CKPC Holiday Train brings musical guests Sofia Camara, Magic! to Shuswap, Thompson regions

Holiday train brings Magic!

Photo: Canadian Pacific Kansas City

Shuswap and Kamloops-area residents can enjoy free holiday musical performances as the CKPC Holiday Train makes its festive annual trip across the country.

The holiday train is preparing to make its seasonal pilgrimage through Canada, bringing holiday cheer and live music to a number of stops in the region on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Canadian reggae fusion band Magic! will be riding the rails along with singer-songwriter Sofia Camara.

The holiday train will stop in Sicamous on Dec. 17 at 5:15 p.m., and will make another stop in Canoe at 6:45 p.m. before heading to Salmon Arm for an 8 p.m. performance.

Notch Hill will get its visit from the holiday train that same night at 9:30 p.m.

On Dec. 18, the holiday train will stop in Chase at 2:45 p.m. before heading to Kamloops for a 5 p.m. performance at Sandman Centre on Lorne Street.

The next stop will be in Savona at 7:05 p.m. The train will keep chugging down the track to Ashcroft for a performance at 8:45 p.m.

For more information and a full schedule of holiday train stops, visit the CKPC website.

Shuswap Cardiac Society launches new rehab program in Salmon Arm

New cardiac centre opens

Photo: Luc Rempel

A new rehabilitation centre in the heart of Salmon Arm aims to help Shuswap residents recover from a cardiac event and live longer, healthier lives.

The Shuswap Cardiac Society has a new home in downtown Salmon Arm, where the non-profit offers a three month, “comprehensive, evidence-based cardiac rehab program.”

Before the Shuswap Cardiac Society opened the doors at its new space on Alexander Street, the closest cardiac rehabilitation program was in Kelowna.

Dr. Laurie Main, president of the Shuswap Cardiac Society, is a cardiac specialist who has been practicing in Salmon Arm for more than six years. After working with cardiac patients from across the region, Main saw the need for a rehabilitation program available closer to home.

Main, who founded the Shuswap Cardiac Society a year ago, now has a new clinic for her own practice with spaces set aside for the rehab programs.

Program lead Jeramie Auchterlonie said he and Main have a unique vision for the program.

“The literature shows that resistance training is actually better for cardiac rehabilitation than just going on a treadmill or a bike,” he said. “We do cardio training, we do resistance training and we do stability training for older people too.

“We add every type of training into these sessions and try to holistically strengthen the entire body so we can avoid anything in the future.”

The other unique part of the program is a commitment to proactive healthcare and reactive healthcare. The program aims to help people that are recovering from a cardiac event along with people who don't have cardiac disease but might be on their way towards it.

"Anybody with one or more risk factors for cardiac disease can enter this program, which I think is a big difference compared to other programs," Auchterlonie said.

Along with 24 active exercise sessions, clients enrolled in the rehabilitation program also attend 24 educational sessions to learn more about how to improve their cardiac health. All of the educational sessions are streamed live on Zoom for anyone in the community to watch and learn from as well.

So far, they have approximately 20 people enrolled in the program with space for about 20 more.

The cardiac rehabilitation program currently costs $600, but the long-term goal is to make the program free.

“$600 is our operational cost, and we don't want to make people pay it, but if you can afford it, this is what it costs,” Auchterlonie said. “If you can't, what can you pay? And if you can't pay anything, then please come. …We don't turn people away.

“So far, everyone's been pretty willing to pay it, which is nice because it helps us run."

The society is officially a non-profit organization, and the plan is to make the program free with a doctor’s referral once enough funding is secured.

“We've applied for more than $400,000 in funding, it's just when that gets released is one component of it and also we're not charity status yet,” Auchterlonie said.

The society is hopeful that their charity status application will be approved in the new year and once they have that status more funding options will be available to them, including eventual funding through Interior Health.

Once patients graduate from the three-month cardiac rehabilitation program they can join the ongoing cardiac health maintenance program. This program offers them twice a week fitness classes led by a kinesiologist for only $50 a month.

So far the society has enjoyed a warm welcome from local businesses.

“We've had great community partners,” Auchterlonie said. “We're trying to be low cost, we're not trying to make money off this, but it's expensive.”

Dynoflex donated rubberized flooring for their exercise area, and Red Tag Fitness in Kamloops provided a discount on equipment and installation. Community Futures helped with a business loan to cover the remaining equipment costs.

The Shuswap Cardiac Society is also taking memberships to help fund the program. Anyone can make a once yearly $100 donation to join the society and help fund a program that makes a difference in the health of the community. Members get access to special discounts at a wide range of local Salmon Arm businesses.

Anyone who thinks they might be a candidate for the cardiac rehabilitation program can enter as long as they receive a doctor's referral.

