Thank You Stewart |
| What, What's a Weekend? |
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Michael's Musings
"Further delays in grappling with doctor issue will
compound crisis..."
By Michael J Morris
From Tofino, to Cranbrook, to Fogo Island In Newfoundland and Labrador, and many places in between across Canada, there is a shortage of family physicians, and it appears the situation will become desperate if meaningful action is not taken now.
Like many Canadians, I took it for granted that I would always have a family physician available to see me when I called for an appointment. In fact, even though I spent a good part of my life in a small community, it was never a problem to see my doctor and get the care I needed.
The same applied after I moved to Cranbrook 25 years ago -- at least it did for my first 20 years or so. Then my doctor decided it was time to retire after practising medicine here for over 35 years. He did all he could to recruit a replacement, and doctors came and went, much like through a revolving door, and my doctor returned for a time each year.
It prompted me to comment, somewhat jokingly that I had to plan any illness for those times when he was back in Cranbrook. Seriously though, as we all know that is not always possible.
Then the situation brightened. New doctors arrived and I was most fortunate to be accepted as a patient by one of them about two years ago.
My story about the family physician shortage in Cranbrook is pretty tame compared to some I have heard in the past few years.
Now the situation appears to be worsening in Cranbrook with notices appearing in two clinics that I know of advising patients they no longer have a physician or that some are leaving.
I did an anecdotal survey using Google about the state of availability of family physicians across Canada and while statistics vary, 4 to 5 million Canadians do not have one, according to a report done in 2011 by the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce in 2011.
In Cranbrook, my best guess is that at the moment, at least 20 percent of the citizens do not now or will not soon have a family physician.
The report notes that although urban areas are somewhat better served, "the situation in rural and small town Canada is often described as desperate by health care experts".
Here in Cranbrook. city council, despite objections from some members, approved a request from its committee on family services to look into possible solutions to the family physician shortage. However, Councillor Sharon Cross reports that a first "Red Carpet" welcome has been conducted with a potential new doctor.
Maybe a comment in the B.C. Chamber of Commerce report will spark a more positive response from those council members who don't see it as an issue, as well as prompt those who may seek election this year, to make it a priority in their platform.
It is not only a matter of providing adequate health care for all citizens, but a looming potentially huge economic issue.
The report warned that if the shortage continues, "... it is only a matter of time until businesses feel the effect of their employees making decision about continued employment based not on the job or the salary but based on the quality of health care that they and their families will be able to receive in the community where the business is located."
The report concludes: "Further delays in grappling with the doctor shortage... will compound the crisis in the years ahead and could severely impact the ability of our country and provinces to attract new businesses and new workers to our communities."
Never mind the years ahead folks. I know people in Cranbrook right now who are assessing their options given the family physician shortage here now, and making inquiries about the family physician situation elsewhere.
Time for action is today to attract and retain family physicians in Cranbrook. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
Here is link to the BC Chamber of Commerce report: http://www.bcchamber.org/advocacy/policy/provincial_gov/health/canada_needs_thousands_of_doctors_now.html
Full disclosure: I am not now and never have been a member of the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society; however, I did conduct a workshop for its members for which I was paid.
By Michael J Morris
From Tofino, to Cranbrook, to Fogo Island In Newfoundland and Labrador, and many places in between across Canada, there is a shortage of family physicians, and it appears the situation will become desperate if meaningful action is not taken now.
Like many Canadians, I took it for granted that I would always have a family physician available to see me when I called for an appointment. In fact, even though I spent a good part of my life in a small community, it was never a problem to see my doctor and get the care I needed.
The same applied after I moved to Cranbrook 25 years ago -- at least it did for my first 20 years or so. Then my doctor decided it was time to retire after practising medicine here for over 35 years. He did all he could to recruit a replacement, and doctors came and went, much like through a revolving door, and my doctor returned for a time each year.
It prompted me to comment, somewhat jokingly that I had to plan any illness for those times when he was back in Cranbrook. Seriously though, as we all know that is not always possible.
Then the situation brightened. New doctors arrived and I was most fortunate to be accepted as a patient by one of them about two years ago.
My story about the family physician shortage in Cranbrook is pretty tame compared to some I have heard in the past few years.
Now the situation appears to be worsening in Cranbrook with notices appearing in two clinics that I know of advising patients they no longer have a physician or that some are leaving.
I did an anecdotal survey using Google about the state of availability of family physicians across Canada and while statistics vary, 4 to 5 million Canadians do not have one, according to a report done in 2011 by the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce in 2011.
In Cranbrook, my best guess is that at the moment, at least 20 percent of the citizens do not now or will not soon have a family physician.
The report notes that although urban areas are somewhat better served, "the situation in rural and small town Canada is often described as desperate by health care experts".
Here in Cranbrook. city council, despite objections from some members, approved a request from its committee on family services to look into possible solutions to the family physician shortage. However, Councillor Sharon Cross reports that a first "Red Carpet" welcome has been conducted with a potential new doctor.
Maybe a comment in the B.C. Chamber of Commerce report will spark a more positive response from those council members who don't see it as an issue, as well as prompt those who may seek election this year, to make it a priority in their platform.
It is not only a matter of providing adequate health care for all citizens, but a looming potentially huge economic issue.
The report warned that if the shortage continues, "... it is only a matter of time until businesses feel the effect of their employees making decision about continued employment based not on the job or the salary but based on the quality of health care that they and their families will be able to receive in the community where the business is located."
The report concludes: "Further delays in grappling with the doctor shortage... will compound the crisis in the years ahead and could severely impact the ability of our country and provinces to attract new businesses and new workers to our communities."
Never mind the years ahead folks. I know people in Cranbrook right now who are assessing their options given the family physician shortage here now, and making inquiries about the family physician situation elsewhere.
