As you know, last week Predator Ridge fell victim to a criminal attack on several community mailboxes resulting in the theft of personal mail and packages as well as the destruction of numerous mailboxes.
These incidents have been reported to the RCMP and Canada Post (CP), by First Landmark, the PRCEMC, Block Watch and some residents. This is the first time that our community has been targeted in such a brazen and widespread manner, and as you can imagine residents of Predator Ridge are very concerned.
In conversation with a local Canada Post supervisor on Monday January 17, we were informed of the following.
Canada Post and the RCMP are aware of the situation.
Canada Post is sending a security representative to Predator this week to review the vandalism and extent of the damage.
ONLY Mailboxes that have been vandalized and the locks are broken will have their mail held at the Canada Post main office in Vernon until the mailboxes are repaired.
Mailboxes that have not been damaged will continue to receive mail delivery.
Mailboxes where only the parcel boxes have been vandalized will have their parcels delivered totheir doors. (we spoke directly to our local area CP carrier on this). Personal mail will continue to be delivered to the mailboxes (e.g. Lower Falcon point)
We have been notified by the local carrier that both Birdie Lake Place and Court have been repaired and mail delivery has resumed.
All of the mailboxes that were damaged were the older brown-based models that are easily vandalized and are often targeted. To have these older mailboxes replaced with new tamper proof boxes we encourage residents to call the CP Costumer Service and request an upgraded to the new grey tamper proof mailboxes. CP Customer Service 1-866-607-6301
If you are in any way concerned for the safety of your expecting parcels, have them redirected to Canada Post main office in Vernon.
To pick up your mail in Vernon you will need identification with your picture on it. (Driver’s license or BC Service Card).
Canada Post Main Office Vernon 3101 32nd Ave, Vernon, BC V1T 2M0
Our Block Watch Captains and PRCEMC will continue to keep you posted as new information becomes available. In the mean time, be vigilant and report all suspicious activities to the RCMP (911 or non-emergency number 250-545-7171) and also inform your Block Watch Captain.
If you see a crime in progress call 911 immediately. Do Not confront the criminals.
Our Block Watch neighbours make a commitment to watch out for each other’s homes and report suspicious activities to the police and to each other. They also keep each other informed about neighbourhood occurrences, burglary, thefts, and other crimes or problems occurring on their streets. If you have any questions or concerns about security and safety in your neighbourhood please contact your Block Watch Captain.
It is with great sadness and respect that the PRCEMC announces the passing of our dearest friend and community leader, Jim Popowich. Jim was a born leader and that’s how he leaves us. Jim and Laverne have been pillars of this community for as long as anyone can remember. He will be sorely missed and Laverne no doubt will continue to be supported by all of us who will proudly carry on Jim’s legacy.
So much needs to, and will be, said about Jim and his contributions to our Predator Ridge community but, on behalf of the PRCEMC, we wish to say that we could not have asked for a more committed, trustworthy and passionate Chairperson of our Committee. Jim was instrumental in establishing and maintaining our direct working relationship with the City of Vernon Emergency Management Committee and was never hesitant to assist other communities that wanted to learn from the PRCEMC’s efforts and accomplishments (e.g., being a FireSmart certified community since 2016).
Lastly, knowing Jim as we all did, he would want us to focus on moving forward and building on what he led us to achieve. On behalf of all members of the PRCEMC, we will do our best to carry on, for and on behalf of Jim.
To say that 2021 was a challenging year would be an understatement. During the continuing COVID pandemic, we managed through a significant heat dome in early summer that set the stage for one of the worst wildfire seasons ever throughout the province. If that wasn’t enough, this fall has recorded some of the heaviest rainfall coastal areas have ever seen, resulting in serious flooding and damage to structures, the transportation infrastructure and supply chains.
While one might ask, “what could be next?”, a better question is, “how can I be better prepared?”
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS THROUGHOUT THE WINTER
Severe weather like snow storms, thunderstorms, hail, freezing rain, blizzards, high winds or heavy rain can happen with little warning, and in any season and these severe weather patterns can often cause a loss of power. When preparing for potential severe weather, it is a good rule of thumb to be prepared for at least 48 – 72 hours of isolation.
It is important to have an emergency plan and have done some preparation, in the event that we are isolated for an extended time. BC Emergency Management has some excellent advice and information on Preparing for Severe Weather and power outages:
A power outage can involve a short- or long-term loss of electricity to an area, and we may find ourselves without light, heat and hot water. In the event of a power outage in our area, it is always a good idea to confirm that BC Hydro is aware of it. The faster they are advised, the sooner they can dispatch repair crews. To confirm power outages are reported in our area, go to BC Hydro’s outage list/map.
If our area does not appear on the BC Hydro map or list of outages call BC Hydro and log the outage as soon as possible: 1-800-224-9376.
