(Aired on September 17, 2010)
Well, good for Prince George. P.G. won the right to host the 2015 Canada Winter Games today. It's believed the games will bring 3600 athletes and $60-million in economic activity to the winning city.
That, of course, would have been more than welcome in Kamloops, but is even more necessary in Northern BC. Though it wasn't that long ago that Kamloops had a local economy dominated by the forest industry. Insightful and innovative leadership in both the public and private sector led to better diversity in the business community here. That hasn't been the case in Prince George, where the economy is still largely based on forestry. And with the downturn, the entire region is hurting. So in that way, it's good for P.G.
Here's another reason it will work out well for Prince George - 2015 will be the 100th anniversary of the city's incorporation. There may be some negative aspects to the city. I've never visited, but people who have tell me it's poorly laid out, the downtown has virtually been abandoned, and of course, it stinks. But apparently, contrary to popular belief, Prince George does have adequate facilities to host the event. And they have five years to get up to speed.
Good on Kamloops for a strong bid, I'm sure we'll get many more high profile events in the future. For now, we'll cry in our beer, and tomorrow's another day.
Showing posts with label Kamloops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kamloops. Show all posts
Monday, September 20, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Kamloops Up to Hosting 2015 Canada Winter Games
(Aired on August 9, 2010)
More than 20 years ago, and I hate to date myself that way, I watched as our city transformed itself from a sleepy little city to one that showed the world what our community spirit was all about. When the Canada Games Bid Selection Committee came to Kamloops in April of 1989, the city turned out in droves to welcome the bid committee. That accomplished two things - first of all it helped enormously in getting the bid for the '93 Games, and secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it was one of the major steps in showing the country, and indeed ourselves, that we had the volunteer spirit. Ever since then, we've been able to get tournaments and host events based on our volunteer spirit. People have said we have this tremendous volunteer base and it all started back in 1989, when we convinced ourselves we had the spirit to get this job done.
Tomorrow, we have an opportunity to do it all over again. I am convinced we are up to the task. But it's going to take a big effort. In 1989, school was in, schools were organized and came on board big time. School is out in August, people are away, so those who are here are going to have to attend the rallies downtown, on the North Shore and at Hillside Stadium. Rallies are at 10:30 at the Spirit Square in North Kamloops, St. Andrews on the Square downtown and at Interior Savings Centre. It wraps up with a barbecue at 11 AM at Hillside Stadium.
The economic benefits of getting the games are huge, some speculate as much as $90-million. But more importantly, it's a chance for our city to show that we still have that volunteer community spirit that has stood us in such great stead over the past 20 years. I hope that spirit is still alive and shows up tomorrow when our visitors stop in to see what we've got.
More than 20 years ago, and I hate to date myself that way, I watched as our city transformed itself from a sleepy little city to one that showed the world what our community spirit was all about. When the Canada Games Bid Selection Committee came to Kamloops in April of 1989, the city turned out in droves to welcome the bid committee. That accomplished two things - first of all it helped enormously in getting the bid for the '93 Games, and secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it was one of the major steps in showing the country, and indeed ourselves, that we had the volunteer spirit. Ever since then, we've been able to get tournaments and host events based on our volunteer spirit. People have said we have this tremendous volunteer base and it all started back in 1989, when we convinced ourselves we had the spirit to get this job done.
Tomorrow, we have an opportunity to do it all over again. I am convinced we are up to the task. But it's going to take a big effort. In 1989, school was in, schools were organized and came on board big time. School is out in August, people are away, so those who are here are going to have to attend the rallies downtown, on the North Shore and at Hillside Stadium. Rallies are at 10:30 at the Spirit Square in North Kamloops, St. Andrews on the Square downtown and at Interior Savings Centre. It wraps up with a barbecue at 11 AM at Hillside Stadium.
The economic benefits of getting the games are huge, some speculate as much as $90-million. But more importantly, it's a chance for our city to show that we still have that volunteer community spirit that has stood us in such great stead over the past 20 years. I hope that spirit is still alive and shows up tomorrow when our visitors stop in to see what we've got.
Graffiti on the Rise in Kamloops
(Aired on August 3, 2010)
The city’s graffiti problem is suddenly getting worse, and there doesn’t seem to be much going on to slow it down. Driving around the city recently, it was amazing to see how much the problem has increased in the past few months. We hear nothing from the city’s graffiti task force, whose leader, Gord Giles, passed away earlier this year. I don’t know if anyone has succeeded him yet, but the city has to get on this problem quickly. I assume from some of the places where graffiti is suddenly showing up that there must be some new taggers out there who have come to the fore.
Some of the graffiti isn’t the result of traditional taggers. It’s amateur writing that is just sprayed on by people bent on vandalism. I don’t know how you track these people down, but we have to find a way to do that. Graffiti is something that not only looks bad, it is perceived by many as a threat because, while it doesn’t amount to physical violence, it makes people uneasy about their safety, and they’re concerned when it happens in their neighbourhood.
