Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Stolen Quad Found..........but.........

The quad stolen from Baldy has been found north of Osoyoos. It was stripped of all the accessories and vandalized.

Monday, April 29, 2024

Where are they now? Chef Shayna

Shayna is teaching cooking skills to the residents of the Discovery House.

Penticton's Discovery House hosting spring BBQ to help raise funds for recovery beds - Penticton News: Penticton's Discovery House hosting Spring BBQ to help raise funds for recovery beds

Powder Magazine - on the ZOA PL 1

Powder Magazine tries out the ZOA PL1 (Andrew Zwicker's project).

https://www.powder.com/trending-news/portable-lift-backcountry-skiing?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0NBMI5RAgmTUTcz3jS3GWbV-ASGv0U7ixxdz6BWKFSxYBAWOppXTLym0Y_aem_AbSO3sUu5bcl8G3dYL_xCVcshKCCuwODpNXJeHctC67bRW9lpG26KtEd4tQDAEkvCk6j75gg-dByVbtGpugx73SG

Narcissus


My cousin gave me the bulbs years ago - at this elevation, they don't grow very big. but it is nice to see come colour in the spring.

Sunday, April 28, 2024

The melt.....

My base measuring stick in the side yard is down to about 55cms, but wherever there is something to attract the heat, the melt is accelerated. I went out to get irrigation stuff from my container, and sunk twice - entire leg buried.




 

Sprinklers - peace of mind, but not in place of FireSmart

As many of you know, I have a sprinkler for my roof - mounted on a custom frame for a 12 12 pitch roof. The riser is sufficiently high that it clears my chimney. The main problem for me is getting help twice a year to pack the ladders, and put up and take down the sprinkler.


We have no control or guarantee that structural protection crews would turn on our sprinklers, but many communities are putting sprinklers in place. One estimate is that it takes an average of one hour per home for structural crews to install sprinklers.

I am not in anyway promoting any product, just sharing some information.

One member of our community has purchased the "WASP" Wildfire protection kit, which is a quick install on gutters or other fixed brackets.   https://www.waspwildfire.com/homeowners . Office in Kelowna.



I have looked at many options, and have been in conversation with a company in Coquitlam - their product saved homes in West Kelowna, the Gun Lake Fire area, and Downton fire.

What attracted me to their product, is that it is a permanent installation, that only requires the hose to be properly drained in the fall. The old model is available on Amazon, but the new one, with more stainless steel, is coming out in May. I have ordered two of their product - one for each end of my cabin - the sprinklers can be adjusted to not affect the chimney. If all I have to do is replace the hoses in a few years, it is an easier solution for me.

The units are discounted at the moment at $179 each. Bulk discounts start at greater than 50 homes. That is highly unlikely as we continue to try and convince some people to FireSmart their properties.



I doubt that the units will be here and installed in time for the May long weekend FireSmart event, but once they are installed, I will let you know, so you can have a look as you walk by.

Some may get an invitation to see them up close, when I recruit friends to hold the ladder for me.

Friday, April 26, 2024

Quad Stolen Early This Morning

Quad stolen from the village last night around 3:30am. RCMP are involved and video surveillance is being compiled. The truck did a couple of loops through the village. My camera shows that it was snowing heavily at that time., but the tracks are pretty fresh. 

The photo I saw shows a "headache rack" on what may be a Ford.

The various cameras indicate that the culprits were in the village for possibly more than an hour.

Thank-you to all the village folks who have shared their video information. If you have a camera at your cabin and have not already been contacted, please check your camera to see if you have anything useful.



Remarkable sight, captured by Baldy Bobcat


 

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Boundary 4H Cattle Baron's Ball

 

 4H Member at Bentley's house.

BCSS Fundraiser - Saturday May 11th - McMynn's Store in Midway

 

Bentley is not pleased that another student from his house is graduating, but he'll still let you stop by to buy dinner tickets.

Improved Road

A grader has been working on the YRB roads. 

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Bike Parts on the Trail

Sessions Outdoor Sports has a wide selection of all things sports in Osoyoos, and they have set up satellite shops in Oliver and Rock Creek, near the cycling trails.

In Oliver at the Visitor Info Centre - next to the Hike and Bike path:


In Rock Creek next door to Petro Can, Relics and Rutabagas

The young ambitious team at Sessions have a very well stocked store, and lots of enthusiasm. They had some great deals on ski packages near the end of the season.

