He was born on July 9, 1936 in Chatham Ontario. He attended the same school as Pirjo, his future wife, and graduated one year before she did. His sister, Gayle and Pirjo were best friends.
They first met, when Pirjo was invited to a pajama party by his Gayle. During the evening, he was obliged to walk through the room where the girls were socializing, and to allow him to pass through, Pirjo stood up, and they came face to face. Perhaps the electricity was felt by both of them at that time, but no conversation took place. Pirjo eventually began dating another boy, but after about a year, that relationship broke up, while she was attending London Teachers’ College, working to acquire a teaching degree. While doing her practicum, her supervisor, Miss Cudmore, invited a news photographer to do a story about Pirjo, and Bill saw her picture when it was published in the paper. He recognized her--and her supervisor, who had been his own first grade teacher. He knew her as Miss “Sourpuss” Cudmore. Pirjo assures me the nick name was appropriate.
After seeing the newspaper article, he wrote her a letter in which he asked her for a date. She accepted, and they went to a fireworks display on the May Long Weekend. When he brought her home, she was quite taken aback when he told her, “You are the girl I am going to marry!”
Bill was attending Ryerson Institute of Technology, then, and some time elapsed before they began to date steadily. Then, three months later, he used his tuition money to buy her an engagement ring. Pirjo continued her training, and landed her first teaching job at Port Credit (a suburb of Toronto) on the shore of Lake Ontario. They were married on the 16th of August, 1958, after a year-long engagement.
By skimping on a very tight budget, Bill was able to continue his education at Ryerson, finishing his third year, and earning his degree in Electrical Engineering. He took a position as maintenance supervisor at the Hamilton Steel mill.
The work was interesting, but since childhood, Bill had suffered from asthma, and the high humid temperatures, along with the acrid fumes produced in the mill, severely aggravated his condition.
During this time, Pirjo had taken another job, teaching in Hamilton, Ont.
It was not an enjoyable assignment, but she would have endured it if she had not become pregnant. Because of the School Board’s regulations, she had to resign before the end of term. Constant exposure to the fumes in the steel mill, caused Bill’s asthma to become steadily worse, and he eventually had a serious attack, landing him in hospital. The doctor recommended drastic lifestyle changes for both him and Pirjo. As a result, Bill changed jobs, to work for Northern Electric Telephone Company in London, Ont. They rented an apartment, and their first child, Pam, was born there. After a year or so, they bought a house in Dorchester, Ont. and Michael and Timmy were born there.
His work with the telephone company involved research and development and some of his work contributed to the newer more technical styles of telephones, particularly those found in phone booths.
Yearning for more room and living space, they bought a 75-acre farm for $16 000, and moved out of the apartment. This change in location brought about a kind of existence that involved raising one’s own food, and dealing with animals. His love for animals and gardening continued to be dominant ingredients in Bill’s lifestyle.
Another important part of their lives was involvement with children. They were so moved by the plight of unfortunate children all over the world, that they began to participate in the fostering program—particularly for those labeled as “un-adoptable”. Bill was a wonderful father, and added a strong positive ingredient in the lives of their own children, including two adopted ones, Andrew and Michele, and the numerous foster children they cared for during those years. Bill also participated in a program called “Uncles at Large” a program like “Big Brothers”, and devoted countless hours to helping youngsters with interesting projects and guiding their growth.
Bill’s asthma continued to worsen, and doctors advised him to move to the West, where the air was drier, and less polluted. They sold the farm, and went to Idaho, where they stayed with Pirjo’s family while Bill searched for work. He found a position in Calgary with Alberta Government Telephone (now called Telus), and a concurrent job with Sears Home Improvement Centre. He worked long hours with little sleep, to provide additional income.
They bought a small house in Calgary which was in poor condition, and Bill put in long hours after his workday to repair it, and build special furniture for the family. In 1980, they bought the property on Majestic Road, and began clearing a space to build a larger, more luxurious home. After thirteen years of working on the building during weekends and vacations, they moved into their new home, which remains the family home for Mike and Pirjo.