One of the best defences against graffiti, of course, is to wipe it out and paint over it as soon as it happens. But if that isn’t done - and I don’t see much evidence that it is - then it’s like a snowball, and just grows and grows.
The city is the leader here. They have to be, because much of the problem appears on their property. They have to commit to getting rid of it, and they have to put resources in place to track down and prosecute the offenders.
People who perceive graffiti as a minor problem just don’t get it. Psychologically, both for the residents and for the attackers, it’s not good. For the residents, a sense of uneasiness, for the taggers, a sense of power that can often lead to more brazen and much more serious acts. If you get away with tagging, how long before you start stealing? There is a definite correlation. Mayor and Council need to take some initiative here. I understand tagging is more common in the summer, with the warm weather, but that doesn’t lessen the necessity for dealing with what is a very serious and expensive problem.
The city’s graffiti problem is suddenly getting worse, and there doesn’t seem to be much going on to slow it down. Driving around the city recently, it was amazing to see how much the problem has increased in the past few months. We hear nothing from the city’s graffiti task force, whose leader, Gord Giles, passed away earlier this year. I don’t know if anyone has succeeded him yet, but the city has to get on this problem quickly. I assume from some of the places where graffiti is suddenly showing up that there must be some new taggers out there who have come to the fore.
Some of the graffiti isn’t the result of traditional taggers. It’s amateur writing that is just sprayed on by people bent on vandalism. I don’t know how you track these people down, but we have to find a way to do that. Graffiti is something that not only looks bad, it is perceived by many as a threat because, while it doesn’t amount to physical violence, it makes people uneasy about their safety, and they’re concerned when it happens in their neighbourhood.
One of the best defences against graffiti, of course, is to wipe it out and paint over it as soon as it happens. But if that isn’t done - and I don’t see much evidence that it is - then it’s like a snowball, and just grows and grows.
The city is the leader here. They have to be, because much of the problem appears on their property. They have to commit to getting rid of it, and they have to put resources in place to track down and prosecute the offenders.
People who perceive graffiti as a minor problem just don’t get it. Psychologically, both for the residents and for the attackers, it’s not good. For the residents, a sense of uneasiness, for the taggers, a sense of power that can often lead to more brazen and much more serious acts. If you get away with tagging, how long before you start stealing? There is a definite correlation. Mayor and Council need to take some initiative here. I understand tagging is more common in the summer, with the warm weather, but that doesn’t lessen the necessity for dealing with what is a very serious and expensive problem.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Municipal Government More Human
(Aired on July 14, 2010)
I knew there was a reason I enjoyed municipal government. Because it's not sitting in city council meetings, believe you me. Where else but at the municipal level would you be able to find the new, so-called progressive members of council like Nancy Bepple and Denis Walsh voting against affordable housing? Both Bepple and Walsh registered votes against mobile home proposals planned for Ord Road and Dallas Drive. And where else would you find a self-described "free-enterpriser" like Pat Wallace voting for increased regulation of private businesses? The private businesses in question are the two local taxi cab companies.
I don't point this out to rail against so-called hypocrisy and condemn politicians for flip-flopping. On the contrary, municipal government may be the only place where politicians can truly vote their conscience and exercise their own degree of common sense. It's much more human, quite frankly.
At higher levels of government, with partisan politics and mindless block voting, there is no opportunity for rational individuals to consider all facets of an issue and vote accordingly. Of course, you have broader jurisdiction and more money to work with, so it attracts a lot of interest.
But more and more, I'm gaining greater respect for those who try to make a difference on a local level - be it school trustees, city councillors, or even those who volunteer for city committees. As much as a politician might tout one way of thinking, that person should be able to vote in any direction they find most compelling. Progressives won't always be right, and free-enterprisers won't always be right, but those who vote for the greater good can never be wrong.
I knew there was a reason I enjoyed municipal government. Because it's not sitting in city council meetings, believe you me. Where else but at the municipal level would you be able to find the new, so-called progressive members of council like Nancy Bepple and Denis Walsh voting against affordable housing? Both Bepple and Walsh registered votes against mobile home proposals planned for Ord Road and Dallas Drive. And where else would you find a self-described "free-enterpriser" like Pat Wallace voting for increased regulation of private businesses? The private businesses in question are the two local taxi cab companies.
I don't point this out to rail against so-called hypocrisy and condemn politicians for flip-flopping. On the contrary, municipal government may be the only place where politicians can truly vote their conscience and exercise their own degree of common sense. It's much more human, quite frankly.
At higher levels of government, with partisan politics and mindless block voting, there is no opportunity for rational individuals to consider all facets of an issue and vote accordingly. Of course, you have broader jurisdiction and more money to work with, so it attracts a lot of interest.
