The Castlegar Sun

Wednesday, July 29, 1992

Where you work: Castlegar Community Centre Sous Alligator Wrestiing/work with

Castieger likes: Playing pirate, Lime n’ Lager, Jett Pet: 2 siamese cats “Tenspeed & Brownshoes Vehicie: 64° Mustang convertible (one day)

Trucker's unity message rolls through Castlegar

The “My Canada’ initiative saned by Toronto trucker, Jim Taylor. A

Each of Taylor's billboards carries up to 4,000 signatures— he has, to date, collected well over 200,000 signatures on 70 billboards. The pro-unity mes-

sion endorsements. After the

of the western tour in early august, the boards will be displayed in communities

ever, the occasional person in opposition to the message. One citizen, when asked if he would sign the board simply replied, “Nope...hope they go.” Castlegar Kiwanis member Bill Moore said, “The response was very favourable. They (vol- unteers) were well-satisfied and the billboards were covered in

Vial of Life helpful to

Sun Staff Soon to be available m Castle- gars Pharmacies is a device

The device is called The Vial of Life and is supported by emer- @racy response personne! and the British Columbia Pharmacy Association.

Whea paramedics respond to am emergency call, they will be able to simply refer to the casy to find and idemify vial which contains all the crucial medical

information partaming to the pauent

Although 1 is designed for amyome tO use. the +32! 1 comsid- ered especially useful for semor cauzems and famulies with chil- dren. it comtamms a bnght red and whute decal to be attached to the refngerator door, im open view of rescue persone! while the vial itself 1s attached to the top shelf inside the door

Bill Girard, the Vial of Life company president said the com- pany 1s committed to saving lives.

“For a minimal investment of

paramedics

money and time, people give themselves a decisive edge Should they fall victim to a medi- cal emergency im their home,” he said

Vial of Life Sales Associate Jacqueline Miller described use of the vial as a preventative safe- ty measure. Information in each vial is specifically designed for each person in the household or family—information about possi- ble allergies to drugs, your doc- tor’s mame and so on.

The vial can also be carried in Cars or boats or on your person during travel.

First graduates with business degrees

SUBMITTED

In 1991, Selkirk College and the Open University component of the Open Learning Agency (OLA) announced the beginning of a locally-based collaborative Bachelor of Administrative Stud- ies program. Open to graduates of Selkirk College's two-ear Business Administration pro- gram, it provides two further years of education locally which allows students to earn a four- year degree. This year, the first students in that program enter their graduating year.

In announcing this, George Mclvor, i of the Busi- ness Administration program, and Gerry Ehman, Coordinator of Selkirk’s Open Learning Centre and local OLA representative, Pointed out the tremendous sig- nificance of this arrangement

“In terms of education, train- ing and opportunity, business is one of the fastest-growing areas, if not the fastest today,” said Mclvor. “With these new pro- giams, pcople now have an extraordinary opportunity to access a full range of business training ities locally. Not only that, they can do it via a number of options, including reg- ular instruction, Co-operative Education, and Distance Educa tion. To a large extent, students can also mix their options, as well as obtaining their training on a full- or part-time basis.”

Asked about the stud. who

group of students who continued on from their diploma last year. They now have completed their third year, and will finish their fourth this academic year. We also have a number of others who are doing it on a part-time basis while they work. A new group will be entering third year this fall, and look to be very strong. We expect student demand for this degree program to continue to increase.”

Ehman explained how the Program works: “The Open Uni- versity has agreed to give block transfer for two academic years to graduates of the Business pro- gram at Selkirk College.” he said. “One of these years is at the lower level - that is first and second year courses, while the other is at the upper level, or third and fourth year. Students fill in another year of lower- level general academic courses already available at Selkirk , and then pick up a year of upper- level courses. While these upper-level general academic courses are Open University courses, they use local instruc- tors and are delivered on site by enhanced delivery. Enhanced delivery,” he went on to explain, “uses a combination of course Packages and classroom meet- ings. Students do a lot of work on their own, then meet one afternoon or evening a week to discuss the material.”

