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Vol. 90 Issue 10 • Wednesday, March 6, 2013 • www.arrowlakesnews.com • 250-265-3823 • $1.25 •
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How to build a ferry: putting the pieces together Claire paradis Arrow Lakes News
Walking into the office, Kate Tupper-England looked very little like the welder-dancer from Flashdance. Aside from the difference in hairstyles (no 80s curls on Tupper-England), there was also not a smudge of dirt to be seen. Tupper-England had just finished a tenday welding stint and was now looking forward to four days of freedom that would start with a visit to a spa. The local welder has been busy working on the ferry being built down past the sewage treatment plant on the north side of Nakusp. Waterbridge Steel now has around 50 people working to get the ferry ready for its summer launch date this year and for actual service in May 2014. Workers have been hired out of Selkirk College programs as well as farther abroad, with some coming from the Okanagan. For Tupper-England, the experience has been an opportunity to learn as well as be part of building something cool. Not only has she been picking up boat lingo (“It helps with Star Trek,” she told me) but she’s also been getting a ton of inspiration for her art. “All the shapes that come with building a boat, they’re in my mind,” she said. “I’m
finding this boat so inspiring.” Tupper-England compares being inside the ferry as it’s being built as like being inside a giant whale skeleton. Even the colour of the red oxide rust has sparked something in the artist. “It’s the colour of birth and death,” said Tupper-England, telling me that when they died, ancient people were painted this colour and then put in the ground. And, one of the best things about building the ferry is building something that will be used by people for a long time. “You’ll get to ride it forever,” she said, noting that although lots of people don’t like the ferry, she loves it. The ferry is like a giant 3D puzzle; each piece is delivered from Vancouver cut to shape and numbered. From there, the workers assemble the vessel from the plans. For her part, the Nakusp welder is really loving working with the fitters, who take each piece and fit it where it’s supposed to go; she then tacks them on with her torch. The site is a busy, convivial place, says Tupper-England who says the whole crew feels like a bunch of brothers. “Every single one of my bosses is so great,” she said. “It’s a good feeling. As a girl you wonder how’s this going to be. It wasn’t a problem.”
This is the midship section, covered against the elements, just one part of the very large 3D puzzle known as a ferry. Photo courtesy Waterbridge Steel The work is physically demanding, which has meant the welder keeps building muscle, but she also knows when not to push it. If she knows she can’t lift something, she calls for a hand. “There’s a lot going on but I feel very safe and trust every single person,” she commented. Waterbridge owner John Harding is happy to have her as one of the three women on site.
“I’ve heard big things about her,” he said, referring to her reputation as an award-winning artist. “We enjoy having her.” Everything is going swimmingly as far as being on schedule for construction, said Harding, with launch and service times right on track. When the puzzle is fully assembled, there will be in excess of two million pounds of steel floating in the water.
Kootenay Society all about community living Contributed by Tim Sander
Kootenay Society for Community Living believe that businesses are always looking to find ways of creating inclusive workplaces where everyone has a productive role to play, and this includes people with disabilities. It is vital to match individual skills to the needs of the employer and to provide appropriate support to both parties. A successful and money-generating employee is not only great for business but life-changing for the individual. Starting February, the Kootenay Society for Community Living (KSCL) has hired an employment coordinator to establish a ‘customized employment’ program in the Nakusp area. Tim Sander will be working with adults who have disabilities and local business to help identify employment skills, business Getting out and having fun curling is an important part of life, as is working. needs and work place employment opportunities. Customized employment is based on Photo courtesy Tim Sander
an ‘interest-based negotiation’ between the employer and the job seeker and is the core to a successful program. Tim runs Smiling Hills Farm in Hills, keeping honey bees and operating the successful Smiling Hills Bed & Breakfast. He has worked in schools for the past 20 years, as a classroom teacher and with students with special needs. Tim will work alongside a Community Support Worker, who will be providing one-on-one support for individuals in Nakusp as well as running a group program once a week. Tim is looking forward to getting to know the employers and businesses in Nakusp as well as the Job Seekers that are referred for Employment Service from Community Living BC. You can reach Tim and KSCL Nakusp at 619 Broadway, Nakusp, V0G 1R0 (at the back of the former music festival offices). Call them at 250-265-1471 or email NakuspKSCL@columbiawireless.ca.
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