profitable to media outlets
disrespectful and manipulative. risk. Over 40 species at risk have closed that makes them feel so safe? require 215,000,000 Americans to than ‘budget deficit’ or ‘comparable
Though some Sinixt are members been identified in the general area I’ll stick with following the get infected. At the current death mortality.’ The consequence is a ‘C’
of the Colville Confederated Tribes yet the proponent does not mention advice of Dr. Bonnie. rate of 2.97%, 6,385,500 of them word effectively monopolizing half
(and CCT is not based in Colville, these. This is core grizzly habitat! Bill Wells would die. the infosphere since March, usually
WA), Sinixt live in diaspora across The profound ecological values Kaslo Some of those dead people without any attempt at providing
North America. The Autonomous of the area will be damaged by a would be young, with many years relevant context.
Sinixt in Canada operate under
and uphold the traditional laws of
resort of such a large scale. Both
1,500 visitors a day and 4,500
Slocan mill of life ahead of them if they could For context, one would think
have stayed healthy until a vaccine
whuplak’n and smum iem and its hectares of land tenure are far, property and better treatments are available.
that the place of COVID in global
mortality would have taken a place
leaders were appointed by Sinixt
elders. These laws inform the Sinixt
far too much for the wildlife to
endure in order to maintain their purchase Harvard University sampled 3,222
young adults hospitalized with
in the conversation by now (the
Thank you to the Village of probability of dying from COVID
position in regard to Zincton Village populations and thrive. This land COVID-19. One in five required
Slocan council and staff for the vs substance abuse, suicide, cancer,
– and the proponent of this proposal is also good mountain caribou intensive care, one in ten needed
vision, leadership and effort it took cardiovascular disease, etc.).
is not in good standing with us and habitat should the Central Selkirk a ventilator and 88 died. Among
to purchase the mill property. Thank A quick plunge in mortality
our traditional governance system. herd ever recover from government those who survived, 99 patients
you to the Columbia Basin Trust’s statistics from Canada and abroad
In the current political climate, mismanagement. It is noteworthy (or 3%) had to be transferred to
board and staff for its sizeable answers that question in no
decision making processes mostly that in his rebuttal of articulated other facilities for ongoing care and
contribution toward this historic uncertain terms: the chance of dying
exclude the Sinixt, as we are not a concerns, the proponent continues to rehabilitation. (New York Times,
purchase. from COVID is very small, and
recognized “band”; Mr. Harley has ignore the well-founded concerns of September 10).
This investment will enable certainly not in any proportionality
perpetuated this violation by not regional wildlife biologists. The story of Canada and the US
residents to take an active role to the space devoted to COVID
consulting the Autonomous Sinixt. Also, we are concerned about is a tale of two countries that deserves
in the continued development of in the media. In fact, mortality
Taking one Sinixt person out on a cumulative impacts of all ski resorts close study. With Canada having
its community, both socially and curves in some countries show less
tour does not constitute “consultation there (Retallack, Stellar, Mount taken stronger protective measures,
economically. mortality than pre-pandemic levels
with local Sinixt” any more than Brennan Backcountry Recreation, it has had 9,193 total deaths – less
I look forward to hearing my for now several months in a row.
taking one random person from New etc.) as well as in our general tum than one-twentieth of the number
neighbours’ ideas about the future Obviously, the very high
Denver on a tour would constitute xula7xw. All development must of US deaths. But that can change.
of our waterfront. transmission rate of COVID
consultation with the people of be assessed in light of all other For instance, Ontario had flattened
Anitra Winje requires planning and action. But
New Denver. This is pure tokenism. developments – be they recreational, its curve with restrictions, but once
West Slocan there are far more devastating
And as we well know, tokenism is a industrial or community-based, not they were relaxed, the number of catastrophes that we know are
manifestation of racism and settler piecemeal. We continue to work
colonialism. Clearly, being in right on our mapping project to broaden Fight for the infections and deaths have begun
to surge.
coming at us, which should be
centre stage as they also require
relationship with the Sinixt is NOT
“a key priority” as the proponent
core protected areas in the Sinixt
tum xula7xw into a Climate Change truth in our Thirty-four percent of Ontario’s
active cases are among people in
planning and action.
claims. Any contemporary so- Conservation Network. Until this
ecologically based and responsible
public forums their twenties (CBC, September 17).
