Category: Government Works


Construction Nicola Avenue Merritt BC

Filed under: Government Works by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
August 23, 2016
watch for signs similar for these in construction zones. File photo KDG

Watch for signs similar for these in construction zones.
File photo KDG

Construction started on Monday on the Nicola Avenue upgrade. The million dollar project starts over the Nicola River Bridge coming into town from the west on Highway 8, and continues to the ICBC auto body shop through the lights on Voght and up about three blocks. The work consists of two local gravel trucks and an digging machine taking out the traffic island in preparation for a machine to tear up the old pavement at this juncture  the island removal  has progressed to the junction of highway 8 and 5A south.

Two local small gravel  business were at work, Macdonald and  AE  James, registering equipment with general contractors  is a way for locals to get work..

Some cars may be able  to avoid delays coming into town from the west on 8 by turning left  by Norgaard Ready Mix and scooting  up the hill past the golf course and taking the residential streets across the bench area coming out on Parker where a left turn would put you in the direction of 5 and 5A north on Voght ST.

Watch construction speed  limits, heavy equipment can be upset in an  in-calm  and hectic climate, so head flag people and signs don’t be part of something like what happened to the cement truck  in the file photo.

Merritt transit is not expected to be greatly effected by the construction; source

 

Damage in a truck accident File photo KDG

Damage in a truck accident
File photo KDG

On this Day: August 23rd 1904

The snow tire chain is patented.

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GBTQ

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June 2, 2016

police

We respect and give thanks to all those in positions of responsibility.

On this Day: June 2nd 1953
Queen Elizabeth the Second is made monarch of Great Britain and realms.

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June second, 1953

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May 25, 2016

Next week the head of State, Elizabeth the Second, will have the anniversary of her coronation. Her reign started on February 6th 1952 with the death of her father and her becoming the monarch regent.
The queen is 44th on the list of long reigns the longest being, Sobuza 11 of Swaziland with 82 years 252 days.
She remains the longest reigning British Monarch at 64 years 109 days.
There are 191 monarchs with verified reigns over 50 years and Pepi the 11 of Egypt tops the list of disputed or unverifiable reigns at 94 years 2278 BC-2184 BC.
Happy Anniversary.

On this day: May 25th 1977
Star Wars is released in theaters.

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150 years, July 1st 2017

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May 12, 2016

Next year will be one hundred and fifty years of confederation of our country. The country was privileged to benefit from the rule of law and process to bring willing participants into the fold.

Beaver hole

Beaver hole

To get into the nation a legislature debated the merits and passed a law. Then an agreement was signed and ratified by the populace.

Canadian Beaver File Photo KDG

Canadian Beaver
File Photo KDG

Since the early 1980s the process to admit or change the structure of Canada has matured and been made very stable. The constitution act  once enacted has reflected a sense of closure to the age and deportment of a mature nation, and next year on July 1st there will be an opportunity to appreciate that. To accept that closure and permanence. Perhaps to be thankful that people can rest from nation building into a life that enjoys the peace and security that it affords.

Lunch for the national symbol File Photo KDG

Lunch for the national symbol
File Photo KDG

A year and a couple of months will go fast and forethought on how and with who you will acknowledge our good fortune. It came from a lot of work. It will be an opportunity for one of those ” moments in time” that comes rarely to individuals.
Until then, peace, order and good government to you and yours and especially its recent demonstration in Fort McMurray.

Kudos to all involved.

On this day: May 12th 1870

Manitoba is legislated into existence in Canada.

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Happy census day

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May 10, 2016
Where are you living... File Photo KDG

Where are you living…
File Photo KDG

Today you are counted at the where you are domiciled. It makes a difference for local federal funding for hospitals etc.

Fill out the form or go online and enter the code from the form. There is a long and a short form most people get the short one.

 

On this Day: May 10th 1824

The National gallery in London opens to the public.

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Nicola Avenue upgrade

Filed under: Barns and Old Buildings, Government Works by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
May 3, 2016

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Water and sewer File photo KDG

Water and sewer
File photo KDG

The city works foreman was walking up Nicola Avenue with blueprints under his arm on Monday. The city is starting a needed upgrade of the infrastructure in the Nicola Avenue. The road is highway 8 or 97C and a funding arrangement was made with the provincial highways branch to pay for the upgrade. local residents will be affected by signage and construction as well as the Old Court House Gallery and the Love to Dance studio.
Merritt is progressive in water and discharge pipe upgrades and summer rarely goes with out a project.

On this day: May 3rd 2000

The sport of geocaching begins using GPS markers.

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TGIF- Carbon sink

Filed under: Environment, Politics and Politicians, Sports and Leisure, War and conflict by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
April 29, 2016
Fish pond, backyard File photo KDG

Fish pond, backyard
File photo KDG

If you have the luxury of a back yard here’s a carbon sink you may want to try.

Professor Downing found that constructed ponds and lakes on farmland in the United States bury carbon at a much higher rate than expected; as much as 20-50 times the rate at which trees trap carbon. In addition, ponds were found to take up carbon at a higher rate than larger lakes.