Time for action is today to attract and retain family physicians in Cranbrook. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
Here is link to the BC Chamber of Commerce report: http://www.bcchamber.org/advocacy/policy/provincial_gov/health/canada_needs_thousands_of_doctors_now.html
Full disclosure: I am not now and never have been a member of the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society; however, I did conduct a workshop for its members for which I was paid.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Free Rides to the Farmer’s Market This Saturday and Every Saturday though the Market Season, May 31st to October 11th
The City of Cranbrook
and BC Transit are once again offering free rides to the Saturday Markets and
Summer Sound Concerts in Rotary Park. The free rides to the downtown only, will
run from 8:30 am to 4:30pm. Riders must
let the driver know they are heading to the market.
The first spring market of the season is this coming Saturday,
May 31st at 1114 Baker St from 9:00am to 1:00pm. This venue has been chosen for the Spring Market
in case of inclement weather. Summer markets will be in the usual Tenth Avenue
location.
Jody Murdoch,
president of the Farmer’s Market Society has thanked BC Transit and the City of
Cranbrook. Mayor Stetski also stated
that Council was pleased to support both the Market and the Summer Sound
Concerts, which begin in July. BC
Transit also is pleased to support this initiative and invites Cranbrook
residents to enter a contest to win one of four free monthly passes. The contest will run through the Farmer’s
Market Season and a draw will take place monthly from July through to
October. To participate go to either:
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Dear Parent of the Average Child
From a Blog by Genevieve Hawtreehttp://mmehawtree.blogspot.ca/2014/05/dear-parent-of-average-child-im-sorry.html?spref=tw&m=1
Dear Parent of the Average Child,
I'm sorry. Your child is wonderful. She is always at school on time, does her homework most everyday, works well on her own and is patient with those around her. I really wanted to tell your daughter how proud I was of the work she was doing today. I was about to but you see I had a young girl over in the corner crying because she hadn't had breakfast. Another was tromping around the classroom in winter boots. It's May. When I asked her to change she told me she didn't have any other shoes. I needed to send my educational assistant down to the office to see if we had food and extra shoes in lost and found. Oh and over in the other corner there was a boy screaming at the top of his lungs because, well, no one is sure why. He is on a list to see a specialist -- they hope to have a plan in place for him soon. Of course it has been three months, but the specialist teacher is overworked and only at our school a few days a week so we have to be patient. More children trickled in. One girl told me that her backpack is at mom's but she was at dad's last night. He forgot to send a lunch. She also wanted to tell me about her dad's new girlfriend but she told me I wasn't to tell her mom because it's a secret. A young boy told me his cat died last night. Another lost a tooth! Exciting until he saw the blood -- then the fear set in.From 'crisis to crisis'. A child came in a little late looking afraid and tentative. She watched carefully what was going on but was too afraid to join in. Everyone agrees the child's fears aren't normal and she needs some counselling but there are only so many hours in a day. They might be able to see her for one or two sessions next month. Your daughter, wonderful child that she is, helped her put away her things and led her to her desk. I was about to head over and say thank you but I noticed three boys playing rough. I ran over to stop them and had a conversation about expected behaviour at school. I threw in a lesson on non-violence while I was at it. I turned back to look for your daughter. I hadn't forgotten that I want to check in with her but I looked up and realized I should probably begin teaching the lesson of the day. I tell myself I will check in with her later. This was all before 9 a.m. Many other things happened during the day and it was very difficult for me to check in with your wonderful daughter. Students with learning disabilities, diagnosed and not. Students with special needs and with behaviour problems. Students who are needier or put up their hand more often. Students who yell louder. I realized after a day of running from child to child and crisis to crisis: I never did get a chance to check in with her today. I don't mean to leave your daughter alone but she seems to be doing just fine without me. I hope it is true. I'm sorry. I feel terrible.Would you mind telling her how proud I am of her? Let her know I appreciate her? I will check in with her tomorrow.
Authors Note:
I have 23 little treasures in my room. I care about them all. I want to teach them all and see them all succeed. I've had more days like this one than I would like to admit. When I think about a classroom without class limits or I think about a school system with even less specialist teachers and less services for our students, I worry. I wonder how many average kids go unseen everyday. I honestly don't think I can do this job under those conditions. Some days I wonder how I do it now. I know for a fact I won't be able to do it well.
Please, please please
understand how important this issue is. I didn't become a teacher for the
paycheck or the glory. I became a teacher because I wanted to help kids do
amazing things with their lives. I want that for all my students. I want
to do my job well. That means that I need the tools to do that. This includes a
reasonable class size and help from specialist teachers. That is why I'm willing
to take a 10% pay cut and walk out in spite of the threats. For me isn't about
the money. Its about the kids.
Genevieve Hawtree is a Grade 1 French immersion teacher in Kelowna, B.C., and the mother of three boys. She maintains a blog where this article first appeared.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Post Notes for the Council Meeting of May 26th
Delegations
5.1 Heritage Association: Little Brick Building
See material from Karen Crawford:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3949
After the slide show presentation Ms Crawford asked that the order to demolish this building be rescinded. Councillor Warner gave notice for that motion. The group was asked how their fund raising is going and Ms Crawford said that to date approximately $12,000 has been raised. Donations can be made at City Hall if a tax receipt is required. Otherwise donations can be made in various locations including Lotus Books.
Bylaws
6.1 3795
That Council adopt the "Multi-Use Recreation Trail Bylaw No. 3795, 2014"; and further, that
Council direct Administration to proceed with enforcement of this bylaw on a complaint basis.
