News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

We are very sorry to inform everyone that Smackdown on January 28th in Williams Lake has been postponed.

This is due to lack of participation within the schools. We are hoping that given a little more time parents/teachers will step up and coach the kids in the elementary schools.

This will give them another month to practice.

(The following is a letter from Chilcotin Harvest Ltd President and CEO Felix Schellenberg to a representative of the BC Centre of Disease Control.)

Dear Mr. Wilcott,

It is now two months after the names of Chilcotin Harvest Ltd and Pasture to Plate Ltd have been extremely unfavourably publicized by you, on recommendation by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), from coast to coast, from border to border and radiating far beyond and causing grief, substantial financial loss, rightful doubt and mistrust towards regulating authorities and their very questionable inspection methods, some of which I have addressed with you already.

The following was submitted by one of our readers:

"Until the deaths of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan, probably almost no one outside their home country had been aware that Canadian troops are deployed in the region.

"And as always, Canada will bury its dead, just as the rest of the world, as always will forget its sacrifice, just as it always forgets nearly everything Canada ever does. It seems that Canada's historic mission is to come to the selfless aid both of its friends and of complete strangers, and then, once the crisis is over, to be well and truly ignored.

Editor:

Hi, I just wanted to say that I attended the musical "Just So" at the Glendale theater tonight. I had mentioned that I was going to a few people, and the general response was, "Why? You don't have kids in it." No, I don't have kids in it. But WOW! What talent and what a show. There was lots of humour and a really good message throughout. I was a little surprised at the small audience, since I think that there are usually way more people at live performances. If you can possibly go, do: I'm sure you won't regret it at all. Support the kids, and have a great entertaining evening! It's a win win type of situation! 

 Charlene Ratzinger

Editor:

Minister Rich Coleman’s response to ‘Gambling cuts to cover BC budget shortfalls’ was misleading and did not shed  light on concerns for local non-profits.  He writes… ‘While it is true that Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Williams Lake will next be able to apply for gaming funding in August 2011, they are among groups transitioning between grant programs.  Because of this they may request an advance payment at that time, based on their groups needs.’

My question to Mr. Coleman, when is ‘at that time?’  Is it in April when the funding ends? Or August when applications for new funding are being accepted? And what is the process for requesting an advance in funding?  I have spoken to staff in Victoria and no one can answer these questions.  Organizations that are facing a possible eleven months without funding need these answers to forecast and plan.

The Editor

Welcome to Williams Lake

I would like to respond to comments posted in this space made by Eric Freeston about the independent panel appointed to consider the two referendum options that British Columbians will vote on in September.

Contrary to what has been written, the panel is designed to present both the pros and cons of each referendum option. British Columbians can then review the panel’s findings and decide if they feel the information is helpful.

The panel will report directly to the public.  Their report will not be submitted to government prior to release. Based on public polling and focus group research we conducted, British Columbians told us they wanted expert analysis to assist them in making their decision on September 24

ACT 1

A kitchen in ‘any’ province Canada

Mr. & Mrs. Entrepreneur drink coffee surfing on their laptop, research where they might like to relocate and launch their cutting edge business. 

MRS. E:  “Oh, take a look honey.  Williams Lake has some beautiful surroundings. Distinct seasons, and it looks like there’s great mountain biking.  Hmmm… let’s see about the gymnastics club.” 

Mrs.  E.  looking quizzical, typing various search terms, brows furrowed.

MRS. E:  “That’s odd, a town of that size without a gymnastics club?” 

MR. E:  “Take a look into minor hockey.  Make sure they have that at least.”

Mrs. E. gasps in horror, and spins the laptop to face Mr. E.

MR. E:  “Holy @#% those ice fees are outrageous!  How can an average income afford that?”

CURTAIN

Editor:

Get ready to rev your engines for the annual winter event called the Williams Lake Baja street race. Maybe not the best name for this rough riding event that will start on Saturday Jan 29 as track conditions firm up. All residents and any one else who drives a vehicle with in the city of Williams Lake qualifies and has an automatic entry, no charge except the vehicle damage which is at your own risk. Rules; drive down town and attempt to park some where and the ride begins with frozen ruts and piles of ice makes for one of the wildest rides of the winter, bring a shovel and some sand or your BCAA card. The goal of this event is not to damage your undercarrage and make it home in one piece with out any road rage. Disclaimer; this event may be canceled if street side parking is cleared out before the big freeze this weekend.

Henry Van Soest