Ehman noted that the Bachelor

Adi

will graduate next spring, Mclvor said: “These represents the first

Studies was the second degree to be made avail- able to local students. The first

Sein ee am DU yt Belin terete perenne

was the E.Ed. degree available through the West Kootenay Teacher Education Program. When asked about the advan- tages of collaborative Degrees, Mclvor explained that they were easy to implement, cost effective, and built on the existing strengths of both organizations. “We're try- ing to meet the need for advanced training, while at the same time recognizing that we don’t have the population base or resources at the time to become a Universi- ty College and offer a full range of course,” he said. “Instead we

‘My Canada’ initiative volunteers Patri Castlegar and District Recreation C:

across the nation.

= Councillor

icia Heintzman and Charles Heenan were at the entre last Thursday to help spread the word ‘unity’

SUN STAFF PHOTO / Brendan Haiper

from 1A although the couple has been negotiating on a residence in North Vancouver, and Stuart Mathieson has been employed at his new position for the past two months.

Technically, a move to the coast doesn't mean that Math- ieson would have to resign, though she feels it would be unfair to voters if she remained as a member of city council.

“I feel very strongly about this.

I wouldn't be making a fair con- tribution to the city if I remained on council after moving.” Math- ieson said

Like other councillors, Math- ieson holds specific portfolio Positions. She is currently chair- person of Works, Services and Parks and assistant chairperson for the Planning and Develop- ment portfolio. She considers Castlegar’s Downtown Revital- ization work among her most

important.

“It's a real disappointment that I won't be able to see this one through,” she continued, adding that Councillor Doreen Smecher will likely assume her position on this Committee.

Mathieson, who has not offi- cially resigned from city council, worked as a substitute teacher in Castlegar. The Mathiesons have lived in Castlegar for over 11 years. In 1985 the family moved to Vancouver, and relocated back

to Castlegar in 1988

Communication lines down in WKP labour dispute

JASON KEENAN Sun staff

The transmission lines between West Kootenay Power and the International Brother- hood of Electrical workers are down.

And no body know how long “There's been no communica- tion between the two parties” since the strike began two Fri- days ago, said Brian Robson, the i busi with

that Selkirk College is currently working with OLA and BCIT on a third degree option in Computer Technology. “This option is based on Selkirk's Business

Inf i

making excellent progress,” he said, “ and see no reason we can’t have it available for September 1993.”

Ehman noted that there are a number of other initiatives under way that also had a good chance of developing into local degree options. “We are actively pursing at least two other degrees at this time,” he said.

“We hope to be able to make at least some announcement on them some time this fall. There are a couple of others as well, but they are at a very preliminary stage.”

local 213 of the IBEW.

“We're taking it one day at a time,” said Robson, when asked how long he thought the strike involving 80 to 100 WKP work- ers in the area might last. The last job action involving the two par- ties occurred two years ago, and lasted just short of six weeks.

Robson said the four main bones-of-contention were pen- sions, wages, statutory holidays, and in-charge premiums (premi- um pay levels when an employee is working in a crew leader or similar position).

When asked for details of the gap between WKP and his union on those issues, Robson refused comment

“I don’t want to start negotiat- ing through the press,” he said.

Greg Fowler, human resources manager for WKP, said the utility is doing its best to cope with the situation, with management help- ing provide essential services

“We're not able to provide the full range of services that our skilled technicians can,” said Fowler. One of the biggest haz- ards facing WKP is the weather, especially lightning storms.

“We can be effected by electri- cal storms.

“We've had outages in the Okanagan and regions, and our supervisory people have

restored services.” He said WKP is asking for their customers’ ing during the strike.

When asked if he knew how long the strike would last, Fowler said “No I do not.”

The strike began July 17, 48 hours after the IBEW had asked mediator Don Cott to book out. They have been without a con- tract since January.

