In the early hours of May 2, Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) work crews began the decommissioning of the Birch Lake/Opax garbage transfer station. Dennis LaBrie, TNRD environmental health services operations supervisor, said he arrived at 5 a.m. with equipment and flag persons, who were later sent home because there was no traffic, to get a jump on the site closure. He added an early start was standard procedure as the closure of several transfer stations has met with protest throughout the regional district, which can be costly to the taxpayers. Around 8 a.m. , eight local protestors arrived, but by then, the bins were gone and the excavator was well into the task of decommissioning the site. Protest organizer and Opax resident Curt Roy said he was quite disappointed by the early start made by the TNRD and lack of community support for the protest. The site was slated for closure last year, but residents say they were only informed of the closure last month. The closest alternative TNRD sites for residents are located in Little Fort and Eagan Lake, where there will be some recycling options that weren’t available at the Birch Lake/Opax site. The Little Fort site is open three days a week. The Barriere site is another option for TNRD residents and offers full-service dumping and recycling. More information is available at www.tnrd.bc.ca
John’s big day
Neighbours did not let Boultbee Road’s "mayor" John Clarkson quietly celebrate his 70th birthday. Kelly Raby hosted a party in John’s honour on the Saturday before John’s actual birthday on April 25. Surrounded by family and friends, and with his typical sense of humour, John endured some friendly ribbing, sympathy cards and several gifts highlighting his well-known passions. Although John and his wife, Elsie, plan to move to nearby Barriere this year, they will be close enough to attend a follow-up birthday party same time next year because it was so much fun.
Island sunk
Diane Truant of Lac des Roches/100 Mile House correctly guessed the eight-hour time block on May 4 when the pyramid disappeared through the ice on Little Lac des Roches. To the delight and relief of the organizer, the structure performed as designed. It tilted for a few days – stirring up quite a buzz in the community – then dropped through a hole in the weak ice leaving behind only an attached floating marker. Once the ice is completely gone, the structure will be retrieved and stored for next year’s fun. Thanks to Piper Loft and Luca Lanzoni who both kept a vigilant watch on the pyramid this spring.
Winged wonders
Birdwatchers are getting a feast for their senses these days. Sections of open water around Lac des Roches have attracted all sorts of ducks and geese. It is always a special treat to hear and see the first returning loon, and it arrived on May 1. Wendy Marshall has scheduled birding expeditions all around the area for May and June and invites birding enthusiast to join the group for these Monday morning trips. Call her at 250-593-2327 for more details on the dates and planned locations.
Bears are back
Several sightings of black bear last week near Lac des Roches has walkers dusting off their "bear bells. " Ongoing conversation between multiple walkers will usually keep wild animals at bay. Lone walkers and bicycle riders should take steps to make some noise to warn the bruins of their presence in the wilderness as well as quiet neighbourhoods.