To members of the Baha’i faith, the most meaningful experience in life is to visit the Shrine of the Ba’b in the Holy Land. It is the most sacred center of the Baha’i faith, and this visit may only be done by invitation. Bill and Pirjo had saved for their pilgrimage for years, and in 2006, the invitation came. In spite of their illnesses, they made preparations and embarked on their journey. It was a high-point in their spiritual lives. Bill and Pirjo took hundreds of photos of the buildings and the surrounding grounds and gardens. Those photos are breath-takingly beautiful and some of them are displayed here today.
Since they first moved to this area, Bill has been very community-minded, serving in many ways, including the following:
He helped re-build the Community Hall after it burned.
He helped build our fire hall.
He served on the Hall Mountain Fire Hall Executive Board
He served as a volunteer fireman, until his health prevented it.
He worked to get 911 service in our area.
He served as President of the Senior Citizens Society.
He served as President of the YK Rec Soc.
During his term as president, he:
Procured the curtain for the stage.
Acquired a new sound system for the hall.
Did corrective work on the acoustics of the hall,
Negotiated for the Waste Disposal contract, which has brought in extra
income for the Society, whose building is now mortgage free.
Bill is survived by his sister, Gayle Keller, her three daughters: Tracey, Susan, and Kim. Kim has three children, Evan, Elyse, and Lauren. Also surviving Bill, is his sons, Michael, Andrew, and his daughter, Pam. Her children are: Hannah, Zachary,
Rebecca, Chris, Elisa and Jennifer. Jennifer has two sons, Tristan and Samuel. Above all, Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Pirjo with whom he shared forty-nine years of marriage.
He has been a devoted father, an energetic comrade, a loving husband, and a treasured friend. He will be sorely missed.
.
NOW...
Yahk Fire Protection Referendum Results...
! YES !
After months of anxiety Yahk Kingsgate should now sigh with relief. The count was complete by 8:20 pm September 17th, 2005 and the community has spoken with an overwhelming result. 87% of those who voted said YES to a formal, Certified Fire Protection Service. The astounding part was that 173 out of 259 eligible voters came out to exercise their democratic voice.
That may possibly be a record for Yahk.
“This is a proud moment for the Yahk Kingsgate Fire Committee and for the community. They have shown great initiative in that everyone has pulled together to make this happen. I consider this a big step forward and a great start for better things to come!” John Kettle, Area ‘B’ Director said Tuesday evening after the vote count. “We would like to thank Hall Mountain for hanging in there with us or we wouldn’t have had this chance”. He also said the service should be able to be up and running soon. “Yahk will be able to have an Official Canadian Fire Service soon, now that everyone joined in with a team effort!”
Tom Hollis, YK Fire Chief and Bob Hollis, Assistant Fire Chief were both grateful for the residence continued participation. Tom said, “Basically, I would like to thank the community for all their support!”
Lee Rose for the Yahk Kingsgate Recreation Society said, “We would like to thank John Kettle for his continued support for our efforts in the creation of this new Fire Protection Service.”
Bill Currier of the YK Fire Protection Committee pleased that the community help to create a fire protection service for the Yahk area. “They gave the go ahead and I might add, it may be a record for the most voter turn out!”
Mike & Marlene Mitchell graciously hosted a small group of satisfied residence at Two Scoop Steve’s in Yahk to celebrate the results of the Yahk Fire Protection Service Area Referendum.
RDCK Electorial Official- Randy Matheson 1-800-268-7325
For more information contact John Kettle Director Area "B" of the RDCK
Phone: 428-5560 or e-mail: jrkettlejgalt@shaw.ca
Pictures courtesy of penny ap anderson
Mark your Calendars for September 17th, 2005!
Absentee vote date September 7th, 2005!
Area B Regional District Director John Kettle say's it is a GO on the Fire Protection Referendum!
