I was surprised that it was 0C when I first got up this morning, and last night's fresh stuff was still on the ground.
Nice to see the Eagle turning. I haven't talked to the guys for a bit, but saw Trevor doing track work the other day.
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
First Reading of Bylaw Amendments
https://rdkb.com/Regional-Government/Latest-News
What is the purpose of Bylaw No. 1875?
The RDKB is compelled by the Province under recent Provincial legislation (Bill 44) to permit “at least one additional housing unit” in a zone that would otherwise be restricted to detached single-family dwellings. The purpose of Bylaw 1875 is to comply with Provincial legislation (Bill 44).
Always something to see along McKinney Road...............
AIM - more ditching, grading, checking culverts, water truck, pick up truck.
Two tow trucks heading down - fairly close to town, one had the shell of a burned out car on the back.
Cows headed downhill when I was, and coming back uphill when I was.
The next generation learning about vehicles on the road.
Fortis Bill
Fortis bill in my inbox today. Electricity affordability credit was $6.10 for two months.
'Less persistent' heat for BC: Weather Network - Canada News
'Less persistent' heat for BC: Weather Network - Canada News: Get ready to feel the heat, Canada. The Weather Network is predicting more sunshine and warmer temperatures for the summer.
"Relief is also in sight for British Columbia, where heat is forecast to be "less persistent and less severe" than it has been in the past few years.
Though dry periods are anticipated, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to be more numerous and widespread than in past years.
"Back three years ago, we had the devastating heat wave in B.C." Scott said.
"While we can't rule out the risk of heat wave, this does not look like a record hot summer for B.C., which I think is pretty good news for most people."
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
From firesmartbc.ca Are you on board?
FireSmart in action
Mount Baldy’s Resilience Journey
Submitted by Vivienne Hurley
Mount Baldy’s success story stands as an inspiring example of
community-driven wildfire resiliency following a ‘near miss’ wildfire
experience.
Should the team at FireSmart BC wish to showcase Mount Baldy’s
FireSmarting efforts as part of its awareness campaign, The Regional District
of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) could help facilitate that process. We could help
set up interviews with community members, local industry professionals, and
visuals of on-site mitigation efforts, to document Mount Baldy’s
journey. The film would serve as a valuable educational tool for other
mountain resort communities facing similar challenges. Mount Baldy’s
experience highlights the effectiveness of proactive measures and the positive
impact of community collaboration in building resilience against wildfires.
The 2021 Nk’Mip Creek wildfire served as a stark reminder for
Mount Baldy and its residents that nothing focuses the mind toward
FireSmarting more than a wildfire knocking at your doorstep. The harrowing
experience of witnessing the destructive force of the fire firsthand instilled
a profound sense of urgency and determination within the community.
However, the lessons learned emphasized that waiting until a wildfire is
imminent is not a viable strategy. Communities must not allow wildfires to get
dangerously close before taking decisive action. The devastation wrought by the
Nk’Mip Creek wildfire underscored the critical need for proactive measures,
prompting Mount Baldy to form FireSmart committees, engage experts,
and collaborate with the RDKB for a comprehensive mitigation strategy. The
community’s commitment to learning from this experience and implementing
preventative measures demonstrates that waiting for a crisis is not an option
when it comes to safeguarding homes and lives against the unpredictable threat
of wildfires.
Background:
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has been actively
involved in supporting communities in their wildfire resiliency efforts.
One such community that has shown remarkable dedication to mitigating
wildfire risks is the Village of Mount Baldy especially in the
aftermath of the devastating 2021 Nk’Mip Creek wildfire which decimated over
20,000 hectares.
Baldy Village is located on the south side of
Mount Baldy on the border of the South Okanagan & West Kootenays,
just north of the Canada-US border. Baldy Village is home to about
160 private homes and approximately 40 year-round residents. Residents
of Mount Baldy have Recognized the importance of proactive
measures and have been collaborating with the RDKB to implement a comprehensive
FireSmarting initiative over the past two years.
Former Mt. Baldy resident and Local FireSmart Representative
Doug McLeod initiated Mt. Baldy residents on the path to wildfire
preparedness.
