Overlander Ski Club - Early Bird Registration

You have until November 15, 2021 to register for a pass that includes unlimited ski and snowshoe access for the Overlander Ski Club 2021-2022 season. 

Public Town Hall Meeting - Ajax Mine

From the City of Kamloops website:

June 19, 2017 Public Town Hall Meeting
6:00 pm-10:00 pm
Coast Hotel and Conferencce Centre, 1250 Rogers Way

Public is invited to attend the presentations by Interior Health Authority and SLR Consulting Ltd. of the results of their reviews of the KGHM Ajax Mine Application. The presentations will be followed by a public question period. All questions must wait until the end of both presentations. The City thanks the public in advance for maintaining a respectful and informative meeting.

The meeting will also be live streamed online.

» Technical Peer Review - Proposed Ajax Mine - Final Report (PDF)
Prepared by SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd.

June 22, 2017 Special Council Meeting
9:00 am-12:00 pm
City Hall - Council Chambers

City Council will have the opportunity to ask questions of SLR Consulting Ltd. regarding their review and final report. Please note, although this meeting is open to the public, there is limited seating in Council Chambers. There will be no opportunity for questions from the public at this meeting. Please attend the Town Hall Meeting on June 19, 2017 if you wish to ask questions (questions only, no comments).

Further comments or follow-up questions for AJAX?

The following document from KGHM is a response to the questions and concerns that the Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association submitted during the recent Ajax Project Public Comment Period. 

Do you have any comments or follow up questions to the response we received? Please add your comments below or contact a Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association area rep. The Association will compile your input and send a letter of concerns. 

(Click to access full document (PDF)

Click to access full document (PDF)

LLJCA Public Comment: KGHM Ajax Application

 April 11, 2016

Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association

PO Box 5044

Lac Le Jeune, BC

V1S 1Y8

To the Environmental Assessment Office:

During the public comment period, the Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association (LLJCA) organized a distributed review of the studies in the KGHM Ajax Application/EIS that are relevant to conservation and quality of life in our community. In addition, members of LLJCA participated in public information meetings, and read available expert reviews of the Ajax Application, namely those contracted by Kamloops City Council, Kamloops Physicians for a Healthy Environment, Kamloops Moms for Clean Air, Kamloops Area Preservation Association, and Sierra Club BC. We share the concerns raised in these expert reviews, and are extremely grateful for these contributions to the dialogue about a proposed mine situated in close proximity to residences, and in an area abundant with excellent natural resources and recreation.

The members involved in the LLJCA review generated a list of key concerns and questions related to our area. They do not include the equally serious concerns shared with Kamloops residents, such as those relating to health hazards, disadvantageous changes in atmospheric conditions, excessive removal of water from the Thompson River/Kamloops Lake reservoir, in a time of diminishing water reserves through loss of glaciation and the adverse impact on the biota in the working area.

Lac Le Jeune is approximately 9 kilometres south of Goose Lake Road, which essentially marks the beginning of altered landscape to accommodate the proposed Ajax Mine. As well, with our road systems in question, increased traffic related to mine activity could be right at our doorstep. As a community, the location of Ajax Mine concerns us a great deal.     

Overall, the conclusions we have drawn from this process is that the the Ajax Mining studies consistently underestimate the mine’s effects on our environment during all phases of the project. Furthermore, there are flaws in the research methods used in these studies.

Given that many of the issues span several studies and reports, we have not attempted to categorize our list to align with the sections outlined in the Ajax Mine Application. Instead, we are using a simple framework comprising 4 categories. For efficiency, we have listed our comments in point form. 

