We received some great news late last week.

NAV CANADA has decided not to proceed with further consideration of downgrading service levels at local airports until at least the fall of 2010.

They were considering the proposed closure of their Flight Services at the Williams Lake Regional Airport and the loss of Remote Aerodrome Advisory Services at the Quesnel Regional Airport.

We quickly formed a coalition: the five local governments within the Cariboo Regional District; various business and tourism representatives; and multiple stakeholders, including our local flying clubs.

Our primary concerns centred around two factors – safety and economic viability.

We indicated this is the time to build our transportation infrastructure, not reduce public confidence in it.

It appears NAV CANADA has heard our arguments as well as those they likely heard across the country.

Now we’re going to request a five-year period in which no further service downgrades will be considered.

This will provide a sense of certainty allowing businesses to make investment decisions.

I was pleased we came together as the Cariboo on this file; by working collectively, we have a stronger voice and are stronger as a region.

Our airports provide a host of critical services to the entire region. We’ll continue to lobby collectively for a positive, permanent solution.

Torch Relay

We just passed the 100-day mark to the Torch arriving in Quesnel.

It gets here on Jan. 29, 2010. We’re planning an exciting event for our community to enjoy that day.

We’ll also be able to line the route and watch the torch wind its way through our community. We’re going to start rolling out information soon.

Specifically, we’ll be looking for some community volunteers.

So listen to your radio, read the papers and tune in to SHAW Cable 10 for more.

If you’re into social media, we also have active facebook and twitter accounts set up. Just log into your accounts and search for “Quesnel Torch Relay”


Deadline looming

It’s hard to believe but it’s the fifth edition of the Quesnel Sports Hall of Fame this year.

This is a joint project funded by the City and the Cariboo Regional District.

We have three categories: Outstanding Athletic Career; Outstanding Athletic Achievement; and Outstanding Contribution to Athletic Development.

You can visit the City’s website and click the links under the Leisure Services drop-down menu.

You can also contact the Arts and Recreation Centre for a copy of the criteria and the nomination forms. We have such a great athletic community in Quesnel; it’s a real pleasure for us to pay tribute to its members each year.

Career Leap

We’re proud to be a presenting partner of Career Leap 2009.

This is a great career-building initiative that is evolving into a better event each year.

This year it’s on Thursday Nov. 5 at the North Cariboo Community Campus.

There are a number of career focus sessions and workshops that cover a wide range of career options.

There are also employer and post-secondary exhibits.

Finally, the keynote session features Dr. Roberta Bondar, the famous Canadian astronaut.

The best part is that it’s all free – simply call and register at the Helen Dixon Centre at 250-983-6900.

Community events

There’s a fundraiser for the UNBC 2010 nursing grad class.

It’s a “Haunted Hospital” at the Maple Park Mall on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is by donation.

And there’s our Halloween Spooktacular at the Arts and Recreation Centre.

There’s a Swamp of Terror, Tunnel of Doom and House of Horrors, with games, crafts and fun for all ages. Admission is $2.50.

The Downtown Association is hosting all-day trick or treating and a 1 p.m. parade for everyone to show off their costumes. Meet at the corner of Carson Avenue and Reid.

The Legion is hosting a Monster Mash Saturday night, call 250-992-6851.

Halloween

This weekend I’d ask that you keep your eyes peeled for all the ghosts and goblins who will be walking around our city streets in search of treats!

The young ones tend to get especially excited and may dart out into the streets.

I’d also encourage parents to use flashlights and include some reflective materials on costumes if possible.

Let’s make sure we all have a safe and happy Halloween.

Do you have a question for Mayor Mary Sjostrom? E-mail it to us, newsroom@quesnelobserver.com and we’ll forward it to the mayor so she can answer it in an upcoming column.

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