RUBES

=

IAM YOO) 26619 Duy BIENDUAS s:0}ReID)

By Leigh Rubin

“Realy. Al, if you must make methane, Please go into another room.”

Wednesday, July 29, 1992

The Castlegar Sun

Ferry committee to |

SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor

The Robson Ferry committee, existing solely to see the return of the Robson-Castlegar ferry, has written a senior member of the NDP to gain further attention to their cause.

Memb

of the i are

“We're throwing as many irons into the fire as possible. We're hoping that Mr. Williams will understand that the issue involv- ing the ferry is being handled in a way that is not consistent with a previous NDP promise,” said Terry Dalton, who is both a lawyer and spokesperson for the

hoping that Bob Williams, who was Minister of Labour during the NDP’s one-term rule between 1972 and 1975, still carries an amount of influence on NDP Policies and decisions.

Charbonneau refuses ferry, commends committee

SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor

Despite heavy lobbying and

Constant pressure to bring back the Robson-Castlegar ferry, Trans- Portation and Highways Minister Art Charbonneau remains adamant that such a move will not occur. “No. The decision has been made and instead, we are going with a bridge,” said Charbonneau while visiting Warfield last week- end. “The bridge is a very high Priority and it will happen as soon as I can make a financial commit- ment.” Charbonneau said that a detailed design on the bridge is about 95 per cent completed and that 17 out of 21 houses, located in the area where the bridge is set to be built, have been purchased by the government. The minister said he has no di with the constant efforts by the Robson Ferry Committee to have the ves- sel, but reiterated the fact that a decision has been made.

“[The Ferry Committee] is a group that knows what they want, and what their community wants. It’s up to them to press their case.”

The ferry which linked the two communities was removed in April of 1988, and in November of that same year, Mike Harcourt Promised that if he became pre- mier, the ferry would be restored.

“I'm sure that Mr. Williams would want to see the NDP’s credibility protected,” Dalton said.

Williams was widely known for giving up his own seat in the legislature so that defeated pre- mier Dave Barrett could remain as Leader of the Opposition when the Social Credit party won the election in 1975. Bar- rett has also assisted in Glen Clark's career. Today, Clark is Minister of Finance.

Dalton said he is hoping that Williams will talk to three key

obby senior NDP member

people about the ferry; Mike Har- court, Glen Clark and Transporta- tion and Highways Minister Art Charbonneau

“We know that Mr. Williams is 4 well-respected man in this Party, we're hoping that his words will still mean something.”

A copy of the letter sent to Williams by the ferry committee last Friday, was also sent to the three ministers, as well as Dou- glas Symons, Liberal MLA and Critic for Transportation and Highways.

local mayors.

Local MLA Ed Conroy (left) and Minister of Transportation and Highways Art Char- bonneau discussed the truck traffic of Warfield hill last Saturday which a group of

SUN STAFF PHOTO / Jason Keenan

Properties bought on bridge site must be moved by October Incidences of vandalism create need for sécurity staff

Sun Staff

Properties in Castlegar acquired by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways must be removed from their sites by this October, according to a government official.

A total of 21 properties con- taining homes are in the process of being bought by the provincial government in order to finish the first phase of bridge construction. So far, a total of 12 houses and one three-bay metal storage shed have been purchased and are potentially suitable for reloca- tion. The B.C. Purchasing Com- mission has stated that open houses for the public to view the homes are scheduled for August 14 and 15. Once a house has been purchased, it’s up to the new owner to cover the costs of its relocation.

Barry Eastman, Regional Man- ager of Professional Service for the ministry, described most of the transactions involving proper- ty Owners as going smoothly Other potential acquisitions are taking longer due to such things as the owner wanting a second appraisal.

“The initial appraisal is done by a third party, a private certified appraiser who is not involved with the government,” said East- man. “If the owner would like to have a second done, we

higher, we'd look at it and com- promise,” he continued.

