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GRAND FORKS CITY COUNCIL NOV. 19: Nitrate levels not a problem, trail project and pet management

The level of nitrates in Grand Forks water wells aren't problematic and a proposal for paving of trails.

While there have been concerns about Grand Forks’ water wells in the past, the nitrate levels aren’t problematic for most, according to a senior hydrogeologist.

Remi Allard of Piteau Associates Engineering Ltd., a geotechnical and hydrogeological consulting engineering firm, made a presentation to city council at the primary committee meeting on Nov. 19 regarding a draft report on the management of community water wells.

Allard said that city wells 2, 3, 3a, 4 and 5 were in good shape and had low concentrations of nitrates.

More here.

Paving the trails

Former city councillor and current Grand Forks Community Trails Society member Chris Moslin made a presentation regarding a three-stage Grand Forks-Cascade Kettle River Heritage Trail proposed paving upgrade project.

Moslin said that the entire proposal, which could take place over the next few years, would see a paved trail from the section of the Trans Canada Trail from 68th Avenue in Grand Forks and out to Cascade Gorge at Christina Lake, for a total of 17.5 kilometres.

“This is a big project, it’s a big vision. We believe it (will be of) tremendous benefit for the region and for trails,” explained Moslin.

Based on some research, including the city trails project, Moslin estimated that the project would work out to $100,000 a kilometre and the society would be applying for grants and he also wondered about city involvement.

Council voted to accept the presentation. More on this in a future issue of the Gazette.

Responsible management and caretaking of dogs

Anita Krause, of the Kootenay Boundary Pet Dog Association, made a presentation to council regarding adoption of progressive and effective bylaws to address the humane treatment of dogs.

“It is important to us that the people in Grand Forks and the surrounding areas, providing a service for pets and their owners, have a secure base to carry on their work,” Krause said to council, she said it was essential that there be licensed boarding, grooming and breeding kennels accessible to everyone.

Krause said the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) is looking into a bylaw that restricts the number of dogs per household – she said the problems lie with proper care rather than in numbers.

“We propose that the city and area look at its own dog regulations at this time, so that it can consider an effective approach to be implemented in the whole region,” she said.

Mayor Brian Taylor said the animal control contract is with the RDKB and the city partners with it. He said the association’s presentation was timely, as the RDKB is currently reviewing the bylaw.

“Your timing is impeccable. We will be able to receive your presentation and pass on the presentation to the regional district animal control group,” Taylor said.

Coun. Neil Krog proposed a motion to receive the report and pass it on to the RDKB; Coun. Michael Wirischagin seconded and it carried.



Karl Yu

About the Author: Karl Yu

After interning at Vancouver Metro free daily newspaper, I joined Black Press in 2010.
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