Page 4A The Castlegar Sun Wednesday, March 4, 1992 Watershed alliance pressing government to rule in favour of for log-around BRENDAN HALPER. Sun staff Member groups of the Slocan Valley Watershed Alliance (SVWA) are anxiously awaiting a decision from the provincial government on whether logging companies are to ‘log-around’ valley watersheds. The SVWA is concerned about Slocan Forest Product's plans to harvest timber in what they (SVWA) consider to be a Reco ition of Achievement Robin Lidstone, C.F.P. Investore Group Financial Services nal service on hehalf of hie ctients throughout 1991 Expert in personal financial plan. ning, this representative directs indi viduals, families and corporations on alized service and the technical re- sources of the company that plo- neered in the field of personal fi cial planning. Investors Group Financial Ser- vices Inc. is a member - company of lnvestors Group Ine. manages inisters nasets of $13 billion for over 800,000 client account. Robin Lidstone, A.C.S.M. (B.Sc.) Cc. . Chartered Financial Planner Building futures since 1940. consumptive use watershed area “Essentially it's (log-around policy) like a moratorium on logging in the contentious area. but providing an alternative said SVWA Rutkowsky adding that the goal of a ‘log around’ is also to provide an equal amount of timber as that in the watershed area “That worked on the coast because timber supply areas there are huge and contentious areas like the Walbran were a very small percentage of the all employees expressing his concerns that limited wood suip- ply for the mill and the high cost of extracting that wood could put the Slocan operation in jeopardy in the near future “We cannot get the necessary approvals to log enough wood to run your mill on any kind of wrote Barber, adding, “With all the constraints and restrictions placed upon us to harvest and deliver the wood that we can get, the costs of this wood will be such that we may lose too much money process- ing it.” ‘With all the traint: and trictions placed upon us to harvest and deliver the wood that we can get, the costs of this wood will be such that we may lose too much money processing it. — IKE BARBER SFP President total timber supply area—they were able to find timber else- where.” However, Rutkowsky also said, “That may not be so easy to do here, where the timber supply area is relatively smaller and a significant percentage of the timber supply area is in con- sumptive-use watersheds.” SFP Spokesperson Terry Dodds said he could not com- ment on the possibility of a ‘log-around’ policy being implemented, until after the government reaches a decision “Any comment made in the meantime would be premature,” Dodds said. According to a recent SVWA press release, SFP President Ike Barber recently sent a letter to CELT ELH cLEhres ALL TYPES OF CEILINGS Hightech Cleaning System Painting is not only messy and damaging to your tiles, it also costs twice as much as cleaning Call James 365-6909 better labour “imate for B.C. Let’s work together. i he Minister of Labour has appointed a committee of special advisers to seek your ide’s on how we can develop fair and balanced labour legislation for B.C © It’s time for British Columbians to work together — ope: strategies to build a stronger economy and maintain our quality of life Put your ideas in writing by March 31, 1992 e nly — on information ifyau'd Tike-xepurcyour Meas on paper by March 31, send them to In the letter, Barber said that SFP’s present approved logging will only run the mill until August of this year. Representatives of both the SVWA and SFP were told by the provincial government that a decision on whether to imple ment a log-around policy would would be made by the end of February. At the time of press at The Castlegar Sun, both groups were still waiting for the gov- emmment’s announcement. The temporary ‘log-around’ policy for Hasty Creek, near Silverton in the Slocan Valley, would remain in effect while newly-established land-use planning and dispute resolution procedures are developed by the Commission on Environment and Resources. The Commission on Environ- ment and Resources, formed in early February of this year and headed by former BC Ombuds- man Stephen Owen, has 18 months to complete its work ‘Log-around’ announcements, diverting timber harvesting away from contentious areas during this time, have already been made for several Vancou- ver Island locations. SVWA representatives, who met with Environment Minister John Cashore in Nelson in late January, argue that logging should be delayed not only in Hasty Creek but in all licensed Slocan Valley watersheds pend- ing the outcome of the new commission's work. The SVWA is concerned that a “talk while the trees fall” approach in the Slocan Valley could lead to further public out forest can meet those demands and still remain productive and healthy in the long term,” Besides the concerns of the ‘Essentially It's like a moratorium on logging in the contentious area, but providing an altemative supply of timber.’ cries-—snch as occurred at Hasty Creek last summer where hundreds of people blockaded a logging road and 83 were arrested. “We believe that some timber can be taken from the valley watersheds,” said SVWA Spokesperson Richard Allin, “but right now we are surround- ed by poorly-planned logging, and we have no confidence in the current Ministry of Forests watershed planning process “This is a critical time for the Slocan Valley forest,” said Allin. “It *s time to take a good hard look at what is here, to consider the range of demands being made upon the forest, and to determine to what extent the — JIM RUTKOWSKY SW)A Spokesperson watershed alliance and SFP, all three municipal councils in the valley have called for an end to clearcutting in-the-main-valey corridor to protect the potential for increased tourism. “Stephen Owen's commis- sion represents our current best shot at dealing with these issues,” Allin concluded. “We hope the province and Mr Owen will see the need for a logging moratorium in valley watersheds while his commis- sion works out a way for all these concerns to be fairly addressed. We are confident that alternate wood supplies can be found to keep the mill running during this period just as on Vancouver Island.” Nelson landlords gouging social assistance recipients? NELSON DAILY NEWS Or tell us in person > You're invited to take part ina series of public meetings to be held soon throughout B.C Watch your newspaper fora public meeting in your area Or call 387-3795 for more Claude Heywood, Chair Landlords of some apartment and rooming houses are reported- ly raising rents to meet new social a ance shelter allowances. A clerk in the Social Services District office brought the matter to the NDN'’s attention some weeks ago, when rate hikes were announced. “They're calling here and ask- HAIRLINES 1444 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, B.C., 1992, ing how much they can raise the rents,” said the clerk, who asked not to be identified. “I think it's disgusting. These raises are meant for people who are already paying rents that exceed the cur- rent maximums. It's pure greed.” Carol Beauchamp of the Advocacy Project agreed the sit- uation exists. “It's true,” said Beauchamp from her office. “People are excited, it’s hard on them. I've been told they (landlords) call and ask how much they can raise the rent. There is also a situation where landlords are raising their remts lo keep assistance recipi- ents out.” Shelter allowance increases were announced by the provincial government in February. Recipi- ents receive payments to match their rent and utility bills. If these rents exceed the maximum allowances, the recipients are expected to make up the difference. Rates are public information,” said Eleanor MacPhersen, super- visor of the district office. “I Silver Rattle Antiques 301-11 Ave. Castlegar, (in Tulips Building) 365-5191 have no idea what the numbers are. Rent increases are subject to the BC Rental act. We can only determine if it’s being done. We refer them to the Advocacy Cen- ter. For a while it was difficult for some to find places that fell under the allowable maximums. For some it is still difficult.” Landlords are obligated to give notice of any rent increase There is no ceiling on how much rents may be increased. Notice of rent increases must be made on the day a persons rent is due Pamphlets outlining provincial landlord and tenant rights are available at the Government Agents office The alleged gouging 1s appar ently wide-spread. Although the names and addresses of perpetra tors are difficult to come by, one local Jandlord was willing to comment Yes, some landlords are engaging in the activity,” said Booth Caldwell of Annable Enterprises, owner of the Annable Block. “But there won't be such increases here. In some places if there is a family of three paying $400. a month, the rates go to $600 and so does their rent We keep our rents at the single person maximum, it doesn't mat- ter if there is more than one per- son renting the room. I sell buildings to these people. I work closely with them. I make sug- gestions. I've never participated in this sort of thing though. But there are a tot of people getting gouged.” City Alderman Danna Gray chick, who sits on the city hous: ing committee stated that she,“hadn't heard anything about in Persons on assistance who are experiencing any untoward increases in rent are recommend- ed to call the Advocacy Project at 352-5777 Current events program returns NELSON DAILY NEWS Shaw Cable's new live cur- rent events program, Nelson Nightline, returns to the air this week after a three week hiatus Nelson Nightline has gained wide popularity during its brief running span. Focussing on current issues in the Nelson area, the show provides a lively mix of guests, film footage and live audience participation Castlegar | Arts Dal presents the Vancouve Children's Choir in concert at the Brillian Cultural Centre on Saturday, March 7, 1992 at 7:00 p.m. Advance tickets from Carl's Drugs and Pharmasave in Castlegar, L&| Books in Trail or at the door. Children (under 12) $3, Seniors & Youths i - 18) $8 ai Adults $10. The next show, which airs on Cable 10 at 8 pm on