One of their recent community initiatives was servicing the bikes provided to farm workers in the Seasonal Farm Workers Program in the Similkameen.

It is great to have such a wide selection of gear available locally.



FortisBC is working on a transformer fire that knocked out power from Rock Creek to Greenwood - BC News

FortisBC is working on a transformer fire that knocked out power from Rock Creek to Greenwood - BC News: FortisBC working to restore power after an early morning tranfsormer fire knocked out power from Rock Creek to Grrenwood.

Monday, April 22, 2024

This is an independent blog for the Baldy Community.

Decisions on what to post are entirely up to me. I do have a comments policy that by not identifying yourself, you risk not having your comments posted. I have established a relationship with the current management team of the ski area, and I am able to talk to them about things that arise that may be of concern to the community.

The negative cluster in the community is not happy when I choose not to post their comments. If it is not in the best interests of the community, and/or is simply not true, I have no interest in providing the platform for venting.

Choosing to read the blog is your choice. Choosing what content to post is mine.

Awaiting moderation
16 hours ago
Lol, "circumstances beyond our control"...you mean no money in the bank!
Don't worry ms.blogger, we know you only post comments you like...
Awaiting moderation
Unknown commented on "Anonymous Comment"
Apr 2, 2024
I've read many comments on your blog and you post anonymous comments all the time. Everybody sees your hipocracy.
I've heard that it's not that they can't get parts it's that they can't afford the parts and prinoth wants payment in full prior to shipping.

 

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Community

Catch up visit at the side of the road this afternoon. Comparing notes on strange things encountered on the road.

Thank-You Paul C. for dropping by with a delicious care package. Much appreciated. 

BC Wildfire Service tackling wildfire behind Gallagher lake area - Oliver/Osoyoos News

BC Wildfire Service tackling wildfire behind Gallagher lake area - Oliver/Osoyoos News: BCWS is investigating smoke seen behind the Gallagher lake area outside of Oliver.

Step One

The debris on the road has been cleaned up by someone who does not have a rake. Not sure what the plan is for the rest of it. Looks like a vehicle could back in part way at the lower level, and stuff could be wheeled to a trailer instead of hauled up the bank. There is a fair bit of scrap metal




 

When YRB's Road Meets AIM's Section - there is an obvious contrast

YRB leaves us wondering how often a supervisor drives the road. AIM and YRB received e-mails the same day. AIM responded the next day, and put a grader on the road doing multiple passes, touched up the ditches, and had a backhoe clearing culverts today. AIM also applied a light coat of dust control.

We are still waiting for YRB, there is a rumour that a grader may be coming this week.










 

Thursday, April 18, 2024

CWSAA Annual Conference and support for small ski areas to attend...........

The spring conference of Canada West Ski Areas Association is an incredibly important gathering of ski industry personnel. Lots to learn, lots to see, and relationships to nurture. The competition factor between ski areas is set aside for all to work toward what is best for the industry.

Back in my day, there was breakfast with the insurance broker, a voucher won at the Trade Show that helped fund new signs for the T-Bar, and lasting relationships with others in the industry.

The conference fundraises to help fund smaller ski areas to send team members to this important gathering.

Brandan sent me this info and link to the silent auction supporting small ski areas.

"Here is a link to the small ski areas auction happening during the CWSAA. I'll be volunteering on the Tuesday in Jasper but figured if you wanted to promote it some pretty neat stuff and more to go live eventually. I believe anyone can be apart of the auction or donation either in person or from a distance. 

The auction is a key promotor and helper to get small ski areas like Baldy and others to attend the conference and obtain valuable information that can be used to efficiently operate that ski area. Over my last two years and one spring conference these conferences have been instrumental in my knowledge to operate Baldy and create lasting partners with other ski areas. The conference takes place at the end of April."

https://app.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/40943

Say hello to Tim Foster for me Brandan.


Strange vehicles in the dark.............

I don't like driving home from the valley in the dark. Last night, on my way home from a Rockhounds meeting, I encountered a car parked on the Baldy side of the last cattle guard before going west and down into the Canyon. Strange place to park. I slowed down, and they immediately turned off all interior and exterior lights.