The Impact of the 2021 Nk’Mip
Creek Wildfire:
The catalyst for Mount Baldy’s proactive FireSmart initiative was
the proximity of the 2021 Nk’Mip Creek wildfire – it was just 2.5km away from
the ski resort and 123 households were subject to evacuation orders and alerts
during the event (July/August2021). Witnessing the destruction and hardship
caused by this wildfire as residents were evacuated for 6 weeks served as a
wake-up call for the Mount Baldy community. The scars left by the
Nk’Mip Creek wildfire highlighted the urgent need for a robust and proactive
approach to mitigate future risks.
Initiation of FireSmart Efforts:
In January 2022, Mount Baldy took a significant step by
forming two community FireSmart committees. The goal was to create a
collaborative and organized approach toward enhancing the community’s wildfire
resiliency. Carlene Pires (RDKB’s Emergency Program Coordinator) was appointed
as the region’s FireSmart Coordinator. Her role was crucial in facilitating
FireSmart education and coordinating efforts with residents in the RDKB.
The community launched its first Wildfire Community Preparedness Day in
May 2022 with one foot of snow on the ground. Over 65 people attended,
including industry professionals who presented on the importance of FireSmart.
Assessment and Planning:
The Spring of 2023 marked a pivotal moment in Mount Baldy’s
FireSmart journey. RDKB’s new wildfire mitigation specialist, Dan Stevens,
undertook an ambitious task by completing 27 FireSmart Home Partners Program
Assessments in just one month. These assessments provided homeowners with
personalized recommendations to reduce wildfire risks on their properties. This
detailed planning laid the groundwork for targeted mitigation efforts.
Community Clean-Up and
Assessment Events:
On July 2 2023, Mount Baldy organized its second community
clean-up event, reinforcing the community’s commitment to creating a
fire-resilient environment. This event not only served as an opportunity for
residents to actively contribute but also facilitated the assessment of key
structures within the community. The focus extended beyond individual homes,
encompassing critical infrastructure like the resort structure, staff
buildings, chair lift, and adjacent structures.
Summer Months Dedication:
Throughout the Summer of 2023, Mount Baldy residents
demonstrated an unwavering dedication to their FireSmart goals. Individual
property owners worked diligently on implementing recommended mitigation
measures, ensuring a collective effort to enhance the overall wildfire
resiliency of the community. This collaborative spirit not only strengthened
the community bonds but also significantly reduced potential wildfire risks.
Partnership with RDKB:
The partnership with RDKB proved instrumental in accessing expert advice
and resources. With Carlene Pires coordinating educational initiatives and
engagement, and specialists like Dan Stevens conducting assessments,
Mount Baldy benefited from a holistic approach to wildfire
mitigation. Regular communication and collaboration fostered a sense of shared
responsibility among community members.
Outcome and Future Plans:
Mount Baldy’s FireSmart initiative has not only increased awareness
but also translated into tangible actions that enhance the community’s wildfire
resilience. The thorough assessments, targeted mitigation efforts, and
community engagement exemplify the commitment of
Mount Baldy residents to safeguarding their homes and surroundings.
Moving forward, the community aims to sustain these efforts, continuously
adapting and evolving to meet emerging challenges.
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Friday, May 24, 2024
Air Tanker Practice
We could see/hear air tankers this afternoon as they depart Penticton for practice approximately 40km east of Penticton.
Thursday, May 23, 2024
WOW - I don't know who did it, but that mess down the road has been cleaned up. Thank-you
Today
April 20th
April 14th
Province 'standing up an army' for wildfire fight equipped with new tech, additional aircraft - BC News
Province 'standing up an army' for wildfire fight equipped with new tech, additional aircraft - BC News: B.C. Premier David Eby says the province is ready for wildfire season, spending more than ever on preparedness actions in order to quell what has been worsening wildfire seasons in the province.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Wet and White
The last few years I have tried to get in lots of camping early in the season, as I want to be home when the fire danger rating is high. I should not complain that the weather is restricting early season camping for me this season.