Visit the Shuswap Cardiac Society website to learn more about the society, the rehabilitation program or to print out a referral form.

The new home of the Shuswap Cardiac Society is located at 300 Alexander St., next to the Salmar Classic Theatre.

Photo: Luc Rempel

Soulidified brings three-time Juno award winning saxophonist back to Salmon Arm

Juno winner returns

Photo: Salmon Arm Jazz Club

Three-time Juno award winning saxophonist Campbell Ryga is coming back to Salmon Arm as he teams up with Joe Auty and their band Soulidified for a show at the Nexus at First in Salmon Arm.

The performance will take place on Dec. 12, presented by the Salmon Arm Jazz Club.

Soulidified is a neo-soul and fusion group that delivers a combination of jazz harmonies and infectious high energy grooves.

The band features Campbell Ryga on saxophones, Joe Auty on trumpet and flugelhorn, Loni Moger on guitar, Stefan Bienz on bass and Will Freisen on drums.

The band combines elements of R&B, soul, jazz, hip-hop and funk to covers from well-known artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers and more.

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

To learn more about this show and other upcoming jazz events, visit the Salmon Arm Jazz Club website.

Chase Fire Rescue gets road rescue upgrade with purchase of 20-year-old truck

Road rescue truck upgrade

Photo: Chase Fire Rescue Facebook

Chase Fire Rescue will soon enjoy an upgraded road rescue vehicle after Chase village council agreed to authorize $80,000 for the purchase of a 20-year-old truck.

At a Nov. 26 meeting, council passed a motion to authorize the purchase of a 2005 Ford F550 in order to replace the current 1999 Freightliner truck used by Chase Fire Rescue.

Brian Lauzon, fire chief for Chase Fire Rescue, submitted a report to council outlining the reasons for upgrading their road rescue vehicle.

“The existing Freightliner is approaching the end of its serviceable life,” Lauzon said. “As the truck ages, its reliability has significantly declined, and repairs have become more frequent and costly.”

The Freightliner is only able to hold two responders in the cab with capacity for three more in the rear compartment. However, the rear compartment lacks modern safety features like shoulder seatbelts and airbags.

The cost to purchase and outfit the Ford F550 for rescue operations will cost approximately $80,000, with the funds to come from surplus.

The 2024-2028 financial plan for the Village of Chase had $200,000 earmarked to purchase a road rescue vehicle in 2025.

With the approval of the F550 purchase, the village will save more than $100,000 in costs.

“I know that engines and other fire trucks can have lifespans on them. The truck is 20 years old, albeit in good condition. Are we going to run into an issue where we're going to have to replace the truck sooner rather than later?” Coun. Dan Stevens asked.

Lauzon said while fire engines have certain limits to their longevity for liability and insurance purposes, other vehicles in the fire department’s fleet are not regulated the same way.

Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the Ford F550. Once the old vehicle is decommissioned, it will be sold via a sealed bid process.

Highway 97A reopens after earlier crash south of Sicamous

Crash cleared on Hwy 97A

Photo: Google Maps

Highway 97A is back open after emergency crews cleared an earlier crash that briefly closed the road in both directions five kilometres south of Sicamous.

The collision occurred earlier Friday afternoon between Hutchison Road and Mara Heights Road in the Swansea Point area.

?OPEN #BCHwy97A now open in both directions between Hutchinson Rd and Mara Height Rd. #SicamousBC #MaraBC #SwanseaPointBC https://t.co/hkO10QEsc2

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) November 29, 2024

Salmon Arm Mounties put cowboy skills to work capturing runaway horse

Cops catch runaway horse

Photo: Salmon Arm RCMP

Salmon Arm Mounties were enlisted to help with some livestock wrangling after receiving multiple reports of a runaway horse.

On Nov. 16 at about 10:30 p.m., a woman reported to police that her horse had been spooked and ran away.

“Salmon Arm RCMP received multiple updates from callers reporting seeing a horse in the neighbourhood around 20th Avenue NE,” said Salmon Arm RCMP Const. Andrew Hodges.

“Police located the horse and were able to hold onto it for a short while, until it decided to run away again.”

Officers followed the horse as it made its way down 30 Street NE where it was eventually corralled in a parking lot.

“Attending members were able to rein in the situation, and assisted the owner by distracting the horse with some food while it was haltered,” Hodges said.

The owner was able to walk the animal to a friend’s house nearby to wait for a horse trailer to arrive.

Sicamous council hears safety complaints from residents concerned about Temple Street development

Safety concerns at Temple St

Photo: Luc Rempel

Some Sicamous councillors said they think council “missed the boat” on certain issues after a delegation came to council with safety concerns related to a new Temple Street development.

At the Nov. 27 council meeting, Al Zagar, Linda Stortz and Zella Wohrmann presented to council, saying they were concerned about a lack of sidewalks and lighting in their neighbourhood, especially with a new subdivision being planned at 222 Temple St.