1. Pollution and Environmental Disasters
2. Fish and Wildlife
3. Health and Safety
4. Recreation

1. Pollution and Environmental Disasters

• Everything in the environmental report is based on the best possible outcome from steps Ajax proposes to take to reduce problems. They should be reporting what the worst possible results from mine operation might be.
• There has been an increase in litter on Lac Le Jeune Road, much of it a result of commuter traffic from Kamloops to the Highland Valley Copper mine (as reported by RCMP at our Association’s Annual General Meeting). A further increase in traffic will no doubt result in more litter. How will this issue be addressed?
• We enjoy spectacular night skies in our area. We are not convinced from the studies that light pollution will not an issue.
• We have concerns with respect to various faults described in the application. The use of the term “faults” were thought to indicate the potential for instability in the area to be used for tailings ponding. In the section on Geology, faults refer to interfaces between non or low ore bearing rock basins and zones that are suitable for ore extraction. These faults are ancient and stable (non -active) interfaces, and clearly they would not constitute a threat with respect to earthquakes.
• We request clarification of what is meant by the term “fault”, particularly in relation to where it is used in reference to the Goose Lake and Edith Lake zones.
• There is a high level of concern over the use of Goose Lake as a tailing pond retained by dams that have so recently, here in B.C. as well as other places in the world ruptured with catastrophic results. The failure of a tailings pond dam at Goose Lake would have serious consequences to the environment and potentially fatal consequences for human and animal life in the downstream rangeland. Given the history of tailing pond disasters, we question any guarantees against such failures.
• “Winter conditions” were not evaluated. There would be a build of air borne particulates on the ice, snow/ice cover, which would lead to a pulse of contamination entering the water upon ice off. This would be unlikely to change the composition of the contaminants but would result in a spike in concentration, which could potentially increase the biological impact significantly.
• Lac Le Jeune is a direct source of drinking water for residents who are not using wells. During the winter months we take measures to ensure that the surface of the frozen lake remain free from contaminants, such as salt from road maintenance, and pet dog feces. What will be the accumulation of particles on the lake surface during the winter months? How will that impact the quality of our drinking water?
• Biological mitigation is not going to have a positive effect in the area immediately surrounding the pit activity.
• Low water flow/levels have the effect of increasing the concentration of contaminants as well as heightening their impact as a result of the simultaneous increase in water temperatures due to reduced volume.
• O2 levels drop with rising water temperatures and within a certain range of temperature rise, certain biochemical reactions - e.g. production of organic mercury through anaerobic bacterial action – will increase as the O2 levels drop. Metals in organic form have a much increased impact on the health of biota because they are more readily incorporated into the body.
• Low flow/ levels provide ideal conditions for the growth of the blue green algae, many of which produce undesirable or toxic metabolites in water supplies. When blooms of these types of algae die off they add to the organic loading in the aquatic systems and commensurate degrading of the O2 levels during ice on conditions.
• Regarding leachate of toxic waste from rock and ore extraction, we have read over the parts of the application that deals with Jacko Lake, and note that there have been studies on the likelihood of leaching of toxic materials such as lead and arsenic from the rock extracted from the pit zone and stored as waste rock. The rock itself and the surrounding area on which it would be stored tests as basic in pH, which means that there is a low potential for leaching of acid soluble material. This means that though the rock and minerals within the rock may contain amounts of these materials they are not likely to leach into ground water or aquifers. These findings at least coincide with our knowledge of the alkaline nature of the waters and soils of the area (Jacko Lake has an alkaline pH as do the soils of the surrounding area). However, this does not mean that there are not other chemical or physical mechanisms which may contribute to elevated levels of toxic materials in Jacko Lake and Peterson Creek and associated aquifers, but they would probably be slow developing, long term contributors.
• The studies were reportedly based on laboratory tests on rock and ore samples and at least in part on rock residues that had been exposed during previous open pit operations immediately east of the proposed site.
• Strategically placed dams and enclosure constructs in the lake itself are the mitigation methods for preventing out washed materials entering the Jacko lake water system. These would not prevent the continuous deposition of fine airborne materials entering the lake and adjacent stream waters. Since fish and their spawn, as well as aquatic reared invertebrates, plankton and phytoplankton are affected by fine sediments through chemical and physical as well as through oxygen and light attenuation, continual deposition of such sediments would continue to be a problem, if not immediately then likely in the long term.
• Given the size of these particles they would be subject to biological and physical conditions in the aquatic environment that might increase the release of materials such as arsenic and lead converting them to more bio-toxic organic forms. We are unable to find any suggestions for effective mitigation of this type of hazard. It would be very difficult to manage given the mechanisms that will be productive of fine air borne particulates – loading and transport of rock and fines, as well as blasting etc.
• Peterson Creek is an open water course through a residential part of the city as well as in a park. How will the mine impact Peterson Creek?
• How will drawing large quantities of water impact the level of the Thompson River? If it drops much lower this is going to affect the Adams River run of salmon.
• Where will the tailings pond drain? A spill will surely flow out Peterson Creek and into the river.
• The studies do not deal with the effects of blasting on groundwater in Aberdeen.
• It was quite concerning that KGHM used mitigated soil as the starting base for the study. A base line should always be of unaltered material.
• As air quality is a significant concern, we request the studies are resubmitted using a proper base line. Any subsequent studies that used the initial results should also be resubmitted using the correct data.

