HOMELatest Joe Rich NEWS - HOME
18 May 10 
WILDFIRES in BC
There are currently 13 active ( 10 ha or more in size) burning in BC.
There are 2 in the Kamloops Fire District (1- north of Clearwater and 1- 30k west of Kelowna and 10k north of hwy 97C. (Read More)
17 May 10
Water use restricted in Kelowna parks
Kelowna’s parks department will reduce the amount of water used to irrigate turf and plants, while keeping park turf safe for summer fun and competitions. (Read More)
17 May 10
Planning for reduced water use in Okanagan starting early this year
While next door water was sprayed into the hot, dry, mid-day air, running off and sluicing down Casorso Road, inside Conrad Pryce was, ironically, explaining the government’s plans for handling this year’s drought conditions in the Okanagan. (Read More)
17 May 10
Presentations videoed for the Net
Members of the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council found themselves being filmed at Thursday’s meeting as a unique pilot project to reach out to the public got underway.
17 May 10
Presentations on the controversial question of whether water rights should be traded and sold on the open market received an excited reception at the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council meeting Thursday. (Read More)
13 May 10 
RDCO water restrictions in place
The Regional District of Central Okanagan reminds customers that its five water systems that alternate day water restrictions are in place.
Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says the Regional Board adopted an updated Water Regulations Bylaw which formally introduced year-round staged water restrictions.
7 May 10
Odd/Even watering part of new plan 
Kelowna City Council has adopted a drought management plan which puts city water users on an odd/even watering schedule.
The Kelowna water utility services more than 50,000 residents and more than 1,700 industrial, commercial and institutional properties in north, central and south Kelowna. (Read More)
7 May 10
B.C. issues drought warning for Interior
The B.C. government is warning many areas of the province could face a drought this summer because of the low snowpack levels in the mountains. As a result, Environment Minister Barry Penner says the B.C. government is developing a 2010 drought response plan to guide government actions for low stream flows and drought conditions. (Read More)
28 Apr 10
A HST Petition will be available to be signed at the Community Hall Wed. May 5th after 7:30 pm.
27 Apr 10
JOE RICH SPRAY PROGRAM POSTPONED
Due to complications with the Ministry of Environment’s timelines and regulations, the planned spray program for spruce budworm, will have to be postponed until next Spring.
The spray committee will continue to work with residents of the community and M.oE., to have an affordable and efficient program. It will be important that ALL residents try to get involved, as well as the Ministry of Forests. We will ask R.D.C.O to help improve communications to legal addresses.
(*If you have already paid, please collect your cheque from the collector or pick up.)
Further information/questions will be available at the JRRATS meeting of Wednesday, May 05, at the Joe Rich Community hall at 7:30 p.m.
Please feel free to contact any member of the committee: Dave Hansum-765-6692; Jim Turner-491-3369; Don and Sharon Hoffman-765-3006; Dixie Keys-765-2283;
Mike Streeter-491-9332; Reg Volk-765-5222; Ron Kisser.
27 Apr 10
RDCO says no to quarry near Bellevue
Investigative Aggregate Application - The Regional Board does not support a referral application from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for an exploratory permit to investigate the potential for establishing a rock quarry. (Read More)
23 Apr 10
Three men are facing drug and possession of stolen property charges after police busted a grow operation in Joe Rich.
On Wednesday afternoon, police executed a drug warrant in the 8400-block of Peregrine Road and seized over $180,000 in drugs and property, said Sgt. Ann Morrison, as part of an investigation that has been going on since the fall.
23 Apr 10
The New Closing date for the choice of design for the Joe Rich sign is now Apr 30th/10.
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Contact us : joerichnews@mail.com
15 Apr 10 
2010 is the 44th annual PITCH IN CANADA WEEK from April 19 - 25
Millions of Canadians....22,000+ projects....join in to improve communities and the environment! PITCH-IN CANADA has hundreds of thousands of "stars" who make it all happen - the volunteers who participate in our many programs throughout Canada.
It is difficult to imagine that PITCH-IN CANADA is now 43 years old! Our organization was started by volunteers who understood that active involvement by all Canadians is required to ensure that our way of life and the beauty of our country is protected.
We are constantly amazed by the thousands of projects which are undertaken by schools, youth, service and community groups, churches, local governments and many other organizations who take part in our programs. Canadians care about the communities in which they live and the environment which makes our country such a special place.
PITCH-IN CANADA is all about your hard work and commitment - be proud of your achievements! If you have not been involved with PITCH-IN before then join us today. Participate in one of our many programs and make a difference! (Read More)
15 Apr 10
Tussock Moth Spray program update.
All Joe Rich residents have until Friday, April 23, to sign up for a community, private land, spray program. This program will use an organic spray to control forest pests that are ravaging spruce and fir trees in the Joe Rich area. The Ministry of Forests will also be spraying some crown lands in the area, in an all out attack to knock back spruce budworm and tussock fir moth, here and throughout the Central Okanagan. Once a permit is granted , spraying is expected to happen late May to early June, depending on the weather and bug hatch. Reg Volk-Spray Coordinator. (250-765-5222)
15 Apr 10
The Home Owners FIRE SMART MANUAL (Rural Living and Wild Fires)
From the Government of BC.