But more and more, I'm gaining greater respect for those who try to make a difference on a local level - be it school trustees, city councillors, or even those who volunteer for city committees. As much as a politician might tout one way of thinking, that person should be able to vote in any direction they find most compelling. Progressives won't always be right, and free-enterprisers won't always be right, but those who vote for the greater good can never be wrong.
Monday, July 12, 2010
It's Not That Bad
(Aired on July 8, 2010)
There was a letter to the editor in the Kamloops Daily News today complaining about the number of mosquitoes in Kamloops right now. I agree there are more than usual, but the total is still almost negligible.
It got me thinking about how good we have it here in Kamloops. Talk to anyone from the prairies - like me - about mosquitoes, and you realize it's all relative. Same story goes for complaining about the cold weather in winter time. Things aren't perfect in our city and in our province, but they're getting pretty close. The weather is nice, and the bugs aren't that bad.
Even the economy is doing relatively well. In spite of the downturn, Kamloops just saw record numbers for building in a six-month period and in a twelve-month period. And according to Finance Minister Colin Hansen, BC appears to be recovering better than expected as well. It's not smoking hot, mind you, but it's turning around.
From my perspective, just like the weather, you don't want it to be too hot. I lived in Alberta five years ago when the province was making money so fast it literally did not know what to do with it. At one point, Ralph Klein actually started giving it back in lump sum cheques. While that's all fine and good, the growth of the economy had plenty of negative side effects. No one wanted to work in the service industry because of all of the high-paying jobs in the oilsands. So try getting a table and a lunch in a reasonable time frame. Urban planning in cities like Calgary was completely thrown to the wayside because growth was too quick. And the wealth did not solve the social issues like homelessness and child poverty. In fact, all that wealth in the hands of so many young oilsands workers led to rampant drug use and addiction.
We're doing quite well here in Kamloops, not so well that I won't be able to find something to, shall we say "point out" - but quite well nonetheless.
There was a letter to the editor in the Kamloops Daily News today complaining about the number of mosquitoes in Kamloops right now. I agree there are more than usual, but the total is still almost negligible.
It got me thinking about how good we have it here in Kamloops. Talk to anyone from the prairies - like me - about mosquitoes, and you realize it's all relative. Same story goes for complaining about the cold weather in winter time. Things aren't perfect in our city and in our province, but they're getting pretty close. The weather is nice, and the bugs aren't that bad.
Even the economy is doing relatively well. In spite of the downturn, Kamloops just saw record numbers for building in a six-month period and in a twelve-month period. And according to Finance Minister Colin Hansen, BC appears to be recovering better than expected as well. It's not smoking hot, mind you, but it's turning around.
From my perspective, just like the weather, you don't want it to be too hot. I lived in Alberta five years ago when the province was making money so fast it literally did not know what to do with it. At one point, Ralph Klein actually started giving it back in lump sum cheques. While that's all fine and good, the growth of the economy had plenty of negative side effects. No one wanted to work in the service industry because of all of the high-paying jobs in the oilsands. So try getting a table and a lunch in a reasonable time frame. Urban planning in cities like Calgary was completely thrown to the wayside because growth was too quick. And the wealth did not solve the social issues like homelessness and child poverty. In fact, all that wealth in the hands of so many young oilsands workers led to rampant drug use and addiction.
We're doing quite well here in Kamloops, not so well that I won't be able to find something to, shall we say "point out" - but quite well nonetheless.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Master Plan May Not Have Prevented Monday Accident
(Aired on June 15, 2010)
An incident yesterday afternoon near Aberdeen Mall is already being used as a sounding board by groups wanting changes to bicycle routes in Kamloops. And I say "put aside the politics" until at least we know what happened.
A 57 year old Kamloops man was riding down Hillside Drive yesterday, when he collided with a transit bus making a left turn from Aberdeen Mall onto Hillside. Already those with political agendas are suggesting that such accidents require the City to make its bicycle plan a reality. One advocate says it's sad that we have to have a situation like this to draw attention to the lack of bike facilities in the city. I say that's trying to take advantage of a terrible accident to make a case for something that may or may not have resolved the problem.
I'm not going to talk about the Aberdeen accident yesterday in any detail, because no one knows what happened exactly. I will say that bike riders often come down that road way too quickly, as they do Columbia Street, Summit Drive and many other hills in the city. I will say that the interchange where the accident occurred is a bad one. It's one of several places in a block and a half where people have to make turns across two lanes of traffic, sometimes into glaring sunlight, and it's a wonder more accidents don't happen. I'm not suggesting for a moment that bicyclists shouldn't have a safe route to the downtown, something the master bike plan is designed to do. But there have to be other considerations too.
