WEDNESDAY
S I N C E
MAY 14, 2014
1 8 9 5
Vol. 119, Issue 74
105
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INCLUDING G.S.T.
Trail’s newest centenarian Page 2
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PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ROSSLAND, WARFIELD, TRAIL, MONTROSE, FRUITVALE & SALMO
Borrowing for bridge to go to referendum
BIG BIKE ROLLS THROUGH TRAIL
BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
GUY BERTRAND PHOTO
The Heart & Stroke Big Bike rolled into Trail on Tuesday with groups representing a variety of local businesses and organizations joining together to raise money for the foundation. Pictured are the riders from the Teck Art ‘N Spoke.
Coyotes a cause for concern for Fruitvale resident BY VALERIE ROSSI Times Staff
An Area A resident is fearful for her pet and now her children, too, since neighbourhood coyotes have made her property part of their hunting grounds. Living with wildlife is not new for Michelle Epp, whose home is on 11 acres outside of Fruitvale on the way to Nipkow Greenhouse. But in the past 11 years her and her husband Kirby have resided there, they’ve lost a small dog and cat to the coyotes and just last week the predators challenged their golden retriever. Epp is noticing more coyotes these days and is at a loss of how to move forward. “Usually we are vaguely aware of the coyotes existence, take whatever precautions we can, and go about our busy lives,”
ensures their dog “Sadie” is safe inside each night before heading to bed and when the kids (14-year-old Colten, Josh and 11-year-old Abby) play shinny in the carport, they go out in pairs. According to WildSafeBC’s website, coyotes mate in February and March and give birth to about five pups in April or May, which could explain why TRAIL TIMES FILE PHOTO Michelle Epp has been keeping Epp has noticed more prowlan eye on her dog since visiting ing in her neighbourhood. Both coyotes have taken other pets in males and females tend to their young until the pups have learnyears past. ed to hunt and fend for themshe said. “But when they are so selves. prevalent, like right now, and They are efficient hunters and they are coming right into our the bulk of their diet comes from front yard trying to take down small mammals but they will eat my docile, loyal golden retriever, birds, snakes, insects and berries their existence is at the forefront when the opportunity presents of everyone’s mind.” itself, the website continues. Their 12-year-old son Josh Urban coyotes have learned how
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to effectively hunt small pets and livestock and will make use of any garbage that is left unsecured. Over the years the Epps have made sacrifices to rid any attractants from their property, including giving up having geese (after several were taken by the coyotes), but regardless of what measures are taken the scavengers continue to roam their property. Recently a coyote attacked a deer in their neighbour’s backyard and though they managed to scare it off it was too late for the deer that had already bled out. “I’m the biggest animal lover in the world but I hate them,” admitted Epp. “The only time I wish I had a gun or even thought about owning a gun was because of them.” See LIBERAL, Page 3
A stand alone referendum could happen by late summer and give all Trail residents the opportunity to vote for or against the city borrowing money to build a walking bridge over a pipeline crossing at the south end of town. After a counter petition with over 1,200 signatures sunk the Columbia River Utilities/ Pedestrian Bridge Loan Bylaw through the alternative approval process Friday afternoon, Trail council voted to try another borrowing route during the Monday night meeting. “The regional construction of the pipe bridge must proceed irrespective of the city’s added involvement,” explained Michelle McIsaac, Trail’s corporate administrator. Considerable funds have been expended on the engineering to advance the project, she noted. “It should therefore be determined at referendum if the electorate approve the borrowing for the addition of the pedestrian walkway and other utilities.” Before the loan authorization is pushed to Trail’s 5,733 registered electors on the voters list, the bylaw requires approval from the province through Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Then, the voting must be held withing 80 days of approval, which is anticipated to be mid-to-late August. Generally referendums are held during election periods to expend costs, but with the new sewer interceptor line and pipe crossing set to begin this summer, the city’s chance to proceed with the pedestrian walkway as a joint venture with the regional district is coming down to the wire. “Once we move forward on the sewer line it is not possible to go back after and put a walking line on,” said Robert Cacchioni, See PIPE, Page 3
Contact the Times: Phone: FineLine250-368-8551 Technologies 62937 Index 9 Fax:JN250-368-8550 80% 1.5 BWR NU Newsroom: 250-364-1242
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