The Provincial Government released the RDCK by-laws establishing the taxation and service area for a new Yahk Kingsgate Fire Protection area. Director Kettle noted, "This has been an extremely frustrating exercise from the start. We have now dotted all of the i's and crossed the t's and it's time to give the people of the Yahk Kingsgate area the democratic right to vote. We have met as a Regional District the parameters set out for us by the province and now we need to get on with providing fire protection for the people. Because of the delay , we are now looking at September 17th, 2005 date for the referendum. This time schedule meets the guidelines set out by the province and we will meet those guidelines."
...We will be having a meeting soon on this issue. It is important to get the correct information for the Fire Protection Service Area. Please watch the local Creston paper for referendum details and your mail for an information brochure.
ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
RESIDENT ELECTORS:
- age 18 or older; and
- a Canadian citizen; and
- a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately preceding the day of registration; and
- a resident of the proposed service area of the Regional District of Central Kootenay for at least 30 days immediately preceding the day of registration; and
not disqualified by any enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law.
NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS:
- age 18 or older; and
- a Canadian citizen; and
- a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately preceding the day of registration; and
- a registered owner of real property in the proposed service area of the Regional District of Central Kootenay for at least 30 days immediately preceding the day of registration; and
- the only persons who are registered owners of the real property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust; and
- not entitled to register as a resident elector; and
- not disqualified by any enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law; and
- if there is more than one registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the owners, register as a non-resident property elector.
These rules are set by the provincial government under the Local Government Act.
The Regional District will be advertising in August which will indicate how to register as an elector in advance of the vote as well as the day of the vote.
...WE HAVE A FIRETRUCK!
Bill Currier and the Fire Protection Committee Janet Banman, Judy Dickson, and Bob Hollis have secured a truck from Hall Mountain Fire Department for the rest of the Fire season. The truck will be insured in British Columbia.
This with the added security of insurance for our volunteer fire personnel from the RDCK will ease the tensions felt by our residents.
Fire Protection Referendum Information Meeting AUGUST 31st, 2005
Canyon Lister Fire Department Personnel-
Glen Guthrie, Ken Paynter, Fred Jones
Left to right: Barry Maclean (Finance Officer for RDCK), Jim Elford (Herchmer Insurance), Arnold DeBoon (Conservation Officer), John Kettle (Regional Director for Area 'B'), Bill Currier (Chair), Judy Dickson (secretary), Bob Hollis (assistant fire Chief), Tom Hollis (Fire Chief).
FIRE PROTECTION IN YAHK & KINGSGATE
by R. Lee Rose
The Yahk-Kingsgate Fire Protection Committee hosted an informational meeting, August 31st at 7:30 p.m. at the Y-K Community Centre. The hall was nearly filled with just under 100 attending. Concerns over the lack of certified fire protection in the community ran high, and questions were numerous.
On the panel were: The Yahk-Kingsgate Fire Protection Committee consisting of Bill Currier, chairman, Tom Hollis, fire chief, Bob Hollis, assistant fire chief, Judy Dickson, secretary, and Bill Whitehouse, captain. Also on the panel were: John Kettle, Regional Director for Area “B”, Jim Elford, insurance professional from Herchmer Insurance, Arnold De Boon, conservation officer, Barry McLain, Finance Officer for RDCK. Also in attendance were members from Canyon Lister Fire Department, Glen Guthrie, Ken Paynter and Fred Jones.
Although the main thrust of the meeting was the need for certified fire protection, the bulk of the questions were directed to Mr. McLean, who elucidated a prepared hand-out concerning the budget for the proposed fire department, and the anticipated changes in the property taxes affecting the residents, should the referendum pass on September 17th, 2005. He gave examples of property tax increases for owners of real property having various assessed values.
From the informational meeting we anticipate that savings in fire insurance premiums would more than offset the increase in taxes in the majority of cases, particularly in cases where the owner was eligible for the over-65 homeowner’s grant.
Mr. Kettle summarized the meeting, describing the legal hurdles the RDCK has had to overcome in holding the referendum, which required a new by-law to be approved by the BC Ministry. He said those hurdles had delayed the original proposed date for the referendum which was set for a date in June, and he urged the residents to come out and vote on September 17th, or in the early poll on September 7th, if they were unable to vote on the regular date. He said that work on the establishment of the new tax-based fire department would begin immediately upon successful passage of the referendum.