Staff would like to put up the applicable signage outlining the restrictions, but unless in bylaw, there is no enforcement mechanism. Since the trail opened, there have been discussions with bylaw staff and the RCMP, confirming that unless these restrictions are reflected in bylaw, these rules cannot be enforced. By accepting the proposed bylaw, motorized/equine restrictions on the trail can be enforced. Staff anticipate that there will be very low number of vehicle or equestrian use issues along the trail, especially with the addition of signage.
Carried.
Councillor Warner asked about monitoring of the trail and was told that the RCMP cyclists will patrol when able or asked to do so. Councillor Cross asked that Trail Etiquette signage also be considered. She gave the example of walkers who use ear buds and cannot hear an oncoming cyclist warning voice or bell.
6.2 3797 OCP
Third reading and adoption of a proposed amendment to redesignate a property located on 30th Avenue from Highway "Commercial" to a "Low Density Residential"
Carried.
It was explained this location is not the commercial corridor it was once anticipated to be.
6.3 3798
To consider third reading and adoption for a proposed amendment of the Zoning Bylaw to rezone
property located on 30th Avenue North from a "C-2 - Highway Commercial Zone" to a "RT -
Residential Transition Zone".
Carried
Report accepted.
5.1 Heritage Association: Little Brick Building
See material from Karen Crawford:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3949
After the slide show presentation Ms Crawford asked that the order to demolish this building be rescinded. Councillor Warner gave notice for that motion. The group was asked how their fund raising is going and Ms Crawford said that to date approximately $12,000 has been raised. Donations can be made at City Hall if a tax receipt is required. Otherwise donations can be made in various locations including Lotus Books.
Bylaws
6.1 3795
That Council adopt the "Multi-Use Recreation Trail Bylaw No. 3795, 2014"; and further, that
Council direct Administration to proceed with enforcement of this bylaw on a complaint basis.
Staff would like to put up the applicable signage outlining the restrictions, but unless in bylaw, there is no enforcement mechanism. Since the trail opened, there have been discussions with bylaw staff and the RCMP, confirming that unless these restrictions are reflected in bylaw, these rules cannot be enforced. By accepting the proposed bylaw, motorized/equine restrictions on the trail can be enforced. Staff anticipate that there will be very low number of vehicle or equestrian use issues along the trail, especially with the addition of signage.
Carried.
Councillor Warner asked about monitoring of the trail and was told that the RCMP cyclists will patrol when able or asked to do so. Councillor Cross asked that Trail Etiquette signage also be considered. She gave the example of walkers who use ear buds and cannot hear an oncoming cyclist warning voice or bell.
6.2 3797 OCP
Third reading and adoption of a proposed amendment to redesignate a property located on 30th Avenue from Highway "Commercial" to a "Low Density Residential"
Carried.
It was explained this location is not the commercial corridor it was once anticipated to be.
6.3 3798
To consider third reading and adoption for a proposed amendment of the Zoning Bylaw to rezone
property located on 30th Avenue North from a "C-2 - Highway Commercial Zone" to a "RT -
Residential Transition Zone".
Carried
6.4 3800
To consider third reading and adoption of a bylaw amendment to change the zoning map by amending
the designation of District Lot 10360 from RR-16, Rural Residential (Extensive) Zone to RR-60, Rural
Resource Zone.
Carried.
Carried.
Business Arising
7.1
To seek Council's approval to submit to the RDEK Board an invitation to meet with Mayor Stetski and
Council to enter into discussions regarding the creation of a joint Commission or Committee to review
recreational services.
Carried.
This issue has been on the table for a considerable time. Council felt this was a good first step and that with all the figures in place they were in a position to begin the discussion..
Carried.
This issue has been on the table for a considerable time. Council felt this was a good first step and that with all the figures in place they were in a position to begin the discussion..
New Business
8.1 To present to Council for approval the unaudited complementary schedules produced in
accordance with the Financial Information Act.
Carried.
Carried.
8.2 Coffee with the Mayor
Resident concerns brought to the attention of the Mayor can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3956Report accepted.
8.3 Mayor's Brown Bag Lunch
Responses to issues raised can be read at:
8.4 To consider approval of an application for a Downtown Commercial Development Permit to enable
renovations to an existing commercial building located at 1213 Baker Lane, zoned C-1 - Community
Commercial Zone, and located within the Downtown Commercial Development Permit area.
Committee Reports
9.1 Environment and Utility
That Council approve the following recommendations from the Environment and Utilities Committee:
1. That the Environment and Utilities Committee invite a delegation from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources Operations to come and speak to Council.
2. Furthermore that the delegation from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources Operations be heard at a Special Council meeting
Carried.
Carried.
9.2 Environment and Utility 15year Asset Management
That Council approve in principle, the concept of developing an annual integrated capital program based on a 15 year integrated capital plan prepared by Administration to reflect Community needs based on priority and affordability, and That Council direct Administration to develop an integrated capital program policy to monitor and maintain a 15 year integrated capital plan based on priorities determined by Council at the beginning of each term, and to develop the annual capital budget plan for the consideration of Council not later than the end of September each year.
Postponed.
Postponed.
Administration Update
Can be read at:
Correspondence
12.1 Letter from Randy Tapp dancing in the Park
12.1 Letter from Randy Tapp dancing in the Park
Begins 12.1 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3962
12.1 Letter from Randy Tapp, Dancing in the Park
$500 was awarded to cover the cost of Bandstand Rental for 5 Saturday Evenings this summer.
$500 was also awarded to the Philipino Community for their Cultural Celebration.
12.1 Letter from Randy Tapp, Dancing in the Park
$500 was awarded to cover the cost of Bandstand Rental for 5 Saturday Evenings this summer.
