Dear Canimites,
The season is turning, even here in the bosom of oasis Canim.
Cottonwoods and birches shed yellowed leaves as cooler days and bracing winds nudge their way in. The smell of wood smoke again adds tang to the morning air, as residents busy themselves with fall chores.
Society meeting
The Mahood Falls Community Society (MFCS) held its fall meeting with 34 members gathering by the lake at the home of Phil and Sharon Simms.
Business was transacted at a snappy pace under the able hand of president Carol MacKenzie. The executive includes treasurer Sharon Simms, secretary Carol Preston, and vice-president Wendy Johnston.
Jim Booth is the contact for roads. John Jantzen stepped down as forestry contact after many years, leaving the job to Dave Bolton and Jim.
There was some discussion of the poor state of the boat launching ramp at the park, as well as the gravelling of the community’s access road, which has not yet started. When contacted, Phil Doddridge of Interior Roads said that "weather permitting," the work will be performed before the snow flies.
After the formal business, the group got down to some serious visiting then tucked into steaks barbecued by Ron Simms and Vic Friesen and the terrific variety of other dishes and desserts brought by others.
There are now 60 society members.
FGVFD fundraiser
Wendy Clarke, the spark plug behind the recent fire department fundraiser, says that $3,500 was raised, which will go towards the Halloween fireworks and the children’s Christmas party.
Wendy got help from many of the department’s members who organized the baking and silent auction, and moved the mountain of material donated to the sale. Thanks to members of the community who supported this effort with their time, donations, and participation.
Herbicide spraying
This summer, BC Hydro used herbicide to control vegetation under recently cleared power lines along sections of the South Canim (8100) Road.
Bob Gammer of BC Hydro says this is part of its effort to provide safety for workers and the public, increase the reliability of the service and reduce the fire danger along the right-of-way. A certified applicator does the work according to Hydro’s Distribution Line Corridor Pest Management Plan, which is approved by the Ministry of Environment.
The chemical used in this case was Garlon 4 produced by Dow AgroSciences. According to Dow’s information, the product is highly toxic to all aquatic life and there is a possibility of contamination of the groundwater if improperly applied.
There is no suggestion that the chemical has been improperly used here.
However, there is a proposal that the Community Club invite BC Hydro to make a presentation to members about their spraying program and future plans in the area.
Bits and Bites
• Marianne Van Osch’s new book about Toody Shirran is available. Along the Clearwater Trail is the story of the family’s arrival and life at Canim Lake, told through Toody’s stories, poetry and pictures. This is a compelling portrayal of a remarkable woman.
• The washout on Bluebird Road was repaired with a culvert extension, several loads of riprap and new gravel. Within hours of completion, the new road material sloughed down the hill, cutting the road to one lane again. Phil Doddridge says a decision has been made to stick to the original engineering plan, and so more material will be added to the downhill side to provide sufficient width.
• Toody Shirran says that while the potato crop has not been up to par this year, she has had bumper crops of "good tasting and all organic" carrots, turnips and beets. These and fresh eggs are for sale at her farm home at 4264 Canim-Hendrix Rd.
• The six muskrats that lived under Simms' dock for the summer are still swimming in confused circles, wondering where their home went.
That’s all for now. Until next time, here’s wishing you many blessings.