When the majority of the homes have been sold and relo- cated, Eastman said a general cleanup of the area and landscap- ing will be done to prepare for the

construction of the bridge. Until that time, houses that are no longer occupied have been board- ed up and are monitored regularly by security staff.

“We have had a few minor incidences of vandalism.”

OUTLOOK: The forecast for

peratures in the low 30's.

Temperature: Max/Date

29.7/26

Rain

Number of Hours

50.4

the Nelson Region.

July 25 - 14.13.10

WEATHER

Wednesday; Sunny and warm with high temperatures to 31 degrees. Outlook for Thursday and Friday: Continuing sunny skies with tem

A LOOK BACK AT THE PAST WEEK: Min/Date 11.65/25

Snow

23.4 0

Thundershowers were recorded on three days last week with record breaking daily rainfalls on the 22nd and 23rd. Haymaking came to a halt by the 21st with forest fire hazards dropping to low to moderate across

Forecast provided by The South - East interior Weather Office at Castlegar, B.C.

ARROW LAKE RESERVOIR FORECAST

Mean

20.7

Total

23.4

Normal Number of Hours

77.0

Aug. 1 - 1412.20

Area burned to date:

ARROW FOREST DISTRICT

DISTRICT FIRE INFORMATION Date: July 29, 1992

DANGER CLASS/FIRE HAZARD - 3 mod.

Total number of fires to date: Number of fires still burning:

crews on standby

Number of new fires today: .....

Weather Outlook (related to fire suppression/prevention activity}: Hot & dry to Sat. Sat. possible thunder showers.

Fire Action: Manpower: Forest officers & Initial Attack

Comments: Last year 10 fires - 7 hectares

Sun's ‘Give me a brake’ feature won't stall

JASON KEENAN Sun staff

“What the hell is a minor brake

have no problem with that, the owner can choose whoever they want to do the appraisal but it must be someone who is certi- fied.”

cost for a second appraisal, as well as lawyer's fees, are being picked up by the

“If the second appraisal is

HALPER _

Sun staff

Despite the continuing dis- pute between the Ministry of Health and _ physicians thi h British Col i

Castlegar doctors to keep doors open—for now

agree with nine different arti-

cles from the government's

recently introduced Bill 71

which they say is ruining the

medical system.

Although some physicians here in the province are

medical offices in Castlegar

should remain

Preparing to opt out of the Medical Ser- vices Plan,

open for the next several weeks

Local Physi- cians Action Committee Chairperson Dr. Jon Van Viiet, said there will be office closures in various com- munities

‘We won't [close offices] within the next couple weeks.’ — DR. JON VAN VLIET Chairperson, Local Physicans Action Committee

Van Vliet does not expect the action to hap- pen in the near future in Castlegar.

“The specialists would opt out before the family doc-

throughout the province

“We won't (close offices) within the next couple of weeks,” Van Vliet said

The province's doctors have been protesting what they call an underfunding of the medi- cal system and a lack of nego- tiation by the provincial government. Physicians dis-

tors,” he said “But if it happened the family doctors would be right behind.”

Those doctors opting out of the Medical Services Plan would begin direct billing of their patients. It would then be the patient's responsibility to seek reimbursement from the Medical Services Plan

,” said Ello Ricciardi, a commercial vehicle inspector whose work was profiled in the June 17 issue of the Sun.

For Ricciardi, brakes are still a Problem, despite what Rob West- on, the General Manager of the British Columbia Trucking Asso- ciation, said last week in a letter to the Castlegar Sun editor, head- lined Inspection results should remain in perspective

In that letter, Weston claimed that Of vehicles placed out of ser- vice, 85 per cent of those were required only to do a minor brake adjustment before they were allowed to proceed. Ricciardi had some trouble with that statement.

“There is no such thing as a minor brake adjustment,” he said.

“If they neglect to adjust their brakes, they are a defect and they are out of service.” A brake out of adjustment by as little as one- quarter of an inch can result in a brake failure when coming down a steep hill like Highway 3 from

Grand Forks.