The forecasters told us we need lots of spring moisture to help with the dry conditions, and now we have it. White today, and wet in the forecast for the rest of the week.
Lots of moisture in the north too, with planning underway for Fort Nelson evacuees to go home soon.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
More than a week..........
I've driven by three times, the Jeep is still near North Canyon Ranch wrapped in Police tape.
Know anyone with new Rigid Tools?
I didn't deal with it, as I had a full truck, and would have been soaked. If it is still there next time I go by, I will take the styrofoam to the appropriate recycle facility, and get the cardboard into the recycle bin.
Monday, May 20, 2024
Thank-you Community Members - S100 Participants on the weekend.
Thank-you to the community members who gave up 2 days of the holiday weekend to take the S100 Wildfire course. Having more people with knowledge and training in the village benefits all of us. I had hoped for more participation, as I don't know if the funding program will be offered again next year.
A documentary well worth watching.................
One message that has not changed since 2010 - structure protection crews will triage structures to save the most homes. Homes that have had significant fuel reduction/firesmart work will get attention, and homes that have no work done, may be bypassed.
Also interesting in this video - the comment on how much Logan Lake was drawn down in pumping water for bladders.
Interesting work in community forest, and jobs for youth.
Temporary service interruption at South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Temporary service interruption at South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department - Oliver/Osoyoos News: Dr. shortage leads to another emergency room closure at the South Okanagan General Hospital.
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Rest in Peace, Wally Day
Wallace Arthur (Wally) Day
January 9, 1931 – May 10, 2024
Wally passed away peacefully, after a remarkable 93 years on this earth. He skied 81 of those years and was married to Mary Anne for almost 67 years. Wally is survived by Mary Anne, son, Aaron, daughters, Shannon, and Shelley, and grandchildren: Liam, Sam, Richard, and Lola. Wally and Mary Anne were true partners in life, sharing everything from building boats to being active and supportive in the lives of their children and grandchildren.
Wally was born in Kelowna to Dr. Lloyd and Lola Day, members of a Pioneer family. Wally spent most of his life in the Okanagan. He had a long career with Okanagan Tel and BC Tel, retiring early enough to get lots of extra skiing and boating in.
Wally and Mary Anne shared their passion for skiing, teaching at Mt. Baker and Apex Mountain prior to forming the ski school at Baldy in 1969. Wally also served on the board of the community association. Wally had fond memories of his time at Baldy, and his cabin. Those thoughts were never far from his mind.
In his later years, Wally regularly skied Big White, golfed at Shannon Lake, and in recent times, continued to ride his e-bike.
Wally was gentle, kind, and a true friend.
No service by request.
Condolences and memories can be shared with the family by visiting www.everdenrust.com.
When I was 12 years old, Mom invited Days for supper at the cabin, to cure my reluctance to take lessons from the new instructors. When I was 19 or 20, Mary Anne encouraged me to become a ski instructor.
In those days, instructors wanted to ski as much as
possible. We had a meeting place and times, but skied together the rest of
the time. There are definitely elements of Wally's style in my skiing.
Wally and I served on the Leaseholders/Community association boards, Wally was President. During our time, the village was one parcel of land, and we had leases from the original ownership group. When a developer wannabe commented that he would bulldoze down those cabins, we worked with the owners to separate the village property from the ski area holdings.
Lots of stories and memories in the last 55 years. A blog post can't capture how great a guy he was, and how much he will be missed.
 |
| Wally, Mary Anne, Todd, Sam, space for absent Sylvia, Nanno |
Thursday
Jeep still hanging on to the bank near North Canyon Ranch. (police tape)
First cat in the shop for annual maintenance.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Monday, May 13, 2024
Are you on Facebook?
I suggest you follow B.C. Wildfire on Facebook. Their communications have improved tremendously. Last night there was video from Senior personnel updating on the fire near Fort Nelson. The wildfire behaviour specialist outlined the current and forecast conditions. If the forecast holds, the fire may hit Fort Nelson today.
It was a comprehensive presentation by senior people. The Mayor of Fort Nelson told the media a few days ago that the fire started from a tree hitting a power line in a wind storm.