The same three residents had previously come to a Nov. 13 council meeting to talk during the public input period about their concerns.

“I am representing the residents of the Temple Street neighborhood, and our concerns with some safety issues connected to the project plan for 222 Temple St.,” Zagar said.

“We are bringing you additional information that we believe is important for the safety of our current community, as well as the 300-plus new residents who will eventually live in our neighborhood.”

The delegation brought council a petition with more than 100 signatures from Sicamous residents opposed to the subdivision.

“We feel that safety was compromised for financial gain,” Zagar said. “We do not have an issue with the lighting within the 222 Temple St. development, we have an issue with lighting on Temple Street.”

Zagar said there are only three street lights on the south side of Temple Street from the corner of Shuswap Avenue and Temple Street, and even less street lights on the north side of the street.

The residents have said their main safety concerns relate to a lack of lighting and raised sidewalks on Temple Street. They are also worried about parking when new subdivision residents move into in the area.

“If council is promoting development, then upgrades in the infrastructure must be taken into consideration,” Zagar added. “This will ensure a safe and healthy environment for all ages.”

Council sympathetic to complaints

Many councillors in attendance were sympathetic to the delegation, with Coun. Gord Bushell going as far as to say, “I really think we might have missed the boat on this one.”

Bushell said the proximity of Temple Street to the Seniors Centre makes it a very important street to consider safety concerns.

“I know we're going through budget deliberations, and we should really seriously look at this as we move forward in the next month here, and see if we can work with staff and come to a compromise because this is a really important sidewalk.”

The development at 222 Temple St. successfully received a variance in their development permit to allow them not to build a raised concrete sidewalk.

Coun. Siobhan Rich agreed with Bushell that council should find a way to address some of the safety issues during budget deliberations.

She also thanked the delegation for their hard work engaging with council.

Rich acknowledged taxes are always an issue, but “our seniors and our community are also a huge issue.”

Coun. Malcolm Makayev agreed, saying “we are designated as an age friendly community, we have to live up to that designation.”

Another councillor said the sidewalk and lighting issues are not new issues that stem from the development.

“There's a couple of distinctions that we should make here,” said Coun. Ian Baillie. “Temple Street, as far as I know, hasn't had a sidewalk for forever.”

“I don't view this just as an issue around this development,” he added. “I support this development, I support more housing in Sicamous and I think it's critically important.”

He said he believes safety is important, but he doesn’t think the issue is solely tied to the new subdivision.

“I hear the concerns, on lighting and all of those things, I think we can address them through our budgetary planning and figure out how that gets phased in with the current development,” he added.

Salmon Arm police give warning to man caught shouting 'extremely racist remarks' at new neighbour

Warning for racist remarks

Photo: Castanet File Photo

Salmon Arm Mounties say they issued a warning to a 35-year-old man after he was caught on video shouting “extremely racist remarks” at his new neighbour.

On Nov. 22 at 9:30 p.m., Salmon Arm RCMP were contacted by a man who said an unknown neighbour came over and began shouting racist comments at him. The complainant told police he had just moved in that day, and provided video of the incident to police.

“The video showed the unprovoked 35-year-old neighbour shouting extremely racist remarks, and vague threats at the complainant,” said Const. Andrew Hodges of the Salmon Arm RCMP.

“Police attempted to speak with the neighbour, but the 35-year-old man’s wife denied that he was home, despite police observing a man that appeared to be hiding in the window.”

RCMP officers came back the next day and spoke to the man.

Mounties said the man tried to explain to police why he behaved the way he did at his neighbour’s house, but according to Hodges, “his actions did not match what was portrayed in the video that was provided to police.”

Police warned the man his actions could constitute a criminal offence, and he could face criminal charges if there was another incident.

Officers also encouraged the complainant to call police if there were any further issues with the neighbour.

Early bird passes go on sale next week for 33rd annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues festival

Secure festival passes early

Photo: Ihana Images

The early bird gets the worm — or in this case, glamorous tent accommodations — as Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival organizers have announced new glamping options and early bird passes will go on sale next week.

The 33rd annual Roots and Blues Festival in Salmon Arm is still many months away, but early bird tickets, camping and new glamping passes will go on sale on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 9 a.m.

“We have thousands of audience members who return year after year, and the day that early bird tickets go on sale is an exciting day,” said Althea Mongerson, marketing coordinator.

“This is the best chance to get the best prices, so if you know you’re going to visit the festival, get these passes while you can.”

Only a limited number of passes will be available at the lowest early bird prices. Once they are gone, the more expensive advanced ticket pricing will take effect.

“This is a nice way to reward those folks who are dedicated festivalgoers and help make it possible for us to host a world-class event year after,” Mongerson added.

