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September 6 & 7, 2013
Serving the South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford since 1898
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Festival goers rocked at Wapiti
Fun for kids - Page 27 FERNIE IN BLOOM
Winners announced - Page 2 ELKFORD
Superintendent’s long service award - Page 5
FLY-FISHING
Flower power was in the beverage garden as 1,500 people enjoyed a weekend at the Wapiti Music Festival in the Annex Park. Go to page 14 and 15 for the story and more photos or visit www.thefreepress.ca. Photo by Tamara Hynd
Fishing the Elk River Page 17
Big ideas for Fernie’s leisure services
SPORT
By Angela Treharne Free Press Staff
Chris Moulton signs with Chiefs - Page 21
n architect made a presentation to Fernie council this week, recommending creating a full service community centre at the Aquatic Centre site. Eric Lees from Lees and Associates Landscape Architects in Vancouver presented their ideas for the Leisure Services Master Plan
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at the Committee of The Whole meeting Monday morning in council chambers. The company had conducted a survey to find out which facilities people wanted and used the most. 31 per cent said the pool is their most valued amenity, the highest of all the city’s recreational amenities. Lees said the Aquatic Centre is a great leisure centre and recommended expanding hours to
increase revenue. However, he talked about Fernie’s Memorial Arena being old and failing to meet the needs to user groups. Although the facility is fully booked during winter when there is ice, it is barely used the rest of the year. He also said the Centennial Community Centre and the Max Turyk school are not being used and have high operating costs.
Lees suggested developing a multi purpose community centre at the Aquatic Centre site within the next seven years. “This site is easily accessible, has a central location and ample parking,” he said. “Combining all the facilities at one site is also more efficient to operate, saving revenue and reducing the City’s carbon footprint.”
Continued on page 22