• Was data from both the Aberdeen and Federal Building Air Quality station used? If so, was the data averaged between the two stations?
• Did the air quality station in Aberdeen registered the occurrence of cloud clover at that elevation?
• Did the model include the regular occurrence of cloud bank at the proposed mine elevation?
• Was North-east winds registered and accounted for at the Aberdeen station?
• Were the following gases registered and included in the study?

Ground-level Ozone (O3)

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

2. Fish and Wildlife

• Low water flow from April-September in Peterson Creek and Jacko will not meet the needs of fish. There seems to be little in the way of mitigation on this item.
• Is there a plan if we reach drought conditions?
• Noise and vibration from blasting will result in displacement of wildlife.
• The Mine activity will likely result in animals that frequent this area in the winter moving toward the city boundary, further increasing the nuisance factor for residents.
• American Badger is a red listed species and relies on the wetlands for it habitat (which is going to be destroyed before/during the construction phase, so impact will be bad).
• The area around the Ajax site is a major overwintering habitat for both white tail and mule deer. Neither of these species is on the endangered species list but it will certainly affect them through displacement.
• Coyotes fill an extremely important niche in the the area by helping to keep rodent populations in check.
• We are very concerned about the effect this project is going to have on the amphibians and the western toad population in the area.
• There is a large population of the western toads at the mine site. The proposed mitigation is insufficient.
• There are two Species at Risk blue-listed species of special concern. Even after mitigation measures there will complete habitat and breeding habitat loss, direct mortality and chemical hazards. This is unavoidable and will be permanent and/or have long term effects. This contravenes the BC Wildlife Act and the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
• There is a large Western Toad population not identified in the application. They migrate in large numbers across the Lac Le Jeune Road in the area around Michell Ranch and Inks Lake underpass (approximate coordinates 50.613090 - 120.445136 to 50.618128 - 120.442969)
• Jacko Lake is a breeding site for the Western Toad and has a large population. http://ca.geoview.info/little_toads_at_jacko_lake_bc,59944143p
• The application shows that during the construction phase there will be a high mortality rate from clearing/grubbing and public road realignments, maintenance and supplies. There will be high habitat loss, so significant in the Infrastructure footprints that “all habitat occurring within the project IF is assumed to be permanently lost”.
• Claims that a species will not be displaced refer to a habitat that will have already been permanently been removed by Ajax. This type of claim is a sleight of hands. 
• Many chemicals will exceed aquatic guidelines throughout various stages of the project (arsenic, cadmium, chloride, mercury, selenium, sulphate, uranium, ammonia, nitrate, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, antimony). They have shown to have detrimental effects on amphibians.
• “After the implementation of mitigation measures residual effects on amphibians are anticipated to result from habitat loss, direct mortality and chemical hazards. The loss of suitable amphibian breeding habitat will not be avoidable and will have an effect on amphibian species present in the LSA.”
• “These effects will be present for the life of the project”
• Clearly, there are going to be significant, negative, long term if not permanent effects for these protected species. This is unacceptable.
• How many western toads will be destroyed by the creation of the entire mine site?
• How will you manage the migration of any remaining western toads on a 24/7 basis?
• How many western toads will survive after the 1st year of the mine site having been cleared?
• There are eight SARA red/blue listed bird species that are threatened/special concern. Project effects include permanent habitat and breeding habitat loss, direct mortality to birds and damages to active and non active nesting sites. The BC Wildlife Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act, protects migratory birds from being killed, injured or captured, nests from being disturbed, damaged, destroyed or removed.