Adjusting brakes is not a com- plex process. All the driver has to do is tighten the accessible bolt on the brakes’ slack adjusters as far as the bolt will go, and then loosen it one-quarter turn.

That is a required part of every

hours,” said Ricciardi. There should be no more than five hours between the morning pre-trip and the inspection site.

“There is a big, big problem with brakes,” said Ricciardi. “I don’t think we'll ever. get rid of it”

In his letter, Weston claimed that the made by the

‘There is no such thing as a minor brake adjustment.’

— ELLO RICCIARDI Commercial vehicle inspector

Pre-trip inspection, and should be done every morning before the truck goes out on the road.

“Being a minor process, a driv- er should be aware and do it,” added Ricciardi

What is the likelyhood of brakes needing “minor” adjust- ments when they reach an inspec- tion point?

“If they are adjusted correctly, it is highly unlikely they would need adjusting in four or five

Breaking the

SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor

A $60,000 federal government grant will help the Kootenay Columbia Childcare Society, slow down the potential poverty cycle which young, single moms face in Castlegar.

The federal Ministry of Employment and Immigration’s Stay In School project, set to begin August 10, will allow young mothers with a limited education, a chance to return to the classroom while their babies Teceive qualified care. Academics will play a major role, although

4

parenting skills, childhood devel- opment, life skills, and home management classes will also be taught.

“More and more women, when faced with an unexpected preg- nancy, are choosing to keep their babies. When they make this decision, there should be resources available to them,” said Katrine Conroy, Administrator of the Kootenay Columbia Child- care Society (KCCCS), in an ear- lier interview.

Many young, single women with children have low self- esteem, little education and are faced with conflicts within their

inspector quoted in your story as to the number of instances of unadjusted brakes as nine out of ten, however, is grossly exagger- ated.

The original story stated that

Ricciardi said a recent inspec- tion in Terrace had some unnerv- ing results. “There was a 90-per-cent failure rate on com- mercial vehicles on brakes alone,” he said. Amplifying those Statistics was frightening.

“When you think about it, nine out of every 10 trucks don’t have proper brakes.”

The first clarification Ricciardi wanted to make was that the inspection had taken place on the Alaska- Yukon border, and not in Terrace.

The second point of clarifica-

own families. According to statis- tics, these typical young mothers will remain on social assistance with little opportunity to increase their education and become employable. It is hoped that a working relationship between Castlegar Community Services, Public Health, School District No. 9 and the KCCCS will change the situation locally.

The KCCCS implemented a feasibility study not long ago, in which results showed a severe lack of services for young moth- ers. A service model program was designed to meet these needs and the grant will put the pro-

tion was on the nine out of 10 trucks. Of rejected vehicles, 90 per cent were defective because of the brakes. That's a figure that Ricciardi said reflect the general trend. Of all the rejections, approximately 90 per cent were because of brakes. And, he added, there’s not much difference between that figure, and the 85 per cent of trucks failed because of defective brakes quoted by Weston.

Don't you feel safer now?

Ricciardi added that he didn’t agree with statement that 31 per cent of vehicles were placed out of service in the road check done in B.C. in May. “I don’t know why every time I’m going out I’m seeing failure rates of 60 percent and 70 percent.” And he stressed that 90 per cent of those failures are due to defective brakes.

Ricciardi wanted to make one more clarification. None of the Statistics are broken down by ori- gin of vehicle, so they do include American and out-of-province vehicles in their tallies. But, he added that the majority are still from within the province.

poverty cycle

gram in place.

“There will also be a support group for these young mothers. It's a chance for them to get together and talk, and realize that they are not alone in their strug- gles,” Conroy said.

The program, which is struc- tured to allow up to 12 young mothers this opportunity, already has 20 moms signed up.

Hobbit Hill Daycare Centre and the almost-completed new Children’s Centre next door, will act as the hub for the program, which will be specifically designed for the flexible needs of a young mother.