EAGLE VALLEY
NEWS
Young artists’ work on display at exhibition Page 6
Joyce named top goalie in Doug Birks Division Page 7
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 PM40008236
Vol. 59 No. 11 Sicamous, B.C., • 1.25 (GST included) • www.eaglevalleynews.com
Move to fouryear term OK with council
Election: Councillors give thought to another run for public office. By Lachlan Labere Eagle Valley News
By and large, Sicamous’ current mayor and council look favourably upon serving a four-year term, though not all have decided whether or not they’ll seek re-election. The B.C. government is expected to introduce legislation that, if approved, would extend the terms of municipal politicians from three to four years, beginning with the Nov. 14 election. The legislation is supported by local governments through the Union of B.C. Municipalities. Sicamous Mayor Darrell Trouton views four-year terms as a good thing, explaining three years isn’t enough time to accomplish the things And the third year you need to, or hope to is an election year accomplish. Typically, and sometimes it can says Trouton, the first go to hell. And… we year for council involves can’t get sidetracked learning and getting as council. We need everyone on the same to stay focused… page. In the second year, Darrell Trouton he says council is more Mayor productive and working more in synch. “And the third year is an election year and sometimes it can go to hell,” said Trouton. “And I think that’s what my point was… we can’t get sidetracked as council. We need to stay focused, look at our priorities and accomplish our goals.” That second year for Sicamous council was sidetracked somewhat by the destructive flooding that occurred and the resulting state of emergency that was declared. But Trouton says that despite this, council has still made significant changes in terms of administration and operations and staffing. As for the November election, Trouton said he hasn’t made up his mind yet on whether or not to run. If he does, he may be running against council’s See Extended on page 3
Hard life lessons: Former gang member-come-youth-at-risk worker and motivational speaker, Amir Javid shares his confessional tale of how easily his life turned to organized crime to an attentive crowd March 3 at the Red Barn. The following day he shared his harrowing yet hopeful, and sometimes humorous story to students at Eagle River Secondary. Javid’s presentations were sponsored by the Eagle Valley Restorative Justice Program and, according to co-ordinator Carol Leczkovics, represent a proactive approach to help raise awareness of the potential traps that exist for youth. Photo by Lachlan Labere
Leaking locomotive receives quick response
By Lachlan Labere Eagle Valley News
A Canadian Pacific locomotive was removed from service Friday after it was found to have leaked 2,000 litres of diesel fuel on a railway siding in Malakwa. Kevin Hrysak, spokesperson for CP, said immediate steps were taken to clean up the spill, using spill pads and sawdust to contain the fuel to the track area. He said the incident was immediately reported to the Malakwa Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Chief Joanne Held, who visited the scene on behalf of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District Fire Services to determine if there was a hazard requiring suppression, as well as provide an initial as-
sessment for the Ministry of Environment. “Our initial report was the spill was clear of any danger to ponds or creeks,” said CSRD fire services co-ordinator Kenn Mount. “The site was well looked after and CP rail staff were attending to the situation appropriately.” Mount said CP immediately brought in support to capture and contain the spillage, and contractors for the ministry assisted with the removal. “Communication onsite with CP Rail and CSRD Fire Services was good and all agencies were very co-operative,” said Mount, adding removal and Clean up: Sawdust surrounds the site of a locomotive fuel leak that occurred Friday on a Malakwa railway siding. clean-up continues. Hrysak noted the incident to The wood fibre was used in the effort to clean up the 2,000 be a “one-of-a-kind situation.” litres of diesel that escaped the engine. Photo contributed