SNC Lavalin look for home for explosives

Work on the Waneta Expansion Project will require the use of explosives for surface and underground excavations. However federal law requires to be stored a minimum distance away from the project site, which is why SNC Lavalin has approached the City of Trail. The proponent of the project has identified property north of Sunningdale as an ideal site to store over 50,000 kilograms of explosive material for 12 months.

Project Manager for Red Path Waneta Tunnelers, Ben Roberds says, if approved, residents should expect an increase in traffic. Roberds says the explosives would be secured in a storage tank, with extensive security protocols put in place.

While no deal has officially been reached, SNC Lavalin is hoping to move onto the property shortly after the new year.

Old Trail bridge consultation

The City of Trail will be moving into a public consultation period in order to gauge community opinion on whether or not to replace the city’s old bridge. The price of a new bridge is approximately $20-million, which will cost homeowners $97.00 per 100,000 based on 2010 assessments over 30 years. Public consultation will get underway in the new year and is expected to wrap up by the end of May.

CBT Wage Subsidy Program a success

After a highly successful summer the Columbia Basin Trust’s Wage Subsidy Program is set to continue for another year with an even bigger budget. Lisa Erven Manager of Planning and Development says in 2010, the program assisted in 112 summer jobs throughout the basin.  Erven says over 90 percent of participating businesses said they plan on applying again so the CBT is increasing the programs budget from $390,000 to $500,000, allowing more students to be hired.

Nelson Skatepark Proposal makes the final round

Funding could be in place for Nelson’s outdoor skatepark before the site for it is ever finally determined. The Kootenay Lake Outdoor Skatepark Society has reached the final round of voting in the Aviva Community Fund, nationwide contest — despite the project being stalled at the approval stage by City council. The project is still stalled and likely won’t be dealt with until later in January as the Nelson and District Recreation Commission awaits a report on the outdoor skatepark.

Kootenay News is a regular feature of Kootenay Career Development Society.