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SWIFT TOAD FASHION RECOGNITION 101
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EARLY BURTON FALL FAIR
Vol. 89 Issue 35 • Wednesday, August 29, 2012 • www.arrowlakesnews.com • 250-265-3823 • $1.25
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Revelstoke ATV Club plans motorized trail to Arrowhead
It’s unclear whether or not former Nakusp Music Fest directors may be personally liable for money owed to Revenue Canada. PHOTO COURTESY OF GAIL MCMARTIN
Music Fest directors face uncertain fate By Claire Paradis Arrow Lakes News
“It’s been quite a learning curve,” said Tom Zeleznik, one of the seven former directors of the Nakusp Roots Music Society, the group responsible for putting on the Nakusp Music Fest. The directors, all volunteers, are finding they’re responsible for a whole lot more now that the Society has declared bankruptcy and Revenue Canada is seeking payment for “non-resident revenue.” “You don’t know until things go topsy turvy,” added former president Donna Rebman, who is one of the directors who may be personally liable for the debt to the feds, one that is growing every day. Zeleznik estimates the debt is about $34,000, with five per cent interest compounded daily. The directors have known they would have to declare bankruptcy since March, and since that time they’ve also been dealing with their insurance company trying to find out if they’re covered against Revenue Canada’s claim. So far, no word, and the interest owing continues to grow. The decision to declare bankruptcy was a long and difficult one, said Rebman. The first step was to get help from the Columbia Basin Trust who hired KPMG as a consultant to assess whether or not the CBT should give the Society $100,000, which they pledged to pay back after their building sold. After looking at the package the directors had put together, they advised the Trust the $100-grand investment would be a good one, if the Society were debt-free, said Rebman. “Next we sent a letter to all our creditors to see if they would accept 40 cents on the dollar,” she said, and they were advised that this would be acceptable only if all creditors agreed. Unfortunately, some creditors refused and the board was left with only one option.
“It wasn’t the fact we didn’t try,” emphasized Rebman, who spent months working to save the festival. “At that point there was not really much to do except declare bankruptcy.” Although she seemed stoic during the bankruptcy meeting, it was tough going for the former president. “I was a mess,” she revealed, “I absolutely hated it. It’s people you see every day. It was easier in the fact that everyone took it so good. Everybody understands what it’s like.” Now the Society’s assets are to be sold, including the building and a few other items that Rebman and Zeleznik hope continue to be used in the community like the sweeper and top dresser. Although the lesson they’ve learned is a stressful one, with no end in sight at the moment, both Rebman and Zeleznik are still keen on volunteering and making things happen for Nakusp. “I learned my lessons as a director,” said Zeleznik, who said he would do it again but would be more careful when looking at the state of finances and ensuring he did his due diligence. “It’s been a hectic year,” commented Rebman, for her part. “I’m going to have to lie back a bit.” But her enthusiasm for music festivals is far from gone. Even during the discussion about the Nakusp Music Festival and what could have been changed, her excitement and energy was clear. She discussed the possibility of bringing another music festival to Nakusp, perhaps a smaller one that could be part of another event like the rodeo. “It’s a pretty scary proposition after what happened in Nakusp,” she said, noting that another kick at the music fest can would definitely need to have the town more involved.
The cemetery at Arrowhead is a living reminder of the former Upper Arrow Lake community located south of Revelstoke across the lake from Shelter Bay. GREG NESTEROFF/BLACK PRESS
By Aaron Orlando Revelstoke Times Review
The Revelstoke ATV Club is applying to build a three-kilometre long trail that will connect the ghost town of Arrowhead with a nearby forest service road, allowing for motorized access to the site. Arrowhead is located across from Shelter Bay on the Arrow Lake Reservoir and is currently only accessible by boat or backcountry trek. The completion of the Hugh Keeleyside Dam in the late 1960s flooded out most of the historic mining and forestry town, though it had been in decline for some time after a railway connecting it to Revelstoke was decommissioned. The former town-site contains ruins, heritage plants leftover from gardens and a significant historic cemetery. Revelstoke ATV Club president Tom Kohlman submitted an application for the new trail in early 2012. The plan calls for the trail to be linked to a nearby forestry road. Parking areas will be located at both ends of the trail, which will be gated at the forestry road. The parking area at the Arrowhead end will be located some distance from the townsite itself. The plan is to have the gate locked except for special events sanctioned by the Revelstoke ATV Club. The proposal calls for a
trail that will allow ATV access but not access for larger vehicles. Non-motorized use will be permitted at all times. Kohlman was not available for a direct interview, but responded to questions about the proposal via email. He said the trail will improve access to the historic site. “We see the trail having the ability to remove the accessibility barriers for those individuals wishing to visit their loved ones in the Arrowhead cemetery, who would otherwise only be able to visit by way of boat on the Arrow Lake,” Kohlman wrote. “It also removes accessibility barriers for disabled or elderly individuals. We see the trail as an opportunity to enhance public awareness, interest, understanding and appreciation of our provinces’ past.” Kohlman said the trail is intended for uses such as hiking, biking, research, horseback riding and ATVing. “It is not intended as an ATV destination; it is there for all to enjoy,” he said in a statement. “We anticipate its main usage will be for local[s] and local connections to Arrowhead.” If approved, the club is targeting completion of the trail by 2013. Kohlman said the Revelstoke ATV Club was planning to use in-kind labour and donations as well as grants to complete the work.
See story page 11
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