Salmon Arm  

Salmon Arm RCMP probe reports of teens rolling tires, rims toward Trans-Canada Highway

Teens play dangerous game

Photo: Castanet File Photo

Salmon Arm RCMP said they are investigating after two separate incidents of teenagers rolling car tires with rims downhill toward Highway 1, one of which damaged a parked car.

Mounties said they are taking the incidents very seriously due to the fact that someone could have been injured or killed. A vehicle tire with a rim can weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, police said, and can cause serious damage to a vehicle or person.

Const. Andrew Hodges of the Salmon Arm RCMP said the first incident took place on April 4, in the 1400-block of the Trans Canada Highway.

“A group of four teens rolled a car tire and rim downhill towards a local hotel and the highway, striking and damaging a parked vehicle,” he said.

“There was a second similar incident reported on April 17, however the tire was stopped before hitting anything, or anyone.”

Hodge said Mounties are working with school district officials to identify the youths, who were captured on security cameras.

Mounties said they have already identified one of the teens and warn that taking part in such acts could lead to criminal charges.

Councillor plans to propose more zoning changes for the Sicamous section of the rail trail

Zoning changes ahead?

Photo: Columbia Shuswap Regional District

Zoning issues for the Sicamous section of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail were resolved when the District of Sicamous council voted unanimously to pass the zoning amendment bylaw after a public hearing on April 10.

However Coun. Gord Bushell is proposing another zoning change for the trail in order to ease tensions with residents living adjacent to the trail.

The 50-kilometre trail, which is intended for pedestrian and cyclist use, is planned to run along shorelines, through rural farmland and forest from Sicamous to Armstrong.

When the zoning amendment bylaw to allow for construction of the trail initially came before council on Feb. 14, many residents who lived adjacent to the trail came out to request council hold off on approving the zoning until they had renegotiated crossing agreements with the rail trail owners.

The bylaw that was passed after the April 10 public hearing changed the zoning on the rail trail properties to P-3 parks zoning, and will allow for rail trail construction to begin.

Some residents who spoke at the public hearing against the rezoning of the rail trail lands claimed there were legal implications of changing the zoning to P-3, noting these were outlined in a letter from a lawyer.

Zoning concern outlined in letter

The letter is available to view as part of the agenda package for the District of Sicamous Council meeting on April 10 as it was submitted to the public hearing.

The letter comes from Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, one of Canada’s largest law firms. The author of the letter, Christopher Elrick, identifies himself as legal counsel of Randy MacDonald, a Sicamous resident who owns a dock along rail trail lands.

The letter does not contain the threat of a lawsuit, however it does encourage council to reject the bylaw amendment.

In the letter, Elrick puts forward several arguments for rejecting the bylaw. It claims P-3 park zoning does not allow for private moorage or docks.

Kelly Bennett, Chief Administrative Officer of Sicamous said that isn’t the case.

“So our zoning on our water, which dictates whether there's a dock allowed or not… we support in W-1, semi waterfront docks,” Bennett said. “That means if you don't own the land in front of it, we still allow it. But what they do need is they need upland consent, so they need permission from CSRD [Columbia Shuswap Regional District] and RDNO [Regional District of North Okanagan] to have that dock, that's a provincial requirement.”

The CSRD has changed the crossing agreements, and together with the other rail trail owners, created dock permits.

The permits have a 10-year term that is transferable to a new property owner in the event of a sale, and the permit has the option of a further 10-year renewal. Permits cost $1,000 per year, and the permit is subject to cancellation or relocation with a two year notice.

The terms of the permits have changed at least once in response to feedback from dock owners who objected to the original terms, however CSRD CAO John MacLean said the number of residents who have signed up for permits is “very few”.

He also said that in the event a decision is made for a dock to be removed, that decision would be made by the board of directors, not by CSRD staff.

Councillor to present new zoning suggestion

The lawyer letter also claims since Sicamous' Official Community Plan designates rail trail lands as a transportation corridor, then the P-3 zoning would not be consistent with the OCP.

Kelly Bennett said that isn’t correct.

“So where that's coming from is within our OCP that is identified as a transportation corridor,” she said. “And within our OCP, we support along that channel area a non motorized pathway, which is supported with our parks zone. So just because the name of the zone isn't the same as the name in the OCP, as long as the permitted uses align with what the OCP says, that's perfectly fine.”

Some of the dock owning residents along the trail have called for the properties to be zoned as a transportation corridor.

Currently Sicamous does not have that kind of zoning.