This is cheaper than 28 million. If there is enough interest I could put on a workshop.
Chris Terry contact: joerichnews@mail.com
15 Apr 10
Forest service bracing for another record fire season
The fire season doesn't officially start for another week but already the B.C. Fire Service is training crews to be ready in case this year is anything like 2009.
Last summer B.C. had the worst fire season on record and by all accounts this summer is shaping up to be a repeat of that, based on comparisons between weather patterns from last spring. (Read More)
13 Apr 10
OBWB approves $300,000 in grants
For the fifth consecutive year, the Okanagan Basin Water Board was flooded with applications to its Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grants Program
Projects include:
An irrigation strategy for Kelowna parks watershed improvements in Joe Rich (Read More)
13 Apr 10
The NEW Joe Rich Sign - Options as presented by the RDCO. Let the JRRATS know which one you like. E-mail us with your choice joerichnews@mail.com If you have a sugesetion to replace the words "Growing Together" please let us know.
12 Apr 10 
National Geographic Magazine : WATER Our Thirsty World
Fascinating reading! if you were curious about the state of fresh water in the world today,
you need to read this special edition. (Read More)
12 Apr 10 
Cutting wildfire risk could cost upwards of $28 million
New reports prepared for the Central Okanagan Regional District recommend a variety of measures with a big price tag. ( Read More )
8 Apr 10
Police are asking for any information regarding the disappearance of a Kelowna woman, who was reported missing on April 7th at 8:00 a.m.
Irving’s empty vehicle was located at around 7:00 p.m. on April 7th, at a pull out on Philpott Rd, on Hwy 33. It is unknown how long the vehicle had been there. ( Read More )
3 Apr 10
Overnight forest fire extinguished
A forest fire near Clifton Road Friday evening put homeowners on alert as dozens of people from around Okanagan Lake called 911 to report the blaze.
Kelowna Fire Department Assistant Chief Jason Brolund says the department responded to calls around 7:15 Friday night that a fire had been spotted in the trees high above the 300 block of Clifton Road, near Knox Mountain Park, and was spreading rapidly. ( Read More )
3 Apr 10
Forest fire on Clifton Road gets attention from neighbours
Multiple 911 callers from the west side of Okanagan Lake as well as the Clifton Road neighborhood reported a rapidly growing fire just after 7 p.m. Saturday night. ( Read More )
1 Apr 10
Community Calendar & Events
RDCO April 2010 ( Read More )
1 Apr 10
1 Apr 10
Buy a Composter, Reduce Your Garbage!
Reduce your garbage by half and do your yard a huge favor this gardening season with a new backyard composter.
The Regional Waste Reduction Office is hosting a composter sale Saturday, April 10th at a new location, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Road. ( Read More )
31 Mar 10 
APPLICATION FOR PESTICIDE USE Forestry Spraying and Permit Application Number 845-0001-10/13
An official application has been made and a permit may be issued shortly, for pest control spraying in the general, Joe Rich area as defined by the Rural Land Use Bylaw map. It will be for control of Western Spruce Budworm and Tussock Fir Moth. This permit will be granted subject to public notification and environmental controls.
( Read More ) Check out this site: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/rsi/foresthealth/Western_Spruce_Budworm.htm
30 Mar 10
Random patrols of environmentally sensitive areas will be taking place across the Thompson-Okanagan this spring and the president of a local trail rider's group says it's about time.
Minister of Forests and Range, Pat Bell, announced Tuesday that people found damaging sensitive areas may be issued a ticket of $575 or face penalties of up to $100,000. ( Read More )
30 Mar 10
Easter Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection
There will be no change in garbage and recycling collection service this Easter holiday. There will be pick up of garbage, recycling and yard waste on Good Friday and Easter Monday. ( Read More )
29 Mar 10
Hi All 
Just had a call from Kelly Silverthorne at Targa west with a update on the May event. To please the Ministry of transportation they went door to door in the affected Goudie area on Saturday and found about 60% of residents at home. About 1 out of 6 residents were against the event with most wanting to give it a try. This met the highways departments criteria but timelines for the Big White area could not be met so they have pulled the plug on this years event.
Chris.
29 Mar 10
Individuals in the Okanagan use an average of 675 litres of water a day, double what the average is across Canada, 329 litres, and nearly six times that of people in France, 150 litres, and Israel, 135 litres. ( Read More )
29 Mar 10
Gravel task force hits communication wall
Funding to permit the Okanagan Water Supply and Demand Study to move toward the next level of improving access to the information for communities was announced Friday by Kelowna-Lake Country MP Ron Cannan.
