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Thursday, November 21, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

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Crowsnest Pass remembers

By Joni MacFarlane Editor A moving, emotional tribute was paid to honour the men and women who served their country both in times of conflict and in peace-time.

On Monday, Nov. 11, Crowsnest Pass held its annual community Remembrance Day ceremony led by Piper Bill Plant. A Parade of Colours, the Canadian and American National Anthems, Last Post, two minutes of silence and reveille were followed by an invocation by Rev. Nicky Keyworth and Special Address by Warrant Officer Charles Gresln.

“The Pass looks after its veterans, “said Gresln.

“I’ve attended many ceremonies and there’s none nicer than in Crowsnest Pass.”

An address by American Legion national Executive Committeeman Mervin Gunderson was followed by a short speech by Mayor Blair Painter.

Referring to the service men and women in the military, Mayor Painter, said he was “humbled by their sacrifices”.

After the community service, there was a short commemoration at the Coleman Legion with a moving tribute to the lost soldier.

Services were also held in the afternoon at the Blairmore Legion Branch #7 at the cenotaph moved from the organization’s former location, and ended at Bellevue Legion, Branch #19.

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Isabelle Sellon School Grade 6 students Sydney Haslam and Dylan Cleverly paid tribute to Canada’s military in honour of Remembrance Day on Friday, Nov. 8. The special ceremony included poems, songs, and a Laying of the Wreaths by students.

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Constable Melanie Sokoloski of the Crowsnest Pass Detachment laid a wreath on behalf of the RCMP at the Remembrance Day ceremonies on Nov. 11 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Blairmore Branch #7.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

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Crowsnest Pass Mayor Blair Painter gave a brief speech at the Community Remembrance Day Service at CrowsLance Roche leads the Parade of Colours at the 2013 Remembrance nest Consolidated High Day Services at the Royal Canadian Legion, Bellevue Branch #19 on Nov. School on Nov. 11.

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Piper Bill Plant closes the Crowsnest Pass Community Remembrance Day Service marching off the Colours. The ceremonies included a moving tribute to the service men and women who have fought for their country.

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CAO reports to council

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

At the Nov. 5 council meeting, Chief Administrative Officer, Myron Thompson, gave his first briefing on activities administration has been working on in recent months.

First, said Thompson, the municipality was approached by the DimeStore Fisherman show about featuring the Crowsnest Pass as a fishing destination in an upcoming episode.

This is one of the longest Alberta-produced television shows and is seen on many channels across Canada, he said, including several major stations. Travel Alberta promotes and provides funding for the show.

“They not only do a fishing show but they really include a lot of information about things that are going on in the community, events, highlights, things like that,” said Thompson.

“It’s real good promotion for the municipality.”

The filming would take place over nine to 10 days. More details will be brought to council as the proposal continues, Thompson added.

RC Strategies, the consultant service conducting the Recreation and Facilities Feasibility Study, was in the Pass to interview stakeholders and staff members and to tour the facilities, said Thompson. He added that there was a good response to the survey that will provide invaluable information.

Thompson told council that the Emergency Management Plan was in the final stages of update and it was critical that

information be gathered from operations people in the field who have worked through events such as the flooding incident in June.

A Train the Trainer program overview was provided to staff and a work order system will be introduced over the next two months with full implementation by the beginning of 2014.

“This will give us a true cost accounting for various functions within operations and will be a good work plan tool as well,” said Thompson.

A Joint Union Management meeting was held with the majority of discussion around implementation of action items relative to the Workplace Assessment, Thompson told council.

The Frank Waste Water Treatment Plant design will be completed by end of November and a grant application has been made for the Sentinel Water Treatment Plan upgrades.

A review of the municipal 10-year capital infrastructure improvement plan is underway and will be presented during 2014 budget discussions.

The Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery-Centennial Enhancement Project was awarded $10,000 from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.

The mixing of winter sand and salt is near completion.

Mixed winter sand will be distributed to public works facilities and crushed gravel will be hauled to the Passburg Pit for maintenance purposes.