Winter is upon us and the shorter darker days are here once again. The cold weather, ice, and snow can also increase the chances of slips and falls. If you are out walking on the roadways with family, friends and pets, please keep in mind that you are not always visible to oncoming traffic especially at dawn, dusk and at night. Wearing some form of reflective clothing or headlamps is one way to stay VISIBLE. With the fluctuating temperatures, the road and pathways can be very icy and slippery. Wearing cleats and using poles is an excellent way to prevent any unexpected and possibly dangerous falls.
CBC Marketplace did a study this year to find out which winter boots were actually better for winter walking or hiking. The article “5 out of 6 winter boots fail slip test on ice” can be found here:
2021 has been a quiet year for Block Watch activities here at Predator Ridge, which means another successful and crime-free period in our community. The pandemic has limited our Block Watch yearly meetings with Captains, Co-Captains and especially our newer residents. If you have recently moved to Predator Ridge and have not been contacted by your neighbourhood Block Watch Captain/Co-Captain, please contact the Predator Ridge Block Watch Committee at blockwatch_predator_ridge@prcemc.ca or visit us at our website at https://prcemc.ca/block-watch/. Please continue to look after each other. Turn on your outside lights at dusk and help keep our neighbourhoods safe.
FIRESMART
White Rock Lake Fire Viewed from Predator Ridge Roundabout
With the proximity of the White Rock Lake Fire this summer, many Predator Ridge residents tackled their own personal FireSmart cleanups around their homes.
This fall two significant FireSmart Events were held in our community. On Saturday, October 23rd, a sanctioned clean-up was held in the Commonage neighbourhood with over 35 volunteers from all over Predator Ridge attending. It was a great day and we filled two 25-yard waste disposal bins right to the top. And on October 24th, Osprey Green Townhomes residents rolled up their sleeves and cleaned up a section of their common land that bordered #7 fairway of the Predator golf course.
To view further details and pictures of the 2021 FireSmart neighbourhood clean-ups here at Predator Ridge, visit the website at: FireSmart (https://prcemc.ca/firesmart/)
EMERGENCY ALERT SIREN SURVEY
The Emergency Alert Siren Survey results were very positive. 675 residents were surveyed and 540 responded. 78% of those who took the survey were in favour of the siren and 69% were in favour of paying $100.00 to support of the acquisition and installation of an emergency alert siren. The decision was made to move forward and present the proposal to the City of Vernon. PRCEMC members met with City of Vernon Officials on November 4th to present the project proposal. The City Fire Chief reviewed the material favourably and asked for a few weeks to further discuss the proposal and how they might incorporate the emergency alert siren within their existing emergency management system.
If the City agrees to incorporate the emergency alert siren into its existing emergency management plan, and will take on primary authority over the horn, then PRCEMC will move forward with further community engagement. The City will meet and discuss their decision mid-December.
There has been a fair amount of discussion over the past few months regarding the increase in traffic volume and speed on some of our community roadways. PRCEMC members did meet with City of Vernon official to review Birdie Lake Drive and Falcon Point Way, resulting in the replacement and upgrading of a proper stop sign and installation of a warning sign ahead. We also engaged with Wesbild regarding the increase in traffic flow and the challenges the community is experiencing due to the increase in traffic. Predator recognize that there are some challenges with the current traffic flow and volume, and have agreed to take time over the winter to determine the right plan of action for moving forward.
COMMONAGE ROAD IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE – CRIC
As the Commonage Road Improvement Committee has completed their objectives and the committee will be winding down, we would like to thank the committee for their contribution to building a safer community. All of their efforts to have improvements made to Commonage Road have been greatly appreciated by all. Thank you to Jane Toppozini, Gord Ball and Morgan Grant.
ADDITION TO PRCEMC
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Karen Grimsrud to the PRCEMC. Karen has recently moved to our community and brings with her a wealth of expereince in emergency management planning, she will be a great resource to the community and a welcomed addtion to our committee.
COMMUNITY SAFETY CONTEST
The PRCEMC is hosting a community safety contest! Winners will receive either a set of Head Lamps or a Reflective Vest. To enter simply answer a few questions regarding Community Safety and your name will be entered into a draw to win a Head Lamp or Reflective Vest. Contest will close midnight on December 18th, 2021. (Please only one entry per person).
This wildfire season has been an exhausting one on many fronts. We are fortunate however, that we are seeing some reprieve from the weather and a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel with regards to the smoke and wildfires this year. Please keep in mind though, fire season runs from April 1st to October 31st.
In an ongoing attempt to keep all our residents safe, we have been reviewing additional avenues to enhance our community’s safety. Our committee has done some extensive research regarding the use of emergency alert systems and their effectiveness in remote and semi remote communities.
We have been working with both Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hill, and we have all agreed that although the current technology of using cell phone and email alerts is effective, it may not be the total solution for our community should the City of Vernon ever need to get an emergency alert out to all the guests, visitors and Predator Ridge residents, especially in the middle of the night.
We have looked at other communities that have successfully utilized cell phone and email technology in tandem with an emergency alert system to notify their community of imminent danger. Using all these systems together provides far better coverage and peace of mind to residents.