• The merganser and yellow headed blackbird are both migratory.
• Jacko lake and immediate surrounding environment act as resting areas or staging areas during migration. The mine will disrupt that activity, resulting in a reduction of habitat.
• All of the birds will certainly be exposed to increased toxicity if base values of lead, copper, antimony, and mercury are raised as a result of the mine activity as they are at the upper level of the food chain.
• These metals would be incorporated into the plankton and phytoplankton, aquatic invertebrates such as shrimp, blood worms, mayfly nymphs, etc. that feed on the plankton and phytoplankton will further concentrate the metals so that all organisms feeding on these or their adult forms will, over time continue to concentrate them. It is the DDT problem repeated. A more recent example of metal poisoning is that derived from exposure to lead shot in wild fowl. It is the concentration up the food chain that is the danger. Problems would include: neurological issues, intestinal blockage, genetic problems for embryos etc.
• The most seriously affected would be those animals that feed on fish, such as  eagles, ospreys, loons, and mergansers.
• There are a number of species that use this area as a breeding ground and some of them, would at least here, be considered rare and threatened. Clark’s nutcracker, Pileated Woodpecker, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Dusky and Sharp tailed grouse to name a few.
• There are red and blue listed birds under Raptors that will be impacted.

3. Health and Safety

• The increase in Lac Le Jeune Road traffic is a concern. Many Lac Le Jeune residents commute to Kamloops and use that route because there are infrequent vehicle accidents and generally winter road conditions are superior to Highway 5.
• Closure of Goose Lake Road would reduce exit options during an evacuation.
• An anticipated concern is the closure of “Lac le Jeune highway” which passes through the proposed Ajax site. We seek guarantees that Lac Le Jeune road will remain open as a means of access to Le Jeune. If both Goose Lake Road and Lac Le Jeune Road are closed, this leaves only one access to Kamloops and represents potentially a problem with egress in the event of fire in our area. Clarification of what is to be done with respect to this is essential.  

4. Lifestyle and Recreation

• Residents of Lac Le Jeune chose this region because of the peaceful, quiet environment and the many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Lac Le Jeune Road and Goose Lake Road are popular cycling routes. Many residents enjoy fishing at Jacko Lake, especially early in the season when Lac Le Jeune is frozen. We frequently share photos and stories about our many wildlife encounters. The location of our community is ideal -- a scenic drive to Kamloops just 30 minutes away, yet we enjoy all the benefits of remote living.
• We have concerns for the continued viability of the Jacko Lake fishery. Apart from the potential for the loss of this fishery due to chemical, particulate, and sonic causes, we wonder if KGHM Ajax would even permit access to the lake given its proximity to the active mining site. And, even if access were permitted, would intermittent closures during periods of blasting effectively eliminate the lake as the prime, world class fishery it in now?

In summary, we are not assured that Ajax Mining has undergone adequate research or considered all potential environmental impacts to claim that the project is “environmentally responsible”. For example, the environmental report is based on the best possible outcome from proposed steps to reduce dust. Ajax should be reporting what the worst possible results from mine operation might be.

Thank you for taking our concerns and questions into consideration.

Corinne Schock, President

Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association

Your Gardening Questions

photo by Becky Cortino https://flic.kr/p/byQ3No

Over the years Lac Le Jeune residents have raised questions about the types of plants they can grow in this region, and about best practices for landscaping and yard maintenance in way that is environmentally responsible. Diane Hynds, owner of High Country Nursery in Logan Lake​, has kindly offered to ​respond to your questions, and ​contribute some gardening tips and advice to the blog​.

