Editor, The Times:
The following is an open letter to the community of Vavenby –
I would like to thank the residents of Vavenby for their patience during this difficult time. It is never easy when something as essential as your water source is impacted and you can no longer drink water from the tap, wash your dishes or take a shower. Your understanding was greatly appreciated.
I would also like to thank Tighe Hewlett, our local water system operator, for her diligence in coordinating efforts to monitor and test the water, as well as monitoring the river itself for signs of diesel fuel. Also for overseeing the pumps to ensure that there was enough water to flush toilets.
I want to thank Vavenby Fire Department members and everyone in the community who provided assistance, often on short notice, and spent numerous hours helping out. Charlotte Cederholm, Sherri Madden, and Tighe Hewlett were especially instrumental in ensuring bottled water was available to residents. Thank you to Buy-Low for coming through with bottled water in short notice.
Last but not least I and community members would like to acknowledge the staff of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, Interior Health Authority, and Ministry of Environment for going above and beyond for Vavenby residents.
Carol Schaffer, director
TNRD Area A (Wells Gray Country)