Slippery roads: Recent icy road conditions have made for a slippery morning drive for some motorists.
Padgett Road was closed temporarily in both directions Wednesday morning, November 18, after two vehicles collided due to black ice. Another vehicle slid off the road.
“Just before dawn sometimes there’s a quick freeze,” said Dave Keiver, chief of Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department.
Salt and brine trucks were out earlier that morning, but the ministry of transportation warned drivers there could be slippery patches along Highway 101.
Fire department first responders were called to assist at 8:22 am. One driver was not able to open her car door with an airbag deployed, so crews used the department’s hydraulic spreader and cutter.
“We had to pop the door,” said Keiver.
BC Ambulance Service paramedics treated the woman for minor injuries and transported her to Powell River General Hospital.
A third vehicle, not involved in the collision, also slipped partially off Padgett and required a tow.
Firefighters were also on the scene of a car in the ditch near Lang Bay an hour earlier.
RCMP constable Tim Kenning said motorists should be aware of driving conditions and check to make sure their tires are suited for winter.
Climbing gym meets goal
Powell River Climbing Co-operative has surpassed its fundraising target in support of a potential climbing gym in Townsite.
A total of 115 donors pledged just over the $15,000 required by the co-operative’s November 15 crowdfunding deadline. The final tally was $15,161.
“The support we’re getting from the community was overwhelming,” said one of the group’s organizers, Kevan Robitaille. “We are still getting calls from people asking how they can help.”
The successful fundraiser ends phase one of the climbing gym project and will go toward the purchase of plans.
According to Robitaille, phase two includes pre-selling gym memberships for about $300 per year and is slated to begin before the end of December.
Phase two also involves projecting costs and developing a budget for building materials and contractors, as well as becoming a legal incorporation.
The climbing gym is planned for the former Powell Stores building in Townsite, now known as The Warehouse.
For more information readers can go to prclimbinggym.com.