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Thursday, November 21, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

Opinion

Phone: 250-509-0177 Email: publisher@cnpfreepress.ca For news tips, community, sporting and other events, please contact Joni MacFarlane at 403-563-7725 or email: joni.macfar@gmail.com

The Rob Ford Reality Show

Like every journalist around the world, I can’t resist the temptation to write about Toronto’s mayor-in-name-only Rob Ford. From Belarus to Brazil, newspaper scribes, TV talk shows, and workplace water coolers are abuzz with the dirty daily detritus that are now the chambers of Toronto city hall.

As each new day unfolds, another juicy storyline more riveting than the day before attracts our attention like flies on a sticky strip. The layers are intricate, complex and so deliciously irresistible.

First, of course there were the admissions about drug use during his term in office, followed by a corresponding series of apologies and a stunningly tasteless string of lewd language during a press conference.

There were the unfounded allegations from former staffers saying they saw Mayor Ford intoxicated at City Hall and other official city events, that they were asked frequently to buy alcohol for him, that he often drove while drunk, that he’d used cocaine, that he was seen with a prostitute, and that he’d suggested something of a sexual nature to a former female staff member.

None of these allegations have been proven and Ford dismissed them all, vowing to sue everyone and anyone who would dare to say such a thing. Sure he smoked crack, but drinking and driving? How dare they?

Then there’s the spectacle at City Hall. Last week, councillors voted overwhelmingly to restrict his powers as mayor. More motions were discussed this week to peel away Ford’s powers, rendering him a virtual figurehead

whose influence would be limited to a single vote. As at tributing to it. press time, this latest move hadn’t been confirmed.

What holds us in its grip and why the story fascinates is And of course, again, legal action is threatened against because Ford’s not following the script. the city and each and every council member who voted You know the one – celebrity finally gets caught, conagainst him. fesses their sins, says their sorry (the wife standing stoiA “modern day coup d’état” was how Ford’s brother, cally behind their man), goes into rehab shameful and Councillor Doug Ford, described it – a comparison stun- repentant, and emerges, redeemed and fully cleansed. ningly offensive to a good many Canadians who have Ford instead, just says no. He won’t go away. No matter fled to this country after experiencing a real - and usually how bad it gets, he’s clinging to his job like a drowning bloody – overthrow of a government. rat.

Going on the offensive last weekend, Mayor Ford went The Rob Ford Reality Show has become an endless cyon a series of media interviews in an attempt to control cle of sordid behavior, denial, lies, proof, apologies and a the message after his month of scandal-plagued news. vow to carry on. What does it say about us - it’s painful On Fox News on Sunday afternoon, Mayor Ford ad- to watch but still we can’t look away. mitted that, “yes, one day I do want to run for Prime Minister”.

Well that would sure liven up those boring The Crowsnest Pass Free Press welcomes letters to the editor that are of interest to our community. summits and conferences Whatever the subject, there are a few basic guidelines to follow before Crowsnest Pass Free Press will publish your among world leaders, comment. wouldn’t it? Who wants • Letters must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s paper. to talk climate change • One letter per person per month.

• Letters should be typed or neatly written and present the issues as clearly as possible in 350 words or less. and global currencies?

• All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be Let’s get hammered! reached during business hours.

What interests me most • Anonymous letters will not be published and pen names may not be used, except in exceptional circumstances at though is the celebrity the discretion of the editor. status this has given the • The editor reserves the right to edit for length, clarity or reject letters over matters of libel, legality, taste or mayor – and yes, I realize style.

Letters published do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy or belief of this newspaper. by writing this, I’m con-

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Crowsnest Pass

12707, 20 Avenue, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0 • 250-509-0177 Chris Hopkyns, Publisher Email: publisher@cnpfreepress.com

Published weekly each Thursday by The Crowsnest Pass Free Press, a division of Black Press Group Ltd. and distributed throughout the Crowsnest Pass. Free circulation, 1,700.

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Joni MacFarlane

REPORTER/EDITOR

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Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 21, 2013

Council gets first look at books

By Joni MacFarlane Editor Council members were presented with a detailed look at the municipality’s financial position on Nov. 5 with a presentation from the Director of Finance & Corporate Services.