$500 was also awarded to the Philipino Community for their Cultural Celebration.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Advance Notes for the Council Meeting of May 26th 2014, 6:00pm
Delegations
5.1 Heritage Association: Little Brick Building
See material from Karen Crawford:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3949
Bylaws
6.1 3795
That Council adopt the "Multi-Use Recreation Trail Bylaw No. 3795, 2014"; and further, that
Council direct Administration to proceed with enforcement of this bylaw on a complaint basis.
To ensure a safe environment for pedestrian use, equestrian use was also determined not to be a permitted use on the trail. This restriction has been supported by the former NorthStar Rails to Trails Advisory Committee.
Staff would like to put up the applicable signage outlining the restrictions, but unless in bylaw, there is no enforcement mechanism. Since the trail opened, there have been discussions with bylaw staff and the RCMP, confirming that unless these restrictions are reflected in bylaw, these rules cannot be enforced. By accepting the proposed bylaw, motorized/equine restrictions on the trail can be enforced. Staff anticipate that there will be very low number of vehicle or equestrian use issues along the trail, especially with the addition of signage.
6.2 3797 OCP
Third reading and adoption of a proposed amendment to redesignate a property located on 30th Avenue from Highway "Commercial" to a "Low Density Residential"
6.3 3798
To consider third reading and adoption for a proposed amendment of the Zoning Bylaw to rezone
property located on 30th Avenue North from a "C-2 - Highway Commercial Zone" to a "RT -
Residential Transition Zone".
5.1 Heritage Association: Little Brick Building
See material from Karen Crawford:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3949
Bylaws
6.1 3795
That Council adopt the "Multi-Use Recreation Trail Bylaw No. 3795, 2014"; and further, that
Council direct Administration to proceed with enforcement of this bylaw on a complaint basis.
To ensure a safe environment for pedestrian use, equestrian use was also determined not to be a permitted use on the trail. This restriction has been supported by the former NorthStar Rails to Trails Advisory Committee.
Staff would like to put up the applicable signage outlining the restrictions, but unless in bylaw, there is no enforcement mechanism. Since the trail opened, there have been discussions with bylaw staff and the RCMP, confirming that unless these restrictions are reflected in bylaw, these rules cannot be enforced. By accepting the proposed bylaw, motorized/equine restrictions on the trail can be enforced. Staff anticipate that there will be very low number of vehicle or equestrian use issues along the trail, especially with the addition of signage.
6.2 3797 OCP
Third reading and adoption of a proposed amendment to redesignate a property located on 30th Avenue from Highway "Commercial" to a "Low Density Residential"
6.3 3798
To consider third reading and adoption for a proposed amendment of the Zoning Bylaw to rezone
property located on 30th Avenue North from a "C-2 - Highway Commercial Zone" to a "RT -
Residential Transition Zone".
6.4 3800
To consider third reading and adoption of a bylaw amendment to change the zoning map by amending
the designation of District Lot 10360 from RR-16, Rural Residential (Extensive) Zone to RR-60, Rural
Resource Zone
Business Arising
7.1
To seek Council's approval to submit to the RDEK Board an invitation to meet with Mayor Stetski and
Council to enter into discussions regarding the creation of a joint Commission or Committee to review
recreational services.
New Business
8.1 To present to Council for approval the unaudited complementary schedules produced in
accordance with the Financial Information Act.
8.2 Coffee with the Mayor
Resident concerns brought to the attention of the Mayor can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3956
8.3 Mayor's Brown Bag Lunch
Responses to issues raised can be read at:
8.4 To consider approval of an application for a Downtown Commercial Development Permit to enable
renovations to an existing commercial building located at 1213 Baker Lane, zoned C-1 - Community
Commercial Zone, and located within the Downtown Commercial Development Permit area.
Committee Reports
9.1 Environment and Utility
That Council approve the following recommendations from the Environment and Utilities Committee:
1. That the Environment and Utilities Committee invite a delegation from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources Operations to come and speak to Council.
2. Furthermore that the delegation from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources Operations be heard at a Special Council meeting
9.2 Environment and Utility 15year Asset Management
That Council approve in principle, the concept of developing an annual integrated capital program based on a 15 year integrated capital plan prepared by Administration to reflect Community needs based on priority and affordability , and That Council direct Administration to develop an integrated capital program policy to monitor and maintain a 15 year integrated capital plan based on priorities determined by Council at the beginning of each term, and to develop the annual capital budget plan for the consideration of Council not later than the end of September each year
Administration Update
Can be read at:
Correspondence
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Looming mosquito hatch - do your part
 |
| Significant numbers of mosquito larvae are currently present in
the Alkali Lake area of the Community Forest. Photo credit: Kendra Lewis, Mosquito Control Contractor - Morrow Bioscience Limited. |
Click to enlarge
Project Heavy Duty
Project Heavy Duty is a program run by School District #5 and Mount Baker Secondary School in collaboration with large machine operating companies, Work Safe BC and the City. This program gives grade 11, 12 and some younger students a chance to experience these machines close up, setting seeds for possible future careers.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Michael's Musings
Michael's Musings go to time
capsule for 25 years
By Michael J
Morris
Almost 50 years ago I asked P.V.
Wade, the legendary managing editor of the Star-Phoenix in Saskatoon, why he
didn't write a book.
I had read a couple of his columns
and as a young reporter, newly arrived in Saskatchewan from Ontario, I was
impressed. Mr. Wade, none of us dared call him Phil, was a World War !! veteran,
and had served on the staff of General Dwight Eisenhower, as Canadian press
relations officer.
Mr. Wade replied: "I have never written anything
that would make it into the plastic books of the 21st Century."
Well, he wasn't quite right about the "plastic
books", but in 50 years of doing and teaching journalism and communications, I
too never thought anything I have written would survive much past its
publication date.