 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Update from BMR - no summer chair rides

 

Early Bird Season Passes June 1st

Mark your calendars! Early Bird season passes for Winter 24/25 are hitting the e-store on June 1st!

 

Prices:

Adult(19-64): $609

Student(19+w/ student ID): $501

Junior(7-12): $417

Teen(13-18): $501

Senior(65-74): $417

Masters(75+): $379

Child(0-6): $40

*Child season pass will remain $40 for the whole season.

 

Family (min. 1 adult and 2 kids): Varies by size of family

 

These prices are only available until August 15th so get them while you can!

Summer Operations cancelled

 

Due to circumstances outside of our control, Summer operations featuring scenic chairlift rides at Baldy will be put on hold this summer.

 

We will be using the extra time over this season to perform more maintenance to provide our guests with an even better resort experience when winter rolls around.

For those wanting to enjoy Baldy over the summer months, fret not for we have some exciting things in the works to hopefully offer you new ways to experience the mountain in the following summer.

Stay plugged in to our social media for updates regarding this new venture over this summer season.

Oliver Fire Department SPU

The Oliver Fire Department takes delivery of Structural Protection Unit Trailer


 

Subscribe to West Boundary Connect and get info like this......

 

Director’s Corner: April 2024

I’m happy to share that I was able to attend the Conference of Forest Industries last week in Vancouver. It was an opportunity to network with government and industry from all over BC and to attend presentations and have conversations on everything from how mass timber is being incorporated into housing regulations, access to fibre, indigenous involvement, and wildfire risk management. 

The Province of BC has provided a report and I suggest you use your internet search engine to find “The Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies” to get the summary of recommendations. Also, the province has provided funding for BC wildfire service training for individuals in rural communities.

There is good news:

1) The public recognizes there’s a problem

• British Columbians are focused on wildfires and think they are going to get worse

2) There’s a solution

• The majority of people believes proper forest management can mitigate the risk

3) Industry & Government

• There’s a broad, cross-partisan support for government action to manage forests to prevent and mitigate wildfires

In conclusion, the responsibility to manage wildfire risk lies with industry, government, and landowners.  Working forest practices such as fuel mitigation and reforestation are key, and landowners being responsible by participating in the local & provincial governments cooperative FireSmart program or choosing to build in an area not in the urban interface can help reduce losses and protect our forests. You can access more information on FireSmart or sign up for a home assessment through the RDKB’s website here.

Remember, forests are a living entity that with respect and planning can provide an economic benefit to the community as well as shelter our watersheds and provide the ecosystem for wildlife and natural habitat that we all enjoy.

Sharen Gibbs, 

Director, RDKB Area ‘E’

West Boundary 

250.689.0177

areaedirector@rdkb.com

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

La Nina!

Weather guessers saying that El Nino is on the way out fairly quickly, and La Nina on the way. This may make the summer hot spells slightly cooler than originally feared.

La Nina winter cooler and wetter than normal - we'll take it.


Monday, April 15, 2024

Please do the survey, tell your friends and neighbours..........YRB

 

Subject: Invitation to Participate in YRB Kootenay Boundary Spring Survey 2024

Dear Stakeholders,

I hope this message finds you well and now that spring seems to be upon us, YRB would like to invite you to participate in our survey. 

As a valued member of our community, your insights and experiences are crucial to us at Yellowhead Road and Bridge.  We are conducting our annual Spring survey to gather feedback that will help shape our strategies and initiatives moving forward.

Your unique perspective is what makes our efforts truly impactful.  This survey will cover questions about winter and what you would like YRB to focus on moving into summer activities.  This is an opportunity to let us know about community projects or areas where you as stakeholders feel YRB could improve on.

Here are the details of the Spring Survey:

  • Survey Length:  Approximately 6 minutes
  • Deadline: May 15, 2024
  • Link is below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DNXQTVZ

Please know that all responses will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purposes outlined above.  You participation is voluntary, and you can choose to withdraw at any time.

We understand you have a busy schedule, and we have designed this survey to be concise yet comprehensive.  Your feedback is invaluable, and we thank you in advance for your willingness to help us grow and improve.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at your convenience.

 

Sincerely,

Jody Henshaw

Quality Manager

YRB – Yellowhead Road & Bridge Ltd.

Kootenay Boundary

6150 - 2nd Street

Grand Forks, B.C.

V0H 1H4

Office 236-352-8071