He complimented the residents for their initiative in building their own fire hall, and volunteering for service as fire fighters as well as auxiliary personnel. He mentioned that there are now over twenty volunteers participating in training, including seven who have served for several years already. He expressed confidence that the referendum would pass, in view of the enthusiastic participation shown at this and previous meetings, but urged full voter turnout, warning against complacency. Fifty percent plus one of the voter turnout must vote “YES” for the referendum to pass.
For further information, phone 250-424-5452, or e-mail: glenlily@telus.net
Photo's by penny ap anderson
Debbie Whitehouse (Auxillary), Glen Guthrie, Ken Paynter, Bill Whitehouse (Captain)
John Kettle urging full voter turnout, warning against complacency.
TERASEN THE NATURAL GAS AND WATER COMPANY ( Kinder Morgan )
has Proposed COMPRESSOR STATION in our community in conjunction to their proposal of the
INLAND PACIFIC CONNECTOR PROJECT that will supply natural gas to the lower mainland and eventually to the Sumas washington project.
It is stalled in the Environmental Assessment process. Terasen (Kinder Morgan) have a total of five years to address our communities concerns of the compressor station. Please read on for History Correspondance. If you have any questions please contact or for Transcript of Meeting with Terasen please e-mail Penny A.P. Anderson.
Special Committee to address the proposed BC Gas Compressor Station in Yahk. (Terasen Gas ) NOTE: KINDER MORGAN from Texas, USA has bought out the Terasen Company.
Current Status of BC gas’s application with the EAO April 4th 2003
This letter is the Official Position of the Communities Special Committee to address the proposed BC Gas Compressor Station in Yahk. It was originally sent April 15th, 2002 to Ms. Marcia Farquhar; The EAO, Elvin Masuch; RDCK Area Director, the Premier, Bill Bennett; MLA, Blair Suffredine; MLA, & Donna McGeachie; BC Gas.
To: Marcia Farquhar, Ph.D.
April 15th, 2002
From the Members of the Special Committee addressing the proposed BC Gas Compressor Station in Yahk Ron Draper Penny A.P. Anderson, Monika Currier, Bill Currier, Alan Burt, Don Russet, Joyce Johnson. Yahk Kingsgate Community Planning Committee Contact: Penny A.P.Anderson 250-424-5596
In regard to the BC Gas Compressor Station Proposal for Yahk
In order to legitimize our comments, we would like to start this submission with a little history about our Community Planning Process. In the spring of 1999, the Yahk Kingsgate Recreation Society (our ‘town hall’) accepted the responsibility to develop on-going planning in the Moyie River Valley in BC. Our reluctance to accept the "general zoning formula" that has been applied to much of the rest of the rural area in the Regional District of Central Kootenay, was graciously accepted by the RDCK management and they have remained supportive of our efforts, offering us their experienced council and encouraging our responsible independence. Since then, our community has successfully built our own community fire hall in conjunction with the Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department based in Northern Idaho. This cross boundary fire department can be held up as an example of international co-operation and rural resourcefulness at a time when only larger populations have the tax base to be able to afford government supplied services. Our community has taken responsibility for our local heritage sites and trails in conjunction with the Trans-Canada Trail Foundation, BC Trails Foundation and the BC forest service, with co-operation and assistance of Tembec and Trans-Canada Pipelines. We have also initiated a stream renewal program for Hawkins Creek in which we have collected stream data under the guidance of Fisheries Renewal of British Columbia. We are presently meeting with the Range Users Association and the BC Forest Service Agricultural Leasing Division to examine our findings and address the huge deficit in stewardship of this important international drainage. Fisheries Renewal through their office in Cranbrook (contact Kenton Andreshuk) has approached our Community Planning Committee with the proposal that we partner with the community of Moyie to take on the stewardship of the Moyie River from Moyie Lake to the international boundary with the goal of cleaning up the many intrusions on the waterway from Agriculture, Forestry and Transportation activities. Our hope is to renew the native population of fish and stabilize the stream environment to protect their ongoing survival. This initiative is still in the discussion stages . . . Our community also has an extensive website built by an involved community volunteer in which we keep our citizens apprised of developments and educated on issues. About 35-40 percent of our community