by Susan Swan

In attendance: Mayor Roland Stanke and councillors Margaret James, Marian Nelson and Bonnie Stanke.

Remembrance Day

Lorne Bernhardt of the Clinton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion was on hand to present the first poppies of the 2009 Poppy Campaign to Mayor Stanke and Council.

Active year uses up RCMP budget

Cpl. Holley of the Clinton detachment of the RCMP attended to give council a quarterly report. She advised that the summer was the most unprecedented quarter in the history of the Clinton RCMP. The wildfires took up a great deal of their time, alerting residents to evacuation alerts and orders, being caught behind fire lines, enforcing the back country travel restriction, etc. In addition there were 14 people incarcerated for criminal code offences in July and August.

There has also been an increase in traffic enforcement with assistance from Ashcroft and 100 Mile patrols in the Clinton detachment area.

Holley also advised that the RCMP budget is in dire straits. All procurement for the Clinton detachment has ceased. They will be able to buy necessary equipment if it is first approved.

Snow tires required in Clinton

In response to a question from Mayor Stanke, Holley advised that the Motor Vehicle Act states that snow tires are required in certain areas, Clinton being one of them. The RCMP members can issue tickets for drivers who do not have snow tires on during with winter but she would prefer to issue a ‘notice and order’ which gives the driver a specified period of time in which to have snow tires installed. Local RCMP will be checking for proper snow tires.

Road salt in short supply

Quality Manager for Interior Roads’ South Cariboo, Phil Doddridge, provided copies of the BC Ministry of Transportation Maintenance Specifications for winter maintenance of highways and roads.

Interior Roads has Yards in Ashcroft, Clinton and 100 Mile House that operate 365 days a year. During the winter months they have three shifts so there is coverage around the clock.

Road salt (which is barged up from South America) is stored in the Interior Road Yard and at Boyd Pit for the Clinton area. Magnesium Chloride is added to the sand to keep it from freezing. Liquid Magnesium chloride may also be sprayed on the road surfaces when conditions are ideal.

Mayor Stanke asked about a change in policy in supplying salt to communities. Doddridge stated that it was a surprise to him but that yes, there had been a change. The Sea to Sky Highway (Hwy 99 between Vancouver and Whistler) will be reclassified as an ‘A’ highway for the duration of the Olympics meaning that it will be a high priority highway for snow and ice clearing. Salt has been stockpiled for use there and the interior communities have been left to fend for themselves as far as salt procurement is concerned.

Gold Country and Geotourism

GCCS Co-ordinator Amy Thacker gave a brief overview of what Gold Country Communities Society is and what it does for member communities and businesses.

She also explained the GeoTourism Program that was launched simultaneously in six communities on July 4.

The Society developed 72 cache sites in the region as part of their Program, with a site page for each cache. Modern day treasure hunters can use the clues or follow GPS directions to find the hidden caches. Visitors are directed to take a sticker from the cache to place on their redemption sticker page to record their find. Once 24 sites have been visited and 24 different stickers placed on the redemption page, it can be sent in to be redeemed for a gold bar. So far this year, there have been 110 gold bar redemptions.

Communities benefit by bringing tourists into their town who often make return visits. Geocachers also post comments online and others can read their comments before heading to a community.

Gold Country will be adding more geocache sites in the future.

To find more information on Gold Country or Geocaching go to www.exploregoldcountry.com or the GeoToursim Program website at www.goldtrail.com.

Renaming Government Street

Don McLaughlin, Lt. Colonel (Retired) petitioned the Village of Clinton to have Government St. renamed Vimy Ridge St. “in recognition of perhaps the most important military battle in Canadian history and an event that was instrumental in the development of our nation.” He enclosed a short article outlining the action and its importance to Canada.

Mayor Stanke commented that it certainly warranted discussion but could be an expense to residents of that street as well as Interior Roads whose yard is on Government St.

Council moved to table the matter for further discussion and consultation.

During the question period many residents of Government St. voiced their concerns at renaming the street. They suggested the name be used for a new street in the next subdivision developed in Clinton.

Farewell CAO

At the close of the meeting Mayor Stanke thanked retiring CAO Valerie Bissat for her six years of service. “You helped put our financial house in order and we will miss you,” he stated.

Bissat thanked him for his kind words and stated that it had been fun. “Contrary to the rumours you may have heard,” she stated, “I’m not going anywhere.” Bissat and her husband plan to enjoy their retirement in Clinton.

Next meeting

The next Village of Clinton Council meeting will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 10 due to Remembrance Day being on Wednesday.