KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK TUESDAY
kamloopsthisweek.com kamloopsthisweek p kamthisw kamthisweek we ee ek
30 CENTS AT NEWSSTANDS
|
AUGUST 25, 2015 | Volume 28 No. 102
TODAY’S WEATHER
Sunny and smoky High 27 C Low 12 C
WE ARE ALL CANADIAN — ALL 54,000
IF THESE OLD WALLS COULD TALK
Canadian Mosaic linked to 150th birthday
Looking into the past in the present
A4
B1
City wants 30% reduction in water use
ELECTION2015 #elxn42 #kamloops
THE ISSUES
During the campaign, KTW will quiz the candidates on various topics. Today, we ask: Gas prices at the pump remain high despite the fact the price of a barrel of oil is at about $40, which is the lowest price in six years. Is there anything you and your party can do to combat high pump prices?
ANDREA KLASSEN
STAFF REPORTER
andrea@kamloopsthisweek.com
Getting gouged at the gas pump? ADAM WILLIAMS
STAFF REPORTER
adam@kamloopsthisweek.com
Steve Powrie and Bill Sundhu are as confused as everyone else at the pumps. With falling oil prices and rising gasoline costs, the federal candidates for the Kamloops-ThompsonCariboo region say they struggle to keep up with the latest reasons for the numbers. “We think like everybody else — it’s ludicrous that we’re paying the same price, if not slightly higher at times . . . as when the price of a barrel of oil was $140, and we’re down to $41,” said Liberal candidate Powrie. “We hear all these excuses about downed refineries and supply and demand and everything else, but the fact is, when you cut the price-per-barrel of oil by that much, there should be a huge buffer zone to accommodate a closed refinery or decreased stocks.” Sundhu, too, is frustrated with skyrocketing fuel costs and said the Conservatives’ anti-competition regime for investigating, prosecuting and punishing price-fixing lacks “real teeth.” “Every time I fill up at the pumps, I’m shocked by how high price has risen,” the New Democrat candidate said in an email to KTW. See PRICE POINTS, A6
SUNRISE STUNNER
KTW reader Ron Edward caught this stunning sunrise on the weekend as our star appeared amidst the thick smoke from Washington state fires that has filled the Thompson Valley. An Environment Canada/Interior Health Authority smoky-skies advisory was enacted on Sunday and is expected to continue into today. The good news is that the forecast calls for the smoke to move out tomorrow, revealing sunny skies and a high of 31 C. For more information on health tips for coping with the third smoky-skies advisory of the summer, go online to kamloopsthisweek.com.
2015 CHEV MALIBU LT BRAND NEW!
STARTING AT
$
23,650
OR
ONLY AVAILABLE AT
0%
FINANCING
WHY BUY USED WHEN YOU CAN BUY
The City of Kamloops is asking all users to reduce water consumption by 30 per cent in the face of extremely dry conditions in the region. City utilities manager Mike Firlotte said the North and South Thompson rivers are nearing historical lows. While the city has seen flash flooding this summer, the rains haven’t been enough to bring up river levels or recharge the aquifers. The South Thompson region has been at a Level 4 drought rating since late July, the highest possible rating in the province. The province bumped the North Thompson region up to the same drought rating earlier this month. A Level 4 drought occurs when the water supply is insufficient to meet socio-economic and ecosystem needs. The province encourages voluntary or regulated conservation and allows for the suspension
of water licences, if necessary. While he said the city doesn’t have to worry as much as other communities about a lake of supply thanks to the Shuswap Lakes, Firlotte said the low water levels, combined with hot summer weather, are creating a dangerous environment for migrating fish. The city’s parks and recreation department will water less at civic facilities and parks while the voluntary restrictions are in place, and Firlotte said if residents and businesses do the same, it should be enough to cut usage by 30 per cent. “It’s just looking at our irrigation practices a bit and being aware of what we’re doing outside the home,” he said. Firlotte said the length of time restrictions are in place depends on the weather. The city will announce when residents can resume regular water use.
2015 CHEV CRUZE
NEW FOR LESS?
YOUR CHEVY STORE
BRAND NEW!
0%
FINANCING
OR STARTING AT
$
18,950
1-855-231-3787 • SMITHGM.COM
*CASH PURCHASE PRICE LOYALTY INCLUDED