In light of all the devastation from the severe flash flooding in Cache Creek, anything I write this week may seem trivial by comparison. We in Clinton want the folks in Cache Creek to know that you are in our hearts and if there is anything we can do to help out, you need only ask.
Water Treatment Plant Grand Opening
On Wednesday, May 20 the Village of Clinton hosted the Grand Opening of the Water Treatment Plant.
Completed and operational since December of 2014, the new treatment plant works in conjunction with the existing chlorination system. It removes particulates from the water prior to chlorination, eliminating the need for community wide boil water alerts that had become the norm in Clinton.
Funded entirely by a $2.45 million contribution from the federal Gas Tax Fund, the plant enables the Village to provide clean and clear potable water to 1,500 residents and businesses. The additional treated water reservoir also increases the Village’s overall water capacity to help ensure resources in case of fire emergencies.
Many residents as well as Ashcroft’s Mayor Jack Jeyes and councillors Barbara Roden and Al Mertens and representatives from TRUE Consulting (who oversaw the construction of the plant through every step) together with some of the contractors who worked on the plant were in attendance. Village of Lytton Mayor Jessoa Lightfoot and High Bar First Nation Chief Larry Fletcher also attended. Clinton Mayor Jim Rivett and councillors Diana Guerin, Wayne Marchant, David Park and Susan Swan and Village of Clinton staff proudly showed off the completed project. Clinton Public Works Foreman Karl Hansen toured the group through the filtration plant, explaining the process that the water goes through.
Rather than cutting a ribbon for the opening, Mayor Rivett cut through a garden hose for the Official Grand Opening.
In the absence of MP Cathy McLeod (Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo) and MLA Jackie Tegart (Fraser-Nicola), Mayor Rivett read prepared statements from both. efreshments were enjoyed back at the Clinton Memorial Hall following the Grand Opening Ceremony.
Mayor Rivett explained, “The Village has been extremely fortunate to receive funding through the federal Gas Tax Fund for the establishment of a new water treatment facility. This now enables the Village to meet all the current treatment standards for drinking water as laid out by the Interior Health Authority, and means we are providing safe drinking water to our residents. This project has the added benefit of a new and larger reservoir with capacity to provide water for any major firefighting needs.”
Heritage Week
It was refreshing to see more businesses get involved in Clinton’s Western Heritage Week by dressing in western garb or period costume. I’m sure the judges had difficulty choosing who to award prizes to. The winners had not been announced at the time of this writing.
Old Timers’ Tea
The Annual Old Timers’ Tea was very well attended. The goodies were terrific and the young ladies who helped with the serving did a great job. It was a time to visit and reminisce or make new acquaintances.
Clinton Parade
From all accounts this year’s parade was great. I was riding on the Village of Clinton float so I didn’t actually see much of the parade. It appeared to be longer that last year and the Vancouver Travelling Band was much appreciated.
Following the parade there was no shortage of food. In addition to the Mill Girls Follies Pulled Pork on a Bun, there were two locations to get Bannock, there were hotdogs and drinks at the fire hall for the kids and the Legion put on a lovely barbecued hamburger lunch. Music by The Wranglers kept toes tapping at the Legion as well.
Rodeo time
Then it was off to the Rodeo for most folks. And of course the rain made things slick for the competitors while the spectators stayed dry (but it was noisy) under the tin roof while the rain and hail pelted down.
I confess that I don’t go to the rodeo. It just isn’t my thing but I know there are lots who enjoy it. I just stay home and pray that no one (and no animals) get hurt.
Assisted Living AGM
The Clinton and District Living Society is holding their Annual General Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2 in Council Chambers.
There will be an update on the progress in obtaining Assisted Living/Supportive Housing in Clinton as well as the election of the Society Board of Directors. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Health Care Auxiliary Yard Sale
Plan to attend the Annual Clinton Health Care Auxiliary Yard Sale on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Although still referred to as a Yard Sale this sale is held indoors in the Clinton Memorial Hall. Anyone wishing to book a table can contact Elaine Marchant at 250-459-7085.
Susan Swan