Some interesting topics and information came out of this months NEST meeting attended by Jm Popowich. These meetings are attended by surrounding neighbourhood communities and the City of Vernon to collaborate on emergency management and preparedness initiatives.
Here is some great information and links coming out of this most recent NEST meeting:
PreparedBC offers downloadable guides and fill-in-the-blank plans to help you prepare for emergencies. Check out these excellent guides tailored specifically for you in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
Here is a new resource from PreparedBC website: Pandemic Preparedness Guide This guide explains how to prepare for future pandemics and remain prepared during the changing circumstances of a pandemic. PRCEMC Resources & Links Page.
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/
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.
Connector down from Chicopee to Hockey Cabin
Cabins at the end of Chicopee over to Hockey Cabin
Longspoon over to Dormie
Dormie down to Whitetail
The Commonage to Predator Tunnel
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
A reminder to residents that your best four legged friend must be on leash when you head out for some exercise or to walk the pooch. Particularly during these times when social distancing is of the utmost importance. Also, if for no other reason to protect your neighbours and their pets from getting into an unwanted altercation.
I ran across this letter in the Bark and thought it says it all. Please read on…
An Open Letter to People Who Walk Their Dog Without a Leash
Dear neighbours who walk their dog unleashed, Hi! I’m the guy with the tan pit bull mix named Rufus. I want to take a moment and ask you to walk your dog with a leash.
No, I get it. Your dog is amazing and well-trained. You’ve been through extensive training and your dog knows a slew of verbal commands. Your dog is a service animal and visits children’s cancer wards and retirement communities and is the best-behaved dog you’ve ever had. I get that.
The truth is, I don’t care about your dog. When I’m walking Rufus leashed and you’re walking your dog unleashed, my concern is for my dog, not yours.
While I understand you’re 100% convinced that your dog won’t do anything spontaneous, I get it. Neighbor, the truth is that your dog is an animal and any claim that you’re 100% certain your dog won’t do anything is incorrect. They MAY not, but you can’t be certain. It’s simple; dogs are animals and react instinctively.
Yes, I’m personally invested because Rufus wasn’t socialized prior to arriving with me. So, he’s not good with other dogs, he loves people, tolerates children but doesn’t like other dogs … and squirrels, he hates squirrels. You’ve probably noticed we cross the street when we notice another dog.
While I’ve trained Rufus to ignore other dogs, if your dog starts barking, he’ll respond. If you’re dog isn’t leashed and decides to act instinctively (again, they’re dogs) and runs towards us, Rufus will react. My fear is that would be bad.
Despite my efforts to avoid your unleashed dog and the fact that your dog ran towards my dog and he defends himself, rest assured, we would be considered at fault.
Yes, I’m hyper aware of the many stigmas around the pit bull. I find breed specific bias, and legislation, deplorable and don’t think they can, or should, be universally applied. But yea, I’m aware. It’s why I’ve trained Rufus to be a responsible canine citizen and I’m a responsible canine owner and use a leash. I’m unwilling to put my dog, or yours, in a position where he may feel threatened and call upon his instincts.
To be fair, I was once like you. I used to have a dog that I walked without a leash. When confronted, I defended my dog like you do, saying “He won’t do anything” “He’s friendly” and my personal favorite “Relax” (when has anything good ever come from someone saying “Relax” in a heated situation?). When I think back now, I’m ashamed of my behavior. I was wrong.
Please take this letter under consideration. The advantages to keeping your dog on a leash far outweigh the potential consequences of not. It’s also considerate of your neighbors. If you’re still unconvinced, it’s safe to presume your community has some type of leash law.
Dear Neighbour, Although Mother Nature has taken her time bringing spring, the forecast indicates that warm weather is right around the corner.
These have been very unsettling times, but please recognize that what our health officials have been asking us to do is helping to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Officials are also reminding us that COVID-19 has not yet peaked in our British Columbia or Canada. However if we stay the course, keep our distance, and stay close to home, there is hope that we will flatten the curve sooner rather than later. PHYSICAL DISTANCING is incredibly important; we need to be vigilant about our personal safety (and that of others) and do our part to slow down the spread of this virus.
Predator Ridge has made the cart paths available for getting some fresh air, as long as we follow the guidelines from health officials (e.g., staying home for 14 days after out-of-country travel, maintaining 6 feet of physical distance and not gathering in groups). We also note that guidelines continue to evolve, so it’s important for us to pay attention to those changes, such as recent health recommendations for increased use of masks.
For those who are in quarantine, we understand how difficult this time is, especially with the warm weather coming. If you need help, please reach out to your friends and neighbours. For those of you who have completed your quarantine, we thank you for your vigilance.
Our Mental Wellbeing These times are difficult for everyone and some of us will struggle more than others with the uncertainty and isolation. The anxiety over stress, mental distress and depression, have no borders, and can hit any one. Predator Ridge has taken amazing measures to help support this by offering free access for 90 days to Akira By TELUS Health. Akira has many benefits including unlimited, unrestricted 24/7 mental health support. Tomorrow (April 8th) is the last day to register for this 90-day free service so register right away if this is of interest to you. PredatorRidge.com/Community-Resources/Virtual-HealthCare MentalHealthCommission.ca/English/covid19
Vernon Connect Earlier this year, the City of Vernon launched an app to allow residents to stay connected with the City of Vernon’s Emergency Alerts and Messaging. The “VernonConnect” app allows you to select important messaging from the City of Vernon direct to your phone. You can download this app for free via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Vernon.ca/homes-building/fire-safety/emergency-management/vernonconnect-app
Trails & Cart (Walking) Paths Due to snow and muddy conditions, Predator Ridge has closed the dirt trails until further notice. This is to prevent ruts on the trails, so residents are asked to stick to the paved cart paths. Please respect and follow all signage that is and will be placed at trailheads.
