Council and staff are in budget meeting mode trying to cement down a financial plan that will fulfill the desires of the community and those of council members.
We want roads resurfaced, buildings repaired and renovated for accessibility and services to make life easier for our citizens. One thing only stands in the way of accomplishing all these requests and that’s a lack of cash.
Extreme weather variations have wreaked havoc resulting in enormous potholes and sections where the pavement seems to be shattered. This weather has caused flooding throughout the City in places where water seepage was rarely seen before including in my own home.
Complaint expressed stating that city workers weren’t working hard enough to clear catch basins is unwarranted. Crews begin work first on those known to cause problems working their way as difficulties arise or go where complaints have been received to City Hall. With a total of 1200 it isn’t possible to have all drains cleared in one day. It has been said that City hall doesn’t listen to citizens. Unfortunately nothing and no one is perfect, most of us do our best to accommodate and make requests happen as quickly as possible.
A meeting of the Community Directed Funds was held in February to discuss the ten top priorities determined by the public consultations. There are eight members on the committee and this proved a little challenging as not everyone shares the same belief as to what is most important to the entire Valley, a consensus was reached that kept everyone relatively satisfied that an ultimate decision will be reached to benefit everyone. Look for advertising in the near future regarding application for this funding.
I attended a workshop of the Cumulative Effects Management Framework that included a presentation of an Elk River Valley Bottom Assessment study by the Elk River Alliance, a presentation by Samantha Burke on a Michel Creek Assessment, a provincial update on the work being done by the government on this issue by Project Manager Leah Malkinson of Victoria and a review regarding metrics used to measure and report Riparian Habitat if more human activity is added. Participants at this workshop included Teck, Ktunaxa, BC FLNRO, ARAR, Environment Canada, DFO, Districts of Elkford, Sparwood, City of Fernie, RDEK, Elk River Alliance, and Wildsight. It was determined that the study would be in the entire watershed from the headwaters to Elko. Public awareness and education so as to “buy in to what we’re doing, honing in to riparian habitat” is important and other industries will be invited to participate in future workshops. Led by Stella Swanson, the goal is to provide better information to the decision makers.
Sparwood mayor, Area A director and I met with Main Roads Manager Jim Conley last week to discuss improvements to highway maintenance. An excellent discussion was held with Mr. Conley stating that a positive benefit was the use of social media that has resulted in Mainroads being more aware of areas of need. There seems to be an increase to accidents between two and five am. During this period there are no workers on the road. Last Tuesday there were two accidents and this past Friday one between a logging truck and a car. Early morning brings with it a thin covering of black ice that could be the cause of the frequent accidents.
March 8 was the annual Lions Club dinner to honor volunteers, Congratulations to all and to Lions members who are super volunteers in our community. Congratulations to the Fernie and District Historical Society on their 50th anniversary. Introductions by Lori Bradish, presentations by Laura Nelson, Mike Pennock and a video shown on the making of the Fernie Museum drew a large crowd. Doug Fink, the only remaining founder was present and he relayed stories on the beginnings of the society.
Council attended a Valentine Tea at the Trinity Lodge, to spend an afternoon visiting with residents and enjoying refreshments and good conversation.
Part-time and permanent residents living downtown have been experiencing loud noise coming from bars. I am kept abreast of the goings on by a steady stream of email stating that sleep is constantly disrupted and they request that hours of bars and vendor truck be shortened. The City of Fernie doesn’t set hours of operation. That responsibility falls to the provincial liquor control branch. I understand the concern regarding noise, bad behaviour resulting in garbage, vomit, public urination etc. The City implemented a nuisance bylaw some time ago and also added increased lighting. What could make a difference is having more police presence however our local detachment is stretched to the limit and doesn’t have ability to have a constant presence downtown. Cameras are being considered but a policy hasn’t been achieved just yet. The City will have this issue placed on an agenda in April and stakeholders will be invited to attend to have the discussion on what needs to be accomplished in order to actually make a change to the dynamics in this issue.
Last month I had the occasion to accompany someone needing an MRI to the Regional Hospital in Cranbrook. While waiting I witnessed clients tightly clutching hospital cotton gowns to their bodies as they exited doors to go outside to walk up the stairs to the trailer for the test. It was below zero weather and they were shivering. I informed the members of the Kootenay East Hospital Board of this matter and asked if a canvas or other mode of covering could be applied so as to provide privacy and protection from exposure. Mayor Stetski suggested that perhaps a cover would be included as part of the Intensive Care Unit in the works. A response from Interior Health stated that neither is being considered but that in the future clients will be offered blankets for walking outside. I am appalled but not surprised that IH is so inconsiderate. Millions of dollars will be spent on a new ICU at the hospital. I fail to understand why monies couldn’t be applied to solve this problem so as to offer a more comfortable experience to those needing this service. But then again, I suppose blankets are better than nothing.
Sarah Parry, our outstanding Chamber Manager for the past several years, unfortunately is moving from Fernie due to her husbands job transfer. Sarah took the Griz Day’s to a new level of community entertainment, was active in establishing the Summer Socials program, and added a level of professionalism to the Chamber that will be a challenge to replace. Council and City staff wish her well and thank her for the excellent job she has done, she will be missed by all.