Accordingly, we are proposing the acquisition and installation of a High Power Directional Siren to be centrally located within the Predator Ridge Resort. Accordingly, we have completed a cost analysis for the acquisition and installation of an Emergency Alert Siren and related equipment. The cost of the acquisition and installation would be in the neighbourhood of $100,000.00.
With approximately 800 households in the community, if each household contributed a minimum amount of $100.00, we could reach our target goal of $75,000. Once we raise this initial amount, Predator Ridge (Wesbild) and Sparkling Hill Resort will contribute the remaining amount up to $25,000.00. This cost sharing ratio was calculated based on the table below.
Contribution Breakdown by Community Groups
Figure 1
A meeting has been scheduled with City of Vernon officials and the City of Vernon Fire Chief, to discuss and firm up roles and responsibilities in the management of a Predator Ridge Community Emergency Alert Siren.
In order to proceed with this project, we would like to survey the community and ask for your support to raise the funds for the purchase and installation of an Emergency Alert Siren. Please take the time to review the material located within the attached links:
If you are willing to support this important community project, Please click the SURVEY link text in the Community Message that was sent out to all residents on September 23rd, through the Community Messaging email. Please complete ONLY ONE survey per household. The survey will run for 14 days (Sept 23 – Oct 6th)
We would like to have the Emergency Alert Siren installed in the spring of 2022, so it is up and functional for the start of the next fire season. If you have any questions please email us at: questions@prcemc.ca
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support on this very important initiative.
Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee,
Jim Popowich, Jane Toppozini Gord Wilson Colleen Scott Luiz Araujo
As the hot and dry weather continues across BC, it’s important to keep wildfire prevention and mitigation top of mind. Check out Ember’s Den for helpful resources and tips for the whole family to get FireSmart!
To many, Embers from a fire may seem small and inconsequential. But these tiny flittering offshoots can travel a great distance and cause real world devastation.
For even more information, listen to the Get FireSmart™ Podcast where we interview experts from the world of wildfire. The Get FireSmart™ Podcast is available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
On Wednesday, May 19, we are asking you to help make the hashtag #journey2immunity trend on social media while encouraging everyone to register for their vaccine. Here’s what you can do:
Post a video, a tweet, a Facebook post, Instagram story or any social media platform!
Use the hashtag #journey2immunity, share the link www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca , and encourage people to register for the vaccine.
Personalize your message. Here is a draft idea to use: “I’m getting the vaccine for [LIVE MUSIC/PUB NIGHTS/INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL/HOCKEY/POPCORN & MOVIES AGAIN/RESTAURANTS/FESTIVALS]. Join me on the #journey2immunity and register at www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca ”
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:
When is the best time to prepare for an emergency?
When there isn’t one! While our community has been navigating the ups and downs of the pandemic over the past year, an emergency – whether flood, fire or other, stops for no one, including COVID-19.
This is the time of year for all Okanagan residents to check and update their family emergency plan. If you don’t have a plan yet, the PRCEMC webpage offers plenty of resources to help guide you through the process.
“Being prepared to look after your family for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency is something we all need to do each year,” says Jim Popowich – PRCEMC Coordinator.
He adds, “Moving from winter to spring provides a great opportunity for residents to check through their ‘grab and go’ kit. Take stock of materials you need to replenish and ensure that you replace any outdated food, prescriptions, water or other items you may need should an emergency evacuation force you from your home.”
Don’t Have a Emergency Kit?
For those that may not have a plan or kit yet, you’ll find a number of useful links, preparedness information, checklists and videos at on the PRCEMC website at https://prcemc.ca/resources-and-links/
Having a plan and kit brings some peace of mind. There may not be a lot of advance notice during the early stages of an emergency response. If the threat is imminent, you may only have a few minutes to get your family and belongings together before being directed to leave your home.”
Get Connected
Every Predator Ridge resident is encouraged to visit Vernon.ca and subscribe to receive notices directly from the City of Vernon’s Operation Centre if its activated an emergency. Also, the Vernon Connect App is now available. Read more about this app for your smart phone on the City of Vernon Website.
Residents should also be also aware that in this COVID-19 pandemic environment, health and safety protocols will be in place for any Emergency Reception Centre in order to protect Emergency Support Services volunteers and evacuees visiting in person. Also a new online program provided in conjunction with Emergency Management BC was introduced in 2020. It provides an easy online self-registration option for anyone on Evacuation Alert or forced from their home due to an Evacuation Order. During an emergency, this will help ESS volunteers administer and coordinate resources for anyone eligible for assistance and help under the Emergency Support Services program.
On February 23rd and 25th, the PRCEMC team hosted a webinar on Community Safety at Predator Ridge. If you were unable to attend any of those webinar sessions, we have posted a recording of the Feb 25th session on our YouTube channel.
Give the video a view and stay up to date on community safety and other initiatives happening in and around the Predator Ridge Community.