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Osoyoos Fire Rescue douses fire, urges residents to FireSmart their properties - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Osoyoos Fire Rescue douses fire, urges residents to FireSmart their properties - Oliver/Osoyoos News: Heavy smoke is filling the air in Osoyoos on Friday evening at the south east end of town.
Early Start to Wildfire Season
BC Wildfire App has been updated.
Fort Nelson and Fort Nelson First Nation evacuated.
Fort McMurray on alert.
Yes the north is drier, but as we watch the snow melt, make plans for your FireSmart activities when the snow has gone.
Friday, May 10, 2024
South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department to reopen at midnight - Oliver/Osoyoos News
South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department to reopen at midnight - Oliver/Osoyoos News: The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver will be temporarily closed over Friday night due to limited physician availability.
BCWF Improved Communications
Fort Nelson is under evacuation order - 800 hectares. extreme fire behaviour, Rank 4 and 5.
A couple of clicks on their social media, and there is a lot of information there about the fire, and what residents need to know.
Way more information in a timely fashion than what we dealt with in 2021.
South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department to close overnight due to short staffing - Oliver/Osoyoos News
South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department to close overnight due to short staffing - Oliver/Osoyoos News: The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver will be temporarily closed over Friday night due to limited physician availability.
Out of sight, locked up, day time cruisers................
The investigators in the theft of a quad from the village believe that it was not a random drive by. They suspect that someone had been looking around, and watching.
Never hurts to ask strangers if the are looking for someone, or jotting down a license plate.
I just noticed this afternoon............
Well I know this didn't happen overnight, but I noticed this afternoon that the Western Larch are pushing green, and the forest looks great again.
Fortis Tree Assessor
The fellow with the orange spray paint has been around in the last day or two, and marked dead trees that could be a hazard for the power lines. Happy for my neighbour who has been trying to find someone to take down two whopper trees. Also marked are two trees that would be a problem for newer owners on Whiskey Jack.
Not sure when, but Fortis will send a contractor up to take those trees down at no cost to the owner.
Top Photo
I update the top photo frequently as it reduces the number of inquiries I get - How much snow is left?
I've had a couple of comments about the winter staff camp. It is getting cleaned up. It is great to have good returning staff, but the end of season is soured when someone else has to clean up the mess left behind.
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Emergency Preparedness Week
At a press conference this morning, there was an announcement of a new website for drought information.
https://droughtportal.gov.bc.ca/
Link in side bar - I will sort the links in the coming days.
In your inbox..........
"The FireSmart Board has received notice that
our application for a grant for training has been accepted.
The
basic Fire Fighting course is the S100 and this will be offered free of charge
to Baldy folks on Saturday
May 18 for the theory portion, and Sunday May 19th for
the practical. Doug MacLeod is the Instructor. We encourage as many folks as
possible to respond and sign up for this course as it will improve our chances
in the event of a fire starting in the Village, or one approaching the Village
or even responding to something like what took place last summer with the
gender reveal party that got away.
With
this important event scheduled by others we are postponing the FS Information
session to later, now for June 29th,
the start of the July long weekend.
Thanks
for your ongoing support of this important work, Mount Baldy FireSmart Board.
"
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Avalanche Canada warns of high avalanche danger as temperatures rise through weekend - BC News
Avalanche Canada warns of high avalanche danger as temperatures rise through weekend - BC News: Avalanche Canada says the mountains across much of the Southern Interior are entering a period of “all melt, no freeze,” with temperatures not dropping significantly overnight.
AIM
Two trucks and and excavator on a ditching project today. New to me was the fairly large excavator on wheels, not tracks. It did have stabilizing legs on it, but it sure moved along nicely headed down the hill.
The pile down the road...........
I don't have time to organize a work party in the next couple of weeks, but there are options for a few people to make a difference on their way by. (Just below 30km, McKinney Road)
The stuff doesn't have to come up the bank - can go to the side for loading.
Let the depot know you are cleaning up a mess in the bush.
Iron or Steel:
Tires:
https://tsbc.ca/recycle-your-tires/
Call ahead to a retailer to make sure they have room.
