While BC Parks has long benefitted from donations, its new mobile-giving program signals a move into the 21st century and donating has never been easier. With the view to nurturing and expanding kids' appreciation and understanding of the natural world, BC Parks is introducing the text to donate program to contribute funds to new kids programs.
All potential donors need to do is text "BCPARKS" to 45678 to donate $5 dollars. The donation will be added to their next cellphone bill and 100 per cent of every donation ($5 dollars for each text with a monthly limit of six texts) will be spent on children's programs.
For example, Learn to Fish, sponsored by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, is a children's program currently offered in some provincial parks. Information about both text-to-donate and Learn to Fish and lots more is available in BC Parks passports.
Kids of all ages can also have some fun with the passports. BC Parks introduced the successful program for the first time last year. It's geared towards families but everyone can join in the adventure. Collect six stamps or stickers and win a prize - it's that easy. Passports are free, good for two years, and can be picked up at any visitor centre in B.C. and most provincial parks.
Passport holders can choose from more than 200 parks or visitor centres provincewide. The idea is to collect six stamps from one or more provincial parks during 2012 and earn a coveted, collectible Jerry the Moose pin, and earn another, different pin, the following year. Also, for every six unique Visitor Centre stickers, the reward is an environmentally friendly water bottle.
Along with the chance to collect stamps and stickers to win awards, the passport includes advice on trip planning and Visitor Centre coupons.
Planning a picnic, day hike or camping trip? Don't forget - last year the Province eliminated parking fees in all provincial parks to help make them more accessible.
Quotes:
Environment Minister Terry Lake -
"The BC Parks passport program and Text to Donate are good examples of what we're doing to continue to attract young families to B.C.'s provincial parks. We are thankful to have partners like the visitor centres and the Freshwater Fisheries Society working with us to introduce a new generation to the province's spectacular outdoors."
Ron Cantelon, MLA Parksville-Qualicum -
"With the camping season upon us, it's great to have something fun for families to add to the adventure and I plan to make my first text donation today while visiting Rathtrevor beach Provincial Park."
Donna Andres, Parksville Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre board member -
"We're very appreciative of BC Parks' efforts and this opportunity to participate in its passport program. In particular, it helps bring visitors to our visitor centre so that we can tell them about all the wonderful things they can do in our community including camping in provincial parks."
Learn More:
* BC Parks passports: www.bcparks.ca
* Text to Donate: www.bcparks.ca
* Choose your own campsite at www.discovercamping.ca
* Book a group campout or picnic: www.bcparks.ca
* BC Parks Volunteers: www.bcparksvolunteers.ca
* Learn to Fish: www.gofishbc.com
Contact:
Karen Johnston
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 812-0495
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect
]]>May 20-26 is B.C. Child and Youth in Care Week to acknowledge and celebrate children and youth in care and to help combat negative stereotypes and social stigmas.
It was a youth-driven idea to create the week, which was first proclaimed in 2011, making B.C. the only province in Canada to celebrate such a week. The theme, "Notice. Listen. Respect. Stand with B.C. children and youth in care," was written by youth in care.
On Tuesday, May 22 at 4 p.m., a flash mob just might break out near you. While flash mobs commonly rely on the element of surprise to grab attention, these are ones children and youth in care want everyone to know about in advance. They'll be happening at the following locations:
The Ministry of Children and Family Development has worked with several key partners in planning celebration events for the week: the Federation of B.C. Youth in Care Networks, the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents, the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations and the Adoptive Families Association of B.C. - as well as the children and youth themselves.
Regional events such as barbecues, picnics, bowling parties, a roller derby and youth awards will be held throughout the province during the week. A provincial celebration event will be held with children, teens, caregivers and the ministry on May 23 in Vancouver.
Quotes:
Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development -
"Children and youth in care, like all children and youth, deserve to have their accomplishments and talents recognized and celebrated. We want to support each and every one of these children and youth in reaching their dreams, and in succeeding."
