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Commonage Road Improvement Committee Update December 2020

The Commonage Road Improvement Committee (CRIC) would like to share a short update with you regarding improvements to Commonage and Bailey Roads.
SUMMER ROAD MAINTENANCE 2020
  • We have previously requested the painting of a second white line on the road between Predator Ridge and the junction of Commonage and Bailey Roads. The contractor was scheduled to paint the additional white line but there was a miscommunication and the contractor repainted the same side that had been done last year. MoTI is looking into the possibility of having the contractor come back in the fall to paint the second line.
  • Repainting of centerline and sidelines on both sides of the road way from City of Vernon to the junction of Commonage and Bailey Roads was completed in July.
  • We had requested the trimming back of the roadside brush and large weeds along the sides of the road from Predator Ridge to the City of Vernon limits. This was completed in August.
  • Delineators were installed on one of the corners last fall, we have requested a few additional corners between Predator and the junction be consider this year.
  • We have also requested rumble strips be investigated as an option to deter drivers from crossing over the center lines on specific corners between Predator Ridge and Compost Plant.
BC HYDRO COMMONAGE ROAD POLE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
  • In July we contacted BC Hydro regarding the Commonage Road Pole Replacement Project and the numerous power outages experienced over the past few months. CRIC requested BC Hydro try and provide a project update with project time lines.
  • A Project Update note was mailed out by BC Hydro, if you did not receive a copy please see the attached notice.
OTHER ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
  • In January and February 2020 we meet with various City of Vernon Councilors to discuss Commonage and Bailey Road improvements and the 1100+ signature of support we collected from Predator Ridge Homeowner’s
  • In February we met with our Area B representative Bob Fleming from RDNO to discuss support and advice on applying to MoTI for funds under their Active Transportation Program.

Questions or concerns? Please visit: PRCEMC.ca/CRIC or email us at commonageroadproject@gmail.com

We would also like to remind you, that at any time if you think the road is not being properly maintained please call Acciona Infrastructure Maintenance (ACCIONA) at: 1-866-222-4204

Thank you,
The Commonage Road Improvement Committee (CRIC)

Jane Toppozini, Gord Ball, Morgan Grant, Sandy Thompson

Be sure to check out the latest news on Commonage Road Developments. Click here to read all the very latest news and reports concerning our road network from the Commonage Road Improvement Committee. Updated December 2020.

FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program

Citizen involvement is the cornerstone of the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program.

At Predator Ridge, we live in a region susceptible to wildfires. You can learn how to decrease the risk of losing your homes, and how to best protect yourselves in the event of a wildfire.

FireSmart homes and neighbourhoods allow firefighters to concentrate on fighting the wildfire, which ultimately saves more homes and lives.

Neighbourhoods in which residents take steps to reduce their vulnerability have a greater chance of surviving a wildfire without the intervention of the fire department.

Our community has been on the forefront of of earning recognition as a FireSmart Neighbourhood and 2020 has been no exception. On October 17th, neighbours turned out in full force to clean-up a portion of the Birdie Lake Trail.

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The FireSmart Community Recognition Program is transitioning to the FireSmart “Neighbourhood” Recognition Program. They have a great FireSmart e-Learning course on the website called FireSmart 101. It’s a terrific and informative course that doesn’t take too long (approx.-30 min). Click on the graphic below to take this online course. Very Worthwhile!

Hazard Risk Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA)

Since its inception in 2014, the PRCEMC has used this HRVA process, and continues to review and update its content on an annual basis. As you may expect, events such as Wildfire, Medical Emergencies, Break/Enter/Theft and Vandalism, Animal Encounters, as well as Missing Persons and other hazards, continue to be identified and addressed within our HRVA.
Our latest review in the 3rd quarter of 2020 identified the following top 5 priorities for action:

  1. Forest Fire/Wildfire
  2. Criminal Activity
  3. Lightning (injuries, fire)
  4. Blocked Access/Egress
  5. Missing Persons

Learn more about the HRVA process

FireSmart EVENT October 17th

This September brought a great deal of smoke into the interior and across BC from fires burning in the US and it serves as a reminder  to all of us that we need to keep our FireSmart Initiatives going to help protect our community.    The Predator Ridge FireSmart Committee has continued to apply for any grants that become available and we are pleased to announce that we have received a $500.00 Grant from FireSmart Canada and a $300.00 Grant from the City of Vernon for bins to collect and haul away debris from our Community Clean Up Event which will take place on October 17th.

We are looking for Volunteers for our Event on October 17th.  We appreciate your support, participation and commitment to the FireSmart program and our volunteer efforts during the past 5 years.  If you are new to the community, we welcome you to come out and learn about our FireSmart initiatives.

Due to Covid, we would ask you to sign up in advance to volunteer at this event.  This allows us to plan ahead and keep everyone working at a respectable distance with covid measures in place.  Please bring your own mask to the event. 

