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Th ursd a y , Se p tem b er 1 2 , 2013
HISTORY
Celebrating 115 Years
Serving the South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford since 1898
FREE
Coal Mountain are winners!
William Fernie achives - Page 2 ELKFORD
Campground opening - Page 3 FERNIE
Lieutenant Governor visits - Page 4
ENTERTAINMENT
Overall winner of the Surface Mine Rescue Competition - Coal Mountain Operations - Sparwood, B.C. Back Row (L to R): Wade Robins, Craig Wood, Shawn Erick, Ryan Gallinger, Scott Cook (Captain), Brad Fitzgerald (Trainer), Mary Giuliano (Mayor, City of Fernie), Cheryl Pocklington (Chief Judge, Surface) & Barrie Simoneau (Chairperson, NWRMRC Committee) Front Row (L to R): Bill Bennett (Minister of Energy & Mines/MLA Kootenay East), Scott Shatalow (Vice Captain), Jon Gale (Coach) & Josh Gallinger.
Photo by Henry Georgi
Dean Brody wins award - Page 17
SPORTS
Kids Triathlon - Page 19
Sparwood to receive multi-million dollar investment By Angela Treharne Free Press Staff
S
parwood’s downtown is to receive a multimillion dollar facelift, including a major renovation of the mall, a new development including a hotel, restaurant and retail area, plus a walkway connecting the new development to the downtown. Kootenay East MLA
Bill Bennett made the announcement on Tuesday. The minister hinted that this initial investment is just the start, and there may be more to come. The first stage of the development plan includes investments from, Joy Global, Schickedanz West, Teck, BC Hydro and Noort Investments. Jude Smith, Business Development Liaison at the
District of Sparwood, said he hoped this investment would act as a springboard to attract a wider mix of quality retail and restaurants to Sparwood. “Hopefully people will want to spend their time and money in Sparwood,” he said. “This investment will bring in employment opportunities and help the economy. It’s a big step
forward and will be the catalyst for more.” The first thing that will happen will be the renovation of Greenwood Mall. Noort Investments, owners of the mall, has committed $500,000 to the redesign and development of the mall including new frontages, parking area development and internal improvements. The biggest investment
will be from Joy Global, who are investing $35 million in a flagship corporate facility. Joy Global is a worldwide leader in high-productivity mining solutions and is a key supplier to Teck. Speaking of the investment, Steve Droste, Regional Manager, Western Operations at Joy Global said, “This new facility is the next step in Continued on page 7
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