is actively "online" and uses this important resource to keep abreast of developments. As democratic legislative control should be, our ongoing planning process is (hopefully) responsive to development as it occurs. At this stage in our process, though we do not have specific zoning, we do have a vision of how our community should be laid out, and we will try to accommodate development proposals as they are presented. As a result, public consultation and participation is very important to us as it is an integral part of our approval process. We had a public meeting before the presentation by BC Gas to our community in which they planned to outline their plans to build a Natural Gas compressor station in Yahk. We circulated BC Gas's own questionnaire and compiled the results to help BC Gas representatives better understand the concerns in the community. We then formed a special committee, composed of community members, and reporting to the planning committee of the YKRS, sanctioned by the RDCK, to examine the ramifications of the proposal. We offered our findings in whole, in compiled format and in the form of a counterproposal which would alleviate most of our concerns. We made sure that this information was in the hands of the BC Gas representatives, well before their formal 'open house' and meeting, so they would be prepared and in a position to comment. In short, our findings were that the location of the compressor station was unacceptable due primarily to the fact that it was being located in a residential area, beside a major highway and a major railway, between which runs the Moyie River. We find the risk of further crowding our little one mile wide transportation corridor with this potential danger, in this location, is unacceptable. We also found that the noise level, while possibly acceptable in urban areas where noise is ubiquitous, is unacceptable in our area. We are very concerned with the amount of carbon monoxide and other identified emissions that will be ever present in our valley air as well as the light in the night sky that is unnatural and unwelcome in our community. However, we do have what we think is a very viable alternative . . . an alternative that BC Gas has indicated it will not consider unless the EAO questions or rejects the present proposed location. The attitude of our town is that we are British Columbians first and community members second. We appreciate the need to move our resources and though many of us don't even have the luxury of natural gas service, we understand its importance to our province. As a result, we are not saying "not in my back yard", rather "not right there in our back yard . . . over here"! About 60 people turned up to the open house meeting hosted by BC Gas on the 7th of April 2002. We only have about 200 adults in our planning area, and most of us are not near enough to be directly affected by the noise, however, we take our responsibility seriously and we expected to be taken seriously in return. The representatives showed a lack of concern for many of our issues and even answered one of the questions with the comment " Well . . . you chose to live here . . . " We consider this attitude reprehensible . . . Two other noteworthy points . . . The IPC Project assessment team in their Trans-boundary Environmental Assessment, identified Yahk as being the only station proposed that may reach reportable emission levels . . . a real concern for residents of a valley prone to inversions. Secondly, it appears that this same assessment team missed the fact that this line does in fact cross a trans-boundary watercourse within ten miles of the border, as it crosses the Moyie River just north Eastport Idaho where this river flows into the US. We are an active community comprised of mostly responsible citizens who are concerned about our environment and the impact of development on our area of jurisdiction. We seek constructive dialogue through proper channels, which requires that we be accepted as a having the right to a seat at the table in negotiations that affect our management area. We have the sanctioned right to police our own environment and we consider it our international duty to point out the dangers inherent in this proposal by BC Gas. We strongly object to this compressor station being built in the proposed location and we insist that our concerns be heard and factored into decisions. Our counter proposal involves some extra expenditure by BC Gas, but it will balance easily against the compensation that BC Gas will be facing should they continue on their present course. We request that you address our concerns by asking for a re-examination of the project. We would like to see proof from BC Gas that they have in fact done the surveys they claim to have done, and we desire public input into the ongoing proceedings and all it's ramifications.