Details for the Event

Date: October 17th
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Birdie Lake Loop Trail

We will be starting at the Whitetail Entrance Sign and working our way along the trail towards Birdie Lake Lookout Loop.   Volunteer Numbers will determine how far we make it for the clean up

Volunteers please RSVP by October 13th or if you have any questions on this event please contact us.

Bottle Drive Suggestions from Block Watch

For distribution to all home owners as part of Block Watch.

Habitat for Humanity is a great cause and well supported by our community however we need residents to be aware of a couple of things.

Last week on Friday August 7 Predator Security advised us that there was suspicious vehicle activity in our community the night before (a smaller grey 4 door car). It was thought that this might be related to the upcoming Habitat bottle drive on Saturday August 8 as many residents put their bottles and cans out the night before. Pick up time is set for 9 am on the day of the bottle drive which was the Saturday. To prevent a situation where undesirable activity may occur residents are asked to put their items out the morning of the Bottle drive rather than the night before. 

We also have a situation where boxes of bottles may get wet from overnight sprinkler activity and the bottoms may fall open when picked up in the morning. This is a safety concern for those doing pick up (possible broken glass) and adds to having to deal with individual bottles – really slows down the process. 

So please address these concerns as we support this great cause in a safe and secure manner. Thank you.

Glory Westwell – Habitat for Humanity

Jim Popowich – Predator Community Block Watch

Help keep B.C. Day long weekend safe for everyone

Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development BC Wildfire Service

NEWS RELEASE

Help keep B.C. Day long weekend safe for everyone

VICTORIA – The BC Wildfire Service urges British Columbians to be safe in the woods and reminds everyone that the return of warm weather means an increasing risk of wildfires.

Although the start of this year’s wildfire season was quieter than normal, August is typically the most active month of B.C.’s wildfire season. This is why it is important for British Columbians and visitors to remain vigilant and ensure that they are using fire safely.

Human-caused fires are completely preventable and unnecessarily divert crucial firefighting resources from naturally occurring wildfires. From April 1 through July 29, 2020, the BC Wildfire Service responded to 239 wildfires throughout the province, approximately 85% of which were attributed to human activity.

“We know people want to get out into the great outdoors, but it’s important that everyone stay vigilant about fire safety,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “Fighting wildfires can be challenging at the best of times, but managing them in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic requires BC Wildfire Service staff to operate with even greater care. I urge everyone to support our crews by using fire responsibly and making sure that their activities don’t spark a wildfire this holiday weekend.”

Campfires are currently allowed in all areas of the province that fall under the BC Wildfire Service’s jurisdiction. However, people are urged to use caution and keep an ample supply of water nearby to fully extinguish their campfires.

Larger Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited in some regions of the province. Up-to-date information about current open burning prohibitions is available on the BC Wildfire Service website at: www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirebans

Local governments and other jurisdictions (e.g., BC Parks) may have their own burning restrictions or bylaws in place. People should also check with those authorities before lighting any fire.

Campfire safety and fire precautions:

  • Campfires must not be larger than 0.5 metres high or 0.5 metres wide.
  • Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly, and wind may carry embers to other combustible material.
  • Maintain a fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended.
  • Have a shovel or at least eight litres of water available to properly extinguish your campfire.
  • Make sure the ashes are cool to the touch before retiring for the night or leaving the area for any length of time.

Other precautions:

  • Anyone riding an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike on Crown land must have a spark arrestor installed on the vehicle. To help reduce wildfire risks, check the condition of the muffler, regularly clear buildups of grass or other vegetation from hot spots, stay on dirt paths and avoid riding in tall grass and weeds.
  • Smokers must dispose of cigarette butts and other smoking materials responsibly and ensure those materials are completely extinguished.

The government’s conservation officers conduct regular patrols throughout British Columbia, while natural resource officers from the Compliance and Enforcement Branch work closely with BC Wildfire Service staff to investigate the cause of wildfires and any improper fire use when an open burning prohibition is in effect.

Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

People can also follow the latest wildfire news:

Learn More:

Current open burning prohibitions: www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirebans

Wildfire prevention: www.gov.bc.ca/wildfireprevention

British Columbia FireSmart: https://firesmartbc.ca/

Contact:

Provincial Fire Information

BC Wildfire Service
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

250 312-3051

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: http://news.gov.bc.ca/connect

City of Vernon Disclaimer: This transmission (including any attachments) may contain confidential information, privileged material (including material protected by the FOI act or other applicable privileges), or constitute non-public information. Any use of this information by anyone other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately reply to the sender and delete this information from your system. Use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this transmission by unintended recipients is not authorized and may be unlawful.