A safe bike route doesn't guarantee that people will always use it. Bike riders aren't always cautious. Their machines aren't equipped to stop on a dime, and if a motorist doesn't see them, they can't slow down quickly enough to avoid a collision. They often don't obey the rules of the road.
Let's push for the master bike plan, but let's not use a sad situation that resulted from an accident that may have been hard to prevent as some kind of leverage, when in fact the bike plan may not have had any impact on the situation anyway. I hate it when people do that.
An incident yesterday afternoon near Aberdeen Mall is already being used as a sounding board by groups wanting changes to bicycle routes in Kamloops. And I say "put aside the politics" until at least we know what happened.
A 57 year old Kamloops man was riding down Hillside Drive yesterday, when he collided with a transit bus making a left turn from Aberdeen Mall onto Hillside. Already those with political agendas are suggesting that such accidents require the City to make its bicycle plan a reality. One advocate says it's sad that we have to have a situation like this to draw attention to the lack of bike facilities in the city. I say that's trying to take advantage of a terrible accident to make a case for something that may or may not have resolved the problem.
I'm not going to talk about the Aberdeen accident yesterday in any detail, because no one knows what happened exactly. I will say that bike riders often come down that road way too quickly, as they do Columbia Street, Summit Drive and many other hills in the city. I will say that the interchange where the accident occurred is a bad one. It's one of several places in a block and a half where people have to make turns across two lanes of traffic, sometimes into glaring sunlight, and it's a wonder more accidents don't happen. I'm not suggesting for a moment that bicyclists shouldn't have a safe route to the downtown, something the master bike plan is designed to do. But there have to be other considerations too.
A safe bike route doesn't guarantee that people will always use it. Bike riders aren't always cautious. Their machines aren't equipped to stop on a dime, and if a motorist doesn't see them, they can't slow down quickly enough to avoid a collision. They often don't obey the rules of the road.
Let's push for the master bike plan, but let's not use a sad situation that resulted from an accident that may have been hard to prevent as some kind of leverage, when in fact the bike plan may not have had any impact on the situation anyway. I hate it when people do that.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Performing Arts Centre Should be Top Priority for Kamloops
(Aired on June 7, 2010)
What a welcome relief to hear someone say something positive about the Arts. Councillor John O'Fee suggesting this morning that a new Performing Arts Centre should be high on the list of projects for the city to consider. Such a centre would go a long way to attracting more artists here, and it would definitely be an attraction when people are coming to the city to live. When you survey professionals who are considering moving, one of the major factors is the amenities. We have some great amenities in Kamloops, but we can certainly do more in certain areas. Music and theatre are big attractions to professionals.
What form a new Centre might take is up for debate. When I was on the Arts Commission a few years back, one of the big discussion points was the need for a space seating somewhere between 300 and 400 people. A space kind of like the Pavilion Theatre, but properly designed for performance. Pavilion is a great space, but it's not designed for concerts and the like.
Most people know me as a big fan of the arts. Long before my kids became known for their artistic work, I was heavily into the performing arts areas. I grew up backstage listening to many of the big groups of the 50's and 60's because my dad was involved in that field for a time. I could see the value of the arts even then. While some feel the arts play a secondary role to other critical needs, they nevertheless have a big role to play, and they can't be hung out to dry like the provincial Liberals are doing.
I agree with Councillor O'Fee that a new Centre is a big priority for our city. We're working on new recreational amenities like a new bike path, and slo-pitch city and upgrading McArthur Island. I think it's time we moved the arts a little higher up on our priority list.
What a welcome relief to hear someone say something positive about the Arts. Councillor John O'Fee suggesting this morning that a new Performing Arts Centre should be high on the list of projects for the city to consider. Such a centre would go a long way to attracting more artists here, and it would definitely be an attraction when people are coming to the city to live. When you survey professionals who are considering moving, one of the major factors is the amenities. We have some great amenities in Kamloops, but we can certainly do more in certain areas. Music and theatre are big attractions to professionals.
What form a new Centre might take is up for debate. When I was on the Arts Commission a few years back, one of the big discussion points was the need for a space seating somewhere between 300 and 400 people. A space kind of like the Pavilion Theatre, but properly designed for performance. Pavilion is a great space, but it's not designed for concerts and the like.
Most people know me as a big fan of the arts. Long before my kids became known for their artistic work, I was heavily into the performing arts areas. I grew up backstage listening to many of the big groups of the 50's and 60's because my dad was involved in that field for a time. I could see the value of the arts even then. While some feel the arts play a secondary role to other critical needs, they nevertheless have a big role to play, and they can't be hung out to dry like the provincial Liberals are doing.