29 Mar 10
Water study receives climate change funding 
The new Aggregate Task Force appears ready to call on the gravel mining industry to fund upcoming public input stages of its 18-month long process. ( Read More )
26 Mar 10
You don’t have to be scared by the implications contained in the Okanagan Basin Water Board’s Water Supply and Demand study, but you should definitely be concerned.
The second phase of study, released Friday by the water board and the B.C. Ministry of Environment, shows a water system that’s not quite facing catastrophic failure, but is close enough that it should act as a wake-up call for all valley residents and businesses. ( Read More )
26 Mar 10
Okanagan at risk of water shortage 
A quarter of all water used in the Okanagan is used for cosmetic purposes.
That's among the most startling findings in a water study released Friday by the Okanagan Basin Water Board and the Ministry of Environment. ( Read More )
26 Mar 10
One of the driest years on the books puts pressure on water supply
From Prince George to the U.S. border, B.C. has just come through its driest winter on record.
25 Mar 10
Video: What's all this talk of drought and a low snowpack?
Kelowna.com talked to Darren Schlamp of the Glenmore-Ellison Improvement District about how the snowpack in the surrounding mountains affects how much water we have. ( View Video )
22 Mar 10
Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw Amendments - The Regional Board has given second and third reading to proposed amendments to the Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw. The proposed text and mapping changes have been made by Planning Section staff as a part of the regular review of the bylaw. Final reading and adoption will be considered after receiving approvals from the provincial ministries of Transportation and Infrastructure and Community and Rural Development.
22 Mar 10
Tussock moth advances on Kelowna 
In response to an increase in reported cases of Douglas-fir tussock moth infestations in the Okanagan, City and provincial staff will attend an information session this week to outline possible treatments. ( Read More )
22 Mar 10
Okanagan water supply under pressure from all sides, says expert panel
Not all of the water experts assembled for a UN World Water Day public forum would agree on every aspect of water use and misuse in the Okanagan, but they all agree on one thing – our water, both in quantity and quality, is under pressure on many different fronts. ( Read More )
18 Mar 10 
Could this be the start of another bad FIRE summer?
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 | 2:32 pm
16 Mar 10
Hi Chris
You may have noticed some activity out on the project - surveyors out there laying out the right-of-way. We will be starting clearing and grubbing very soon (if it hasn’t already begun) in order to meet the environmental window for nesting birds. We are still finalizing some details of the design. Construction of fills will likely get underway in April – this work is being done by day labour hired equipment; most of this work will be off highway with very little interruption to traffic. There will be minor stoppages/delays while trucks are turning on and off the highway to bring in the fill material. This will be controlled by flag persons. A paving contract will be tendered later this spring. Paving is anticipated to begin in July/August with completion by September 15th or so.
If you have any questions or need more info please contact me at 250-712-3646.
Helen Evans
Project Manager
Walker Hill climbing lane
14 Mar 10
Hi
Looks as though we are having theft problems again in our area, i have had a quad stolen and talking to the RCMP looks as though thats about 4 this week. Can we put a warning on the Web Site and in the Newsletter to lock it or lose it. Sad times again.
Chris Terry
President
JRRATS
12 Mar 10
Hi, All
Murray Tekano, the district supervisor for Highways has agreed to meet on site, with Three Forks Rd. residents on Monday , March 15th 3 p.m at the Three Forks/Highway 33 intersection, to go over safety concerns with gravel pit trucking etc.. You are welcome to attend. Pls pass on to other interested neighbours.
CHEERS-Reg
11 Mar 10
Joe Rich residents react to gravel pit decision 
Joe Rich residents are coming to terms with news the gravel pit they’ve been lobbying against for a decade will lurch into operation in a matter of months.
Their acceptance of the Ministry of Mines March 2 decision to grant licensing to the operators of the Pyman Road pit shouldn’t be confused for contentment, however.
“I guess the most appropriate comment to make is, the citizens of Joe Rich are unhappy, and feel it’s unfortunate that the province is going ahead with this,” said Jon Rescorla, a Joe Rich Rate Payers’ Association spokesperson.
( Read More ) ( Pyman Pit Permit )
10 Mar 10
5:00 am | 03.10.2010
Despite considerable public opposition, the province green-lighted a permit application for a Joe Rich gravel pit, MLA Norm Letnick confirmed Tuesday afternoon. ( Read More )
9 Mar 10
Glenrosa off limits to Targa road race 
Not in our community!
That was the message delivered Tuesday by West Kelowna Council when asked to support a road rally race on Glenrosa Road.
The road rally would have forced the closure of Glenrosa Road from the fire hall to Crystal Mountain.
Event organizers want to run the one day rally on roads in Summerland, West Kelowna and Joe Rich/Big White.
Council heard from both organizers and residents of Glenrosa. Resident's Association President Michael Trenn presented council with a petition with 138 names opposed to the closure.
26 Feb 10
Hi All 
Ran into Ron Cannon today and he has assured me Walker Hill will be out to tender very shortly and will probably be completed before the Black Mountain project is finished.
Chris Terry