"I encourage everyone across the province to take notice and to stand in solidarity with children and youth in care."
Parveen Khtaria, former youth in care -
"I'm not invisible, and neither are the 8,000+ other foster children and youth in this province. B.C. Child and Youth in Care Week showcases the talent, the passion and the resilience of each of these kids."
"Through the awareness of foster care issues created by B.C. Child and Youth in Care week, I hope that more kids in care will experience permanence and graduate high school. Foster kids are our kids, and this week gives us an opportunity to celebrate them and each of their personal achievements."
Lorena Pilgrim, interim executive director, Federation of B.C. Youth in Care Networks -
"Three years ago, our youth members asked the ministry for a youth in care week, and we're very happy to be celebrating B.C. Child and Youth in Care Week for the second year in a row. It's the first of its kind in the country, and it provides us all an opportunity to take notice and come together to celebrate youth in and from care and their remarkable resilience."
"More important, however, is that it serves as a reminder that, like all young people, youth in and from care need support from their community to become who they want to be-it's our collective responsibility to stand with youth in and from care and support them to pursue the goals and relationships they choose."
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, the Representative for Children and Youth -
"I never cease to be amazed by this incredible group of young people, their amazing resilience to overcome challenging situations and their positive contributions to the child- and youth- serving system. The second annual Youth in Care Week is a youth-driven initiative where young people have used their voices to pave a better path for those who follow in their footsteps."
"Please join me in celebrating these young champions!"
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Check out the ministry's B.C. Child and Youth in Care Week webpage: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster/incare_week.htm
To watch a video created by youth for B.C. Child and Youth in Care Week, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7q9OOmZKdM&lr=1&feature=mhee
Learn more about the Federation of B.C. Youth in Care Networks: www.fbcyicn.ca
To learn more about the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth, go to: www.rcybc.ca
Contact:
Corinna Filion
Communications Director
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-2007
250 812-7977 (cell)
The largest fire reached an approximate size of 3.4 hectares, or roughly seven football fields in size. These fires serve as a reminder that wildfire season has begun and that it is important to stay vigilant with any spring burning or campfires going into the Victoria Day long weekend.
In many areas, the grass is still dry and cured, which creates the potential for an open burn to escape and turn into a wildfire.
For more information on safe backyard burning, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellphone or call toll free to 1 800 663-5555.
For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca
You can also follow the latest wildfire news -
On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Contact:
Lindsay Carnes
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639
The Bella Coola valley was deluged with record rainfalls in fall 2010 and again in fall 2011, causing millions of dollars of damage to the Talchako, Nusatsum, Cacoohtin and Noosgulch forest service roads as well as roads and infrastructure within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.
Bella Coola Valley Forest Service Roads
Remedial work to stabilize the Cacoohtin Forest Service Road started last October and resumed May 1, following the winter snow melt. Full access along the Cacoohtin is expected to be restored later this spring.
On the Noosgulch Forest Service Road, reconnaissance work is underway to look at options to relocate a bridge and a section of the road. Only 500 metres of the Noosgulch Forest Service Road is accessible at this time.
The Nusatsum Forest Service Road suffered the worst of the damage with two major bridges destroyed, four bridges knocked off their footings or missing their approaches, and extensive damage to several parts of the roadway structure. One section of the Nusatsum has been scoured away by high water and a portion of the road needs to be rebuilt.
Planning and assessments are underway for the Nusatsum project as well as for the Talchako Forest Service Road, which needs two bridges repaired.
Support for the repairs is provided by Public Safety Canada as well as the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations in the Bella Coola valley and the Ministry of Environment in Tweedsmuir Park. Flooding was severe enough for the federal government to classify it as a natural disaster eligible for relief funding, under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program, to cover response and recovery costs.
