Salmon Arm  

Salmon Arm Art Gallery launches new exhibit celebrating 'Fierce Female Artists'

Fierce female art exhibition

Photo: Salmon Arm Art Gallery

The Salmon Arm Art Gallery is celebrating nearly 70 years of incredible art from a diverse array of women artists through its newest exhibition.

Dialogue with the Collection: Fierce Female Artists will open on Saturday, March 29, featuring a wide variety of work created by talented women.

In a press release, gallery curator Tracey Kutschker explained the exhibition will feature local artists responding to works from significant female artists.

“The Community Art Collection holds the works of over 100 artists spanning nearly 70 years,” Kutschker said.

“Of the many women artists represented in the collection, Vivian Lindoe, Chris Czajkowski, Mary Thomas, Delores Purdaby, Alice Montjoy and Faye Fawcett are being recognized for facing and overcoming significant barriers and challenges.”

In order to highlight the lives and artistic achievements of these artists, the arts council asked some local creatives to respond to the artists' works.

Local artists Lou Conron, Destanne Norris, Carol Schlosar, Heather Yip, Diane Akey, Jennifer Chernecki, Spud Barker, and Lisa Figueroa will present their responses in their own mediums.

The opening reception for this exciting exhibit will be Saturday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salmon Arm Art Gallery.

The gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is by donation.

Garbage, recycling collection on hold in Chase as garbage truck is out for repairs

Garbage truck out for repair

Photo: KTW file photo

Garbage and recycling collection is on hold again in Chase after the garbage truck had to be sent away for repairs.

In a social media post Wednesday, the Village of Chase announced garbage and recycling collection would be on hold until repairs to the village’s aging garbage truck could be completed.

Joni Heinrich, chief administrative officer, said they are hoping to have the garbage truck back in operation by Friday but it could take until the start of next week.

She said the compactor on the truck is the cause of the current issues.

“We don't know for sure what happened this time, but we suspect that the compactor was damaged by something that probably shouldn't have been put in the bin,” she said.

The truck has been taken to Kelowna to be repaired at a company that builds and designs dump trucks.

The garbage truck used by the village is more than five years old, according to Heinrich, and this is not the first time repairs have delayed curbside collection. In January, the village went without garbage collection for a week while it was away for repairs in Kamloops.

The village is currently working through their 2025 budget process, and in the budget there is money set aside to work on purchasing a new garbage truck once the 2025 budget is approved.

“Once council makes the decision for us to pull the trigger for a truck to be ordered, then we'll be going down that road,” Heinrich said.

However, even after the process starts, it still could be awhile until a new truck is in operation in Chase.

“We have to put it on order and then it's a specialty thing that has to be built for the specs that we request,” she said.

She added it would likely take until early 2026 for a new truck to arrive and start regular operations.

Salmon Arm woman scammed out of $7K after being told her identity had been stolen

Scammed out of $7K

Photo: Castanet File Photo

Salmon Arm RCMP are urging residents to use extra caution when receiving unsolicited phone calls after a local woman lost $7,000 through an identity theft scam.

On Feb. 21, a Salmon Arm woman told police she had been the victim of fraud after receiving a phone call from someone who convinced her that her identity had been compromised.

“The woman was convinced to attend various locations and purchase gift cards in the amount of $500 each, totalling $7,000,” said Const. Andrew Hodges of the Salmon Arm RCMP.

“The woman was then instructed to provide the PIN for each gift card over the phone.”

At this point, the woman realized she was being scammed and informed her husband and the police about the incident.

Salmon Arm RCMP are urging the public to use extreme caution when answering unsolicited phone calls and emails.

They advise residents to never purchase gift cards or send e-transfers to anyone they don't know, and to never provide personal information over the phone or email.

Police said if a person claims to be someone you know, confirm their identity by asking about a memory or experience only they would know about.

You can learn more about how to protect yourself from the most common types of scams and fraud by visiting the RCMP frauds and scams webpage and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Bureau website.

Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce hosting business roundtable discussion about tariffs, trade

Chamber hosts tariff meeting

Photo: Luc Rempel

The Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce says it is looking for solutions to help local businesses weather new challenges imposed by United States tariffs.