“So we don't currently have any kind of transportation corridor zone,” she said. “So we would have to make up that zone and identify what the permitted uses are within that zone, if we chose to do it.”

“However, with the P-3 zone, we're able to proceed and allow the pathway as a permitted use.”

At the April 24 District of Sicamous committee of the whole meeting, Bushell is planning to present a draft of a new transportation corridor zone titled P-6.

“This zone is intended to support the rail trail and provide a utility corridor for the future expansion of the Westside and services to Splatsin IR #3 and the lands beyond,” the draft document reads.

“Also intended to reduce conflicts among foreshore users, reduce complaints, minimize environmental degradation and support public and residential uses on the Foreshore and surface of Shuswap Lake & Mara Lake, in accordance with provincial private moorage guidelines, as well as recognize existing use by semi-waterfront parcels on Old Spallumcheen Road, Coach Road and Bruhn Road.”

Even with the new transportation corridor zoning, dock owners would still require a dock permit from the CSRD under provincial regulations.

Canadian jazz supergroup Triology to perform at The Nexus at First in Salmon Arm

Jazz group to take the stage

Photo: Salmon Arm Jazz Club

The Salmon Arm Jazz Club is hosting a performance from Canadian jazz supergroup Triology at The Nexus at First this Friday.

Triology features Jodi Proznick on bass, Miles Black on piano and Bill Coon on guitar. The trio formed in 2008, fashioned after the great early jazz trios of legends like Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson.

All three members of Triology have won numerous accolades, including JUNO nominations, national jazz awards and western Canadian music awards.

Triology will be performing impromptu arrangements of classic standards, as well as original music.

Triology will perform on Friday, April 26, at the Nexus at First Community on Okanagan Avenue in Salmon Arm.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Admission is by donation with coffee, tea and treats available at intermission.

To learn more about upcoming shows, visit the Salmon Arm Jazz Club website.

Chase and District Chamber of Commerce announces $40K grant for tourism initiatives

$40K grant for chamber

Photo: Chase Visitor Information Centre

The Chase and District Chamber of Commerce has been awarded $40,000 after successfully applying for Destination British Columbia’s Experience Enhancement Grant.

The chamber, which operates the Chase Visitor Centre, said the grant funding will go towards creating self-guided walking tours, upgrading the town map board, and installing rotating public art displays in Chase.

The successful application was announced by the chamber in a Facebook post on April 17.

“We believe this will be a positive addition to our village, and will encourage visitors to linger a little longer, and residents to discover a history they may not have been aware of,” reads the post.

“We look forward to working with all involved in creating this exciting endeavour between now and the summer of 2025.”

Salmon Arm man's sentencing for child pornography, luring charges delayed until November

Child porn sentencing delay

Photo: Luc Rempel

A Salmon Arm man who pleaded guilty to child sex charges will have to wait until at least November to find out his sentence.

Brecken Peters' sentencing hearing in B.C. Supreme Court was set for Tuesday but was adjourned due to an incomplete psychiatric report.

Peters was originally facing six charges, including two counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of importing or distributing child pornography, one count of making or publishing child pornography and one count of using telecommunications to lure a child under 18.

Peters pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of using telecommunications to lure a child under 18. The remaining charges are expected to be stayed.

The Crown’s evidence consists of chat logs, images and videos taken from a laptop and cellphone belonging to Peters.

The chat logs have been described as conversations between Peters and approximately 16 different girls between the ages of 12 and 17. It is alleged that in these conversations, Peters establishes the ages of the girls before attempting to convince them to enter into a “sex-slave relationship."

Peters’ sentencing is now scheduled to take place in B.C. Supreme Court in Salmon Arm on Nov. 5.

Salmon Arm man claimed neighbour's motorcycle was his, but it wasn't

Not his motorcycle

Photo: File photo

Salmon Arm RCMP have cautioned a man after he claimed his neighbour's motorcycle was his own.

Const. Andrew Hodges said in a press release that a man reported he had dropped his motorcycle off for repairs several months prior, but the mechanic subsequently died and his motorcycle disappeared.

“The complainant was reporting that his motorcycle was now parked at a neighbour’s house. He was 100% certain it was his motorcycle, and he 'would take care of it himself' if police didn’t retrieve the motorcycle for him,” Hodges said.

After obtaining the VIN of the complainant’s motorcycle, police spoke with the neighbour.

“The neighbour’s motorcycle was the same make and model, but a year older, and had a completely different VIN,” Hodges said.

