Trail Daily Times, March 14, 2012

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WEDNESDAY

S I N C E

1 8 9 5

MARCH 14, 2012

Granstrom on city taxes Page 6

Vol. 117, Issue 52

110

$

INCLUDING H.S.T.

PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF

ROSSLAND, WARFIELD, TRAIL, MONTROSE, FRUITVALE & SALM SALMO

SPRING BREAK CHAOS

RDKB could pay off reno early BY VALERIE ROSSI Times Staff

VALERIE ROSSI PHOTO

Camp Chaos kicked off its spring break two-week program this week, which offers kids six to -12-years-old a variety of activities during the day, including skating, swimming, games and arts and crafts. Callum Baxter took painting to a whole new level Tuesday, mixing new colours with his new friends.

Council takes stand for keeping existing hospital Regional status for KBRH supported by motion in Trail city council meeting BY VALERIE ROSSI Times Staff

A crowd of about 20 residents broke out into fits of cheer Monday night in city chambers when Trail council rose to their feet to support a motion dedicated to keeping regional status at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH). Trail resident Anna Merlo was among those in attendance to show support for the Trail hospital. “It seems that the only time that Trail people get passionate is when the hospital is threatened,” she said. “I wish they would feel the same way about all of the other things that are not going on in this town.” Trail councillor Kevin Jolly felt compelled to lead fellow local politicians in taking a stand and protecting the Trail hospital because Castlegar

council discussed the possibility of a new regional hospital with Health Minister Mike de Jong when they met with him at the beginning of the month. “We must send a clear message and speak with one voice to all those who would act to destabilize and disrupt the future of KBRH in Trail,” said Jolly. “Now is the time to show our unwavering support to our citizens, who financially support this hospital, the medical community and staff who labour in it and most importantly for the patients who rely on KBRH in their times of need.” Beyond asking his colleagues to support the retention of KBRH, Jolly requested that all capital funding for the region be dedicated to the refurbishment, upgrading and support of existing medical facilities to deliver the highest level of patient care.

Council, including Trail Mayor Dieter Bogs, followed Jolly’s gesture and stood rather than simply raising their hands to record their unanimous decision. A letter will be sent to Interior Health, the Health Minister and MLA Katrine Conroy to further express their stance. Castlegar Mayor Lawrence Chernoff said the meeting was held in the best interest of the region. “When we look at the facility presently, we know that it’s aging, we know that it’s going to need replacement,” he said. “What we were supporting was the idea that Interior Health take a planning process to determine the type of facility and where a new facility can be best located to provide the best benefit to everybody in the Kootenay Boundary region.”

Contact the Times: Phone: 250-368-8551 Fax: 250-368-8550 Newsroom: 250-364-1242

DO OUR PRICES SELL VEHICLES? 9OU BE THE JUDGE “WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD!”See us for details

Trail BC

3EE OUR AD IN THIS WEEK²S

A major overhaul to the regional district’s 20-year-old building in Trail could be covered sooner than anticipated. Debt owing to the $3.48-million renovation, which was completed last year, could be expedited if funds earmarked for paying off $1 million to airport land purchased from Teck are redirected after the final $190,000 installment is settled this year. The board has already given preliminary approval to apply this annual payment to the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrade for 2013 and 2014, but will make a final call when the regional district’s budget is completed this month. “Rather than just taking that money and reducing the budget, we’re going to actually use it,” said Trail councillor Robert Cacchioni, who sits on the regional board. “The land will be available for development, the only problem is it’s not serviced.” Starting last year, all regional district residents felt the weight of the HVAC project with an additional $18 in taxes tacked on to a $200,000 home. Though the same amount will hit the pocket book this year, the $12 expected for three years thereafter could be cut by one year.

2880 Highway Drive Trail 250-368-9134 DLN #30251 www.championgm.com


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