VEBA Breakfast Meeting Wed Oct 8

Come on out to the Valleyview & East Business Association meeting on Wednesday, Oct 8, 7:00 am to 7:45 am at the new Edward Jones Investment's meeting room at 158 Oriole Rd.

Coffee, muffins and croissants will be served.

We will be discussing upcoming VEBA events. Please make the time to come out to provide your support and ideas.

Social time to follow for any able to stay.

See you there!

For further information, please contact Lynne Spendlove at 377-3885.

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Trail needs consideration and city care

While acknowledging the prestige that multi-million dollar sports facilities would give our city, I wonder why no attention is being given to amenities for non-competitive outdoor activities at a fraction of the cost, be they for bird-watching or exercise. I refer in particular to the need for upgrading the South Thompson Rivers Trail eastward from its trail-end logo at the No. 5 Highway-Lorne Street overpass.

The short traffic-free passage from the end of Lorne Street to Valleyview's Kelly Douglas Road, which has been regularly used during the past 30 years by cyclists, joggers and walkers is now covered in places with tumble weeds and labelled with a year-old Private Property - No Trespassing sign that often causes individuals to hesitate and turn away. This is a singular motor-free link between east and west portions, not only of our city but also of the Trans-Canada Highway.

During infrequent walks on it my wife and I have met people from Denmark, Niagara Falls and even participants of the Rocky Mountaineer train. Further east this trail leads to the Jack Gregson wooded riparian trail to Westoby Road. Once listed as a tourist attraction, it is badly in need of repairs from fallen trees, pedestrian wear and erosion, while its upper-level, narrow cycle path, littered in places with industrial waste, has now been blocked at its southern end by a fence.

The present paved South Thompson Rivers Trail from Riverside park eastwards is a credit to Kamloops. With its ultimate goal of Campbell Creek, it is a shame that the future state of its next section seems to be heading backwards.

For further information, please contact J.D. Gregson.

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Riders, residents split ways on planned bike park

Valleyview residents expressed concern Thursday that a proposed mountain bike park will only worsen trespassing and create damage.

But riders and organizers behind the facility say it will focus use and keep bikes in a controlled area.

The city held an open house Thursday evening at the Valleyview Arena to show detailed plans for a 22-hectare mountain bike park on the site of a former landfill. The room was packed with riders, along with a handful of area residents.

"You'll only attract that many more," said Valleyview Community Association chairman Tom Wallace. "They can ride any damn place they want unless there's someone policing it."

Committee member Tony Brumell believes the park will keep young riders entertained and within its boundaries.

The Kamloops environmentalist became involved because of concerns about serious damage by bikes to the rare silt bluff ecosystem on neighbouring private lands. He' notes the success of the all-terrain area in Lac du Bois as an example of containing use.

"It's the only analogy we've got in the area. You've got a small, dedicated area where riders aren't butting heads with residents, naturalists and residents. Maybe they'll be happy to ride in that area."

One Valleyview resident who didn't want to give her name said riders are used to wheeling across a vast area and won't give it up.

"When they're used to all this area they know they can use it."

Ted Rowland, president of the Valleyview and East Business Association, believes the park could be a boon to area commerce.

One of the organizers, Canadian downhill mountain bike champion Dustin Adams, said the facility will be capable of hosting both World Cup level downhill and cross-country races. That's a message Rowland wants to hear.

"At Sun Peaks, during competitions, there are thousands of people," said Rowland. "Everything is here to service people. What better spot than a reclaimed dump."

Trevor Marshall, a local bike retailer, said the park will be easily modified by the volunteers who build and maintain it so it remains new and challenging.

It will include a children's park as well as gentle and expert runs for all types of riding.

"It's a controlled environment," he said. "If we do a good job people will be satisfied. We can't stop people from going here and there, but we can offer something for kids."

Using volunteer labour, the park will be constructed at minimal cost to the city.

Marshall said it will be done in three phases over three years if approved by city council. He predicts tourists will come to the park to ride, pumping dollars into local hotels and retailers.

Adams, who is recovering from a serious injury to his wrist sustained in a bike collision with a car this summer, said he and other designers are aiming to build something that will enhance the city's tournament capital status.

"We're going to try and rival a bunch of other bike parks in the world. There's Whistler and Sun Peaks. We'll try and build a world-renowned facility that rivals them."

Cam Fortems
Daily News Staff Reporter
The Daily News Kamloops
Friday September 26, 2003

For further information, please contact Kamloops Daily News at 371-6149.

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Countdown to Christmas event - not to be missed!

Dear Business Association member and community supporter: We are delighted to send you information on an exciting upcoming event - a dinner, dance and silent auction - to be held November 14th at the Colombo Hall. This event is hosted by Kamloops Society for Community Living and People In Motion in support of our clients - people with disabilities. Enjoy a great meal, and bring your dancing shoes (music by Stan Bailly). Do some Christmas shopping too at the Silent Auction. Tickets are just $35 per person with a good time just about guaranteed!

How can you support this event?

• Buy a table and treat your staff!
• Sell a table to your colleagues, friends, or family!
• Forward this email to the person in your organization who coordinates employee social activities!
• Forward this email to your network of business associates, service club affiliations, professional associations,etc.
• Donate to the Silent Auction (we are looking for items suitable for gift giving).
• Our goal is to sell 300 tickets to this inaugural fun and fundraising event; call now to reserve your tickets and table.

Thanks in advance for your support of this event.

For further information, please contact Heather Archer at 376-7878.

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