Respectfully
David Finch For the Special Committee of the Community Planning Committee
in conjunction with
The Special Committee to Address the Compressor Issue
The most recent communication from our community to the EAO July 25th, 2002
CC to: Joyce Wagenaar, Donna McGeachie, Bill Manery; BC Gas, Troy Sirett; BC Gas Land Agent, Lawrence Pachal, Myrna Webb, Rick Farmer; TCP, , Bill Bennett, Blair Suffredine; MLA’s, Premier Gordon Campbell, The RDCK & Area Director Elvin Masuch, Unity Party Leader Chris Delaney, BC Utilities Commission, West Coast Environmental Law, Mary Anderson; DEQ Idaho, Robin Lee; Mayor of Keremeos, John Mathers; CEAA, Richard Gathercole; BC Public Interest Advocacy & Glen Purdy
With respect, please find a copy of a letter to the EAO from the community of Yahk/Kingsgate where we continue to outline our concerns about locating a compressor station in the midst of our very limited residential properties. At this time we urge you to become involved in this process and make your views known to the participants.
We understand the need to move gas to the lower mainland and we are not saying "Not In My Back Yard"! On the contrary. We have identified what we consider to be a very practical and workable alternative site, known as site 4, close by.
Please help us to find a solution that will not do irreparable harm to this tiny community and to the quality of life of its residents. We look forward to your active involvement in addressing our concerns.
Regards
Special Committee to address the Compressor Issue
July 25, 2002 TO: Marcia Farquhar
Marcia.Farquhar@gems2.gov.bc.ca
Project committee-Inland Pacific Connector Environmental Assessment Office Box 9426, Stn Prov. Govt. Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V1 As citizens and taxpayers of British Columbia and Canada, we trust that all government agencies and ministries involved will be concerned and responsible for our safety and welfare in the matter of the BC Gas Inland Pacific Connector proposal. The proposal is for a 3 unit Compressor Station on lot 12 (site 2) in the community of Yahk/Kingsgate. We do not want to be casualties of this Governments commitment to streamline any proposal of the oil and gas industry. We are not saying do not build. We understand the value of the tax dollars and revenue this project will generate. This project is still possible through the community’s choice of site #4 or Kitchener. This alternative site will mean less new destruction to the environment and remove it from close proximity to people and their homes.
BC Gas is showing a distinct lack of concern for our community. To date, BC Gas has not mitigated any of our expressed concerns. It would appear that the only concern of BC Gas is getting the proposal through the governmental agencies at a minimum cost and maximum speed. The purpose for the proposed IPC has not been clearly defined. Communities throughout BC have received contrary information regarding the purposed use of the ‘Inland Pacific Connector’.
The odourant facility is also in question. BC Gas is sidestepping an important factor with the environmental assessment of this new facility. The assurance of ‘no leaks’ in the past 50 years does not fare well since there has been a leaking problem for years with little response of our community’s complaints. BC Gas is ‘fixing the problem’ under the direction of the EAO. BC Gas and Trans Canada Pipeline should be able to fix the existing leakage problem without taking valuable land away from our community’s future population base. BC Gas has stated in it’s own literature the criteria of the company is not to scar any more than needed lands and to utilize existing right-of-ways? Has TCP involvement with this proposal been amended? In an e-mail to our committee from Joyce Wagenaar; BC Gas Community Relations Liaison, she indicated an 8 x12 ft. odourant facility will be constructed with the possibility of a transmission building at a later date. Can BC Gas clarify a letter written by Bill Manery to Marcia Farquhar at the EAO date May 9th, 2002? The first paragraph could read that the proposed Compressor station will be constructed on the two lots purchased from John Zolynsky adjacent to proposed site #2. We have recently received information that suggests BC Gas may already be pumping gas in the reverse direction, shipping gas into the Trans Canada Pile Lines for export to the USA. We also