The chamber will host a virtual roundtable discussion at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 14, exploring ways to support local businesses, strengthen interprovincial trade and combat tariff impacts.

“Tariffs put pressure on businesses and consumers alike, but by supporting Canadian products and local businesses as much as possible, we can keep dollars in our community and build economic resilience,” said Christine Jontz-Barbour, executive director of the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce.

“Removing interprovincial trade barriers and providing incentives to keep goods flowing freely within our borders are critical steps in mitigating the impact of these tariffs.”

She said by making it easier for businesses to trade across provinces, the national economy can be strengthened.

Local business owners and members of the public are invited to join the chamber for the virtual roundtable to discuss tariff impacts and explore ways to mitigate the challenges they could bring.

Participants are invited to bring questions, comments and ideas for collaboration on potential solutions to difficulties imposed by the tariffs.

The chamber said it plans to bring comments and questions from the session directly to MLA David Williams and MP Mel Arnold.

In the statement, the chamber also encourages businesses to check out available resources linked on the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society’s tariff page.

Those wishing to participate in the roundtable are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected].

Construction on six-storey apartment building in Salmon Arm set to begin this summer

Apartments set for summer

Photo: City of Salmon Arm

Artist's rendering of proposed six storey apartment building

Construction on a new six-storey apartment building in Salmon Arm is scheduled to get underway this summer, according to the developer.

At the March 3 planning and development services committee meeting, a motion was presented to recommend that council consider approving a development permit for a six storey mixed-use commercial and residential apartment building.

The proposed development would be located at 811 28 St. NE, just behind Rogers Rink in uptown Salmon Arm.

“The proposal before us is for a mixed use building, primarily purpose built rental units,” explained Chris Larson, senior planner. “This is a six-storey building that the applicant has worked with staff on through the rezoning process as well as the development permit process.”

The unit is expected to have 73 rental units as well as underground parking. The ground level will feature some commercial units including a "co-working cafe,” and a new regional office for Veyron Properties which will be the owner and operator of the rental units.

Councillors in attendance were supportive of the construction of another new purpose-built rental apartment building.

“I think the building is interesting,” said Coun. Sylvia Lindgren. “I think it's a great location for it, there's lots of walkability from this location.”

She said she appreciated the proposal's adherence to the city's tree bylaw, not just by paying money but to actually see trees planted.

“I think the city will benefit greatly from this," Lindgren said.

Mayor Alan Harrison also praised the design and location of the development.

“I really like the attention to detail as well, especially on the landscape plan,” he said. “Really look forward to seeing this project move forward.”

In response to a question about when construction would begin, developer Brett Giese told council they plan to start building in early summer.

“We're essentially ready to submit a building permit,” he said. “We hope to have an application in by early next week, and plans would be to start construction by early summer.”

He added work has already begun on preparing the site and removing the existing older home from the property.

The motion to recommend the development permit to council passed unanimously and staff told council the permit is expected to be on the agenda at the March 10 city council meeting.

Shamrock Shenanigans heading to Shuswap Theatre with a St. Patrick's Day improv show

St. Patrick's themed improv

Photo: Luc Rempel

Shuswap residents are invited to laugh it up at the Shuswap Theatre as the Plan B Improv troupe presents Shamrock Shenanigans Improv on Saturday, March 15.

Plan B is the performing wing of the local Laughing Gas Improv group, which meets twice a month with anyone welcome to join.

Audience members will be invited to contribute ideas and settings as the actors make the rest up as they go.

Beer and wine will be available from the bar, as guests 19 years of age and older are invited to enjoy the antics of this experienced improv troupe.

Tickets are available now on the Shuswap Theatre Society website.

RCMP confirm one man died after fiery collision on Trans-Canada Highway near Tappen

One dead after collision

Photo: Wes Rolleston

UPDATE: 3:55 p.m.

One man has died following a tragic collision on the Trans-Canada Highway near Tappen Wednesday morning.

In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, police said a minivan collided with a semi truck in the 4100-block of the Trans-Canada Highway at about 10:47 a.m.