Marion Vanoni presented financial reports for the period ending Oct. 30 with transactions compared to the approved 2013 budget.

First, said Vanoni, a positive cash ratio exists with current assets in excess of $9.3 million and liabilities of just over $2 million. There are commitments for reserves, deferred revenues of $3.1 million based on grants, employee benefits totaling $7.3 million, and an annual debt payment of $482,661.

Currently, debt is $1.1 million and reserves are $1.8 million.

“Currently we are sitting at a cumulative surplus position and I intend to see that until year end. We are expecting a very small surplus, somewhere around where we budgeted for, around $18,000,” said Vanoni.

Capital projects so far this year are $971,336 - far below the budget of $6.2 million, said Vanoni.

This is due to a delay by the provincial government to upgrade the Sentinel Bridge and the 6th Street Hillcrest Bridge. Another $1.5 million budgeted for Culture and Recreation Heritage initiatives is also still to be allocated pending results from the Recreation Feasibility Study, said Vanoni.

Reserves projected to year-end are $1.7 million and currently sit at $1.9 million. At the start of the year, they were $1.7 million.

Of note, she said, was the deferral of $100,000 to the Crowsnest Pass Senior Housing Authority for upgrades to York Creek Lodge, a moratorium on offsite levies, and lower than expected sales of municipal land.

Vanoni told council that the municipality has a debt ceiling of $17 million so fund could be borrowed to honour the commitment to Senior Housing so council could assist that organization.

“There are some options that we will be talking to you about during budget deliberations,” she said.

A mill rate stabilization reserve set up in conjunction with the triennial budget is at $555,041, said Vanoni, and $350,000 will go towards the Crowsnest Centre demolition. Another $50,000 will be taken from land sales to fund the demolition, she added.

“Once the land is sold, these two reserves will be bolstered back up,” she said. “The balance of that demolition is coming out of grant revenue.”

Vanoni explained that Crowsnest Pass is one of five municipal electrical suppliers in Alberta.

The electrical department reserve was established to enhance the capital infrastructure and is currently sitting at $531,404.

Last, a summary of operating programs was presented that shows 22 per cent of the 2013 budget remains for the last two months of the year.

Help lift the Pass

By Joni MacFarlane Editor Residents of Crowsnest Pass know we have a gem in our backyard with the Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill. Now we have an opportunity to grow that gem so others will know it too!

The Pass Powderkeg

Ski Hill is in the third and final round to qualify for a grant worth up to $300,000 towards a quad chair lift.

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by Aviva Insurance who is giving away $1 million to ideas that will help create posi-

tive change in their communities.

Residents can vote daily in the qualifying round (up to Nov. 25) in order to send the Pass Powderkeg to the top 10 in the category and advance as a finalist.

Once you click on the link below you will

receive 15 votes automatically. After that, you’re asked to vote every day to show your support for this amazing opportunity for Crowsnest Pass.

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Semi-finals run from Dec. 2 to 11.

Gushul artist connects with community

By Joni MacFarlane Editor Budding and advanced artists have an opportunity to learn an interesting medium and meet a talented Aboriginal artist at the Gushul Studio in Blairmore this month.

Tracey-Mae Chambers is the current artist-inresidence who is busy working on a new exhibition called “about eve” using encaustic – a technique using heated beeswax.

The exhibit focuses on how contact with Europeans affected the social structures of women and children in First Nations communities.

Working on both three-dimensional structure and paintings, Chamber uses encaustic painting – a mixture of melted beeswax, paint and Washi, a Japanese paper.

“I’m approaching it from an artistic perspective examining the change between being a grandmother-driven culture to a patriarchal society based on the European model,” said Chambers.

As well as sculptures and 32 paintings, Chamber constructed a nine-foot canoe crafted from Washi, fur, leather and other natural elements such as birch bark strips. She worked with designer Linda Lundstrom on the project to learn how to sew in such a mosaic of mediums.

Admitting to an affection for fashion, Chambers is also working on other installations that draw on

fashion and how First Nations women were impacted by European design.