Meanwhile, we are all busily
discussing COVID as the only show
called “innovation incubator” must I have always thought that when Fifty-four percent of the cases cannot in town.
seriously grapple with Indigenous planning is complete, we will not people bring their information and be traced because the infected people The job of journalism should
issues instead of just jumping allow, as per our UN-affirmed views to a public forum, they put came in contact with so many other be the comparison of apples to
through governmental hoops. Indigenous rights, any resource it up for public consideration and people. Ontario had to put a hold on apples, instead of the broken record
We Autonomous Sinixt have development in our tum xula7xw, challenge. Usually in science, or in its relaxation of restrictions, and is endlessly looping ‘pandemic’ being
great concerns about this proposal as and certainly not without our prior, the justice system, or journalism, now having to consider tightening served to us.
we use the area for important cultural free and informed consent. writers are responsible to defend them again. Jerome Piguet
activities such as berry picking, Marilyn James their claims on a factual basis, or else In the face of such facts, Argenta
root digging, fishing, hunting and Sinixt Smum iem Matriarch concede to a viewpoint that’s more believing that the entire medical
September 24, 2020 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 7
Kootenay Lake foreshore issues discussed at Twin Bays Beach
accretion for the rocky point out after the dams were built. “But this worked together to craft a motion
in front of the property owners’ surveyor is granting accretions from asking the Province to review the
home. The community found this the same levels as before.” process for accretion applications.
disturbing, Garnett said, as there Shadrack explained that when “We’re calling on the Province to do
had been fairly recent illegal and the RDCK realized there was “a a much more critical on-the-ground
questionable activities on the point. plethora of agencies not coordinating review,” she said. The motion will
On April 7 and 8, 2018, the owners’ what they were doing around the go before all the local governments
excavator imported rock fill to lake,” the RDCK brought them all in BC at the upcoming Union of
construct a platform on the point, together under the Kootenay Lake BC Municipalities convention.
and it was done without a permit. The Partnership (KLP). KLP created a If it passes there, it will go to the
operator was fined under the Water shoreline guidance document for provincial government.
Sustainability Act and the owners the lake. However, in the case of However, she said she has more
were required to restore all disturbed this Twin Bays accretion application, faith “in getting somewhere on this
areas of the foreshore to the original the “surveyor general didn’t bother issue with the Columbia River Treaty
condition. But this never happened. to consult with KLP or look at the Local Governments’ Committee.
Garnett and his neighbour, Neil guidance document and was going This lake is controlled by one treaty
Kelly, did some detective work to to grant your beach to the property dam and one related dam. That’s the
find out why. owner until Gerald intervened,” foundation as to why accretions are
The Twin Bays area community is outraged that this rocky point has been approved as an Shadrack said. He advised the a problem.”
“Under Freedom of Information,
accretion – which means it has been added to the upland owners’ private property – given this
we received documents showing residents, “Ask your MLA and the
illegal excavation work that occurred here in 2018.