Household ish stuff:
Can be brought up to our transfer station.
FireSmart meeting this morning, Info coming to you shortly..........Training and Date Change for FS Event
FireSmart event has been postponed to Saturday June 29th. Details to follow.
We have bare patches, but we also have a metre of snow in other areas. It won't all be gone by next weekend.
The fully funded S100 Wildfire Course will be on Saturday and Sunday, May 18th and 19th.
8:00am start time, Saturday will be about 7 hours of theory. Sunday will be about 7 hours practical.
Instructor is Doug MacLeod. If you don't know him, he has decades of wildfire experience, and played a key role in the fight when the Nk'Mip Fire threatened our community in 2021.
Once you register online for the S100, you will be sent information on 3 online courses. Please e-mail the community association address you were given, or unbaldy@gmail.com so we can add you to the list.
We encourage members of the Baldy Community to consider this free training opportunity. Taking the course does not commit you to fighting fire, but provides a tremendous amount of information. We are not forming any kind of fire department. The more trained people we have, the better prepared we are if a fire should start in the village, or nearby. For all the "flip-flop" firefighters who tackled the gender reveal party fire down the road last summer - consider some formal training, to add to your skill set.
https://forms.office.com/r/EYXW7yA4SX
Put Baldy Mountain Community Association in the organization spot.
Time flies...............
.jpg) |
| World's best nephews - Jeff is 39 today, Paul will be 37 at the end of the month. |
.JPG) |
| The boys are skiers, but did try snowboards on McKinney one day. The World's Best Niece is in the middle of the photo, and in the middle of their ages. |
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Province publishes interactive map of timber harvesting proposals - BC News
Province publishes interactive map of timber harvesting proposals - BC News: The Forest Operations Map online portal introduced in B.C. will allow the public to review plans and submit comments online about forestry
Sunday, May 5, 2024
AMFD - Preparedness Day and Wawanesa Grant for sprinkler line
If you are on Facebook, check out Anarchist Mountain Fire Department
During the 2021 fire, wildfire personnel constructed a sprinkler line along the edge of the village on the Fuel Mod area. The Anarchist Mountain Fire Department was awarded a grant from Wawanesa, which helped them purchase a kit for quick set up of a long sprinkler line. On their Preparedness Day, they demonstrated a one kilometre set up of the sprinkler system.
The Baldy Mountain Community Association applied for a Wawanesa grant, but were unsuccessful this time around.
We did however get funded Wildfire Training through another route, and a two day course will be taught by Doug MacLeod May 18 & 19. Participating in this free training will provide you with a lot of knowledge about fire, and the safety procedures for those fighting fires. If you take this course, and the three online courses, you could potentially work under the direction of BCWF personnel in lower risk situations like mop up and patrol. There is no obligation to fight fire if you take this course.
If you are interested, sign up ASAP. All strata members and homeowners in Wapiti should have received the training information. If you don't have it, e-mail me unbaldy@gmail.com , and I will send it along.
Also please watch your inbox for info on a community FireSmart Event on the May long weekend. The FireSmart board meets in a couple of days, and details will come out shortly after.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Baldy Dummy Race 1997
A look back thanks to Ron Hiller. I believe I have the first Dummy Race on VHS, have been intending to contact "Chaos" to see if he is still in the business of converting old footage.
Lots of memories in this one. People who have moved on , people who have passed on, and little kids who are all grown up now.
Friday, May 3, 2024
Wildfire Training
The tentative dates for a 2 day Wildfire course at Baldy are May 18 & 19. No cost to participants. Doug MacLeod is scheduled to teach the course. A great advantage for us to have the local knowledge, and his decades of experience.
Registrations are low - if you have been thinking about it, please register ASAP.
https://forms.office.com/r/EYXW7yA4SX
More people in our community with more knowledge is a good thing.
If you are hesitating because you are one of the ones who prefer not to be in the same space as me - sign up, I will not be there.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Children in your household?
The Osoyoos Osprey Cam is live (link in sidebar)
First egg laid yesterday.
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