“Linda [Lundstrom] has been invaluable to me,” she added.

Chambers is also passionate about working with the encaustic technique.

Not only does she love the smell of beeswax and how it permeates surfaces, she said the medium has great longevity and is one of the oldest forms of mediums in human history.

She said she chose Crowsnest Pass for the name of the community (she admitted to an affinity for crows) and applied to Gushul’s to immerse herself in work in preparation for her exhibition.

“It’s a great place to separate myself for creating,” she said. “A great physical space to work in, free of distractions.”

However, while at Gushul, Chambers believes its also important to connect with the community and offer her talents as an artist to others. She has been holding workshops in abstract art, encaustic painting and dream catchers throughout the month of November.

Chambers said people in the Crowsnest Pass have been very helpful towards her and she’s encouraged by the positive reception.

If you are interested in registering for a workshop, call 403-563-3955 or for more information on Chambers, visit www.tracey-mae.com.

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Christmas

Councillor Marlene Anctil was an exceptionally good sport by offering to conduct the official town light up ceremony. The ceremony, in Gazebo Park on Nov. 15, entailed being hoisted up more than 20 feet in the air to place the top decoration on the tree.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Servus Credit Union’s Financial Wizard Teck’s delighted and amazed parade watchers at the annual Christmas Parade in Crowsnest Pass on Nov. 16.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Thursday, November 21, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

in

Even the animals were dressed for blustery winter weather at the Christmas Parade in Crowsnest Pass on Nov. 16.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Coalminers from the Bellevue Underground Mine float gave out candy-canes along the parade route at the annual Christmas Parade in Crowsnest Pass on Nov. 16.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Mountains

Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 21, 2013

the

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Teck’s Jurassic Park-themed float depicting the creation of coal was a big hit with the crowd at the Christmas Parade in Crowsnest Pass on Nov. 16.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Nicholle Auger of Elkford’s Lovely Tutu’s, displayed a colourful variety of creative wares at the 15th Annual Christmas market hosted by the Crowsnest Pass Royal Purple Lodge #159 on Nov. 15 and 16 as part of Christmas in the Mountains.

Photo by J. MacFarlane Christmas in the Mountains kicked off on Nov. 14 with the delicious, Art of Chocolate, at the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery. Participants enjoyed wine and chocolate-themed desserts while supporting the arts.

Submitted photo

Santa paid a surprise visit to two little boys after the Christmas Parade on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Cayleigh Braun was first up for a special visit with Santa after the Christmas Parade on Saturday, Nov. 16. Dozens of children waited with their parents for a chance to tell Santa what’s on their wish list for Christmas this year.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

As part of Christmas in the Mountains, Riversdale Resources held an open house on Nov. 15. Peter Murray, Operations Manager (left), Marcos Axelson, Geologist, (middle) and Morgan Tanner, a consultant with the project were on hand to provide information about the company’s Grassy Mountain Mine.

Missing from photo was Bridget Buckle, Accounting/ Office Manager.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Spry on Main Street, Blairmore was busy with late-night shoppers on Nov. 15 as retailers Holy Trinity Catholic Parish held its first Annual Tea and Fashion Show featuring Bonnie’s participated in Christmas in the Mountains. Volunteers with CNP Indoor Playground were Fashions and Work & Play on Sunday, Nov. 17 as part of Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Comon hand for gift wrapping services. merce’s Christmas in the Mountains.

Photo by J. MacFarlane Photo by J. MacFarlane

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Thursday, November 21, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

Crowsnest Pass gives large

By Joni MacFarlane Editor She’s only six years old, but she’s already endured more than most people do in a lifetime. Claira Murray, a Grade 1 student at Horace Allen School, was diagnosed with a large mass on her esophagus earlier this year. Since then, she’s been in and out of hospital while friends at home rallied together.

Claira’s Recovery Craft/Bake Sale Fundraiser, held on Nov. 9 at the Hillcrest Fish & Game Club, was a smashing success and proved – once again – that the people of Crowsnest Pass have enormous hearts.