that the contractor responsible for Ministry of Environment why we Smokey Creek Salvage
by Jan McMurray natural boundary, a visible high restoration had been deceived,” have the Kootenay Lake Partnership 24 HR TOWING
New & Used Auto Parts, Back Hoe Work,
About 40 people gathered at water mark indicated by distinct reports Garnett. “In 2016, the if the authorities can ignore the Certified Welding & Repairs, Vehicle Removal
Twin Bays Beach just south of changes in vegetation and soil; the surveyor placed a reference marker guidelines.” WE BUY CARS & TRUCKS
Kaslo on September 10, thankful that land below this natural boundary showing a legal survey post well Watson and her Kootenay Lake 359-7815 ; 1-877-376-6539
their neighbourhood beach is still is Crown land. Waterfront property below the natural boundary. The colleagues on the RDCK board have 3453 YEATMAN RD, SOUTH SLOCAN
available to the public for recreation owners can apply for accretions if contractor mistakenly referenced this
– but concerned with the process that they think the natural boundary has and ended up heaping more rocky fill
allowed the beach to be subject to receded over time. on the point. On August 4, 2020 the PRIME COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR LEASE
privatization. Local resident Gerald Garnett BC surveyor general requested the
The beach was at risk of explained that an accretion was removal of this deceptive marker,
218 Broadway Street, ground level, Nakusp
becoming private when the upland already granted at Twin Bays in but the damage was done.
property owners applied to the BC 1994, to adjust for the lower lake “My concern is that the events Approx. 1600 sq ft. Available immediately.
Land Title and Survey Authority levels caused by Duncan Dam. He at Twin Bays are being repeated
(LTSA) for an ‘accretion’ – to absorb said the community does not believe around the shores of Kootenay Contact West Kootenay Property Rentals Inc.
the beach into their private property. there is evidence to change the Lake, undermining the work of the
The September 10 gathering was 1994 boundary, as lake levels have Kootenay Lake Partnership.”
250.359.5021, info@westkootenayrentals.com
organized by local residents, who
had arranged for speakers Aimee
averaged more than two feet higher
in the years since 1994 according
At the gathering, Aimee Watson www.westkootenayrentals.com
said Kootenay Lake has the highest
Watson (RDCK chair and Area D to the Water Survey of Canada data number of accretion applications in
director) and Andy Shadrack (former
Area D director), to inform people
of the accretion issue on Kootenay
from Queens Bay. Later this month,
he said, a delegation will present a
petition signed by 70 residents to
BC, because the high water mark
receded when the Duncan and Libby VILLAGE OF
dams were constructed. “However,
Lake – and particularly about the
accretion application by the owners
MLA Michelle Mungall, asking for
the 1994 boundary to be retained
the freshet is changing that,” she said.
“More and more water is coming
NEW DENVER
of the property upland of Twin Bays and for the beach to be declared
Beach. permanently public.
down in the freshet as time goes on.”
Andy Shadrack reiterated that
PUBLIC NOTICES
In BC, waterfront property Although the beach application lake levels are much higher now
owners own the land down to the was denied, the LTSA approved an than they were for the first 20 years BEARS & FRUIT
Autumn brings plenty of fruit for us to enjoy but also
means unwanted visits from bears and other wildlife.
Please remember to manage your fruit trees by picking
fruit as it ripens, do not allow windfall to accumulate on
the ground, and consider using an electric fence to protect
fruit trees. If you require assistance with picking excess
fruit from your trees, please contact Bree Lillies at Harvest
Share: 250-354-8120. Report any wildlife conflict to the
Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
HOUSEHOLD
HAZARDOUS WASTE EVENT
Every year RDCK hosts a Household Hazardous Waste
event where residents have a chance to round up and
dispose of any household hazardous waste. This year’s
event is happening September 26 - 11 am to 2 pm at the
Silverton Public Works Yard (421 Lake Avenue). For more
locations and dates, go to www.rdck.ca.
PROPERTY TAXES
A reminder to all owners of Class 6 (Business) properties that
2020 property taxes must be paid before October 1st to avoid
late payment penalties. This year the payment deadline was
postponed by the province in response to the COVID-19
pandemic. Please note that the Village of New Denver will
not be holding a 2020 Tax Sale as all delinquent property
taxes have been paid.
115 Slocan Avenue · P.O. Box 40, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0
(250) 358-2316 · office@newdenver.ca · www.newdenver.ca
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