Your Questions

Here are the questions gathered so far (edited for brevity and consistency).

Annemarie Tempelman-Kluit​: ​​What do you recommend for hedging?

There are several that one could use: Cotoneaster, Caragana (these both are quick growers but the downside is they attract lots of bees). The Cotoneaster has beautiful fall red colour. My preference are Junipers. They are more slow growing so purchasing a taller shrub can be useful. They offer different shapes and colours. They grow naturally in this area so they do well here. They are a low water consumption shrub which is nice and the deer don't touch them. Several types produce berries which can be used for cooking, and the Cedar Wax Wings love them.

Pamela Mason​:​ ​Will French Lilacs​ grow here (and do you sell them)? ​​

Yes, French Lilacs do well here. I have one myself. They are a later bloomer than the common Lilac, the flower head is smaller and has a really different nice fragrance. They also do not sucker like other Lilacs. Yes I do sell them by order and they come in several colours.

Amie Schellenberg​:​ What food plants / trees could we try that will be less prone to getting eaten or attracting unwanted wildlife? ... I'm thinking of trying nuts...

That is a tough one because of the short growing season and lack of really rich soil, and low rainfall.

• Elderberries grow really well.
• There is a low growing Honeysuckle that produces edible berries
• Gooseberry 
• Crabapple. 

This area is very limited with fruit trees and shrubs. Apple trees will grow but again a favourite of deer so unless you build a twelve foot enclosure it will be impossible to keep the deer away. Wish I could suggest more but if the deer are hungry they will eat just about anything.

Karen Morash​:​ I ​am interested in attacking some weeds!! 

I am not sure how big an area you want to eliminate. If you have just a small area you can spot kill with a paint brush or one of the wands that has a sharp end -- when you push down on it it releases the herbicide. For a large area that will kill everything you can use horticultural vinegar. Purity Feeds carries it but it is a large quantity and a bit pricey. Be cautious of the 'weed n feed' type products as they can build up in the soil. Also, they will eventually kill your grass.

Robin Campbell​:​ What type of perennial flowers would work​?​ ​

Oh my there are so many that will do well.

• Iris
• Reony
• Monarda
• Bugbane
• Veronica
• Speedwell
• Columbine
• Artemesia
• Campanula
• Delphinium
• Dianthus

There are many more but all of these listed will bloom at different times throughout the Spring and Summer.

Sylvia Currie: What gardening and landscaping practices do you recommend to maintain our healthy lake?

Good question and a tough one. Use low water plants and landscape. Avoid using pesticides, herbicides and so on. Keep rotting vegetation away from the waterline, and never dump material into the lake, liquid or otherwise. Perhaps the Ministry of Water and Lands could help to respond to this question.

Final Tip

There really isn't a bad time plant up this way. In fact, I have planted perennials and shrubs as late as September.

How to order

Diane can be contacted by phone 250-523-6510, and will place orders for trees and shrubs and perennials. Freight is expensive so she waits for a big enough order to have it delivered.

Ask away!

Do you have gardening questions? Post them in the comments section or in the Lac Le Jeune Facebook Group.

Enjoy

In contrast to the post earlier this week showing the devastation caused by a group irresponsible individuals, this is what you'll find if you wander down the Gus Johnson trail a little further. A beautiful bench made by John Krawchuck. 

TODAY! Ajax mine forum

Ajax mine forum 

2:00pm - 4:00pm September 9, 2012 

Thompson Rivers University, Clock Tower Room: Alumni Theatre 

This forum dealing with mining related issues is the first in a series to be held at TRU.