To a great extent, nothing I have written has
survived, but was quickly dispatched into the "dustbin of history" taking Ronald
Reagan a bit out of context, simply because journalists write the "first (or
maybe second) rough drafts of history", attributed to Philip L. Graham, when he
was publisher of the Washington Post. Others may or may not complete the
stories. Enough already of mixing metaphors!
Therefore, I was most surprised to receive an
email inviting me to have my Cranbrook Guardian columns placed in a time capsule
being organized in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the city's Sam
Steele Days. It will not be opened until the 75th anniversary in
2039.
The time capsule will be closed at a ceremony to
be held at the Chamber of Commerce office on June 19.
Here in part is the email I received from
Maureen Frank of the Sam Steele Society: "I am helping to coordinate the Community Time
Capsule and was wondering if you had a collection of your articles ... to add to
its contents. I read your column through the Cranbrook Guardian and feel the
topics you write about cover topics that will be of great interest to a future
population. I hope you will
consider the impact that your writings may have on a future population. Thank
you!"
I've never really thought about the possible
impact that my writings may have on a future populations. In fact, for 50 years
I've wondered if they had any impact on anybody.
When I was at the Star-Phoenix, I was sent to
North Battleford to open a bureau for the newspaper. Part of my duties included
writing a column for the weekend edition, and I decided to do one on a
controversy surrounding the building of a new swimming pool in
1966.
I was really proud of my article and waited
until after the locals had time to read the paper before joining them in the bar
of the old Auditorium Hotel. We chatted about hockey, weather, curling, crops --
but nobody mentioned my swimming pool column.
Finally, in exasperation, I asked what they
thought about my column, and was greeted with dead silence. Eventually, one
said, "What column?", and the conversation resumed centred on topics under
discussion before I interrupted. Lesson learned.
Anyway, after thinking about Maureen's kind
invitation -- and in interests of full disclosure, after sharing the news with
three of my closest friends -- I replied and agreed to prepare a collection of
Guardian columns for the time capsule. I just couldn't resist.
As I wrote in my first Cranbrook Guardian column
in March 2013, I agree with Reynolds Price, the writer, that to "tell and hear
stories is essential" -- and he argues it comes second after nourishment and
before love and shelter.
"Millions survive without love or home, almost
none in silence; the opposite of silence leads quickly to narrative, and the
sound of story is the dominant sound of our lives, from the small accounts of
our day's events to the vast incommunicable constructs of psychopaths."
In my life for sure, in the brightest and
darkest moments, the sound of story is the dominant sound. Think about it. Now I
am off for a walk to hear more of the sound of the Cranbrook story. If we meet,
please feel free to say hello. And I hope that in 2039 when the time capsule is
opened, some will enjoy my stories
Thanks to Maureen for the invite and special
thanks to Jenny Humphrey for publishing my "musings" and to my friend Joel Vinge
for as always being there and getting the stories together. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
Full disclosure: I am not now and never have been a member of the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society; however, I did conduct a workshop for its members for which I was paid.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Chair of the Agricultural Land Reserve sends detailed letter
From Andrew MacLeod's article:
http://thetyee.ca/News/2014/05/22/ALR-Told-Libs-Dont-Do-It/
The chair of the Agricultural Land Commission strongly advised the British Columbia government against the major changes the province is making to how the province's farm land is protected.
Not everyone appreciates that "each and every region of British Columbia has prime agricultural land based on agricultural capability classifications and agriculturally suitable lands for specialty crops, forage, extensive agricultural uses and non-soil bound agricultural endeavors," he wrote.
http://thetyee.ca/News/2014/05/22/ALR-Told-Libs-Dont-Do-It/
The chair of the Agricultural Land Commission strongly advised the British Columbia government against the major changes the province is making to how the province's farm land is protected.
Not everyone appreciates that "each and every region of British Columbia has prime agricultural land based on agricultural capability classifications and agriculturally suitable lands for specialty crops, forage, extensive agricultural uses and non-soil bound agricultural endeavors," he wrote.
He included a table that showed the proposed zone 1, which includes the South Coast, Island and Okanagan regions, has 335,000 hectares of land in classes one to four. The proposed zone 2, for comparison, would include 2,072,000 hectares of such land.
"This data shows that it is not correct to suggest that the Kootenays, the North and the Interior possess, as regions, lesser agricultural lands," Bullock wrote.
"In reality, the large majority of good agricultural lands in British Columbia are in these regions," he said. "Such lands, properly irrigated and farmed pursuant to Government policies that encourage farming and farmers, can be a legacy to future generations and an important resource to British Columbia's food and agricultural security."
Bullock criticized the proposal to appoint regional panels to make decisions.
"I realize there are some who take the view that the ALC would make 'better' decisions if fully 'regionalized' panels made the decision for a particular region," he wrote.
"The difficulty I have found with those taking this view, which in my experience is a small but vocal minority, is that they usually equate 'better' decision-making with decisions removing land from the ALR," he said. "I have not yet heard it argued that regional panels are necessary to better preserve agricultural land."
"It's obvious the government was hell bent on one way to go and they haven't deviated from that despite the fact they pretend to consult and they pretend to listen," said Nicholas Simons, the NDP's agriculture critic. Bennett seems to have long had a goal of dismantling the ALR and has stymied opportunities for consultation, Simons said. "This is bad legislation led by one guy with a fixation."
What's Happening........