Many backcountry recreation opportunities are still available in the Bella Coola valley. The Clayton Falls and Salloomt Forest Service roads were undamaged by the recent flooding events. The popular McColl Flats Recreation Site, on the Noomst Forest Service Road, also remains open.
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Tweedsmuir Park remains open to visitors and BC Parks expects work to begin later this month with no disruptions to day-use or camping activities.
The Young Creek, Stillwater trail and Stillwater Lake suspension bridges were all completely destroyed in the catastrophic flood of 2010. The Young Creek vehicle bridge installation is the first in a series of repairs required to reopen access to the Turner Lake Canoe Chain and Hunlen Falls viewpoint.
The Young Creek bridges are expected to be installed by late summer or early fall with the remainder of the Hunlen Falls/Turner Lake Canoe Chain repairs completed by summer 2013.
The Burnt Bridge loop trail was partially destroyed by the same flood event. Work on the trail will be undertaken after the Tote Road and Turner Lake Canoe Chain are repaired (likely in 2013).
Contacts:
For Forest Service Roads Information -
Bella Coola Field Office
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 982-2000
For Tweedsmuir Park Information -
Area Supervisor
South Tweedsmuir Park
Ministry of Environment
250 982-2701
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The Province of British Columbia's After School Sport
Initiative provides children who typically face barriers with opportunities to have
fun, learn and play sport.
The initiative provides funding to programs in
selected schools during the 3 - 6 p.m. time period - a critical time when
kids are often unsupervised and physically inactive.
The initiative, tailored to communities' unique needs and
resources, is funded through the 2010 Sports and Arts Legacy and delivered through
a variety of partnerships in selected schools in Haida Gwaii, Prince George,
Surrey, Victoria and Vancouver. In the next two years, it will be expanded to
up to 12 more communities. An arts and culture component will be added.
Through sport, children learn how to be healthier,
develop valuable physical and social skills, and make friends.
“Through the After School Initiative, we can help
students, who might be prevented from participating because of barriers such as
transportation costs or fees, play and become passionate about sport,"
said Ida Chong, minister of community, sport and cultural development.
The Province recently hosted a community forum for After
School Sports programmers so they could share their successes and lessons
learned with others involved in this initiative.
"It's just great to see the children's excitement
and see them racing to the gym," says Andie Pask, physical literacy
coordinator with the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence. "It's amazing
to see their confidence blossom."
It's definitely filling a service gap.
"Without this funding, we would not be able to be
offering the after-school opportunities four days a week for our kids,"
says Lori Burley, who is the principal at Tillicum Elementary school. Through this
funding, her school services more than one hundred children after school.
The programming differs from place to place, custom-made
to the students' needs.
"We tailor our program to address the unique needs
of the children mainly by listening to them rather than pre-designing a program
and implementing it whole scale," explains Lucy Neville, supervisor of the
After School Sport initiative in Haida Gwaii. "We ask for their feedback
as we're actually creating and developing the programming."
"We want every kid in B.C. to have positive self-esteem,
a supportive network of friends and a safe place to develop their physical
skills," says Minister Chong. "Sport helps them accomplish that.”
“Participation in sport and physical activity is valued and embraced as a way of life in British Columbia, sustained by a province-wide, balanced commitment to healthy, active lifestyles and the ethical pursuit of excellence.” -- BC's Policy on Sport and Physical Activity
]]>National Road Safety Week, running from May 15 to 21, overlaps with Victoria Day long weekend, which is traditionally among the busiest and deadliest on B.C. roads and highways. As traffic volumes increase, so do the risks faced by motorists.
According to provincial statistics for the last five years, about three people die and 489 people are injured in over 1,700 crashes on B.C. roads over the three-day weekend. Between 2007 and 2011, the average numbers of crashes and injuries over the weekend, by region, were:
B.C's high-risk drivers - those who drive while impaired, speed excessively or talk or text while driving - can expect to face some of the most severe penalties and fines in Canada.
