Merritt Morning Market – Friday, June 25, 2010

The state of hydro in Merritt
Currently, Merritt is served by BC Hydro with a 37-km long 69 kV transmission line from the Highland Substation in Logan Lake. And for some time, this limited quantity of power has been touted as a major infrastructure deficit hindering the City’s ability to attract new development & industry.
BC Hydro made a presentation to Merritt city council on Tuesday, outlining their plans to upgrade service to Merritt, after a long-range study for the area was completed this past spring. It concluded that Merritt’s system will require significant upgrades beginning in Fall 2013. They have come up with 2 cost-effective alternatives: 1) upgrade the transmission lines from Logan Lake from 69 kV to 138 kV, or construct a new 138 kV line over that 35 kms. 2) upgrade Merritt to 138 kV with a new transmission line from the Nicola Substation, on the Douglas Lake Rd., approx. 27km from town. If all goes as planned, they expect that the power upgrade could be in service by October 2014. BC Hydro representatives assured council that if the need was required in advance of that completion date, they would consider making it a priority & fast-tracking it.
The next steps are ready to be taken: engineering reports, environmental & archaeological assessments, input from & consultation with stakeholders and First Nations. (Hopefully, they’ll take this last step more seriously than they did for the Interior-to-Lower Mainland transmission line upgrade. First Nations between here & Coquitlam have decried those attempts at consultation as ineffectual.
Report animal abuse
Don’t turn your back on those that need us. Recently a dog was rescues by Angel’s Animal Rescue. It had been tied to a vehicle and the owner knowlingly drove away with her in tow. Thanks to caring individuals, this dog has a chance of recover and a happy life ahead of her with someone who will care.
Donations are gratefully accepted at Merritt Vet Hospital, for emergency care for the animals that we rescue. Please be generous. For more information or to volunteer, please call 378-5223 or email angelsanimalrescue@telus.net

Wtd: volunteers
The Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour Committee is seeking community volunteers to assist with the phase 1 of the Hall of Honour. They need:  tradespeople & community volunteers with an interest in general construction, painting, finishing, decorating, community development projects, cleaning and more. Apply to Karen, volunteer coordinator, manager@merrittchamber.ca, 378-5634.
Community
Sayso Expression Gong Show
This evening is the finally of the Gong Show at the Grand Pub & Grill. Finalists will compete for spending money and a trip to Vegas. Come out and help them pick a winner! Winners need to sign up between 7 & 8pm, the show will get under way shortly after.
ALSO if any of the Sayso Expression Society members are interested in performing for Music in the City at Spirit Square & Rotary Park this summer, contact 315-5851, robyn@rbrandproductions.ca to get your name on the line-up.
Art in the Garden Tour
A self-guided tour tomorrow9am-3:30pm, 9 Merritt gardens. Tickets are at Baillie house $10 for the tour, $5 for Taste of Summer refreshments. FMI 378-0349.
Little Britches Rodeo
This weekend, June 26 & 27, 9am-5pm both days, at the rodeo grounds. For kids aged 3 to 14! FMI call 378-2580.
NV Kennel Club dog show
This weekend, Jun 26 – 28, in Voght Park. Please leave your dogs at home.
CF Nicola Valley AGM
Community Futures Nicola Valley would like to invite the public and all interested parties to their annual general meeting on Wed., June 30, 12 noon in their boardroom, 2099 Quilchena Ave.
‘Come & go’ tea for Elva Reid
To celebrate Elva’s 85th birthday & to welcome her to her new home at the Florentine, friends have organized a tea on Saturday, July 3, 1-4pm at the Florentine. No gifts, please, just hugs and good wishes. If you need a ride, call Gail at (250)318-6295. Everyone is welcome — but sshhh! it’s a surprise!
United & Anglican church notice
During the month of July, the congregation from St. Michael’s Anglican Church will worship at Trinity United Church. In August, the congregation from Trinity will worship at St. Michael’s.
Call for artwork – August exhibition
The NV Community Arts Council is looking for artwork for the August show  — wild indigenous animals of the Nicola Valley, accepted July 22-Aug. 5, during regular gallery hours: Thursday 4-8pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-4pm. For more info, call Kathi 378-6515.
Creative Company
Merritt’s local arts and crafts gallery is looking for talented new members to join their vibrant & exciting store. Stop in for an application at 2074 Quilchena Ave., call 378-0813 or http://www.creativecompany.ca