HINTON:

Second call for applications for the Quality of Life Grant Program:

According to the Hinton municipal website,  www.hinton.ca, a surplus of $14,141 from the first call for applications is still available for grant funding. Pre-screening application deadline is Aug. 26 and final application deadline is Sept. 9. Please call 780-865-6036.

The Quality of Life Grant Program provides funding opportunities for community organizations to:

• Undertake projects or activities that maximize improvements in the quality of life for Hinton residents

• Relates to Hinton’s Community Vision:  “Respectful of our past; planning for our future. Hinton is community at its best – a vibrant, wholesome region to live, work and play.” 

• Use the funds to substantially leverage other funding

• Use the funds for operating (core) costs linked to measurable targets and outcomes 

Who can apply:

• Community not-for-profit groups registered under the Societies Act, Libraries Act or Agriculture Societies Act 

• School boards, regional health authorities, social service sectors, regional children’s authorities or their identified affiliates 

• Community First Nation and Métis organizations and associations 

• Non-registered groups working through a registered not-for-profit group 

Funding is available for capital projects/activities and operating (core) costs linked to measurable targets and outcomes (business plan must be submitted with application)

Public notice:

During the month of August, the Hardisty Creek walking path bridges at Hallam Drive and Kinsman Park will be undergoing removal and replacement. Temporary closures will occur during the month of August, so please use alternate routes. This project is funded by proceeds from photo radar. For more information please contact the project manager at 780-865-2102

The Hinton Farmer’s Market:

Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hinton Centre.

Valemount/Dunster/tête Jaune/McBride:

The Chinook Salmon Run:

Valemount is lucky enough to be a part of the second longest Chinook Salmon Run in North America. The Chinook salmon can be seen in Swift Creek, after they have battled their way more than 1,200 kilometres through the rapids of the Fraser River to return to their natal stream to spawn. Their journey takes about 10 weeks with an average rate of travel of 18.5 km per day. Only the biggest and strongest salmon make it to Valemount. 

During the month of August, visitors can get a close-up view of the huge salmon jockeying for position and digging their nests at the Swift Creek viewing area. The viewing area is located in George Hicks Regional Park, walking distance from the Valemount Visitor Information Centre. It is wheelchair accessible and has a lookout platform that provides excellent salmon viewing opportunities. 

From mid-August to mid-September, the powerful fish can also be spotted trying to jump over Rearguard Falls in nearby Mount Robson Provincial Park. 

The Visitor Information Centre has an educational salmon display to help the visitors learn more about these amazing fish that are faced with dangerous waters and defy incredible odds through their journey. Only 25 out of 100 survive. The information centre also offers a free interpretive program (when the salmon arrive) at Swift Creek every night in August at 7 p.m.

“The Chinook salmon spawning upstream of the area around Prince George are unique compared to the rest of the Fraser river Chinook,” said Visitor Information Centre Interpreter Gregor Cuddeback in a recent release. “Salmon fry that hatch up stream of Prince George will remain in these waters for two years, one year more than their cousins downstream.”

For more information on the salmon call 250-566-9893 or stop in at the Visitor Information Centre – open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the month of August.

Robson Valley Music Festival:

According to the festival’s MySpace page, the Robson Valley Music Festival started out as the “Good People’s Gathering”, over 13 years ago. Now entering its seventh year, the “Good People’s Gathering” has become the “Robson Valley Music Festival” with more than 1,000 people attending this fast growing grassroots level musical event. The festival is literally hosted in the front yard of its founders and directors, Shara Gustafson and Seth Macdonald (who also perform across B.C. and Alberta with their band Mamaguroove). Check out the website at www.robsonvalleymusicfestivalbc.com

Tickets can be bought at the Dunster General Store, the McBride Trading Company, Infinity Health and office in Valemount, Coco’s Cafe, The Legion in Jasper or at the gate.