Category: News

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

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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


Residents Keep Busy & FireSmart

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to let you know that a lot of Falcon Point/Chicopee residents have been working hard in their own yards and by the hockey cabin with FireSmart Activities as we all try to fill in time every day until we can once again be together with family members and friends.

I am sending you a few pictures, if you have not had a chance to walk by the cottages and around the hockey cabin, to see how nice and clean it is there.

This phased project was driven by Gerry Fester (Chicopee resident and Strata President) and Jim was the FS Rep assisting to make sure it was done to FS Standards and with Breanne’s approval prior to each phase of the project.

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The total hours spent in 2020 on this project was 85 hours.  Gerry also used his own truck to haul the debris to the landfill with one or two loads after each clean-up during that one-month period. This project was started in December 2019 with about 10 volunteer hours.

2 homeowners from the same household on Chicopee Road cleaned up pinecones and raked the common property beside their home and spent approx. 15 hours on this project.

Jim and Laverne have also spent about 24 hours cleaning their properties.

Gord and Shelley on Vardon Lane also recently cleaned for about 27 hours on their two properties and paid for the bin rental to haul away the debris.

Jim has also seen another 3 families in his neighbourhood cleaning up their yards, so it certainly is a snowball effect.

If you or your neighbours are cleaning your own properties, please send me a picture, date of clean-up, names, address, phone number and hours spent so we can include them all with our application for 2020.

As we are not yet sure what the rest of 2020 will look like and when we can safely proceed with our Community FireSmart Event (area by Birdie Lake that Jim has scoped out for us) and spend the $500.00 FireSmart Canada Grant that Heather has secured for us this year, we can only encourage residents at this time to clean their own yards and include the hours spent by everyone in our 2020 application.

Stay safe everyone and hopefully we will be able to meet soon.

Kathy Pedersen

Download the full Report Here

Community Mailbox Security

Hello Everyone,

Recently in an article in the Morning Star and online on the Next Door app there has been conversation on mail theft as a result of break ins into mail boxes. 

Doug Lang a resident of Predator did some follow up work on this subject and posted the following on the Next Door app:

The police and Canada Post report that are no instances of mailbox thefts at Predator Ridge. However there have been some thefts from boxes in Vernon and the rural areas (RDNO). Canada Post has a budget/plan in place to replace outdated mailboxes with new and improved secure boxes. This plan will roll out initially to those communities that have experience theft of mail. Predator does not fall (lucky us) into this category and will have replacements well into the future I am told. Canada Post does recommend removal of mail as a specific deterrent to theft – if there is nothing to steal the thief will look elsewhere.

I have also checked with the respective agencies and support what he said. Accordingly we felt it would useful to send this information to all Block Watch co-captains and leave it to them to share with their area residents. As noted, there has been no mail theft at Predator but the note explains the approach Canada Post is taking in cases where a theft has occurred.

In any event, just like locking our vehicles, timely mail pick up (daily) of your mail will discourage theft. If however you observe or experience any theft please inform the RCMP and Canada Post. Incident records are important.

We hope all are well and safe.

Jim Popowich on behalf of Block Watch

Walking your Dog… on leash

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

By Keith Higgons, May 2018

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.

You’re putting MY dog in jeopardy because YOUR dog is unleashed. That’s uncool. (read this story if you doubt the reality of this.)

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.

Thanks for reading.

See you on the sidewalk,
Keith & Rufus

A Community Awareness Message from your PRCEMC

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

PRCEMC Logo

Community Safety at Predator Ridge

Staying Connected

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!

We need each other now more than ever

HEALTHCARE FROM HOME

STAY HEALTHY WITH AKIRA BY TELUS HEALTH.

QUALITY VIRTUAL CARE – ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. SIGN UP BY APRIL 8.

As a result of WESBILD’S strategic partnership with TELUS, sign up is now open to register for Akira, their newest Predator Ridge Homeowner benefit!

Akira by TELUS Health is a national on-demand virtual care solution. It gives members and their family direct access to secure medical consultants with friendly, knowledgeable clinicians 24/7 and across the country.

Although Akira is typically only available on a corporate level for employers to offer their employees, TELUS has exclusively extended a special offer to Predator Ridge Homeowners to try it free for 90 days!

SIGN UP NOW

After your 90 days, Akira is only $7/month. There is no commitment required. You can cancel anytime with 30-days notice.

WHAT DO YOU GET WITH AKIRA? AKIRA VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE BENEFITS

We were so impressed by Akira, that we are now offering it as an employment benefit to all Predator Ridge employees. We encourage you to take some time to explore this powerful platform. We think you’ll be impressed as we are!

More information on Akira can be found in the video below or you can visit: TELUS.com/Health

THIS IS HEALTHCARE REIMAGINED.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL PREDATOR RIDGE HOMEOWNER OFFER BY APRIL 8, 2020 AND RECEIVE ACCESS TO AKIRA FREE FOR 90-DAYS AND ONLY $7/MONTH PER HOUSEHOLD MOVING FORWARD.

Sign-Up-Now-button-Telus-Purple.jpg

* plus applicable taxes. Monthly cost will be billed through Predator Ridge directly to your Homeowner account. Must be an active and current Predator Ridge resident. By signing up for 90-day free trial, you consent to sharing contact information provided in the Predator Ridge sign up form to TELUS for the purpose of registration. Signup requires a 30-day cancellation notice in writing to Predator Ridge before billing will be ceased. This program is administered through TELUS Health will require an app to be downloaded from the Apple or Google app store. Technical support is available through Akira directly.

VIEW AKIRA BY TELUS HEALTH PRODUCT BROCHURE 

Keep Learning – Open School BC

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.