The collapse of the South Cariboo Meat Co-op has left Canim Lake rancher Vicky Shirran with a problem. "It's a huge disappointment. It is hard to find the right words (to describe it)."
Vicky adds she kept back this year's crop of calves in the expectation of the slaughter facility and notes the collapse of plans "will affect us harshly."
There is no economic outlet for her animals. The nearest slaughter facility is more than 2 1/2 hours away, making it too costly and much too hard on the stock.
"It sounds like government is the problem [considering] their insistence on regulations for a one-size-fits-all abattoir that suits the big players."
As one of the many folks in our area who a financial investment in the co-op this spring, the project seemed a great idea given society's objectives for local industry and employment, food safety and security, and lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Many of us thought why buy beef in a store from an unknown source perhaps thousands of miles away, raised under unknown conditions, when my neighbour has healthy animals next door?
One can only wonder why Ottawa and Victoria have not been able to find the solution that is no doubt possible.
Hopefully, the hard work of the people behind the South Cariboo Meat Co-op will not go in vain.
Director working
Margo Wagner was sworn in as Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Area H Director on Dec. 9.
At their CRD meeting, the board gave preliminary approval of the $40-million budget for the year starting April 1, 2012.
Town Hall meetings will soon start to present this preliminary budget to residents, answer questions and gather input. The meeting for Area H will be Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. in the Forest Grove Community Hall. A financial representative will be there with Margo.
As well as representing us to the CRD, she has been appointed to the Northern Development Initiative Trust Fund board.
Margo will also be part of a caucus with the District 100 Mile House council and the CRD directors of abutting areas. That group meets to discuss issues of common interest, such as the proposed aquatic centre.