I agree with Councillor O'Fee that a new Centre is a big priority for our city. We're working on new recreational amenities like a new bike path, and slo-pitch city and upgrading McArthur Island. I think it's time we moved the arts a little higher up on our priority list.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Slo-Pitch City in Just the Right Place
(Aired on May 18, 2010)
The city is letting contracts today for the start of work on the new Slo-Pitch City in Rayleigh. While there are still those who think the location is too far out of town, I think it probably is in the right place, considering the amount of land available. In some ways, I would have preferred it to be closer to McArthur Island, where you could quickly drive from one venue to another and be more accessible. But for the most part, tournaments will be held at one location or another, and there probably wouldn't be too many occasions where the location would be an issue.
Some have expressed concern that the new venue is too far away from hotels and that people would have to drive longer distances after consuming alcohol at a beer garden after a game. But when you get right down to it, it's not a very long drive to hotels when you come down the highway, and you wouldn't travel any longer than you would if you were in Kelowna, and certainly no farther than you would if you were in Vancouver. If we're going to do the project right, we have to have a large enough land space to put up the proper fields and ancillary facilities. Otherwise, you won't attract the big championship events. And as the city grows, it will grow up around the facility.
Initially, it may seem like it's out in no man's land, but I remember many years ago, when the Milobar family built the Place Inn in Aberdeen. At that time, there was very little development around it. People said it was too far out of town. Didn't take long to dispel that rumour. And the same will hold true with Slo-Pitch City. I think it's a facility that will set the bar at a new level, the same as McArthur Island did when it was first developed. Just another step forward as we ensconce ourselves as the Tournament Capital.
The city is letting contracts today for the start of work on the new Slo-Pitch City in Rayleigh. While there are still those who think the location is too far out of town, I think it probably is in the right place, considering the amount of land available. In some ways, I would have preferred it to be closer to McArthur Island, where you could quickly drive from one venue to another and be more accessible. But for the most part, tournaments will be held at one location or another, and there probably wouldn't be too many occasions where the location would be an issue.
Some have expressed concern that the new venue is too far away from hotels and that people would have to drive longer distances after consuming alcohol at a beer garden after a game. But when you get right down to it, it's not a very long drive to hotels when you come down the highway, and you wouldn't travel any longer than you would if you were in Kelowna, and certainly no farther than you would if you were in Vancouver. If we're going to do the project right, we have to have a large enough land space to put up the proper fields and ancillary facilities. Otherwise, you won't attract the big championship events. And as the city grows, it will grow up around the facility.
Initially, it may seem like it's out in no man's land, but I remember many years ago, when the Milobar family built the Place Inn in Aberdeen. At that time, there was very little development around it. People said it was too far out of town. Didn't take long to dispel that rumour. And the same will hold true with Slo-Pitch City. I think it's a facility that will set the bar at a new level, the same as McArthur Island did when it was first developed. Just another step forward as we ensconce ourselves as the Tournament Capital.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Kamloops a Good Place for a Headquarters?
(Aired on May 13, 2010)
The provincial headquarters for forest fire fighting was officially opened in Kamloops today. Starting this year, all co-ordination of forestry fire suppression operations in the province will take place out at Fulton Field. This, of course, only makes sense. But give credit where credit is due; the provincial government finally did something that makes sense.
Kamloops - in the heart of the province and a major transportation hub - really should be more of a base of operations than it already is. We've already spoken about oversight of Royal Inland Hospital being transferred to Kelowna. While that may not be as much of an issue as first feared, it's not a great omen either. And what really concerns me is the situation over at the BC Lottery Corporation. Kamloops is still the headquarters for BCLC. That hasn't changed. What has changed is the location of its leader.
When Michael Graydon was hired to lead the Lotto corporation, the initial thought was of course that he would move to Kamloops. It hasn't happened. Graydon still essentially works in Richmond. It's curious, really. After all, why would the president and CEO not reside and work in the same city as the headquarters? In fact, what is a headquarters if not the place where the leader is? While there's nothing more than this situation to substantiate it, my gut tells me if it's allowed to continue like this, the BCLC home base is not long for Kamloops.
Maybe it's a good thing I'm not a betting man.
The provincial headquarters for forest fire fighting was officially opened in Kamloops today. Starting this year, all co-ordination of forestry fire suppression operations in the province will take place out at Fulton Field. This, of course, only makes sense. But give credit where credit is due; the provincial government finally did something that makes sense.
Kamloops - in the heart of the province and a major transportation hub - really should be more of a base of operations than it already is. We've already spoken about oversight of Royal Inland Hospital being transferred to Kelowna. While that may not be as much of an issue as first feared, it's not a great omen either. And what really concerns me is the situation over at the BC Lottery Corporation. Kamloops is still the headquarters for BCLC. That hasn't changed. What has changed is the location of its leader.
When Michael Graydon was hired to lead the Lotto corporation, the initial thought was of course that he would move to Kamloops. It hasn't happened. Graydon still essentially works in Richmond. It's curious, really. After all, why would the president and CEO not reside and work in the same city as the headquarters? In fact, what is a headquarters if not the place where the leader is? While there's nothing more than this situation to substantiate it, my gut tells me if it's allowed to continue like this, the BCLC home base is not long for Kamloops.