Open House - Ajax Mine Project

What: 2 upcoming Open House sessions
When: February Feb 6th and 7th, noon to 8pm
Where: Kamloops Convention Centre


View Larger Map


Who: Representatives from:

1. Ajax project
2. BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO)
3. Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA)
4. YOU

From the TNRD website:

These representatives will be available to talk with people about their concerns and to answer questions about the environmental assessment process and the proposed project. All issues and responses will be tracked and made available on EAO’s website.

It is encouraging to read that ALL issues and responses will be made available. But how is this possible without selective inclusion and editing? An open house is not the same as a public question and answer session. So here is a question you are all encouraged to ask:


When will there be an open, public MEETING with these 3 groups?


Note that public concern is cited as one of the reasons the BC Government will pay attention to the concerns of the general public over the mine project. So plan to attend the open house and spread the word!

Thanks to Tracy Upton and members of the Kamloops Area Preservation Society for helping to inform Lac Le Jeune residents of issues related to the Ajax Mine project.

Raw Food Class

Julie Bayman, a recognized Alissa Cohen Raw Food Chef and Instructor from Pure Cuisine, is coming to Lac Le Jeune to offer a Smoothies and Deserts raw food class.

When: August 22, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Where: Lucy Lindros' house

We'll be making chocolate cherry bomb smoothies, banana ice cream, coconut cream pie, and MORE. As part of the day we are also planning a bike ride around the lake in the morning 9:00 - 11:00am to work up an appetite. Optional of course!

If you are interested in taking this class contact Lucy Lindros: lindy17@telus.net

February is Heart & Stroke Month

During the month of February Lac Le Jeune residents Pat Burton and Jenny Perry will be canvassing our community for donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. In the past the Lac Le Jeune community has donated generously to this organization. A donation of any amount is welcome.

As a leading funder of heart and stroke research in Canada, hundreds of research teams depend on the Foundation to support their work year after year. This important work leads to earlier diagnoses, leading-edge treatments and world-class prevention strategies. Please help us continue to support this vital research by making a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. If you would like to donate, but will not be around during canvassing, you can reach Pat by email at hughlejeune@telus.net or Jenny at jennyperry1@gmail.com.

Polarthon

Registration is now open for the 2010 Polarthon! This winter triathlon (skate, run, and cross country ski) is an opportunity for people of all ages to come together to enjoy a day of winter fun. You can enter individually or as a team. Why not round up your colleagues at work? This year there is a new corporate team category. A prize is awarded for the best costume and medals are awarded to top finishers.

When: January 10, 2010 9:00 a.m.
Where: Owen's Oval, Logan Lake
What: 3 km skate, 2.5 km run, 4 km ski (any style), 2.5 km run

Download the brochure and entry form (PDF 688 KB).  Register by mail, in person, or online, and pay on the event day.

Drop Off Locations
Runners Sole
#74-1395 Hillside Dr.
Kamloops, BC V2E 2R7

Taboo Cycle
#3-2160 Flamingo Rd.
Kamloops, BC  V2C 4J9

WHY
Village Centre Mall 
Logan Lake, BC V0K 1W0

NL Broadcasting
611 Lansdowne St.
Kamloops, BC
V2C 1Y6

Questions?
Brett McIlwain  250-571-1031
WHY Society  250-523-6229

Practical advice for flu season

Lucy Lindros passed along this advice that was distributed to Royal Inland Hospital staff by email. She says if you have the flu, take tylenol for pain and fever, take vitamin C to boost your immune system, drink lots to keep yourself hydrated, rest, and stay home for at least a week. The catch phrase at the hospital right now is "Fever and cough? Take a week off!"

The email message also included this information from Dr. Vinay Goyal, which has been published on several websites:

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) with clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Tata Memorial,etc. Presently, he heads our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, in Malad India. His recommendations to avoiding H1N1 flu:

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In an epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat or bathe) .
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, cleaning your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water, and
   blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Oranges and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

West Nile Virus

This information was received today from Martin Dickson, Environmental Services Technologist, Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

Good Morning,
In efforts to keep your respective communities up to date with important news from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District we would like to pass along the accompanying press release that speaks to the detection of British Columbias first case of West Nile virus. This past weekend the British Columbia Center for Disease Control (BCCDC) confirmed two probable human cases of WNv in individuals from the Kelowna area.They have also detected WNv in a mosquito pool collected in the southern Okanagan.

