Skip to content

2014 Year in Review: January

Ashcroft Treating sold, old Spences Bridge to be torn down.
42005ashcroft2014January
Lorie Girard donated her rug hooking of a Scottish Drum Major to the Ashcroft Legion. It was a showpiece at the Robbie Burns Supper.

JANUARY

Property Assessments slip

Values of most homes in the South Cariboo and Gold Trail region remained stable compared to last year’s assessment roll. Home owners in the region will see modest changes in the - 5 per cent to + 5 per cent range.

Ashcroft’s assessment roll decreased from $180 million to $175 million; Cache Creek’s assessment roll decreased from $101 million to $98.6 million; Clinton’s assessment roll decreased slightly from $66.8 million to $66.5 million; and Lytton’s assessment roll remained stable at $37.8 million.

Ashcroft opposes animal waste

Ashcroft Council wasn’t happy with Belkorp’s response after Council asked whether it was true that slaughterhouse waste would be allowed in the Landfill Extension. Animal waste has always been excluded from municipal waste in the past, but Belkorp staff indicated last fall that they were working with the Ministry of Environment to accomodate the provincial government which was looking for a way to dispose of slaughterhouse waste.

“We need to let Mr. Black know this is a concern for us,” said Coun. Helen Kormendy. “We have to let him know we’re in disagreement. This can get into our water system, and that’s my concern.”

Tolko sells Ashcroft Treating

Tolko Industries Ltd. signed an Asset Purchase Agreement for the sale of its Ashcroft Treating Plant to Koppers Inc. The decision to sell follows a thorough review of Tolko’s product mix.

Walt Turner, President and CEO of Koppers, said, “The acquisition of Tolko’s Ashcroft crosstie treating business strengthens our presence in the Canadian railroad industry as well as the northwest region of the United States. This transaction fits well with our strategic growth plan for our railroad products and services business in North America as we continue to build on our commitment of providing quality products and services to the railroad industry.”

Old bridge to be torn down

The old Spences Bridge was  permanently closed by the province, with plans to dismantle it entirely.

The bridge is used by residents to get from one side of town to the other, as it spans the Thompson River in approximately in the middle of Spences Bridge.

The newer bridge which connects Hwy 1 will be the only means by which to cross the river, and adds more travel distance.

Oasis Plaza under scrutiny

The Oasis Plaza in Cache Creek was inspected by several different agencies on Jan. 31.

Mayor John Ranta said there was a structural engineer, the Cache Creek Fire Chief, members of the TNRD building inspection dept., Interior Health, Village staff and Joe Carhoun, the building’s owner.

“It is a building in need of work,” said Ranta. “I think the building owner will need to make some decisions.”