Here are some safety tips to help drivers arrive at their destination safely:
Contact:
Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-6961
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The pilot of the Beaver plane that went down just off the Coquihalla Highway was Colin Moyes, aged 52, from West Vancouver.
His two passengers were a couple also from West Vancouver - Peter Brooke Lovelace Keate, aged 81, and Inez Helen Keate, aged 79.
The three were killed when the plane, owned by Mr. Moyes, crashed into a steep, wooded hillside just off Highway 97C near the Brenda Mines Road about 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 13. It had taken off from Okanagan Lake only a few minutes earlier and was bound for the Pitt Meadows Airport where Mr. Moyes kept it.
The three were recovered from the wreckage by the Coroners Service specialized Identification and Disaster Response Unit. The identities of the three persons were confirmed by dental records.
The families of Mr. Moyes and of the Keates have been notified of their deaths. On behalf of the families, the Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy.
The BC Coroners Service expresses our sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Moyes and the Keate family, and also our appreciation to the Transportation Safety Board, West Kelowna RCMP and firefighters from the BC Forest Service who provided key assistance on the rescue and recovery efforts.
Contact:
Mark Coleman
Regional Coroner, Interior Region
BC Coroners Service
250 861-7429
The 2012-13 capital budget encompasses 120 projects in 89 parks throughout the province. New projects focus on:
A number of the projects are still in the process of being tendered, but the breakdown by region is proposed as follows:
BC Parks may use management plans, facility assessments, regional tourism trends, park satisfaction surveys and discussions with staff, park facility operators and First Nations to determine where investments are needed.
In the past five years, BC Parks has invested approximately $53 million in facilities in the province.
Quotes:
Environment Minister Terry Lake -
"While almost 20 million people visit BC Parks every year, we want to encourage even more people to get out and enjoy B.C.'s spectacular parks. One way of doing that is to invest more money in infrastructure. Parks not only contribute to a healthy lifestyle and protect our environment, they are important to our economy. These improvements will keep the regular visitors coming back and encourage other, more diverse groups to visit in the future."
Jody Young, industry and community services manager, Tourism Vancouver Island -
"We're thrilled to hear that BC Parks is receiving additional funding this year. Our visitors love the scenic beauty that the Vancouver Island region offers and injecting additional funding into our parks provincewide will serve to increase the visitor experience."
Learn More:
BC Parks: www.bcparks.ca
Discover Camping: www.discovercamping.ca
BC Parks Volunteers: www.bcparksvolunteers.ca
A backgrounder follows.
Contact:
Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745
BACKGROUNDER
Improvements in BC Parks provincewide
Below are some examples of what BC Parks has proposed for its capital budget program for 2012-13:
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park - $600,000. Located near Parksville on Vancouver Island, Rathtrevor is one of BC Parks' most popular provincial parks. This year's funding is being used for reconstruction of the campground and improvements to the day-use areas - picnic shelters and tables.
Cultus Lake Provincial Park - $415,000. Funding is being used for planning for campground expansion, installing new accessible picnic tables and completing renovations to toilet and shower buildings. Interior alterations and upgrades are being made to fixtures and equipment, including accessible showers in some buildings, reflecting current green technology.
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park - $500,000. The Liard River Hot Springs project includes a new deck and new change houses built around the pool in a park that continues to attract visitors throughout the year. There will also be improved accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
Kikomun Creek Provincial Park - $53,600. Located on Lake Koocanusa in the Kootenays, this park has a new campground with 37 campsites (11 with electricity), two cabins and a shower building. New accessible picnic tables have been installed and new signage has been posted. Funding this year will complete the improvements with the construction of a connecting trail system to enhance the recreational activities.
Kettle River Provincial Park - $525,000. Located near Osoyoos, one of Canada's most historic and scenic railway routes runs through this park - Kettle Valley Railway. This year the focus is on an expansion of the campground. This includes 28 new campsites, new picnic tables, new flush toilets (two converted from pit toilets) and more trails linked to existing campground loops. The existing reservoir will also be replaced with a new reservoir with increased capacity.