Wednes- will center on the ss Creek debate Confirmed guest for the upcoming show include Nel- son-Creston MLA _ Corky Evans, Forestry Manager Al Bradley and Harrop-Proctor spokesperson Ramona Faust Nightline took a three week break while awaiting the announcement by the provin- cial government concerning logging in contested areas This week's show will also feature considerable footage from the roadbuilding site and a discussion on wildlife habi- tat The show is co-hosted by Economic Development Offi- cer Marrianne Bond and former NDN Editor Morrie Zaitlin erry REFORMED Kootenay West Revelstoke Constituency NOTICE CANDIDATE SEARCH Wednesday, March 4, 1992 The Castlegar Sun Castlegar and District Wildlife Association 1991 award winners, back row (I-r);Ash- leyJmaiff (Stan Angus Award), Dennis Clow (Mountain goat), Gary Fodor and Stu Clow (Whitetail deer). Front (I-r); Ron Milton (Black bear and Grizzly bear), Jay Mykietyn (Black bear and Cougar), John Marshall (Moose), Dulcie Rich ( Mountain goat), Blanche Ingham (Dolly Varden), Terry Ward (Mule deer), Fred Balican, Mark Gyurkovits (Elk) and Dwayne D'Andrea (Mule deer). SUN STAFF PHOTO / Shariene Imhoff Norm Fenton (left), vice president of the Castlegar and District Wildlife Association, presents Trevor Stetsco the Grand Aggregate Trophy for best overall animal Stetsco had the No. 1 Elk in B.C. SUN STAFF PHOTO / Shariene Imhoff Quarterly update shows _y7#"7 AIDS on the rise in B.C. The cumulative results of the British Columbia Centre for Dis ease Control's AIDS antibody tests. covering 191,862 tests over a six year, three-month period ending December 31, 1991 were released today by Dr. Michael Rekant, direc tor of the Sexually Transmitted Dis eases Control Branch AIDS virus antibody tests focus on persons at risk for infec tion with the AIDS virus (HIV). A total of 5,145 tests performed were positive for the virus: 3,458 were homosexuals/bisexuals, 215 intravenous drug user hemophiliacs, 219 heterosexual contacts, 18 prostitutes, 76 multi- ple blood transfusion recipients and 1,091 for which the risk cate- gory was not specified. There were also five positive results n newboms of infected parents. The statistics also showed that there were 147 positive tests on persons younger than 20. There were 278 positive test results for women as well as 185 positive test results from persons for whom the sex was not recorded. Reckart stressed that since AIDS virus antibody testing does not involve personal identifiers, these totals are inflated by per- sons who are tested more than once. It is estimated that - 30 per cent of all negative tests and 15 - 20 per cent of all positive tests are repeat tests. ‘The number of positive tests results should not be confused with actual cases of AIDS.” said Rekan. “There have been 1,142 cases of AIDS in British Columbia since the first case was reported in January, 1983, and of this group, 756 are deceased.” Of these 1,142 cases, 1,028 were homosexual/bisexual males 39 were homosexuals who had used intravenous drugs at least once, 12 were intravenous drug users, 16 were blood product recipients, 13 were hemophiliacs, and 23 were heterosexual trans. missions. In six cases no medical history could be obtained, and three patients denied any risk behavior. Two prenatal cases have been recorded as well. Dur- ing the fourth quarter of 1991 there three new cases in women, two in Aboriginal people and three transmitted heterosexually. There have now been 218 cases of AIDS reported for 1989, 213 for 1990 and 203 for 1991 Rekart said it was likely that a total of more than 260 cases will eventually be recorded for 1991 when late reports are fully received. The number of AIDS cases in BC increased steadily from 1983 through 1989, leveled off, in 1990, and increased again in 1991. The increasing of cased in 1990 was probably the result of widespread use of zidovudine (formerly AZT) leading to a 12 - 16 month delay in progression from HIV infection to AIDS, said Rekart. It is likely that new AIDS case reports will continue to increase for two or to three years and then level off in the last half of the 1990's, he added. Renovations to high school ahead of schedule NIKI MENARD For The Sun endurance of construction, it would have to be the staff and Soon all the suffering that stu- dents and teachers at Stanley Humphries have been going through will be over. According to SHSS Principal, David Hogg, the contractors have estimated that completion of all renovations will take place by fall of this year The original estimate placed the completion date around the summer of 1993, but the contrac- tors are optimistic that this date can be moved up by six months. In working double shifts and hav- ing all of the necessary materials on hand, construction workers are making rapid progress. Currently the renovations are about one-quarter finished, with several classrooms completed to the point of being cleaned. By working through a few days before and after spring break, the staff at Stanley Humphries will move in and set up their classes in the new west wing. The total budget for the reno- vations is