Please feel free to contact our TNRD Mosquito Control Contractor Cheryl Phippen if you have any questions about mosquitoes or WNv. She can be contacted at 250-573-1750 or emailed at bwp@shaw.ca or people can leave messages on the mosquito advisory line at 250-372-5700. Environmental Health Services Supervisor, Dennis Labrie will also be available for any questions you may have. He can be contacted at 250-377-2592.

Thank you for your time and we will keep you all updated as we learn more.

Best Regards,
Martin Dickson | Environmental Services Technologist
Thompson-Nicola Regional District

---

Press Release
August 24, 2009

British Columbia’s First Human Case of West Nile Virus
The first West Nile virus (WNv) infected mosquito pool and the first human WNv cases in British Columbia were reported by the BC Centre for Disease Control this weekend. The positive mosquito pool was collected in the Southern Okanagan and two individuals from the Kelowna area are being investigated with possible infections. Since 1999, when WNv was first identified in North America, the virus has caused nearly 29,000 cases of human illness, including more than 1100 deaths. These are the first ever cases of WNv detected in British Columbia and the first cases reported so far this year in Canada.

WNv is spread seasonally through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The risk of serious illness from WNv is low; however simple measures can help prevent mosquito bites and reduce the numbers of mosquitoes in an area:
• Individuals should apply insect repellents containing DEET (10% for children and up to 30% for adults), wear loose, light colored clothing when outdoors including long-sleeved pants and shirts and avoid mosquito-laden areas at dawn and dusk.
• Tight fitting screens should be installed on doors and windows
• Individuals should eliminate or regularly change any sources of stagnant water around their properties as mosquito larvae will develop in the smallest pool of water. Likely mosquito breeding grounds include the saucers under flower pots, wading pools, used tires, and clogged eaves troughs.

Mosquitoes become infected with WNv when they feed on infected birds, and the virus may be transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a human. Humans cannot get the virus directly from birds nor can humans pass this virus from one person to the next. About two out of every 10 people bitten by an infected mosquito develop WNv symptoms such as fever, aches, nausea and vomiting. About 1 in 150 people infected with WNv develop more serious symptoms such as paralysis, extreme headache and, in rare cases, death. Although people of any age can become severely ill, the risk is highest for persons age 50 and over.

In 2009, the TNRD has been conducting a larval control program for WNv, with the goal of reducing the numbers of Culex species of mosquitoes within the TNRD as if WNv has already arrived in our area. We are confident that everything is being done to reduce the impact that West Nile virus may have on residents and visitors to our area. However, the public must be aware that personal protection using Deet is the best way to reduce the possibility of contracting WNv. Surveillance traps have been strategically placed within the TNRD to collect specimens and monitor for the presence of WnV.

A mosquito control contractor for the TNRD, BWP Consulting Inc, is currently monitoring stagnant water known to produce mosquito larvae. When larvae are present they are being treated with a biological larvicide that is harmless to other insects and animals. As it is late in the season, many known larval development sites have dried up and the contractor is reporting low numbers of larvae and adult mosquitoes throughout most of the TNRD.

The Interior Health Authority and the BC Centre for Disease Control are currently monitoring for the presence of the virus by collecting and testing mosquitoes and birds throughout the southern Okanagan and the southern Kootenay. People in the TNRD can report sightings of dead crows, ravens, magpies or jays by calling the Interior Health Authority West Nile Virus Information Line at 1-866-300-0520 or by accessing the BCCDC On-Line Dead Bird Sighting Report Form at http://westnile.bccdc.org/ .

For more information about WNv, mosquito control or our public education events, please visit http://www.tnrd.bc.ca/mosquito/tnrd_mosquito/index.php or call the TNRD Mosquito Advisory Line at 250-372-5700