Director Elef Christensen is attending the Electoral Area Director’s Meeting through UBCM in Vancouver this week to solicit three issues for discussion.
The first issue is the mitigation of flooding in Olalla. Each year at freshet, Keremeos Creek overflows and floods several properties. Director Christensen is asking for help to repair the creek to prevent flooding, damage to property, and the potential health risks associated with mosquito presence and the introduction of fecal coliforms from cattle to the water.
The second issue is repairing the dyke system along the Similkameen River. This dyke system is classified as ‘orphaned’ by the province. This classification poses a problem for repairs and funding for repairs because there it is not the property of any governing body. In reaction to the damage produced by the ice jams in 2005 and the flooding of the Similkameen River recently this year, Director Christensen is again approaching UBCM for aid.
The third issue is the expansion of policing in Area “G”. With the growth in Princeton due to the mine, the current RCMP staffing available will be limited. It is important that this issue is brought forth for discussion to ensure that the rural areas are not left understaffed.
It is hoped that these discussions will lead to action from the Province to aid the residents of Area “G”.