Thursday May 22nd
Adult Vocal Master Class
Key City Theatre
4:00-5:00pm
Peter Knapp
250-426-7006
Friday May 23rd
SoWeCa Chamber Music Festival Opening Night
Cranbrook Concert at Key City Theatre
7:30pm
preshow lecture by Brian Black at 6:45pm
$30
Mozart - Brahms
Festival then moves on to Fernie and Lethbridge
www.keycitytheatre.com
Sunday May 25th
Aspire Dance Academy Showcase
1:30pm
Key City Theatre
Tickets on line or at Key City Theatre
Ongoing until May 30th
Youth Art Exhibit
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
135, Tenth Av S
Vote for your favorite piece
Adult Vocal Master Class
Key City Theatre
4:00-5:00pm
Peter Knapp
250-426-7006
Friday May 23rd
SoWeCa Chamber Music Festival Opening Night
Cranbrook Concert at Key City Theatre
7:30pm
preshow lecture by Brian Black at 6:45pm
$30
Mozart - Brahms
Festival then moves on to Fernie and Lethbridge
www.keycitytheatre.com
Sunday May 25th
Aspire Dance Academy Showcase
1:30pm
Key City Theatre
Tickets on line or at Key City Theatre
Ongoing until May 30th
Youth Art Exhibit
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
135, Tenth Av S
Vote for your favorite piece
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
It's all about the beauty
In the lobby of the Key City Theatre on Tuesday morning, world class musicians were rehearsing for the upcoming festival this weekend. A simple excursion to buy tickets for a dance recital became the start of a most beautiful day, even though I was only wrapped in that incredible sound for a short time. Opening my car door on Tenth Avenue I was greeted by Mama Mallard and nine ducklings making her way at a fast and very determined pace towards the parking area behind the post office. I couldn't bring myself to drive as far as the highway to see if she made it to the creek - I hope she did. In the Arts Council Gallery, high school students were critiquing their peers art work, looking for balance, unity and all the elements that make a wonderful composition. Down at the Heritage Inn, a captivated audience was learning more about the coast and country of the area that could be impacted by the Enbridge Pipeline and how we might preserve what many consider a beautiful and ever more diminishing wilderness.
There is a saying that everyone needs beauty as well as bread - Tuesday was full of proof.
 |
| Make Way for Ducklings |
 |
| Students Critiquing Art Work |
 |
| M.P. Nathan Cullen addresses the audience and answers question about his riding and the impacts of the proposed Enbridge Pipelaine. |
Monday, May 19, 2014
Take Back Our Coast Event, Tuesday May 20th
The Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline risks our environment, threatens thousands of good jobs and is opposed by over 60% of British Columbians.
We can still stop it – but only if we work together. Help take back our coast from Stephen Harper’s special interests.
Tuesday, May 20, 12:45pm
Cranbrook Heritage Inn, Lower Level Room
803 Cranbrook Street North
A Walk up the West Hill
If you walk across Moir Athletic Park and through one of the gates on the far/west side there are a many trails that go off in all directions. By taking the steepish hills up to the benches you fill find wonderful views of the Rocky Mountain trench and unfortunately, a lot of litter. Despite the wanton dumping of beer cans, bottles and various unwanted household goods the walk is worth it for the views and wildflowers. By packing along a few garbage bags and removing our fellow humans' rubbish this lovely area will be better for having you there.
 |
| view north from the West Hill |
 |
| Alum Root |
 |
| Balsam Root |
 |
| Calypso Orchid |
 |
| Happy Ceonothus Silk Moths (Thanks Dan for the correct identification) |
 |
| Fern |
 |
| Wild Strawberry |
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Elizabeth Lake Flood of 2014
For those of us living on the
south side of Cranbrook, the rising waters of Elizabeth Lake have lately been a source of concern and curiosity. For some they have been costly. So in this the sixth week of high water, we ask, " Is this another symptom of
climate change, blocked culverts, an anomaly that will pass or a combination of
many factors?" In any
case, whatever the problems, according to City administration sources, it does
not appear as though the flooding will be going away quickly. All
overseeing parties have been meeting, we are told, to discuss the problem and
look for ways to deal with it.
In
October of 2012 when climate change expert Bob Sandford came to Cranbrook he
said, “We are entering a period in which water is going to do things we haven't
seen it do before. Examples from elsewhere in Canada suggest changes in
the global water cycle have already begun to affect the hydrology of
significant parts of the country with clear implications for everyone
living downstream.” We, in Cranbrook have been advised by our municipal administration
that we need to be alert to the possibility of flooding this weekend especially
with the predicted high rainfall. Sand for sandbagging has been made
available.
Certainly
this is not a common occurrence in Cranbrook and those long time residents
familiar with Elizabeth Lake have never seen the area with water as high as it
is today.
Over
this last week we have published several interesting and relevant historical
articles from the Cranbrook Courier and we would like to thank the Cranbrook
Museum of Rail Travel Archives for making that information available:
Some
facts:
Elizabeth
Lake was once a marsh. Archaeological
records also show it was once a popular camping and hunting location for the
Ktunaxa en route south.
After
Cranbrook was settled, the creeks running through the town became an annual
source of problems, dividing the town and creating wet temporary marshes.
In
1929, the City began construction of almost 5,000 feet of a thirty-inch diameter
pipe to carry water through the town. This project was completed a few
years later and successfully mitigated many of the spring flooding issues but
not all. The pipe is still in place and still working.
In
1939, the Land Board of the time granted permission to build a dam across the
marsh (now Elizabeth Lake) at the south end of town in order to create an area
suitable for waterfowl year round.
A
new weir was recently installed by Ducks Unlimited at the same height and location
as the original dam.
In
1944, the City of Cranbrook commissioned an engineer to investigate and report on underground water seepage problems, after a 1943 spring of significantly high
water and flooding in the downtown area despite the concrete pipe.
In
this report it stated, “The above facts seem to the writer to prove
beyond any reasonable doubt that the flooding of the swamp(now Elizabeth Lake) is the
direct cause of the flooding of the city.” The report goes on to suggest that if the
ground water rises above a certain level at the swamp due to flooding, the
effects of the rising water table will spread into Cranbrook and cause flooding
problems at a later date potentially up to a year later. The layering of clay deposits and gravel
beds it states, are factors in the complicated flooding issues. Optional remedies in the report of that time
both suggested that excess water needed
to be drained through cut trenches and taken through the city either by pumping
or permanent drainage though the clay layers to gravel deposits.
