Signs to rebrand area
Tourism Powell River has received $5,000 in funding for a new signage project that will rebrand the area.
The funds come from Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), an endowment established by the BC government in 2006 to help diversify the economies of the Sunshine Coast and central and northern Vancouver Island.
“The need to develop a comprehensive signage strategy is critical for the region’s success as a tourism destination,” said Paul Kamon, marketing director of Tourism Powell River, in a press release.
The signage strategy will involve extensive consultation with members of the community, as well as graphic designers. The goal is to create a visual sign identity for the Upper Sunshine Coast. A map detailing sign placement will also be developed.
According to the press release, developing a new sign system for the region will reinforce its character and give it a more cohesive image.
Kamon called the project a “cost-effective approach to investment in our tourism infrastructure,” saying it would provide a basis on which to build future initiatives.
ICET’s Economic Development Readiness Program, from which the signage funding comes, aims to finance projects related to economic development planning and regional marketing initiatives. Funding is allocated to sectors such as tourism and transportation to promote sustainable economic growth.
According to ICET chair Phil Kent, who is also mayor of Duncan, this description fits the Powell River project perfectly.
“This project reflects our vision of regional economic collaboration which crosses political and organizational boundaries in order to develop a competitive, investment-ready tourism product and image for our region,” he said.
Since implementing its grant program in 2007, ICET has approved over $47 million in funding for over 90 projects.
Break and enters
Powell River RCMP are investigating a string of residential break and enters that have occurred over the past week. They are reminding the public to make sure their homes are secure when going out.
“All the houses, except for one, were unsecured,” said Sergeant Rod Wiebe, of the Powell River detachment. “At this point we don’t know if it was just luck or they were being targeted. Because of the nice warm weather people are leaving windows unsecured.”
On Wednesday, June 26, police received two reports of break and enters from the 3400 block of Cariboo Avenue. The first report came from a home where a window was forced open.
“Once inside they stole numerous items including cash, a cell phone, digital cameras, a chainsaw, a downrigger and numerous bags of spot prawns,” wrote Wiebe in a media release.
The second report came from a boat owner who had two electric Scotty downriggers stolen from his boat between June 25 and 26.
In the 7400 block of Nootka Street, police responded to a report of another residence being broken into on Friday, June 28. Police investigated the incident and said entry to the home was gained through an unlocked door while the owner was at work. Items stolen include a laptop computer, an iPad and jewellery.
Also on June 28, police responded to a report of a break and enter in the 2300 block of Armour Road. Similar to the Nootka break-in, police believe that a suspect or suspects entered the home through an unlocked door sometime during the day. Items stolen include laptop computers, iPads, a small amount of cash and jewellery.
Neighbours noted a suspicious blue Ford Ranger in the area around the same time the crime occurred.
On Tuesday, July 2, police were dispatched to the 3900 block of Joyce Avenue to a report of a break and enter. Sometime between 4:30 and 8:15 pm an unknown number of suspects gained entry to the home through an unlocked window. Numerous items were taken including a chainsaw, electronics, jewellery and cash.
Police are asking anyone with information about these crimes to call the detachment 604.485.6255 or, to remain anonymous, call CrimeStoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477).
Salmon society receives grant
Powell River Salmon Society has received a $5,000 Community Action Grant from RBC as part of its Blue Water Project.
The grant was announced on the fourth annual RBC Blue Water Day on June 14.
Funds will go towards the society’s mill hatchery upgrade. As part of the upgrade, extra insulation will be installed to stop condensation from forming in the hatchery.
The society will also be expanding its storage facilities. Currently, Shane Dobler, manager of the society, explained the group is using multiple locations to store materials.
“Some of these locations are open to rodents and are also without heat,” he said. “Our goal is to make room at one secure location and keep all of our equipment and materials in a safe and dry manner.”
The society plans to increase public awareness of salmon and its habitats and improve its educational materials with the money from the grant, Dobler added. Members also aim to improve their ability to attend public events.
The RBC Blue Water Project is a 10-year program that funds organizations around the world committed to protecting fresh water. This year, the project focused on groups that protect and preserve water in towns, cities and urbanized areas. So far, 21 organizations in BC have received $315,500 in grants.
Wet start to summer
Compared to previous years, June was, on average, a slightly wetter, warmer month weather-wise.
According to Powell River weather station observer John Ede, over the 20 days of precipitation during the month, an average of 86.6 millimetres of rain fell which is about 12 millimetres over the average amount of 74.4 millimetres. The weather station recorded 217.2 hours of sunshine over the month, slightly down from the normal 220.8 hours.
Temperature-wise, the weather station measured June’s average temperature at 14.6° Celsius, just a little above the normal 14.5°. The maximum mean temperature for the month was measured at 18.7° which was down slightly from the average of 19°. The same pattern held for minimum mean temperatures with 11.2° being the normal average for the month and 10° being recorded previously.
With the heat and clear skies during the past week, Ede commented that he is curious to see what July will look like. The long-range forecast for next week is calling for temperatures in the mid-20s, partly cloudy skies and zero chance of rain.