Maybe it's a good thing I'm not a betting man.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
No Rhyme or Reason to Kamloops Gas Prices
(Aired on March 8, 2010)
I must admit to you that in all my years of being in news, I've never been able to figure out why gas prices have fluctuated. I've heard all the arguments, supply and demand, cost in the field making its way to the pumps, refinery costs, local taxes, you name it - I've heard it. But none of the arguments hold true, and I think it's time for the feds to have another inquiry into gas prices. They've looked before, and they're obviously as dumb as I am, because they haven't been able to figure it out either.
Last month, I had to make a business trip to Quesnel. My traveling partner and I were intrigued that the prices in the Cariboo were at least a couple of cents cheaper than in Kamloops. That just didn't make any sense to us at all. This past weekend, I was in 100 Mile. We went up to Little Fort and across Highway 24. In Lone Butte, which can claim no reason at all for having cheaper gas prices than Kamloops, prices were $1.03 cents a liter, a full 2 cents cheaper than Kamloops. And again, all the way home down Highway 97, prices were cheaper than Kamloops.
This just doesn't make any sense folks. We never seem to have a big fluctuation in Kamloops. Occasionally, as we did a few weeks back, we'll drop down for a short period of time, but that's normally the precursor to a sharp jump.
I can understand the price of gas in Vancouver averaging $1.13 this morning because they have transit taxes specific to the coast. I can understand Whitehorse being $1.12. They have to take that gas a long way. We're not out of line compared to a lot of communities across the country, but to have our gas price more expensive than the Cariboo just doesn't make sense. Someone, somewhere has to have an answer. And it can't be just any answer. It's got to be one that we can actually believe.
I must admit to you that in all my years of being in news, I've never been able to figure out why gas prices have fluctuated. I've heard all the arguments, supply and demand, cost in the field making its way to the pumps, refinery costs, local taxes, you name it - I've heard it. But none of the arguments hold true, and I think it's time for the feds to have another inquiry into gas prices. They've looked before, and they're obviously as dumb as I am, because they haven't been able to figure it out either.
Last month, I had to make a business trip to Quesnel. My traveling partner and I were intrigued that the prices in the Cariboo were at least a couple of cents cheaper than in Kamloops. That just didn't make any sense to us at all. This past weekend, I was in 100 Mile. We went up to Little Fort and across Highway 24. In Lone Butte, which can claim no reason at all for having cheaper gas prices than Kamloops, prices were $1.03 cents a liter, a full 2 cents cheaper than Kamloops. And again, all the way home down Highway 97, prices were cheaper than Kamloops.
This just doesn't make any sense folks. We never seem to have a big fluctuation in Kamloops. Occasionally, as we did a few weeks back, we'll drop down for a short period of time, but that's normally the precursor to a sharp jump.
I can understand the price of gas in Vancouver averaging $1.13 this morning because they have transit taxes specific to the coast. I can understand Whitehorse being $1.12. They have to take that gas a long way. We're not out of line compared to a lot of communities across the country, but to have our gas price more expensive than the Cariboo just doesn't make sense. Someone, somewhere has to have an answer. And it can't be just any answer. It's got to be one that we can actually believe.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
No Problem with Mayor Attending Opening Ceremonies
(Aired on February 8, 2010)
The current minor controversy regarding whether or not officials should be using complementary tickets to Olympics events is too much ado about nothing. Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar is among those using tickets provided by various groups, in his case the B.C. Lottery Corporation. Other officials, like the Mayor of Chilliwack, have opted not to. In my view, it's an individual decision, and as long as it's transparent, I don't really see a problem. If our Mayor can use the event to do some networking on behalf of the city, what's the problem? City officials get invited to events all the time. In many cases, they get a free ticket for themselves, and perhaps their spouse. There may be some who see that as a conflict of interest. They believe that there should not only be no conflict, there should be no perception of a conflict. But we expect our civic officials to be at various events to represent us, and to glad hand the public. I don't think that's a bad thing.
And, again, as long as it's transparent, it's not an issue. It doesn't make a councilor a bad person, or a shady character, as some would have you believe. Some see this as an issue. I think they're really being silly if they think a councilor would give a benefit to a company because they got a ticket to a dinner. But they're entitled to their opinion. Unless the taxpayers are going to give the Mayor and Council a much bigger expense account, it's a moot point for me.
I know there are some self-righteous people out there who would argue against my views, but I guess that's their right. We've had this issue in newsrooms across the country over the years. Some, for example, never go to a function unless their company pays the freight for the ticket. They don't want to be seen as taking "favours" from someone. And that's OK. Many functions have media tables where the media can sit to cover an event, and they don't have to eat the dinner if they don't want, to show how pure they are.