understand that under NAFTA such exports are irreversible if this is true it contradicts assurances given to us by BC Gas that this is not the reason for putting a compressor station in Yahk and that there are no plans to ship gas out of the province. It would indeed be unfortunate if any application for a rate increase due to a shortage of gas, came before the utilities Commission and it was learned that BC Gas created the shortage by exporting the gas. BC Gas has not mitigated any of our concerns as indicated to Elvin Masuch; RDCK Director, Area C. Every study to date can be countered by our preliminary studies. Briefly: Noise -BC Gas studies were not done near the homes of the people. -Need clarification of BC Gas study i.e. Noise base? Air dispersion -Cranbrook is wrong comparative model. -Modelling must be done at the specified location over an extended period of time. Our investigation indicates at least 1–3 years. Land Values -Based on comparative market analysis, not property assessment. -Lands around oil and gas facilities have been purchase through those companies to appear that no actual negative effects have occurred. -Kitchener subdivision has not been able to sell adjacent land across from BC Gas facility. (Adjacent meaning across a road from a facility.) -Langley residences are upset over the Compressor station and BC Gases methods of public consultation. Other issues -recognize our community planning -tourism, recreation, and visual quality -clear future plans -socio-economic -physical and mental health -Study for fine particulates and effects -National Security, Terrorist issue. Our community strongly objects to how these studies were conducted. It is our request to have an arms length company performing any further studies. We have given BC Gas an alternative location, site #4, a flat open clear-cut landscape, close proximity to Trans Canada Pipeline, road access, and on top of a hill for better distribution of pollutants. This site gives BC Gas the opportunity to continue to do business with the backing of the community. The alternative, a lengthy legal and public battle that none of us wants, especially when there are two alternatives; site #4 and Kitchener. However, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty of our area and protecting the future of our community. We look forward to your active involvement in addressing our concerns.
Sincerely, The Special Committee to Address the Compressor Issue
cc: Joyce Wagenaar, Donna McGeachie, Bill Manery; BC Gas, Troy Sirett; BC Gas Land Agent, Lawrence Pachal, Myrna Webb, Rick Farmer; TCP, , Bill Bennett, Blair Suffredine; MLA’s, Premier Gordon Campbell, The RDCK & Area Director Elvin Masuch, Unity Party Leader Chris Delaney, BC Utilities Commission, West Coast Environmental Law, Mary Anderson; DEQ Idaho, Robin Lee; Mayor of Keremeos, John Mathers; CEAA, Richard Gathercole; BC Public Interest Advocacy & Glen Purdy
For more information
Inland Pacific Connector Project BC GAS
Environmental Assessment Office EAO
Letters supporting our communities effort to relocate the proposed compressor station
The complete transcripts from the BC Gas Open House and Public Information Meeting held
April 3rd 2002in Yahk.
In regard to the proposed compressor station, about 40 concerned citizens turned up for the Town Hall Meeting in Yahk on Wednesday, March 27th. The BC GAS Open House & Public Information Meeting ~ Wed. April 3rd was attended by 60 local residents.
~ Write your own Letters & Emails ~
Project Committee Chair, IPC Project Review
Environmental Assessment Office
PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9V1
Telephone: (250) 356-7484
Fax: (250) 356-6448
E-mail: Marcia.Farquhar@gems2.gov.bc.ca
bill.bennett.mla@leg.bc.ca
blair.suffredine.mla@leg.bc.ca
premier@gov.bc.ca
Fax to John Kettle RDCK Area Director 250-428-4050
Contact the RDCK rdck@rdck.bc.ca
Fax 250 352-9300
To comment directly to BC Gas in regard to the Inland Pacific Connector Pipeline Project contact:
Joyce Wagenaar, Community Relations Officer
Direct Line: 1-604-592-7682
Phone: 604-443-6553
BC toll free: 1-888-773-9333 (7:30AM to 4PM, M-F).
The following letter is the BC Gas response to comments made at the April 3rd BC Gas Open House. Bill Currier and other local residents expressed grave concern at the lack of response from BC Gas in regard to odours from the nearby odourant facility. See the transcripts from the meeting.