"Initial reports indicate that an eastbound minivan crossed the centre line into the westbound lanes, colliding head on with a semi trailer,” said Cpl. James Grandy, BC RCMP spokesperson.

Following the crash, the minivan was quickly engulfed in flames.

Mounties said the male driver of the minivan died at the scene, while the semi truck driver sustained only minor injuries.

The highway has been opened to single-lane alternating traffic as the BC Coroners Service and police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

“Currently, the cause of the minivan crossing the centre line remains under investigation,” Grandy said.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the Salmon Arm RCMP by calling 250-832-6044.

ORIGINAL: 11:50 a.m.

A minivan was engulfed in flames following a collision with a semi truck on the Trans-Canada Highway near Tappen on Wednesday.

The highway has been closed in both directions as emergency crews work to clear vehicles and debris.

The incident took place near Ford Road, about 2 kilometres west of Tappen at about 11 a.m. Wednesday morning. Witnesses reported a minivan collided with a semi truck before catching on fire.

Witnesses said ambulances arrived on scene and left quickly with lights and sirens on. Castanet has reached out to BC Emergency Services for more information.

DriveBC has reported a detour is in effect for light vehicles. Motorists are instructed to take Bolton Road to Tappen Notch Hill and then take Notch Hill Road to Highway 1.

Heavy vehicles are instructed to detour via Highway 97 through Falkland

Castanet will update this story when more information becomes available.

Photo: Teah Lancaster

CSRD reminding Shuswap short-term rental operators to ensure compliance with zoning bylaws

Zoning reminder for rentals

Photo: Luc Rempel

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District is reminding short-term rental operators that obeying existing land-use bylaws is just as important as registering with the new provincial STR registry.

The CSRD released a statement Tuesday reminding short-term rental operators to check the zoning of their properties to ensure their operation complies with local land-use bylaws.

“Essentially this is a two-part process,” said Gerald Christie, general manager, development services.

Christie said STR operators must be on the provincial registry before the May deadline, and they also must reach out to the CSRD to make sure their rental complies with property zoning regulations.

“Having a provincial registry number for your STR does not negate the need for your property to be zoned appropriately for this use,” he added.

Under the province’s new short-term rental legislation, owners and operators of short-term rentals must register with the province by May 1 in order to remain on listing platforms.

Only rentals with a valid provincial registration number will be allowed on short-term rental platforms after May 1. People attempting to operate a short-term rental that is not registered could be hit with fines.

If residents hoping to host a STR find out existing zoning does not allow for it, they can apply for a temporary use permit from the CSRD.

If approved by the board, a temporary use permit can allow for a specific land use even if the existing zoning would not normally allow it.

CSRD staff estimate there are about 1,500 STR’s operating within the boundaries of the regional district.

Residents looking for more information can visit the CSRD’s short-term rental webpage.

Chase council decides SenseNet wildfire detection technology too expensive to pursue

Wildfire tech too costly

Photo: KTW file photo

High costs are being cited as the reason the Village of Chase will not be moving forward with plans to implement SenseNet Wildfire Detection Technology.

At the Feb. 25 Village of Chase council meeting, council members received a memo from the chief administrative officer recommending the village not move forward with plans to pursue SenseNet technology for early wildfire detection on Scatchard and Boysse Mountain’s north facing slopes.

Council received a demonstration of the wildfire detection technology at a council meeting on May 28, 2024, and asked staff to look into funding collaboration possibilities with local Indigenous communities and the area cellular service provider.

The technology utilizes artificial intelligence, ground sensors, cameras and satellite data in order to provide what the company calls "real-time, immediate wildfire detection."

In her report, CAO Joni Heinrich said neither the Adams Lake Indian Band nor the Neskonlith Indian Band showed interest in pursuing the program after discussions with staff.

Heinrich also spoke with BC Wildfire Service personnel about the program. She said BCWS told her that new fire starts in areas close to Chase are typically reported by members of the public quite quickly and allow adequate time for BCWS to respond.

The program would cost $30,000 for the initial installation and an additional $30,000 per year subscription in order for Chase to take part of the program.

The motion not to pursue the SenseNet early wildfire detection program was passed unanimously at the meeting without any further discussion.