But events for mayor and council are a little different, and part of their responsibility is to be in the public and represent the taxpayers. As far as Mayor Milobar's trip to the opening ceremonies goes, Peter, have a great time, enjoy the event, and forget about those who for some reason can't see the bigger picture.
The current minor controversy regarding whether or not officials should be using complementary tickets to Olympics events is too much ado about nothing. Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar is among those using tickets provided by various groups, in his case the B.C. Lottery Corporation. Other officials, like the Mayor of Chilliwack, have opted not to. In my view, it's an individual decision, and as long as it's transparent, I don't really see a problem. If our Mayor can use the event to do some networking on behalf of the city, what's the problem? City officials get invited to events all the time. In many cases, they get a free ticket for themselves, and perhaps their spouse. There may be some who see that as a conflict of interest. They believe that there should not only be no conflict, there should be no perception of a conflict. But we expect our civic officials to be at various events to represent us, and to glad hand the public. I don't think that's a bad thing.
And, again, as long as it's transparent, it's not an issue. It doesn't make a councilor a bad person, or a shady character, as some would have you believe. Some see this as an issue. I think they're really being silly if they think a councilor would give a benefit to a company because they got a ticket to a dinner. But they're entitled to their opinion. Unless the taxpayers are going to give the Mayor and Council a much bigger expense account, it's a moot point for me.
I know there are some self-righteous people out there who would argue against my views, but I guess that's their right. We've had this issue in newsrooms across the country over the years. Some, for example, never go to a function unless their company pays the freight for the ticket. They don't want to be seen as taking "favours" from someone. And that's OK. Many functions have media tables where the media can sit to cover an event, and they don't have to eat the dinner if they don't want, to show how pure they are.
But events for mayor and council are a little different, and part of their responsibility is to be in the public and represent the taxpayers. As far as Mayor Milobar's trip to the opening ceremonies goes, Peter, have a great time, enjoy the event, and forget about those who for some reason can't see the bigger picture.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Time is Now for Water Meter Decision
(Aired on January 29, 2010)
Mayor Peter Milobar is right. He says it's time for the rubble to meet the road when it comes to water meters. City Council is facing a huge spending increase for water projects, if they don't put in universal water meters. Council will be forced to spend a huge chunk of money to upgrade the Valleyview system because of increased demand. If water meters are installed, they won't have to do that for many years down the road. It's just the start of the problem.
You can say what you will, but this is a decision that has to be made now. Water rates will go up for the construction, but in the long run, it's the right thing to do. And contrary to some armchair quarterbacks, we can't go to a referendum on this. Councillors have to have the courage of their convictions and make the necessary decision. That's why we elected them. If the public doesn't like what they do, there's an election in November 2011 when they can let the council know they did or did not back their decision.
If we can reduce water consumption by 20 percent in peak periods, the savings to the system will be huge. As Kamloops continues to grow, demands will continue to be placed on our water capacity. We already know that we overwater. Water meters will help keep that in check. Let's not play around with this any more. Let's get the job underway and make the decision. Council has wasted enough time.
Mayor Peter Milobar is right. He says it's time for the rubble to meet the road when it comes to water meters. City Council is facing a huge spending increase for water projects, if they don't put in universal water meters. Council will be forced to spend a huge chunk of money to upgrade the Valleyview system because of increased demand. If water meters are installed, they won't have to do that for many years down the road. It's just the start of the problem.
You can say what you will, but this is a decision that has to be made now. Water rates will go up for the construction, but in the long run, it's the right thing to do. And contrary to some armchair quarterbacks, we can't go to a referendum on this. Councillors have to have the courage of their convictions and make the necessary decision. That's why we elected them. If the public doesn't like what they do, there's an election in November 2011 when they can let the council know they did or did not back their decision.
If we can reduce water consumption by 20 percent in peak periods, the savings to the system will be huge. As Kamloops continues to grow, demands will continue to be placed on our water capacity. We already know that we overwater. Water meters will help keep that in check. Let's not play around with this any more. Let's get the job underway and make the decision. Council has wasted enough time.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Westjet Changes
(Aired on January 25, 2010)
Who would have thought that WestJet, the airline people love to love, would be pulling its Kamloops to Vancouver flights later this spring, on the guise that they were only seasonal to begin with. And who would have thought that Air Canada, the airline people love to hate, would still be the one pulling the load and providing service.
WestJet's announcement is surprising, especially considering that Kamloops is one of the few airports in the country where air traffic has continued to increase. It doesn't make sense, although one can only assume that passenger numbers are such that the airline can't justify the flights. Maybe seat sales between the two competitors had something to do with it, I don't know. But Air Canada will once again have a monopoly on the Vancouver to Kamloops market. What that will do to fares and flights remains to be seen. WestJet says it will bring the Vancouver flights back in the fall to capitalize on the ski season. I guess we'll see.