April 22, 2002
Dear Resident: On April 3, 2002, BC Gas held an Open House in Yahk at the Yahk-Kingsgate Community Hall regarding a natural gas compressor station, which is part of the proposed Inland Pacific Connector Pipeline project. BC Gas benefited greatly from the vast amount of public comment received during the public meeting, in regards to the proposed project and also about our operations in the area. Particularly, BC Gas is very concerned that residents mentioned they had experienced difficulty contacting BC Gas to report gas odours from the BC Gas odourant facility in Yahk. (link to transcripts of discussions from meeting) We would like to ensure that local residents have the appropriate contact information to report gas odours or to speak to someone at BC Gas. To report gas odours: Call the toll free number listed in the Yahk telephone directory 1-800-663-9911. The number is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operator will dispatch the BC Gas personnel on call in the area who will respond immediately. To contact Community Relations or For general information about BC Gas contact 1-888-773-9333 (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday) BC Gas is aware that odourant from the facility can periodically be detected in Yahk. At the facility, mercaptan, a non-toxic odourant is added to the gas as required by code to ensure early detection of natural gas leaks. This also provides public and employee safety. We are planning upgrades to the facility to utilize the latest technology ensuring odours from facility are not noticeable in Yahk. We hope to begin the upgrade this year. In the meantime, if you detect a gas odour, you should contact us immediately. BC Gas is committed to resolving this situation as quickly as possible. Sincerely, Joyce Wagenaar Community Relations Officer (604) 592-7682
YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHERS, BEGINNERS AND EXPERIENCED....WE WANT YOU!
WHO 's it for? Kids who live in Creston Valley,from Yahk to Riondel... aged 9 to 19 ...who are interested in taking photographs and another group who want to work with artist mentors and to work together on designing a project with the photos.
WHAT is it? A FREE photography project with a theme, and in co-operation with an Arts Council project for display during Arts and Culture Weeks April 22-28 and Focus on Youth
WHY are we doing it? Some photos are chosen to go to Nelson, some are chosen to be displayed in town , especially at the 'Poetry,Rap, Spoken Word Event' in April. But we'll tell you alot more about that, later.(Especially the part about creating this together)
WHEN DO I REGISTER? PHONE REGISTER FIRST AS SOON AS YOU HERE ABOUT THIS! CALL BY MARCH 28TH, WEDNESDAY EVENING. Leave a message on 428-7284 saying your NAME AGE, whether you wish to use your OWN CAMERA OR NEED A DISPOSABLE ONE. (we have a limited number of disposables, only) and CAN YOU MAKE THE MEETING ON THURSDAY? If you can't make the meeting on Thursday, we'll call you back to make other arrangements.
The meeting is also to let us know if your want to be part of the creative project of putting it all together.
WHEN DO WE MEET? Thursday, March 29th,7:pm to 7:45pm, get your guidelines, sign-up, and pick up a disposable camera. We have a limited number of disposables, so if you have a camera, use that.
WHERE do we meet? Creston Public Library, 16th Street, South, at the SOUTH DOOR (look for a sign)
WHEN DO WE TAKE PHOTOS? Photography :NEEDS TO BE TAKEN BEFORE Thursday, April 5th. WE'LL CONTACT YOU ABOUT GETTING THE PICTURES.
QUESTION S we haven't covered here? call 428 7284, say your name, leave your return phone number, ask your question, repeat your return phone number. A live person will get back to you.
Here is the information on an artist list I am suggesting for Art month.
An advertisement in each of the 4 art features in April would be an ideal way to introduce artists to a very targeted audience.
The ad would have a heading:
Local artists
Under the heading would be various categories as required. For example:
water colour
acrylic
pencil
pottery
etc
Individual artists can list their information including name, gallery location, phone number and/or website under their chosen category. The space allotted per artist is 3 columns (3 3/8") by 10 lines (3/4").
The cost is $39.96 plus gst for 4 issues, April 5, 12, 19, and 26
We also discussed the type of ads Pridham Studio and Alfoldy Gallery have. These 2 column by 2 inch ads are booked annually for a flat rate of $25 per month.
Please circulate this information to other artists in your network.
They are welcome to contact me for any clarification.
The deadline to be included in all 4 issues starting the April 5th issue, is Monday, April 2nd.
He helped re-build the Community Hall after it burned.