Garibaldi Provincial Park - $600,000. Near Whistler, a new 30-site backcountry campground, toilets and picnic shelter is being constructed at popular Elfin Lakes. The project also includes improvements to the access road and upgrading of ranger stations.
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park - $200,000. Located on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, the park (Juan de Fuca Marine Trail) is known for its remarkable hiking trails. This year's funding has been allocated to upgrading several sections of trail.
Herald Provincial Park - $265,000. Near Salmon Arm on Shuswap Lake, Herald Park is having its shower building renovated and new picnic tables installed in the campground and day-use areas.
Lakelse Lake Provincial Park - $335,000. Lakelse Lake is located near Terrace in the Skeena region. Funding is being allocated to improve the day-use change house and the group site toilet and shower building. The park is also getting new picnic tables, a new multi-toilet building and improvements are being made to the sani-station.
Martha Creek Provincial Park - $433,133. Located in the Kootenay region near Revelstoke, this popular park is having its campground reconstructed including the addition of new lakeshore campsites and supporting infrastructure such as picnic tables.
Contact:
Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745
]]>
The prohibition covers the entire Prince George Fire Centre with the exception of the Fort Nelson Fire Zone, north of Buckinghorse River.
The ban will remain in place until Sept. 30, 2012, or until the public is otherwise notified. Specifically, this ban applies to:
The ban does not prohibit campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide or smaller, or apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes. People lighting a campfire must maintain a fireguard by removing flammable material from around the campfire area, and they must have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available nearby to properly extinguish the fire.
People lighting larger fires or more than two fires of any size must comply with burning regulations and must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717.
This ban covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department. Please check with civic authorities for any current restrictions before lighting any fire.
Anyone found in contravention of an open fire ban may be fined $345 or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
Anyone planning to conduct burning should ensure that fires are not lit near buildings, trees or other combustible materials. Never burn during windy conditions and ensure you have adequate people, water and hand tools available to prevent fires from escaping. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished and the embers are cold to the touch before leaving the area.
The Prince George Fire Centre extends from the Yukon and Northwest Territories borders in the north to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, Cottonwood River and Robson Valley in the south, and from the Alberta border in the east to the Skeena Mountains in the west.
Report a wildfire or unattended campfire by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
You can also follow the latest wildfire news -
On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Media Contact:
Jillian Chimko
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Prince George Fire Centre
250 565-6129
Jillian.chimko@gov.bc.ca
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Prescribed burning is often used as part of an overall fuel management treatment plan, which may include thinning, pruning, chipping and selective harvesting.
During the prescribed burn, smoke and flames may be visible from locations near Topley and along Highway 16. Trained wildfire crews will be on site to carefully monitor the fire's progress.
The burn will proceed only if weather conditions are ideal for quick smoke dissipation and a low-intensity fire. The goal is to mimic a naturally occurring fire to remove dead and combustible material and discourage insect infestations. It will also help fire-adapted plant species reproduce, such as grasses that thrive in newly cleared areas or trees whose seeds are only released when exposed to heat.
Reducing forest fuel levels also helps limit the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions in B.C., visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at: www.bcwildfire.ca
You can also follow the latest B.C. wildfire news -
On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Media Contact:
Lindsay Carnes
Fire Information Officer
Northwest Fire Centre
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 847-6639
250 877-9356 (cell)
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DriveBC web cameras are now live at:
The addition of 30 new webcams this year will bring the number of webcam images available on DriveBC to over 250. All are expected to be installed and in operation by winter.
Priority for new web cameras is given to routes prone to extreme weather or traffic congestion, and for sites where there is not already a nearby webcam.
Further supporting the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's public engagement, until June 30, the ministry is asking B.C. travellers where they would like to see B.C. highway cams to better help them know before they go. Have your say at: http://www.tranbc.ca/surveys.