WestJet will be flying to Edmonton from Kamloops later this spring. It is now telling us that is only a seasonal venture too. It's unfortunate, because many seasoned travellers like to book their holidays well in advance, and it's hard when you don't know if an airline will be flying or not. If I were making reservations for something into the future, I personally would take the more secure option, not knowing if WestJet will be there or not.
While I understand the business case involved here, and let's face it, if the traffic isn't there, you can't make the case for the flights, it still makes me wonder. Reliability of service is important, whether it's airline flights or anything else. WestJet's move flies in the face of all the figures we keep hearing about traffic in and out of Kamloops. It only makes it more difficult for air travellers to get from one place to another. And ultimately, that's bad for the city of Kamloops.
Who would have thought that WestJet, the airline people love to love, would be pulling its Kamloops to Vancouver flights later this spring, on the guise that they were only seasonal to begin with. And who would have thought that Air Canada, the airline people love to hate, would still be the one pulling the load and providing service.
WestJet's announcement is surprising, especially considering that Kamloops is one of the few airports in the country where air traffic has continued to increase. It doesn't make sense, although one can only assume that passenger numbers are such that the airline can't justify the flights. Maybe seat sales between the two competitors had something to do with it, I don't know. But Air Canada will once again have a monopoly on the Vancouver to Kamloops market. What that will do to fares and flights remains to be seen. WestJet says it will bring the Vancouver flights back in the fall to capitalize on the ski season. I guess we'll see.
WestJet will be flying to Edmonton from Kamloops later this spring. It is now telling us that is only a seasonal venture too. It's unfortunate, because many seasoned travellers like to book their holidays well in advance, and it's hard when you don't know if an airline will be flying or not. If I were making reservations for something into the future, I personally would take the more secure option, not knowing if WestJet will be there or not.
While I understand the business case involved here, and let's face it, if the traffic isn't there, you can't make the case for the flights, it still makes me wonder. Reliability of service is important, whether it's airline flights or anything else. WestJet's move flies in the face of all the figures we keep hearing about traffic in and out of Kamloops. It only makes it more difficult for air travellers to get from one place to another. And ultimately, that's bad for the city of Kamloops.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The City Council Law of Inverse Proportionality
(Aired January 13, 2010)
I'm beginning to think there really is something in the water. City hall can be pretty weird sometimes, but this week's city council meeting brought an extra measure of weirdness.
A retired doctor had to be scolded for shouting from the peanut gallery.
A former mayor - Mel Rothenburger - was essentially shamed out of council chambers because he couldn't get his cell phone to be quiet.
And a former councillor - Grant Robertson - decided the best way to argue about a dog-owner's rights was with a stuffed toy and a handful of fake dog dung.
But the thing that was at the same time weird and all too familiar was what I call the City Council Law of Inverse Proportionality. It goes like this: the more an issue is debated, the less will actually be done about it.
This week, a dog-owner in Aberdeen came to council to complain that his dog had been picked up several times even though the neighbourhood loves it and has no problem with it greeting passers-by. The outcome of this issue was clear to most rational members around the council table - nothing. By-laws are black and white, their enforcement is often fairly unsympathetic, and there will be conflicts between officers and the public. By-law officers can exercise common sense, but their and your definition of common sense often don't jive.
It took an hour and a half to come to this conclusion.
I suppose maybe it was worth it, if the public can learn the lesson that you have to have a pretty darn good reason to get the city to bend on its by-laws. And a wandering dog - no matter how friendly - is not good enough.
I'm beginning to think there really is something in the water. City hall can be pretty weird sometimes, but this week's city council meeting brought an extra measure of weirdness.
A retired doctor had to be scolded for shouting from the peanut gallery.
A former mayor - Mel Rothenburger - was essentially shamed out of council chambers because he couldn't get his cell phone to be quiet.
And a former councillor - Grant Robertson - decided the best way to argue about a dog-owner's rights was with a stuffed toy and a handful of fake dog dung.
But the thing that was at the same time weird and all too familiar was what I call the City Council Law of Inverse Proportionality. It goes like this: the more an issue is debated, the less will actually be done about it.
This week, a dog-owner in Aberdeen came to council to complain that his dog had been picked up several times even though the neighbourhood loves it and has no problem with it greeting passers-by. The outcome of this issue was clear to most rational members around the council table - nothing. By-laws are black and white, their enforcement is often fairly unsympathetic, and there will be conflicts between officers and the public. By-law officers can exercise common sense, but their and your definition of common sense often don't jive.
It took an hour and a half to come to this conclusion.
I suppose maybe it was worth it, if the public can learn the lesson that you have to have a pretty darn good reason to get the city to bend on its by-laws. And a wandering dog - no matter how friendly - is not good enough.
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