estimated at $6 million, which includes all of the new desks, computers and other new equipment. As the renovations d of Stanley Humphries. “Of course the distractions have a negative impact on learn- ing,”” Hogg stated. “but everyone is holding up as well as can be expected. “Somehow, through classes where the heating is ques- tionable, crowded hallways with minimal lighting, through the dust, noise and all the confusion, people are surviving. Even so, surely everyone will breathe a sigh of relief when the renova- tions are completed.” Auxili iary recall past endeavors “SUBMITTED The Ladies Auxiliary to the Robson Volunteer Fire Depart- ment held it’s annual meeting recently. Last year's president would like to give a special thanks to the members, firemen and wives and all those who supported our fund raising events throughout the year. In 1991 we had a St. Patrick's Day tea, did the concession for a pool tournament and the Fire- men’s Hose Day competitions. We also took part in the Robson Christmas Craft Fair. With the fundraisers we did throughout the year we were able to buy a kitchen table and chairs, as well as a freezer. We also donated to the Castleview Care Centre. We collected toys and food for the Christmas hampers and donated oranges and candy canes to Mountainview Lodge and Castleview Care Centre The Auxiliary's new president is Judy Rempel; Vice President is Sharon Taylor, secre Kathy Seville; treasurer, Janice Johnson; Sunshine and advertising, Darline Edwards; phoning, Lynn Hague Silver Rattle Antiques 301-11 Ave. Castlegar. (in Tulips Building) 365-5191 THIS WEEK IN REALTY With BRAD WALSH Don’t be a drip! Keeping your home in good shape is important, especially if your ind toilets that sound like the Trevi Fountain add to your water bill. They also create an overall impression that your home has not been well-maintained, especially if faucet leaks begin to discolor the porcelain og yaur tub and sinks. house is for sale. Dripping fauce Even if prospective buyers overlook the plumbing when they see your home, they will probably request a structural contingency should they them to get an expert to look the place over, and he or she is paid to check out the systems and appliances thor- oughly. It is highly likely that you will have to make repairs anyway, and we recommend that you do it as part of your preparations for plac- This way, it’s just not an issue when we find the buyers. Remember that if your kitchen and baths have a very high funk factor, buyers are likely to discount the value of your home for much nore than it would cost to make repairs or even to fully reno- decide to buy it. This enables ing your home on the market vate If you are considering a move contact me at Castlegar Realty, Ltd. Feel free to call me anytime at 365-2166. WHEN THE NEED ARISES, WE'RE HERE T0 HELP! From jobs and autos, 141 99 eels ' i] 1 1 ! ! coupon 4 Lod SPIRAL FRIES McCain's 750 g i Swift's Premium Regular/Lazy Maple coupon 1.88: a coupon | L a I BREAD ,) White/Brown 5 Loaves / 454g 79 with coupon without coupon + r 'GRIMM’S HAM! Bick. Forest 100 g. H | Redeem this coupon at | our In-store Dell is without coupon i aie 1 FLOWER 7 with coupon 78 without L: ms) 8. coupon Limit of 1 item per coupon Prices in effect Mar. 5,6 & 7, 1992 Committee of Special Advisers Ministry of Labour and Consumer Services Sixth Floor, 1019 Wharf Street Victoria, B.C VBV 1X4 are so far under budget, the school has been able to purchase equipment that was not originally planned on. For example, the activity room will undergo a major overhaul, including the installation of sound equipment and lights The pride of the school will be the new student lounge, complete with a fully functional kitchen, the lounge will be a place for the students to sit, eat lunch, or just hang out. For Hogg. if is a per- sonal pleasure to see it almost complete, since it was his enthu- siasm that made it possible If there is anyone who must be congratulated through the Se ee ieee ' Alcohol Awareness Week Dick Says The Kootenay West Revelstoke Constituency Association of the Reform Party of Canada is seeking potential candidates to represent the Par- ty in the next federal election The successful candidate must be trustworthy, Reform-oriented, able and electable, and must secure a majority of votes cast at the Party Nomi- Those wishing to vote at the N nating Meeting scheduled for Sept. 12, 1992 in must be members i good nena Gy 2 Mewtng Revelstoke and Sept. 13, 1992 in Castlegar 13, 1992. Fill in th Individuals wishing more information on Reform _a member today © coupon below and become Party candidacies, or wishing to propose poten- © Three of these special advisers is tial candidates, should contact the following John Baigent, Vince Ready and Tom Roper — have been asked to review the provincial Industrial Relations Act and advise on changes needed to promote harmony and stability in B.C.’s labour / management climate to housing and merchandise, OPEN: ' . ' Mon., Ti , Wed., you'll find more of what you're aise Baro Be looking for in Thurs. & Fri. 9 am- 9pm wy Sunday 10 am- 6pm The Castidgar Sun “Be Smart