DriveBC provides timely road condition updates, travel advisories, road closure information for provincial highways, weather information and other important links to the travelling public, to help ensure easier, safer trips.
Quotes:
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -
"The addition of DriveBC webcams at Balfour and Kootenay Bay will help motorists plan their journey through the Kootenays, with real-time road and weather conditions at each of the Kootenay Lake ferry terminals now available on DriveBC."
"Our webcams, along with highway closure and construction delay information, are important tools to help you 'know before you go,' and I encourage everyone to check DriveBC before setting out."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Contact:
Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241
Restaurant-goers can look for the Informed Dining logo at their favourite restaurants, or ask them to participate. Already nearly 300 restaurant outlets have signed up to participate in the program, which provides consumers with nutritional information similar to that found on packaged foods at the grocery store.
With British Columbians eating an average of one in ten meals at a restaurant or food service establishment, the Informed Dining program will help people make the healthy choice the easy choice. Calorie and sodium information will be prominently highlighted for all regular menu items, along with information on daily calorie and sodium needs, to help consumers understand the information.
To coincide with the launch of the program, a public awareness campaign began May 14, showcasing the participating restaurants and encouraging British Columbians to look for the Informed Dining logo. The campaign also invites British Columbians to visit a Healthy Families BC website - www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/informed-dining - and take part in a contest with both weekly draws and a grand prize to cook like a chef and learn from a dietitian.
Although Informed Dining is a voluntary program, the Province is encouraging all restaurants in B.C. to take part. It is not too late for restaurants that are interested in participating in the program to sign up. For more information on joining the Informed Dining program, visit: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/informed-dining
Informed Dining is part of Healthy Families BC, the Province's campaign to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic disease. It has been developed in collaboration with the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, chain and independent restaurant leaders and public-health partners.
Quotes:
Minister of Health Michael de Jong -
"British Columbians have made it clear that they want information to help them make informed choices about what they and their families are eating. With Informed Dining, we are partnering with B.C. restaurants to help make the healthy choice the easy choice. Look for the logo in restaurants in your community to learn more."
Ian Tostenson, CEO and president, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association -
"I am proud that we have about 300 outlets across the province signed up to participate in this important program. I know that other businesses will continue to learn more about Informed Dining and sign up - this information is what our customers have been telling us they want, and it is our responsibility to provide it."
Gavin Arthur, vice president, research and health promotion, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada -
"Healthy eating is a critical element in living a long and healthy life and avoiding cardiovascular disease. The Informed Dining program takes a positive step forward in providing people with information they can use in making informed choices while dining out."
Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president, Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association -
"We want to be part of the solution in making healthy choices, easy choices in B.C. This program has the potential to help restaurant patrons become more conscious about what they are eating - it also shines a light on those establishments already providing menu nutrition content while encouraging other restaurants to follow suit."
Quick Facts:
A backgrounder follows.
Media Contact:
Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887
BACKGROUNDER
Informed Dining - participating restaurants
There are about 300 restaurant outlets in the province that have already signed up to participate in the Informed Dining program. More restaurants will be added in the future, so check back regularly at: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/informed-dining
Current participating restaurants are:
Media Contact:
Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887
]]>
At today's demonstration of the technology, Social Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux underscored how CAYA's innovative technology solutions help people with communication disabilities participate more fully in their communities.
For people who do not have the capacity for functional speech, CAYA provides the ability to communicate. Using technology, these individuals can do things that most take for granted - speaking on the phone, ordering food in a restaurant, using Skype and participating in group conversations. Communication devices like Dynawrite, Vantage and other tools help CAYA clients work, volunteer, learn and build friendships that contributes to greater independence and an improved quality of life.
The Province has committed $5.7 million in funding over the next three years, bringing the total provincial contribution for CAYA to more than $15 million since 2005.
