WEDNESDAY
S I N C E
JUNE 19, 2013
1 8 9 5
Vol. 118, Issue 95
Eagles soar to crown
105
$
Page 9
INCLUDING G.S.T.
PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ROSSLAND, WARFIELD, TRAIL, MONTROSE, FRUITVALE & SALMO
Mayors joining forces to address energy rates
MAKING MUSIC
BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
Greater Trail mayors are seeking power in numbers before they address the province about an energy rate disparity between Fortis BC and BC Hydro. Warfield, Trail and Montrose mayors formed an alliance last week in light of a recent energy report, which determined that Fortis consumer rates are about 20 per cent higher than its counterpart, BC Hydro. “We already realize that we need to involve other mayors within the Fortis service area,” said Trail Mayor Dieter Bogs. “And discuss how we are going to handle this issue from a political perspective.” The energy rate report, which has “We need input not been made puband consensus lic, was commisfrom the entire sioned earlier this year by the Energy service area, and Sustainability including the Committee of the many rural Lower Columbia C o m m u n i t y directors, to Development Team determine the Society (LCCDTS). best strategy to “Right now, we are on a fact-findmove forward.” ing mission,” said BERT CROCKETT Warfield Mayor Bert Crockett. “We need input and consensus from the entire service area, including the many rural directors, to determine the best strategy to move forward.” Bogs has been appointed the spokesperson for a future strategic planning session to address concerns arising from the significant difference of residential rates between Fortis BC and BC Hydro customers. Though specifics can’t be shared at this time, the report uncovers some of the primary drivers behind the rate differences, according to Mike Martin, LCCDTS chair. One reason, he said, is that Fortis has completed upgrades to its distribution systems. “Fortis had a very aggressive program over the last few years to complete system upgrades,” said Martin, in an earlier interview with the Trail Times. “By government intervention, BC Hydro has not been allowed to do that.” Also, BC Hydro has access to a lower interest rate because every loan is backed by taxpayers in the province. See RATE, Page 3
SHERI REGNIER PHOTO
Janelle Mann (left) and Sarah Pengelly, Grade 6 students from Glenmerry Elementary School, kept time and pitch with their xylophones during the annual Spring Concert on Monday. Under the direction of music teacher Tim Bourchier, students from grades 1-6 displayed singing and percussive talents to a crowd of more than 100 smiling parents
Conroy will keep an eye on the Columbia Kootenay West MLA adds CRT to critic’s role BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
The Columbia River has a new watchdog to guard the future of its southerly flow. Katrine Conroy has been appointed opposition critic
for the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) review after an NDP post-election reshuffle of duties. “I asked Adrian (Dix) for the job because I think it is a really important issue in our region,” said Conroy. “We need to have a designated person from the Kootenay
area who will make sure that we are represented in talks with the local and provincial government committees. “I think things need to change,” she added. “Let’s face it, the treaty decimated our agricultural industry, and impacted tourism and recreation. This time we need to
have terms that benefit us in all areas.” The position also assigns Conroy responsibility to oversee Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) operations and Columbia Power. These duties previously fell under the umbrella of See COLUMBIA, Page 3
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