Organized by friends of the Murray family, Danielle Harris, Melissa Hvizdos Danielle Harris (right), one of the organizers of the fundraiser for Claira Murray, said and Kat Williams, over $9,000 was raised the response from the community was overwhelming. Claira’s Recovery Craft/Bake to help the family with expenses incurred Sale raised over $9,000 to assist the Murray family with expenses incurred by their by their ordeal.

Starting from a small idea, the event daughter’s medical issues.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

grew as more people and businesses became involved, said Harris. “We were really surprised and overwhelmed by the support,” she said. “When we heard about what the family was going through, it really hit hard.”

Tracy Murray, Claira’s mom, said they were first alerted to a problem around the end of the school year when Claira complained of being tired all the time. A chest x-ray showed a large mass on her esophagus, behind her lungs and below her heart.

In September, surgery was performed to remove it but they found the mass had grown into the wall of the esophagus.

Tracy said they couldn’t remove it all because it would have left a hole in the esophagus that would’ve caused it to collapse. A softball-sized mass was removed and they thought the worst was over.

“Doctors said it was a very unknown case,” said Tracy. “They hadn’t seen one like it in 10 years.”

After a three-week stay in hospital, Claira came home but had to be fed an expensive formula with a tube that went straight into the intestines. After a week, Tracy said, the tube became plugged and they returned to the hospital.

This back and forth routine continued for some time until doctors discovered that a pouch formed on the esophagus after surgery had developed a hole resulting in a massive infection.

Now on heavy doses of antibiotics, Claira is awaiting the date for a second surgery – this one to close up the hole in the esophagus.

In addition, Tracy said, doctors also diagnosed Claira with a mild case of cerebral palsy.

Tracy relayed the information matter-of-factly but admitted the ordeal has been exhausting. With three other children at home – ages 11, nine and four - Tracy’s husband Brad and she have often had to rely on family and friends.

She said Claira is very easy-going and rarely cries but is looking forward to eating real food again.

“We’re optimistic that the surgery will fix the problem. Hopefully we’ll have a normal Christmas and Claira will be eating again,” she said. “You have to have a positive attitude. [Kids] sense that from you.”

Funds raised from the Hillcrest event will be used for Tracy’s accommodation, gas back and forth to Calgary, hospital parking and Claira’s special formula.

“I want to send a big thank you out to everyone that contributed. We really appreciate it,” Tracy said. “I love the Pass. We’ve only lived there threeand-a-half years but it feels like home.”

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Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 21, 2013

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MP candidate declared

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

With the announcement last week from Conservative MP and Minister of State for Finance Ted Menzies that he was leaving politics ahead of the next election, an early candidate has thrown her hat into the ring.

First out of the gate was High River resident Melissa Mathieson who worked with Menzies over the years and has been actively involved in politics since childhood.

Despite her youth, Mathieson said it doesn’t mean she’s inexperienced.

“I started getting involved in politics at 11, knocking on doors and licking envelopes,” she said. “I was working with Ted (Menzies) when I was 13 and volunteered at constituency and policy conventions for over a decade.”

An unabashed admirer of Menzies, Mathieson said he’s so well-known and respected, she’s very lucky to have worked with him.

She said she admires his ability to listen to his constituents and the inexhaustible energy that takes him across the large riding of Macleod.

“I know I’m not what you’re used

High River resident Melissa Mathieson declared her intention to run for the Conservative Party in the Macleod riding following Ted Menzies retirement announcement.

Submitted photo to, but what makes me different is my stint in Ottawa working with Ted, the Department of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office,” said Mathieson. “I know the big players and I can hit the ground running.”

Born and bred in High River, Mathieson said she’s passionate about the Macleod riding, describing it as “bedrock of fiscal conservatism”. As such, it’s a desirable riding for Conservatives to run in for a federal seat.

Asked why she wants to start her political career at the federal level, Mathieson admitted that’s where her heart is after working in Ottawa with Menzies.

She also believes it’s important for the Conservative Party to renew itself with younger candidates who are passionate and strong about their role.

“Our job is to listen to the constituents and listen to their concerns,” she said. “My youth is a huge advantage.