All these photos were taken in the last week, the second week of May 2014. They follow the course of Jim Smith Creek from Elizabeth Lake to the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel. It is interesting to note that there appear to be several bottlenecks for the water to navigate before entering the the large culvert just south of the Railway Museum parking area.
 |
| high water at Elizabeth Lake flooding trails , benches and bird blinds |
 |
| water being pumped across Wattsville and into a continuation of Jim Smith Creek |
 |
| entering the culvert under Highway 3/95 at the Heritage Motel location - water covering the top of the culvert |
 |
| pump attached to storm sewer at the Heritage Motel location |
 |
| across the highway and exiting culvert just north of the Kootenay Treehouse building shown below, top of the culvert can just be seen |
 |
| creek flowing between CPR access road and properties on west side of highway 3/95 - follow the willow trees |
 |
| flowing in the open until it disappears in a short culvert under the buildings at the top of the picture |
 |
| culvert exit to the left |
 |
| water exits culvert |
 |
| flowing freely behind the FasGas location |
 |
| creek approaching a culvert which takes water under the Prestige Inn property |
 |
| entering a the culvert which takes the water underneath the Prestige property, Van Horne Park |
 |
| exiting the Prestige culvert in the small park, Van Horne Park, adjacent to the Railway Museum |
 |
| flowing freely through park |
 |
| entering the sewer system built in the 1930s to take the creek through and under the city - the creek can be accessed under some buildings via manhole covers |
 |
| a closer look as the water disappears under the city According to the historic articles, water takes approximately 18 minutes to reach the confluence with Joseph Creek. In the photo it can be seen to be flowing freely and with plenty of room in this location. |
Post Script
This letter came to us from Marelon Bjorkaes
1800 Caldwell Road
She asked that it be posted on behalf of all the residents of Caldwell Road who have read the letter and requested that we post it. The letter is a response to comments after this post on the Elizabeth Lake Flood.
I want to comment on Gerry Warner's May 21
reply to Steward Wilson's article and comments.
First of all, Mr. Warner, the Oxford
Dictionary defines "flood" as "An overflow of a large amount of
water beyond its normal limits, especially over what is normally dry
land." http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/flood?q=flood
It's glaringly obvious that the situation
around Elizabeth Lake and along the creek to the south meets that criteria. It
is a huge amount of water, it has overflowed far beyond it's normal limits and
it is now covering land that is normally dry. I know, I own some of that land!
I have to ask what Mr. Warner's objection is to calling a flood a flood? What
is the benefit and who benefits from denying the obvious?
To minimize this situation as an
'inconvenience' is callous and dismissive. Tens and perhaps hundreds of
thousands of dollars of damage have been sustained by property owners in downed
fencing, flooded outbuildings, ruined machinery and equipment stuck in mud
where it has never been muddy before, loss of stored hay, loss of grazing
pasture, damage to septic tank fields and loss of lifestyle choices. Perhaps
most importantly, there is the loss of peace of mind that is causing profound
worry and loss of sleep among the residents affected by the flood. People
within Cranbrook City limits have sustained damage as well - along Innes Ave.
If Mr. Warner is unaware of these losses, damage and impacts, it is not to his
credit. To date I have not been contacted by a single City employee or
official.
I take exception to Mr. Warner's remark
that the residents who have land that is flooded 'chose to live beside an
unregulated body of water.' Mr. Warner, before I purchased the property I now
own, I specifically researched whether this area is a flood plain. It is NOT.
That might be because it has never been flooded here before. Every year, the
level of Elizabeth Lake would rise to a certain level in the spring then drop
in the summer and autumn.
It is true that on most of these properties
around the lake and creek, there has been a collection of water every spring in
low spots due to frozen ground and surface snow melting before the deeper
ground defrosts. There is literally no place for the water to go until the
deeper ground defrosts, which it always did in due time. That, by the way, is
an "inconvenience." In the 14 years that I have lived here, every
year until 5 years ago, the water in the low spots was gone by July and even
the muddy areas were dry by August. It was possible to open up the low areas of
property to allow animals to graze. I could walk around the perimeter of my
property to inspect fences.
In the summer and Autumn of 2013 I
attempted to reach and repair fences in the lower acre of my property and
discovered I could not reach them, even with chest waders on. The water was too
deep and it stayed at that level. It was at least 2 feet higher than it had
ever been before. I'm ashamed to say that at that time, I did not know that a
new dam had been built. I was never informed of it. Nor was I ever informed
that storm drains from the new subdivisions to the east of Elizabeth Lake would
be draining into the Lake.
In any event, with that much water already
in the Lake basin in the Autumn, it stands to reason that any additional water
from Spring melts would be forced to go somewhere!
I would like to ask Mr. Warner exactly
what he is implying with the phrase "chose to live beside an unregulated body of water?"
In the early 1960's in Port Alberni, properties and homes that were miles away from the Alberni Inlet were flooded by
a tsunami. They certainly had not chosen to live near an unregulated body of
water. Their choice did not protect them.
As for being unregulated, decades ago Ducks
Unlimited was granted the right to control the level of Elizabeth Lake with the
weir located at the north end of the lake, and DU says the City of Cranbrook
asked for and was given permission to control the new dam.
BC is a province of coastline, mountain
ranges and valleys; a large percentage of BC's population lives beside those
seacoast, rivers, lakes and creeks. For that matter a large percentage of the
Earth's population lives in areas that are prone to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes,
floods, landslides, tornados, hurricanes, wildfires and other natural
disasters. Shall we dismiss their plight when the disaster happens? After all,
they all chose to live in those vulnerable areas.