“We should say why,” said Coun. Colin Connett, who noted the report had not been read out or explained at the meeting.

“We should say it’s the cost of it,” he added. “No way that we can afford that.”

The motion did include direction for the village's wildfire coordinator to pursue other avenues for wildfire risk reduction on the north slopes of Scatchard and Boysse Mountain.

The City of Vernon launched a wildfire detection pilot program with SenseNet in 2021, and Predator Ridge was announced as the first private community to partner with SenseNet for the installation of early wildfire detection sensors on Feb. 24.

Petition opposing industrial development area near Salmon Arm airport gains momentum

Petition to nix industrial area

Photo: Google Maps

Proposed Special Industrial Development Area outlined in red

A Salmon Arm resident has launched a petition pushing back against a proposal to create additional industrial development land near the Salmon Arm airport.

The proposal would see 146 acres of land removed from the Agricultural Land Reserve in order to create an industrial special development area between the airport and 10 Avenue SE.

Claire Askew has gathered 460 signatures, as of the time of writing, on her Change.org petition. Askew said she was not initially against the plan after hearing about it at a meeting for the new Official Community Plan.

“When I first heard about it, my initial reaction wasn't that negative,” Askew said. “Industrial land development seems like a solid argument for economic development, but then when I started to look into the details I became a lot less sure."

She said her doubts increased when hearing the city was thinking about spending taxpayer dollars to extend services to the area.

The proposal for the industrial special development area begins with a plan to send in an application to the Agricultural Land Commission to have the area removed from being designated agricultural land. This would allow new industrial development to be accommodated at some point in the future.

The specific area proposed for this project is between 10 Avenue SE and the Shuswap Regional Airport, stretching from near Highway 97B past 40 Street SE.

The property in the area is divided into several large lots that house several residences on large rural sites. The only piece of land within the proposed area owned by the city is the home of the Salmon Arm Disc Golf Course.

At the moment, none of the land proposed to be removed from the ALR is being used for any agricultural purposes like farming or raising livestock, and it is unclear how viable the area is for those purposes.

Askew said she doesn't feel like the city has been able to demonstrate a need for additional industrial land.

“I think at this time when it's becoming more and more important to preserve ALR land, it would just be a huge distraction for the city, which also at this time, has tons of other pressing needs,” she said.

“We have a real affordability issue in Salmon Arm with housing, and then our soccer centre was just condemned, and we were told we were getting a new pool, but now we've been told that there isn't enough money for that.”

On top of her other objections, Askew said she also does not think the area makes sense for development given the challenges presented by the steep topography and dense forests of the area.

“Is this even a good site?” Askew asked. “For how hilly it is, it would be such a massive earthworks project, and how realistic is that?”

“If we truly do need more industrial land, which the city hasn't been able to show, where's the best site for that?,” she added.

Proposal has long history

While the proposal to remove land in the area from the ALR is part of the City of Salmon Arm’s latest draft of the 2025 Official Community Plan, it actually has roots going back for more than a decade.

“The area has been identified for quite some time,” explained Gary Buxton, director of planning and community services. “It definitely was in the previous OCP dating back to 2011.”

Buxton said he believes the city had an understanding with the ALC that the land could be extracted from the reserve, provided it's used for industrial purposes.

"That dates back to the late 1980s," he said.

He added the process of extracting the land from the ALR has been ongoing.

“Of the 146 acres, I think we've already extracted about 80 acres of the 146 and there's about 66 acres left,” he said. “So we're over halfway through the program of extraction.”

Buxton said while the work to extract the land from the ALR is underway, there is no concrete plan or timeline to begin any development in the area.

“Is there still vacant land and land that could be developed in the industrial park? Yes, but what we're looking at is, if you do need land for industrial development, it's not like you make that decision and the next day the land is available, right? It takes a long time,” Buxton said.

“We take a much longer term view.”

He said the city has done some 10 to 15-year estimates and believes the land will be necessary.

For her part, Askew said the petition has gotten a good amount of attention from Salmon Arm residents.

“I think that the momentum for the petition is growing,” she said. “I'm also working on a letter that I'm going to send with the petition to the ALC.”

Askew plans to present her petition to the city at an upcoming city council meeting.