Credit: CFJC Today

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Answer to Peterson Creek Park safety is common sense, not money

Mar 1, 2021 | 4:29 AM

KAMLOOPS — TWO THINGS STAND OUT about the rescue of a hiker in Peterson Creek Park yesterday.

One is that we don’t know whether said rescuee was male or female, because the police haven’t old us.

The news release carefully avoids the question, referring to the hiker only as a “person” or as “they.” This takes the concern for privacy that so preoccupies our local RCMP detachment to a new level.

More importantly is how this hiker got him or herself into a pickle in the park that required police as well as fire and rescue to get him or her out of it.

Stay Ahead of the Curve with Kamloops' Trusted Property Manager - Rohit Kumar

May 20, 2025

The Tattle of Hastings

THE TATTLE OF HASTINGS: Hubbard talks Kamloops tennis, racquet sports facilities

13h ago

Question of the Week

Do you believe the G7 summit in Alberta will help forge a smoother relationship between Canada and the U.S.?

Jun 16, 2025

Rescuing people in the park is, by no means, uncommon. It happens every year. Without details other than that he or she slipped and ended up on a ledge, it would be unfair to lay blame on this particular hiker for his or her miscalculation but it does raise a point about safety.

The trails in that park are a joy to experience. In summer the foliage is lush and thick with butterflies along the creek.

One has to be careful, though, or you can end up going for a tumble. As one progresses up toward the falls, the rocky trail can become unstable, especially in spring. Winter carries its own special hazards.

I once observed with trepidation a young man demonstrating his sureness of foot as he clambered around the rock face at the edge of the falls.

But it’s when folks take on the park from the top end that they seem to get in trouble. So, what’s the answer?

The City could pour a couple of million dollars into widening the trails, complete with railings and better signage.

However, I have an idea. How about caution? How about understanding the challenges of the park and being careful?

Let’s not ruin the naturalness of the experience with all kinds of barriers. The answer isn’t money; it’s common sense.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and a retired newspaper editor. He is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.