“Aquatic ecosystems play a disproportionately large role in the global carbon budget,” Downing said. “Despite being overlooked in the past, it’s small bodies of water that are important because they take up carbon at a high rate and there are more of them than previously thought. The combined effect is that farm ponds could be burying as much carbon as the world’s oceans, each year.” source Science Daily…Iowa State University

Editors note: consult with your insurance agent before hand.

On this Day: April 29th 1997
The chemical weapons ban of 1993 comes into force.

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TGIF- Tax deadline USA

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April 15, 2016

This hawk seems relaxed around electrical fixtures. Photo KDG

This Hawk seems relaxed around electrical  power .
Photo KDG
April 15th is the filing deadline for our American cousins across the line. Good luck ! Post marked by midnight tonight….
On this day: April 15th 1923
Insulin becomes generally available to people with diabetes.

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Budget day

Filed under: Crime and punishment, Debates, Education, elections, Environment, Government Works, immigration, Politics and Politicians, Public health, Religion, Technology, Workers Safety by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
March 22, 2016

 

Dan Albas MP Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola Photo: KDG

Dan Albas MP
Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola
Photo: KDG

Budget from an opposition side of the house…

An action plan is the same as a budget it just expresses the activity in dollars and cents.

The first action plan of a strongly mandated new government comes down today, expressed in dollars and cents the closing of some offices and the change of direction discussed in the recent election including…..

Refugees

Pot

Deficit funding

Infrastructure spending

Global warming intervention

ETC:

 

On this day: March 22 1987

Born: murdered environmentalist Jairo Moro Sandoval.

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Di pellet

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February 17, 2016
Highland pellet plant Merritt BC File photo KDG

Highland pellet plant Merritt BC File photo KDG

This was the Highland Pellet plant several years ago barely when into production and a moisture content problem was discovered. The plant shut down after trying to market the wood pellets as barn floor cover.
The plant is now open and is run by a company called Diacarbon Energy they process’ with sawdust and make a combination pellet for burning in industrial applications.
The process now uses heat to take some filler materials from saw dust and turns it into a near coal or Dicarbon pellet. The pellets resemble a hockey puck and are used in a couple of locations according to a source, including Canada Lafarge.
The plant employs 30 people and has an acknowledgement sign from Community Futures Development Corporation.
Community Futures Development Corporation is the ghost of Western Canadian Diversification, a government program that took the place of the Crow Rate that subsidised rail rates coming west from the industrial heartland of Ontario and Quebec decades ago.

BDC ,Community Futures and  the SBA in the United States help business stay on track with the many obligations a business encounters.
On this day: February 17th 2003
The London Congestion Charge  begins.

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Hydro rates

Filed under: First Nations People, Government Works, Industrial projects by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
February 4, 2016
Freen energy project has address. Photo KDG

A Green Energy project has an address. This site is an” IPP” independent power producer.
 File: Photo KDG

Smart meters give the ability to monitor your power consumption on line.  Rates are the same all day and the dream of off peak time is not here yet. However if an appliance is a big power user there are programs for better and more efficient ones, including are rebates for buying Hydro endorsed Energy Star  brand appliances and a buy back program for working fridges.

Increased supply does not necessarily mean a possibility of better rates as the utility’s charges are commission regulated, but when efficiency is increased the benefit of better rates is to go to BC consumers.

There is also talk of breaks for industrial users. If this concerns you call or email your MLA and say you want the direct benefit of the non profit status of Hydro.

It’s the time of year when many of us face higher bills than usual. If a spike in your electricity bill has you wondering whether our rates are the cause, be sure to take a look at how our rates compare across North America. One way to keep a handle on your bills is to monitor your electricity use online – hear how it works. We also share some incredible photos of what’s happening underground at the John Hart Generating Station. And in northern B.C., a look at the new First Nations gallery taking shape at the W.A.C. Bennett Dam visitor centre. Source BC Hydro Power Smart…

IPP’s ( Independent Power Producers) give an opportunity to sell at peak times at a higher rate. If this happens then it may be that the off peak rate may be perverted  however if users use the smart meter to advantage it could be a benefit to us all.

We are a mixed economy meaning that capitalism is not the only player in the system and basic utilities, and water are monopolies to the benefit of the society and as well as the industrial base. Profit should be  only a small part of that . Anyway you are empowered by technology to monitor your usage and adapt it by your smart meter.

Publishers notice: Found a fit bit device, email us at: Percypaschal@gmail.com…. with a description.

On this day: February 4rth 2004
Facebook is founded.

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Revenue Canada, small business.

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January 20, 2016
Government activity includes infrastructure File Photo KDG

Government activity includes infrastructure
File Photo KDG

The local Community Futures office hosted a 1 hour moderated webinar Tuesday morning. The program put on by Revenue Canada was targeted for new small business and had a number of points for start up of a small enterprise, including incorporation.
There was an aspiration that Canada wanted people not to fear failure when attempting small enterprise. A network of government support for start ups go’s across the country with outlets such as Community Futures and BDC. Over time the protocols of business have been established. Tax collection and generation amongst them.

Editors Note : Small business remains a serious challenge not to be undertaken lightly.
On this day: January 20th 1841
Hong Kong Island is occupied by the British

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