CAYA provides equipment and services to adults and youth aged 19 or older with complex communication disabilities. Since 2005, CAYA has provided approximately 630 British Columbians with communications technologies.
The goal of CAYA is to ensure that eligible individuals have access to the communication tools and professional support to enable them to create an adult life to the best of their abilities.
Quotes:
Minister of Social Development Stephanie Cadieux -
"By using the equipment and services that CAYA provides, people with communication disabilities are able to participate more fully in the social and economic life of B.C."
"For people who have previously been unable to speak, this is amazing technology. It gives them a voice and lets them be more involved in community life."
Jeff Riley, manager, Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults -
"The stable funding for CAYA announced in the 2012-13 B.C. Budget is excellent news for British Columbians who cannot speak. The inability or loss of speech is perhaps the most isolating disability an individual can ever face."
"Talking with others is how we build family, friends, and lives. The restoration of functional communication through modern technology and professional supports, opens the doors to participation in the human family, and shows the world who we truly are."
April Proudlove, CAYA client -
"Without my communication device, no one would know what I have to say."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
For more information on CAYA, visit: http://www.cayabc.org/
For more information on the Employment Program of British Columbia, which provides services to individuals with disabilities, visit: www.workbccentres.ca
Contact:
David Haslam
Communications Manager
Ministry of Social Development
250 356-1670
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East of Revelstoke, approximately 17 km of Highway 1 will be resurfaced, beginning one km east of the city. West of Revelstoke, approximately one km of highway will be resurfaced, on the west side of the Columbia River Bridge. About 13 km of Highway 23 will be resurfaced, between Revelstoke and the Mica Dam.
A $3.7-million contract has been awarded to Peter's Bros. Construction Ltd. from Penticton. Work will begin in June and be finished by the end of September. This work will benefit the area residents, tourists, forest industry and commercial transport vehicles that rely on these highways.
Additional improvements on Highway 1 near Revelstoke include:
In the past 10 years, the Province has invested over $514 million in improvements to the highway network and community infrastructure in the Columbia River-Revelstoke area.
Quotes:
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -
"This resurfacing work on Highway 1 near Revelstoke builds on the other safety improvements we're making to what is one of the Province's most important highway corridors. This work includes the Clanwilliam Bridge replacement, which will be finished this year, and more than 55 km of new four-laning between Kamloops and the Alberta border that are either complete or underway."
Shuswap MLA George Abbott -
"This is a vital stretch of road, used extensively by local residents, commuters and tourists alike. These improvements will make for a safer drive for everyone."
Learn More:
Learn more about the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca
Contact:
Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241
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Overall, reservations in BC Parks are up six per cent this year (38,775 reservations) compared with 2011 (36, 563 reservations) and it's not too late to book a campsite for the long weekend. Sites with substantial remaining reservable campsites are Gladstone, Green Lake, Red Bluff, Strathcona, Wells Gray and Wasa Lake provincial parks. To see which campsites are still available, check out: www.discovercamping.ca
The most popular parks are Haynes Point, Bear Creek, Rathtrevor Beach and Okanagan Lake South. If you want to visit a park but there is no reservable space left, check out the first-come, first-served availability tool on the Discover Camping website.
For the 2012 season, campsites in 95 BC Parks can be reserved and also new this year is the ability to make up to three reservations in one transaction. Don't forget that last May Premier Christy Clark and Environment Minister Terry Lake announced that parking is now free in BC Parks, and that benefits families who want to stop by for a day-visit.
Quote:
Environment Minister Terry Lake -
"When you see these kinds of numbers with BC Parks reservations, I think that speaks to the quality experience people have come to expect in our parks. We continue to provide British Columbians with the best value and lots of options for outdoor fun."
Quick Facts:
Learn More at:
BC Parks: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/things_to_do.html
Great Ranger Experience videos on YouTube: http://bit.ly/ooyxPj
Connect with BC Parks on Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks
Book a reservation: www.discovercamping.ca/
Media Contact:
Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745