Thanks to a new partnership with Wild Havens Pop Up Glamping, there will be 28 special glamping spots available for guests looking for a more glamorous camping experience.

Glampers will enjoy canvas bell tent accommodations featuring foam or air mattresses and the option to house two to eight guests.

Other features include onsite parking and private porta-potties only usable by other customers staying in one of the 28 glamping spots.

Glamping passes range from $750 to $1,750 plus taxes and deposit for the weekend.

“We’re excited to offer another accommodation option to make it even more convenient for people to stay in Salmon Arm and enjoy the festival,” Mongerson said.

The more budget-conscious festivalgoers can submit volunteer applications starting Dec. 5.

Festival volunteers run everything from the ticket gates to the beer gardens, and as recompense for their hard work, receive complimentary weekend passes and special camping rates.

Passes and volunteer applications will be available on the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival website on Dec. 5.

Zoning amendment for Chase low income seniors housing project passes despite opposition

Senior housing moves ahead

Photo: Village of Chase

A low income seniors housing project slated to be built next to the Art Holding Memorial Arena in Chase has received the zoning amendment necessary to move forward despite vocal opposition from the Chase and District Recreation Society and a village councillor.

The 37-unit seniors housing project will feature a mix of market and subsidized units and is being built by Oncore Seniors Society in partnership with BC Housing.

The location chosen for the development was the last piece of property zoned for recreation in the village, but Oncore and village staff previously stated this was the only suitable property currently available.

At a Nov. 27 meeting, council passed first, second and third readings for the zoning amendment bylaw as well as bylaw adoption.

“I just want everyone to know this is a really tough decision for me,” said Coun. Jane Herman. “I have been involved in the recreation society in the past, and I have the utmost respect for the recreation society members at present."

Herman said she was "totally against this project" in years past, as she was on the recreation side of the discussion.

"Since I've been elected as a councillor, I know now that there are a lot of other things that make our community tick and move, and housing is obviously a huge one that we need right now,” she added.

“I understand the recreational land issue, but I also understand that due to our limited taxation, it's going to be a long, long time before we can put anything on that mud pit or hole that is there now.

"I don't actually see it in the foreseeable future, unless somebody donates us $30 million or something.”

Coun. Dan Stevens disagreed with Herman, and said he has heard a lot of opposition to the project from Chase residents.

“It's my opinion that the proposal is short sighted and ignores the long term sustainability of the village of Chase,” he said. “Overwhelmingly, over the last few weeks, residents and key interest groups have voiced their opposition to me through emails, phone calls and meetings.”

He added he has received only three emails in support of the project versus dozens of emails and in person conversations he has had with people opposed to the project.

“This development is fantastic for the village, but it's not being put in the right spot.”

Stevens said although the project would bring in $11,000 in taxes plus utilities, he felt the village should keep the land for the construction of a future recreation facility.

He said with a slight tax increase and a different approach to managing funds, the village could build a new recreation facility sooner rather than later.

Other councillors favoured moving ahead with the affordable housing project.

“I've looked at this pretty closely, and it seems to me that we have an opportunity to put affordable housing in there for seniors, and it's like anything else, if you let it go now, we'll never get it,” said Coun. Fred Torbohm.

“In the 65 years I've been here...the only thing that's ever been there is a mud puddle.”

“The fact is that our seniors need a place to live,” he added. “I've been elected to look after the people of Chase, this is something that's going to look after the people of Chase, so I have to go with the majority and not the minority."

Mayor says population needs to grow

The property in question originally belonged to a local man named Henry Grube, who in turn sold it to the regional district with the understanding it would be used for recreation.

“I myself knew Henry Grube very well. My dad was Norwegian, he was Danish and we met all the time. …I feel he would be happy that this land is being used for this purpose,” said Mayor David Lepsoe.

A member of the public at the meeting interrupted and shouted that the mayor can’t speak for the dead, but they soon quieted down as Lepsoe continued.

“I think this council has promoted recreation quite heavily,” he said. “We're pumping a lot of money into the arena….we budgeted $50,000 for someone to come and assess the arena to see what its capability is for the next 25 years.”

Lepsoe said the council has always supported the arena, and will continue to do so.

He further explained the village needs a population of approximately 3,500 in order to function properly, and he believes this project will help to address that.

“We need another 1,000 people in Chase to make this town run financially and physically and that's been one of my mandates right since I was first on council,” he added. “We've been working on expanding the population of Chase.

"If this does get the blessing of council, we'll have approximately 100 units being prepared on the go right now.”

The zoning amendment bylaw to allow for the construction of the seniors affordable housing project passed first, second and third reading with only Stevens opposed.

The bylaw also received adoption at the meeting in accordance with the new provincial housing regulations.