Golf Course We understand that we all want to get out on the golf course and we are all eagerly awaiting a message from Predator Ridge that will give us an opening date. Unfortunately an exact date is not possible at this time, but what we can assure you Predator Ridge is as anxious as you are to open, but will not do so until it is SAFE to do so.
FireSmart Your Yards While we are all self-distancing it may be a good time to get outside and look around your home to see what you can do now to FireSmart your own property. Click on the below link for FireSmart spring clean up 2020 tips and how to contact the FireSmart committee with any questions. The committee is here to help and is always happy to answer any questions you may have. PRCEMC.ca/2020/04/06/fire-smart-spring-clean-up-2020/
Support for Predator Ridge Staff Predator Ridge has 98 of its staff still employed, with many of these employees taking on alternate jobs from what they normally do (e.g. cleaning streets, golf course and landscaping maintenance, etc.). Also included in those numbers are the staff working at Commonage Market and Pallino’s and they need our help! Numbers at Pallino’s and Commonage Market have dropped off in the past weeks, making it difficult to justify opening. If everyone one of us here in the community ate one meal a week from Pallino’s or the Market it will definitely help keep the doors open and the staff employed.
Music On Our Patios Some fun stats regarding last Saturday’s inaugural Music on Your Patio event: • The event registered 3,200 views • 366 people engaged in the content (this includes likes, shares, & comments), • 32 people shared it including the BC Country Music Association! The next Music on Your Patio event will be happening this Saturday at 7:30pm with Gorden James. Full details at: PredatorRidge.com/Community-Resources/Music
Looking Ahead We all look forward to when we can gather with our neighbours again, get out on the golf course, and participate in all of the other great in-person classes and events we have in our community. Remember, we’re all in this together, and until that day arrives, we will continue to follow health guidelines, participate and support each other virtually or at a distance.
Keep The Faith • Be Strong • Physically Distance • Keep Us All Safe
Sincerely,
Your Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC)
Jim Popowich; Colleen Scott; Kathy Pedersen; Gord Wilson; Luiz Araujo; Jane Toppozini
As the weeks pass and we all continue to take steps to ensure the safety and well being of our community, we need to remind ourselves the importance of staying connected. Taking time to connect with each other even if by virtual means is vital and healthy for the soul as well as our community.
This week, I couldn’t help but notice a dynamic shift in language take place. The term “social distancing” has been replaced by “physical distancing”. You see, being physically isolated is so very different than social isolation.
Living in Predator Ridge with one another even if by virtual methods, means You Are Never Alone…. We are Community!
Stay connected with your family, friends and neighbours by whatever means are available to you. Just because we are all physically separated doesn’t mean we still can’t socialize!
The Open School BC site has suggestions for parents and caregivers to keep their children learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learning from Home
These are exceptional times and while it’s important for children to keep learning, there is no expectation that the pace and rigour of a normal school day be duplicated at home. Teachers will continue to provide instruction and parent/caregiver involvement will depend on the age and ability of the child and the time that parents/caregivers are able to give. Every family will determine what works best for them in discussion with their children’s teachers. Make use of what you have available and don’t worry that your child is missing out if you don’t have the latest technology. Simple everyday items and activities offer great learning opportunities.
Greetings to our Predator Ridge community, and welcome home to all of our residents who have been away. It is unfortunate that you are returning home under these difficult circumstances, but we want to assure you that our community here at Predator has rallied together to maximize emergency preparedness as best we can.
Let’s continue to work together to build on our Predator Ridge spirit where everyone cares for one another and looks out for their neighbours in the time of need – it is truly with your commitment and compassion to our community that will make us even stronger during this unprecedented time that changes daily and even hourly. We need to protect each other by following the rules and guidelines that the provincial and federal health agencies, as well as the World Health Organization have laid out for us.
We recognize the desire to gather and socialize with others in the way we have been accustomed to in the past; however, the new reality is that COVID-19 is on our doorstep. It cannot be stressed enough how extremely important it is to self isolate and practice social and physical distance, since we have no idea:
Who may or may not be carrying the virus;
Where people have been;
What they have touched; or
With whom they have been in contact.
There are actions we can all take to safely shorten the distance between our families, neighbours and friends without compromise. Face Time, Skype, Zoom, Messaging, Emailing, good old fashioned phone calls, or even a wave and a smile between balconies.
Should you require food or medical supplies, please order on line through the many options that are available, or ask for assistance from a neighbour or other community member. Predator Ridge (Wesbild) has also set up many local options to assist us: (https://www.predatorridge.com/community-resources).
Let’s protect ourselves, our neighbours, and our community.
Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee
Wishing all of our Predator Ridge friends and neighbours to stay healthy & safe. From the PRCEMC Team…. Jim Popowich, Randall Scott, Colleen Scott, Luiz Araujo, Kathy Pedersen, Gord Wilson & Jane Toppozini.