“The neighbour also produced transfer and vehicle registration papers. Although still adamant it was his motorcycle, the complainant was advised that the motorcycle was not his, and to leave the neighbours alone.”

Injured man refused to co-operate with Salmon Arm RCMP

Man thrown from car

Photo: File photo

A Shuswap man declined to co-operate with authorities after being thrown from a vehicle.

Salmon Arm RCMP Const. Andrew Hodges said on April 14, police received a report of a man being thrown from a white sedan before entering a nearby residence.

“Police attended the residence and were met by a man known to police,” Hodges said in a press release. “The man had injuries to the entirety of his face, a bleeding gash from the back of his head and severe road rash.”

The man declined to be seen by an ambulance.

“His explanation for his injuries were that his 'laces were too long and I tripped,'” Hodges said.

The man was advised to call an ambulance or go to the hospital for treatment, and to call police if he wished to provide further information.

Salmon Arm RCMP catch impaired driver driving without a license - again

Driver busted, again

Photo: File photo

Some people just don't learn.

Salmon Arm RCMP caught a man driving without a license - again.

The man was also found to be driving under the influence.

Const. Andrew Hodges said in a press release that at 1 p.m. on April 15, police conducted a traffic stop of a black BMW 3 Series after learning the registered owner did not have a valid driver’s licence. The driver also had a warrant for his arrest for a previous incident of driving while prohibited.

The BMW stopped and police confirmed the driver was the registered owner.

“A breath demand was conducted, and the driver blew a warn,” Hodges said. “A second test was conducted where the driver again blew a warn.”

The Motor Vehicle Act regulates drivers and driving in B.C. and if an approved screening device shows a driver has a blood alcohol content that is equal to or greater than 0.05 police can serve them with a driving prohibition.

The driver was handed a three-day driving prohibition, and the vehicle was impounded for three days. The man was also served a violation ticket for no driver’s licence, and was arrested for the warrant.

Group of Yankee Flats and Silver Creek residents threaten lawsuit over lack of oversight of compost facility

Compost lawsuit looming

Photo: Google Earth

A group of residents in the Yankee Flats and Silver Creek area have announced plans for a lawsuit naming the province and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, citing a lack of oversight and regulation of a compost facility in the area.

At the April 18 CSRD board meeting, Pat Peebles gave a presentation as a representative of a concerned community group upset about Spa Hills Farm Compost.

In her presentation, Peebles said she had collected 70 statements from residents in the area. She also said the group had water from an aquifer adjacent to the facility tested by CARO Analytical Water Services and the water tested extremely high in E. Coli, coliform bacteria and other unnamed toxic elements.

She further stated they had water tested from where that aquifer drains into the Salmon River, and this sample also had high levels of E. Coli and coliform bacteria.

Parts of the presentation, including resident statements gathered by Peebles, were removed from the presentation by the CSRD Privacy Officer “to avoid unauthorized disclosure of personal information,” according to a note on the presentation package.

Peebles' presentation also alleged birds are flying into the composting area and flying away with partially decomposed animal parts.

The presentation claimed some of the outdoor compost piles spontaneously combust and pose a fire risk to the area.

Some of the chemical reactions that occur during composting can cause combustion of the compost material under certain conditions.

The written presentation concluded with a statement that the group plans to take legal action over the issue.

“In summary, we are currently seeking legal advice and are preparing to pursue this issue with the local and the provincial government for the lack of oversight (ie: permits and inspectors for composting facilities),” the presentation reads. “We are also seeking legal advice pertaining to the CSRD for allowing this to happen (ie: manipulating zoning and not creating oversight for so many years, leading to the current disaster for Area D we face today).”

In 2014, the CSRD board passed a bylaw to amend the rural zone to allow the Spa Hills Farm Compost property to run both a classic auto restoration shop and an organic matter compost facility. This decision is what the group's report refers to as manipulating zoning.

The presentation also claimed Splatsin and the Okanagan Indian Band are in full support of their initiative. It’s unclear if that support included the potential lawsuit.

Once it was revealed that the residents were planning to file a lawsuit, John MacLean, chief administrative officer, advised directors to receive the report, thank the presenters for their time and refrain from further discussion.

'It has come to a head'

Dean Trumbley, director of Electoral Area D, said this facility has been one of the things he’s heard the most about in his time as director.

“As the area director, I just do want to state a little bit of preface that when I was elected, this was one of the biggest issues I heard about in area D and for the two years I have been in, I continue to hear that this is one of the biggest issues that's happening and I hear it from multiple fronts,” Trumbley said.

