Thanks to the RCMP

Dear Editor:

I wanted to send out a huge Easter thank you to our friends at the RCMP, Rural Div Const H. Morine and Constable M. Vishi.

On Good Friday while heading over the top from Kamloops to Cache Creek for tacos, riding my off-road motorcycle, I crashed into a large, deep ditch. I was stuck in the same ditch from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m., when the welcome lights of the constables’ patrol vehicles came up over the hill and the RCMP got to me before the wilds of B.C. did.

Hunkered down with no way out and no GPS I ventured to try the Emergency beacon on my iPhone. Soon to my surprise I was connected via satellite to somewhere in the world with an emergency rescue dispatch that gathered my position and forwarded it to Kamloops Rural RCMP.

With my back against a tree, a group of trees tight around me, all my gear and helmet on, thinking I’m spending the night and must protect the best I can from lions and tigers and bears. I listened closely to a bird call I had never heard. A loud, heavy clicking. Hmmm, what the heck is that, I thought.

The next morning while back, I retrieved my bike with the help of Paul Blacket of Kala Geosciences. Driving out, from the corner of my eye, I caught the sight of two bald Canada Geese and two Canada Geese. What the hey?

Paul then saw them and yelled, “Sandhill Cranes…” Wow, a first for me, and why are they hanging out in the middle of nowhere with Canada Geese? 

I took this picture as they all flew. I read now the Sandhills, an endangered species heading to Alaska from Mexico. And the geese? Maybe just guiding them through BC.

These constables I am sure would have rather been home with the kids prepping for Easter instead of searching for this old guy. Thank you RCMP for all you do although sometimes we do not appreciate your varied skills.  

Go RCMP! Great work!

—Jim Knowles
Kamloops

Columbia Precinct

Dear Editor:

Columbia Precinct was planned for seniors’ housing. There were engagement meetings and it was agreed that a seniors’ complex was an excellent fit for this park setting. 

Suddenly, we get an announcement that a facility for mental illness and addictions has been added. A mental health and addictions facility will only add to problems in an area that is already at risk. 

I spend a lot of time in Peterson Creek Park and it’s not partying or loud noise that is the problem. It’s tents, garbage, fires, and people lurking in places where you don’t expect them. I’ve often been in the park where I’m startled by a person standing amongst the trees who doesn’t appear to be there for any particular reason — it can be quite disconcerting.

I’ve been twice approached by an individual on the Xget’tem’ Trail whose behaviour was aggressive and abusive towards me; I felt my safety was in jeopardy. I’ve talked to seniors from Glenfair who have expressed concern with the aggressiveness of some of the people on the grounds and in the park. 

When the ASK Wellness building on Sixth Avenue closed for renovations, the population of non-residents loitering, erecting tents, dropping needles and other garbage disappeared immediately. It seemed to attract others who didn’t even live there. With the temporary closure, it’s now possible to enjoy the walk downtown and feel safe.

This is what we want for our neighbourhood. Let’s go back to the original plan for the precinct.

— Teresa Lomax
Kamloops