EAGLE VALLEY
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Volunteers vital to operation of thrift shop Page 3
Eagles continue to soar in face of adversity Page 8
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 PM40008236
Vol. 53 No. 42 Sicamous, B.C., • 1.25 (HST included) • www.eaglevalleynews.com
The Michelle Clough Project: Michelle Clough decorates the front yard of her Spruce Street residence in preparation for tonight’s Halloween tricks and treats. Photo by James Murray
BC Safety Authority explains actions during flooding No apologies: Organization admits communication with other agencies needs improvement. By Lachlan Labere Eagle Valley News
The BC Safety Authority says they could have worked more closely with organizations, including the District of Sicamous, in response to the flooding that occurred in the community following the June 23 debris flows. Last week, Sicamous council had an opportunity to meet with BC Safety Authority (BCSA) president Catherine Roome, and express their concerns and/or frustrations with actions the BCSA took in early July that left 35 properties without power. A number of those impacted, including the District of Sicamous, claimed they received no advance warning, and losing power meant basements could no longer be pumped out. Such was the
case with the former municipal hall on Riverside Avenue, which the district is now looking at demolishing to make way for more parking. “One of the reasons I’m here is it’s very true, those organizations did not work together as closely as they should have,” said Roome, referring to BCSA, Emergency Management BC, BC Hydro and other organizations that were brought into Sicamous in response to the flooding. “So what I would like to hear in your feedback is what you saw in terms of things that we could do to improve. That’s very important to me.” Asked if BCSA’s authority supercedes BC Hydros, Roome said Hydro accepts requests from BCSA represenSee Councillor says on page 2
Damage done: Sicamous council is considering tearing down the former town hall building after it suffered significant flood damage, allegedly exacerbated after the power was cut to pumps which had been removing water from the basement. File photo