SUMMERLAND REVIEW THE VOICE OF OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1908
VOLUME
67
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ISSUE
NO.
20
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S U M M E R L A N D,
WWW.SUMMERLANDREVIEW.COM
B.C.
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T H U R S D AY,
M AY
22,
2014
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16
PA G E S
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Members of a Summerland jazz quartet have received recognition for their musical abilities.
Budget work
In his first year as the MLA for the riding of Penticton, Dan Ashton has worked with the province’s finances.
Page 3
Building walls
Workers at a Summerland house used straw bales to create the walls.
Page 6
A new novel
A Summerland novelist has written a story examining counter-terrorism.
Summerland Minor Softball hosted two recent tournaments, drawing players from around the province.
Page 12
YOUR SMILE The probability of meeting someone you know increases when you are with someone you don’t want to be seen with.
INCLUDING
GST
Bus use rises by John Arendt
Page 8
Ball tournaments
$1.15
Summerland ridership comparable to long established services
Making music
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A walk in memory
Carla McLeod Special to the Review
Ellen Walker-Matthews, right, helped organize the first Giant’s Head Grind, to honour the memory of her son Christopher Walker. Walking the race with her is Janice Agur.
Majority of fires human caused by John Arendt Provincial fire crews have been busy with wildfires this spring, but the majority have been caused by human activity. Melissa Klassen, fire information officer with the Kamloops Fire Centre, said there have been 52 wildfires in the region so far this year, burning 266 hectares. Of these, one fire in the Vernon Fire Zone on Friday was the result of lightning activity, while the rest have been caused by human activity. The number of fires so far this year remains lower than in the past. The 10-year average at this
time of year is 61 wildfires, destroying 404 hectares. In the Penticton Fire Zone, which includes Summerland, one new fire was reported on the weekend. The fire, near Strawberry Creek, was reported late Monday afternoon. It was less than one hectare in size and was quickly controlled. No structures were threatened as a result of that fire. Klassen said human-caused wildfires are common in spring and early summer. In July and August, when thunderstorm activity becomes more frequent, the number of lightning-caused fires increases
and by the end of the season, roughly half the fires reported are the result of lightning strikes. At present, the risk of wildfires is low to moderate in the region, but the danger rating can escalate quickly in dry weather. Campfires are still permitted, but if a campfire or party fire violates the fire regulations, those present could each receive a $345 ticket. If a campfire or party fire results in a wildfire, those responsible could face fines up to $100,000 and up to a year in jail. “Any fire caused by human negligence is one too many for us to respond to,” Klassen said.
Summerlanders have embraced the community’s transit service and ridership numbers are higher than B.C. Transit officials had expected. “It’s an unqualified success,” said Meribeth Burton of B.C. Transit. “If ridership continues to be as robust as it is now and if the budget allows, it will require an evaluation of the transit system.” The service was launched at the end of October and was offered free until the end of 2013. Since January, the bus service has averaged 580 riders a month, or 5.3 riders per hour, Burton said. The figure is comparable to the West Kootenay system, which averages 5.47 riders per hour. However, Burton said the West Kootenay system has been in place for more than 10 years. “A well established, successful system has five to six riders per hour,” she said. Municipal administrator Tom Day said the passenger numbers are encouraging. “We’re excited with the numbers,” he said, adding that it allows people to get to important services in Penticton without the need for alternate transportation. The service operates Monday to Friday with four trips to and from Penticton each day. It does not operate in the evenings, on weekends and on statutory holidays. The municipality’s costs for this service are $106,281 for 2014. Day said an expansion of service is not in the plans at present. After the municipal election in November, the next council may choose to examine the service.