I know the players and the system like the back of my hand… I was lucky to work with Ted and learn from him.”

When an MP leaves the position ahead of an election, a by-election must be held within 180 days. The Conservative Party of Canada will hold a nomination to elect their candidate for the riding. A federal election is set for 2015.

For more information on Mathieson, visit www.electmathieson.ca.

MP Ted Menzies retires

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

Surprising his supporters, Tory MP and Minister of State for Finance Ted Menzies announced he was leaving politics ahead of the next election.

Although Menzies announced last July that he wouldn’t run in the 2015 election, many expected he would stay on until then.

Menzies, who represents the Macleod riding, one that was hit heavily by the June flooding incident, said at the time of announcing his retirement that the devastation of Higher River and other communities, led him to decide it was more important for him to be there than in Ottawa.

In his announcement, Menzies said, “the time has come for me to move on”. Although retiring from politics, he “look[s] forward to another exciting career ahead”.

As of Jan. 1, Menzies will take on the role of President and CEO of CropLife Canada, an industry association representing companies that develop, manufacture and distribute pest control products and plant biotechnology.

“As a farmer, I have always been interested in how technology can improve operations. I saw firsthand the role that pesticides and plant biotechnology play in increasing yields and helping improve the farm environment. I know how important these technologies are for farmers and that’s a very big part of why I am so excited about this next phase in my career,” said Menzies.

Chamber lunch highlights developmental assets

By Joni MacFarlane Editor Business owners in Crowsnest Pass were encouraged to support and encourage youth in the community and to foster developmental assets through their business.

At the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at the Highwood Hotel on Wednesday, Nov. 13, Kim Lewis and Michael Mertz provided an overview of 40 Developmental Assets, a philosophy that speaks to the relationships, opportunities and qualities that youth need.

Lewis and Mertz highlighted a research study conducted by the Search Institute that identified 40 positive experiences and qualities that everyone has the power to bring to children and youth.

“It’s a philosophy, or a lens, at which to look at children and youth… and it happens through strong positive relationships,” said Lewis.

Search Institute has been studying the effects that developmental assets have on youth since 1989, she said. Millions of surveys have been conducted on youth in Canada and the U.S. with the same results.

“All young people have assets, but too many youth have too few,” said Lewis. “All

children and youth need assets. The more they have, the more successful they’ll be.”

Relationships are the key to building assets, she added, and the message should be consistent, intentional and repetitive.

Lewis said the focus has shifted from fixing young people’s problems to promoting their strengths, from seeing youth as

Kim Lewis, with Michael Mertz, were guest speakers at the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce lunch on Nov. 13. Their presentation on 40 Developmental Assets provided an overview of a philosophy that seeks to improve relationships, opportunities and qualities for youth.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

problems to seeing them as resources, and from offering programs to building relationships.

In June, 270 students in Crowsnest Pass from Grades 4 through 12 were surveyed and completed a 160-question survey.

Mertz said that the more assets youth reported having, the better their health and the more successful they were in school. Conversely, those with fewer assets fared worse at school and experienced poorer health.

From Grade 4 up, the gap in assets dropped steadily. It spiked again at Grade 12 but this was because of dropout rates after Grade 11, said Mertz.

He also reported that survey results were very consistent in over a million youth and that gender made no difference.

Mertz also said there was a large gap between what adults said were important values and what they actually did to encourage those values.

Lastly, Chamber members were encouraged to make their business a welcoming place for youth, to offer internships or hire them, and to show youth that their talents and aspirations are respected.

A plea was made to get youth involved in local activities such as sports, clubs or organizations either at school or in the community.

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Thursday, November 21, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

Community Calendar

NOVEMBER 26 – Michele Montgomery will be speaking to parents/community on adolescent media awareness, bullying prevention, and building a safe and happy family. Michele Montgomery is the Regional Prevention of Family Violence & Bullying Coordinator for Southwest Alberta CFSA. This workshop is organized by the CNP Parent Link Centre’s PASS Program supporting teens and their families. All are welcome to this free workshop held at the Crowsnest Consolidated High School, Library (2nd) floor from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Register by calling Karen Manzer, PASS Program Facilitator at 403-563-0540 or email PASS@cnpparentlink. com. Free childcare available if requested by Nov. 18.

