2023 A Defining Year
By Barbra Fairclough
2023, what a year! As we look back and recognize the dominance of fire this summer, there is so much that illustrates the strength and compassion of the people in our communities. Here’s a look back at 2023.
Connection and service- In January the Salmon Arm Snowblazers announced the acquisition of a new trail groomer thanks to Tourism Relief Fund. Lions club recalls the many bursaries and donations in the previous years. In the new year SASCU donates $50,000 to local area food banks and shelters. Sorrento Lions Club welcomes Lions Zone Chair Karen Basset on January 19 meeting.
In February the work of long-time volunteers Barb Berg and Linda Eberle and the Medical Equipment Loan Service was featured, and they continue into 2024.
March issue featured the popular First Annual White Lake Turtle Festival hosted by White Lake Residents Association.
In April the Sorrento and Area Health Centre, Celia Dyer, acknowledged many volunteers in the community for Volunteer Week. Blind Bay Village grocer purchases Lighthouse foods and renames it Sorrento Village Grocer.
In May the South Shuswap Community Response Network in honor of World Elder Abuse Day announced their first Summer Picnic in June to welcome summer and celebrate Seniors.
May 13 the Secwepemc Landmarks project team announces the unveiling of the Tsquqw7e (Chase Memorial Park), one of 16 sculptures to be installed designed by teams of secwepemc and non-secwepemc artists highlighting oral histories and place names.
Carlin Country Market is back on May 27 after a pandemic absence.
NSSCR hosts party in the park on June 23 at the Blind Bay Sorrento Park.
The Biggest Little Celebration South Shuswap Canada Day is back after a pandemic absence.
The Sorrento 4H was our cover story in July highlighting April Midan’s mentorship for kids with animals. NSSCR begins swim lessons and F.A.C.E.S Program celebrates ten years engaging 130 kids in dance, music, theatre and art.
September- NO PAPERS.
In October Ty Barrett, Shuswap Deputy Fire Chief shares his important firsthand account fighting the Bush Creek East Fire and his witness to the fire jumping the river and travelling up Black Mountain on the flanks of Sorrento. Shuswap Ec Dev Society announces a $50,000 Wildfire Recovery Fund.
In November veteran Mark Midan was recognized for his military service and shared his experience with war and conflict. The Eagle Bay Community Association reflects on potential park opening time in 2024 for their multi year hall and park development project. The Sorrento and Area Health Clinic announces patient wait list is now open.
The CP Christmas Train announces 25yrs of service, comes to Notch Hill in December.
Environment- Regional district approves a review and update to the CSRD liquid waste management plan.
Brisk attendance at the virtual Sorrento cell tower public open house on February 23 brought 200 people to Sorrento Hall to attend virtually as a group as well as online attendees from throughout the area.
April 29 Boil Water Advisory was placed on the Sorrento Water System due to high turbidity from freshet outflow of Newsome Creek.
High Stream Flow advisory was removed May 8 and the Salmon River remained on flood watch. Public advised to stay back from stream banks.
In May the CSRD board agree to wording for a planned referendum on the adoption of the Shuswap Watershed Council Service Establishment Bylaw. The CSRD announces transfer stations will open for 14 more days in spring and fall to accommodate yard waste in response to increasing demand from the ever-growing FireSmart program. They begin accepting loads from dual axle vehicles.
In July we highlighted a detailed report (May 2023) outlining the risk and potential financial cost of a positive identification of zebra mussels in Shuswap Lake.
August saw watershed referendum advanced voting take place at Eagle Bay Hall and Shuswap Lake Estates Community Center on August 16. General voting was scheduled for August 26 but on August 18, the Bush Creek East fire swept the North Shuswap and crossed the river at Skwlax, with Sorrento now in its path. Watershed referendum voting was closed and will now be held Feb. 3.
Evacuation orders were given for Meadow Creek Road, Dorian Bay, Woolford Point, Enns Reach, Lee Creek, Scotch Creek, Celista up to Evans Rd, Little River Rd area, Magna Bay and eventually Sorrento/ Skimikin area, and Sorrento Electoral Area G were under evacuation order.
Shuswap EcDev Society activates a fire recovery task force in October.
Community Safety- The regional district approves the purchase of a fourth structural protection unit, used to protect homes and other structures.
CSRD established a new bylaw allowing bylaw enforcement notices to be sent by letter mail as opposed to hand delivery. The bylaw establishes a forum to handle disputes and removes minor bylaw violations from the provincial court system.
Blind Bay Citizens Patrol continues patrols in Blind Bay in April.
WildsafeBC is back for third year in July. Salmon Arm was now participating for the first time. 2023 program funding for the program was not supported in Area C.
Better at Home announces revised intake that supports an improved emergency response for seniors.
A special acknowledgement to the many organizations that brought together volunteers and donations at events both small and large, between neighbours and friends for those who needed a little support after the Bush Creek East Fire. We are grateful to be able to get the word out for all the events and gatherings.
September the SCOOP and Kicker staff responded to the impacts of the fire and for the very first time did not publish a paper. We welcome the new year grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and make 2024 a great year.