“First of all, you know, I hear the complaints against the facility, but I also get the people that are for the facility. I do know of hostile actions that have happened, signs have been posted. And this isn't the first time as your director I have brought this to the table.”

He said he wished the province had been able to step in before things went this far.

“Everybody knows that I brought up the Spa Hills issue and said that it's too bad that at some point, the province couldn't step in before this comes to a head, and unfortunately, it has come to a head,” he said.

“The one thing I want to reiterate, in talking to the constituency in the area, the one thing that everybody has said to me, those for and against it, have all recognized the absolute importance of composting in this day and age.

“The issue isn't so much the composting, the issue is the impact that the composting is having on the surrounding community.”

Trumbley added he’s sad the issue has become an “us versus them” situation instead of one where the community can come together to solve the problem.

“It's at the point now where I understand the direction they're taking, because I just don't see there being any sort of resolution,” he added. “We're frustrated too, because the province does hold the jurisdiction. We have met with the minister, bringing this right to the top levels, and unfortunately right now our hands are tied.”

Owners say residents 'misinformed'

Josh Mitchell, one of the co-owners of Spa Hills Farm Compost, said the residents who gave the presentation are misinformed.

“They're really misinformed, that's all I can say is they don't understand certain things and the necessity of things,” Mitchell said. “I don't know what else to say about it. …It's sad that they feel that way."

Mitchell also alleged the citizen’s group illegally took photos of his facilities with a drone.

“Those pictures were taken by a drone, our facilities are in the middle of our property, and they’re legally not allowed to be doing what they're doing.”

He went on to say he’s proud of his compost company.

“I'm not ashamed of what I do, I'm very proud of what I do,” he added. “We deal with a very nasty product, and we do the best we can.

“And there's always room for improvements, which is what we do all the time and we are getting better and better.”

Mitchell emphasized the benefits of composting.

“Composting is definitely a benefit to the earth, a benefit to the world, a benefit to society. A benefit to everybody around us."

Non-compliance letter

Peebles' presentation also included a non-compliance advisory letter from the ministry of the environment that related to an inspection conducted by an environmental protection officer on Jan. 3, 2024.

This report found while the facility's receiving, curing and processing areas were properly roofed and located on an impermeable surface to prevent leachate from discharging into the environment, the storage facility did not meet those required standards.

The officer conducting the inspection found them to be out of compliance in their storage area under six different requirements. This included findings that leachate from their storage area was being discharged directly into the environment.

Leachate is a term for contaminated water that travels through a waste pile and picks up bacteria and pollutants.

The non-compliance report also stated the facility didn't take measures to prevent vector attraction.

Vectors in a composting or waste facility are defined as any insect, rodent or other organism capable of spreading infectious agents.

The CSRD board will receive a briefing from staff on the issue and have further discussion at another venue. When municipal director and current board chair Kevin Flynn closed the discussion, he said, “I would urge everybody to respect everybody else moving forward.”

Shuswap Makerspace getting ready to host Repair Cafe at Piccadilly Mall on Saturday

Repair Cafe fixing to help

Photo: Salmon Arm Rotary Club

The Shuswap Makerspace and the Rotary Club of Salmon Arm are bringing another Repair Cafe session to Piccadilly Mall on Saturday.

Jim Hilland, Repair Cafe coordinator, said the cafe is comprised of a group of Makerspace volunteers who get together every couple of months.

“We repair any small appliances or items that people bring to us, whether it’s an appliance or a coffee pot or a vacuum, whatever, as well as wooden items and even some even things that need to be sewn, we have a seamstress as well," Hilland said.

“We do our best to try to repair them and avoid people throwing them in the trash.”

The Shuswap Makerspace has been running its Repair Cafes for more than two years. At the last event in January, volunteers saved 35 items from the landfill, only coming across four things they couldn’t repair.

“Just bring your items to us and fill out some information on what the item is, what they think is wrong with it and then leave it with us,” Hilland said. “We put it in the queue and then when we get to it… we’ll call them up and say 'Your item is ready to come and pick up.'”

All they ask in return for the repair work is a donation to the Rotary Club of Salmon Arm.

Hilland said the last event raised over $600 for the rotary, and they hope to beat that number this time.

Hilland is a licensed electrician, and he said they are always looking for skilled people interested in volunteering their time to help keep unnecessary waste out of the landfill.

Residents with any items they'd like repaired can find Repair Cafe volunteers at Piccadilly Mall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will have tables set up outside of the library.

To learn more about the Shuswap Makerspace, visit the website.