July Community Awareness Message

Dear Neighbours;

BC Phase 3 Restart
As BC begins to loosen the COVID 19 restrictions and thankfully moves us all into Phase 3, we still need to be vigilant about managing our personal bubbles and space.  Please review the link below outlining Phase 3 and the recommendations Dr. Bonnie Henry has laid out for us all.  PRCEMC would like to thank all our residents for their diligence and support in keeping our community safe and helping BC flatten the curve. 
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/phase-3

Emergency Management
This year’s BC wildfires have thus far been reduced by the cooler weather, leaving our current fire rating as low.  However, that rating could change quickly once we move into warmer summer temperatures.  Due to our location we need to be mindful of the wildfire status in our area and surrounding areas. Take the time now to review the “Resident Emergency Handbook”, and make sure you have your plan and evacuation kit(s) updated and ready.
https://prcemc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/PRCEMC-Resident-Emergency-Handbook-Update-May-19.pdf

FireSmart
This cooler weather is also the perfect time to continue the good work that all of us have been doing to FireSmart our properties.  We have already had over 22 residents who have cleaned their own properties and/or replaced bark mulch with rocks – some spending 15-25 hours and others 30-40+ hours.  We are so lucky to have so many residents committed to the FireSmart Program and making our community safer.If you would like a member of the FireSmart Committee to visit your property or provide you with some feedback and tips on how to FireSmart your property please contact: https://prcemc.ca/contact-firesmart/
To report a wildfire or irresponsible wildfire risk behaviour call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.

Block Watch is a program of neighbours helping neighbours. They make a commitment to watch out for each other’s homes, and report suspicious activities to the police and to each other. 

Block Watch
In the Predator Ridge Community, we have 20 Block Watch neighbourhoods each with its own co-captains. The co-captains (42 in all) fall under the direction of the Predator Ridge Block Watch Organization and  report to the City of Vernon Protective Services Division – Regan Borisenko. With the opening up of travel and the possibility of increased tourism within BC, we may start to see an increase in activity within our community.  Be diligent, be aware, and report anything suspicious.  The Non-Emergency Police line is: 250-545-7171. 
https://prcemc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Block-Watch-Map-sm-01.jpg

Commonage Road Improvement Committee (CRIC)
The Commonage Road Improvement Committee is continuing to work on the improvements to Commonage and Bailey Roads.  We are hoping to see the additional white lines painted on the road shoulders, as well as an increase in delineators installed on select corners this year.

Please note the speed limit on Commonage and Bailey Roads is 60km/h.  Friends and family cyclists are out enjoying the summer, please remember to share the road, slow down, and allow for everyone to have safe passage. 

Commonage Road-BCHydro Pole Replacement Project Update
This project is scheduled to replace 150 poles along this corridor and had expected to be completed by late summer; however, due to COVID-19 challenges, the project completion date has been rescheduled to early December 2020.

The BCHydro Community Relations Department has advised us that there will be no further blips or outages due to this project for the next month or so.  When the blips resume they will be 20 sec to 1 minute in duration, once in the morning and once in early evening.  We have asked for advanced notice as to when the cutovers and blips will resume.  BCHydro will be issuing a project update notice in the next few weeks.

If you think that your computer or any household appliances have been damaged due to the numerous power interruptions you can submit a claim to BCHydro. The email address for claims for damaged equipment due to outages: bchydro.claims@bchydro.com

BCHydro website for outage updates: www.bchydro.com      Outage Inquiries: 1888-769-3766

BEAR Wise
As we move into the summer months and are hiking and walking the trails, be aware that bears are now fully out of hibernation and foraging the area for food.  To avoid confrontations with bears or drawing them further into the community follow the bear wise information. Limit bird feeders, safely store garbage, and don’t leave pet food outside. Be aware of your surroundings, hike in groups, talk, make noise, and carry a safety whistle.   Please review this excellent educational post from the BC Conservation Foundation on Bears.
https://wildsafebc.com/black-bear/

A new brochure Who’s Who: Know your Bears is now available and highlights the differences and similarities between Black Bears and Grizzly Bears. Take the quiz and see if YOU know your bears!
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/conservation-officer-service/whoswhobears.pdf

Golf Cart Safety
For everyone’s safety we remind residents of Predator Ridge’s request that all golf cart drivers access and use the paths that are provided. Please try and avoid using the larger main roadways with heavier traffic such as Predator Ridge Drive, Birdie Lake Drive etc. Please be mindful of pedestrians, pets and cyclists, all of whom have the right of way. http://homeowners.predatorridge.com/golf-cart-usage-at-predator-ridge/

Using the connector paths within the community help reduce the use of the streets and roadways. 

  1. Connector down from Chicopee to Hockey Cabin
  2. Cabins at the end of Chicopee over to Hockey Cabin
  3. Longspoon over to Dormie
  4. Dormie down to Whitetail
  5. The Commonage to Predator Tunnel
  6. Whitetail over to Ridge Hole #4

Home Owner Intranet Site
Our Homeowner Intranet Site has undergone some major upgrades over the past few months.  The site has many new categories with useful information regarding our community and surrounding area and is especially useful for newcomers to Predator Ridge.  If you do not have an account or have lost your username and password please email: predatorridge@predatorridge.com

If you have suggestions or feedback for the continued success of the site please forward them to pridgecommunity@gmail.com

Sincerely
Your Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC)
Jim Popowich
Jane Toppozini
Colleen Scott
Gord Wilson
Kathy Pedersen
Luiz Araujo