Actually, after pondering this question, I
tried to think of one place on earth that has never experienced any disaster.
Then I got really naughty and wondered if we should shrug off the victims of
plane crashes because they chose to get on that plane? Should we dismiss the
victims of car crashes because they chose to get into that car? Maybe we should
imply that people who live in buildings that collapse should not have made that choice?
I would like to make the point that
Elizabeth Lake is not only not a flood plain; it is not even a natural lake. It's a slough that was
damned up to make a stable - STABLE - environment for the nesting of ducks, and
to prevent the City from suffering floods every spring. That original dam
served those purposes without flooding all adjacent property. A representative of
Ducks Unlimited has stated positively that the new dam is exactly the same
height and width as the old one. How is it that the water of the Lake is at
never-before-seen heights? If it is not the new dam, what is holding the water back? And where is all this
water coming from?
If, as is being stated by the Mayor and
repeated by various officials, elected and otherwise, the flooding at Elizabeth
Lake is the result of global warming, an early melt and an extra wet spring (
which no-one has provided evidence of) then why aren't other local areas
affected? The ponds out near Wasa remained completely dry until the 17th
and 18th of May. Interestingly, no-one from the City has mentioned
the new storm drains that empty into Elizabeth Lake! Could that possibly have
an impact on how much water is pouring into Elizabeth Lake- and how fast?
I will agree with Mr. Warner that there are
several stages to the spring melt - and in my experience yes, the worst may yet
come. It is also true that no-one has been driven from their house - yet. From
Mr. Warner's comments it would be possible to assume that it is acceptable for
a city counsellor to pat him or herself on the back until we are driven from our homes.
Well, get ready. 1/3 of my house is built
on sona tubes. The saturated ground reaches well beyond the apparent perimeter
of the water. Groundwater can push up anything that has been sunk into the
ground - or drag it down into the mud. It remains to be seen if it will push up
sona tubes with the weight of an addition sitting on them or if the saturated
ground will pull those sona tubes down. I've heard some ominous creaking the
last few days. At what point am I allowed to get good and angry at the City's
demonstrated and publicly stated indifference to the plight of those of us who
live down here, many of whom looked forward to a happy retirement? "Right from
the beginning we were very clear that we're not willing to flood out Cranbrook
residents to lower Elizabeth Lake any more than the system holds," Stetski said at council
meeting. From The Cranbrook Townsman website http://www.dailytownsman.com/breaking_news/260279891.html
Should I wait until this
"inconvenient" situation creates cracks in my walls? Or should I stay
calm and cooperative and play nice until the addition actually is pushed up or
sinks and pulls away from the rest of the house? Should I wait until there is
visible damage to the roof? Or perhaps the windows will pop out - is that the
point at which this situation changes from an "inconvenience" to a
disaster?
Oh dear, I think I just did some 'armchair
quarterbacking,' to quote Mr. Warner's term. How presumptuous of me. Just
because I've lost the use of 2/3 of my property, lost the fencing on 2 acres,
have seen my sundeck sink 3 inches and can figure out that my property has been
devalued to a degree that can only be guessed at, any comments I or other
residents so affected cannot ask questions and offer suggestions without being
called arm-chair quarterbacks? I always thought we live in a country with laws
about freedom of speech.
If this is merely an inconvenience why are
so many people driving along Caldwell Road to have a look at the flood? Can
Cranbrook residents be so bored that they are willing to drive around looking
at other people's 'inconveniences?"
One last question : if this is merely an
inconvenience, how is it that the City obtained funds from the Provincial
Emergency Management Fund to pay for the totally inadequate pumping that has
gone on at Wattsville Road? Isn't the Emergency Management Fund for
emergencies? Not inconveniences, Mr. Warner, emergencies.
Mr. Warner, many of the owners of property
that has been flooded or saturated, are retired or nearing retirement. To lose
the value of our major asset, our property, at a time in our lives when we
cannot rebuild, is traumatizing. If you don't understand these things at least
please don't minimize them.
I personally believe the least you can do
now is apologize to the good people whose lives have been disrupted.
Marelon
Bjorkaes
1800
Caldwell Road
Gerry Warner reponded:
Gerry Warner reponded:
Hello
Marelon Bjorkaes. The reason why I made some comments in The Guardian that were
factually incorrect, and for which I apologize unequivocally, is that there has
been precious little face-to-face discussion about the difficulties Elizabeth
Lake residents have been experiencing this spring because of the unusually high
water on the lake. However, I take exception to you accusing me of armchair
quarterbacking you about the lake situation because until I read your letter
today (June 2) I didn’t even know you existed. My remark was directed at
several comments sent to me and other councillors that criticized the City for
using pumps to lower the lake and a few days later condemned the City for not
running the pumps! Obviously nothing will be solved by that. Meanwhile, as talk
of litigation fills the air, nothing concrete is being done about the situation
and the last thing that would help – and you may agree with me on this – is to
turn it over to lawyers. That would be very costly for both parties and could
take years. In light of this, please allow me to make a suggestion. As a
councillor myself, let me try to set up a closed-door meeting between Elizabeth
Lake residents being flooded and senior City staff to thrash out options to deal
with the problem now and not wait for some potential legal remedy that may or
may not come in the distant future. Let’s roll up our sleeves and like good
neighbors do what we can to remedy a situation that’s admittedly traumatizing
and disruptive to all of you at the south end of the lake. This isn’t rocket
science. Together if we start to communicate face-to-face, we can solve it.
Otherwise the alternative is hand it to the lawyers. That’s the last thing we
need.
Councillor
Gerry Warner.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)