DECEMBER 7 – In partnership with Mountain Radio and Bridge City Chrysler, Crowsnest Pass Food Bank presents PACK THE PICKUP from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sobey’s parking lot.

Cash, non-perishable and perishable foods will be accepted (no meat please).

DECEMBER 10 – The CP Holiday Train will be providing live entertainment with Matt Dusk in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the CP Holiday Train at 1:15 p.m., south of 17th Avenue between 69th & 70th Streets, Coleman. The Crowsnest Pass Food Bank will be accepting cash and non-perishable donations.

Community Calendar submissions

This is a free service offered to provide visitors and residents with information about events organized by non-profit groups in the Crowsnest Pass.

Events must be received by 4 p.m.

Thursday for the following week’s paper and must be submitted via email. They must contain the name and phone number of the organization and kept as brief as possible.

Please tell us about your upcoming events by emailing the editor at joni.macfar@gmail.com

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Crowsnest Pass

BCMI rebuild nears completion

Crews work to finish and enclose the upper floor of the BCMI in Blairmore. An elevator is also being installed to reach the second floor.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

By Joni MacFarlane Editor Power tools whirl, crews unload gallon after gallon of paint and a steady buzz of work envelopes the building, both inside and out, as the massive reconstruction continues on one of the community’s largest hotels.

The Best Canadian Motor Inn (BCMI) was devastated by a fire in November 2011 and the remains of the

building on 21st Avenue in Blairmore sat vacant for over a year as detailed renovation and expansion plans were completed.

Today, the remarkable transformation is on the downhill slide as crews work to finish enclosing the second floor and continue interior finishing work on the main floor.

Project Manager Kevin Cox with Belfor Property Restoration said once the project

is finished, it will be a fresh new building.

BCMI announced in early April that the facility would be rebuilt and will include 49 completely renovated modern rooms, fitness room, laundry facilities, deluxe continental breakfast area and business center.

A conference centre to accommodate about 75 people is being built as well as an elevator to the second floor.

There are eight double suites and several with kitchenettes, said Cox. The reconstruction also includes a lounge with patio off the main lobby that BCMI will sub-lease.

Before reconstruction could begin, a two-stage demolition took place. First, all the contents had to be removed and identified. Due to extensive smoke damage, very little was salvaged.

As well 28 rooms on

the north side of the building contained asbestos that had to be removed.

Everything taken out of the rooms was bagged, sprayed and taken to a special landfill site, said Cox. Afterwards, all that remained was the shell when everything was gutted down to the studs. All new wiring, plumbing, insulation, walls, water and heating systems had to be installed.

Cox said the project has employed anywhere from 20 to 40 people at a time with most of the workers and subtrades supplied locally.

The only exceptions, he added, were the elevator shaft and the torchon roofing, a flat roof application.

Cox said work has been progressing well with only one delay caused by engineering. The new hotel is expected to be completed and open for business at the end of May 2014.

New director takes the helm

By Joni MacFarlane Editor With a firm background in municipal recreation and facility management, the new Director of Protective and Community Services hopes his knowledge and experience will help contribute to the success of the Crowsnest Pass.

Lyle Hannan took over the position on Nov. 4 after a career spanning a broad variety of communities throughout western Canada and the north.

An avid athlete in his youth, Hannan said he was very involved in baseball, rugby and hockey and was looking towards scholarships to pursue his athletic career when a sports injury sidelined his ambitions.

The injury changed his plans and he instead began to study kinesiology at the University of Victoria. As courses overlapped with those involving the philosophy of sports and why recreation was important to communities, Hannan said he found himself drawn to focus in that direction.

He switched to study Leisure Services Administration, a blend between public service and recreation that more closely resembled his interests.

Hannan said as a youth growing up with a focus on sports and recreation, he understands that providing quality facilities and community events lead to a happy and healthy community.

“It put words to how I felt about it,” he said. “It matched my philosophy and took advantage of the things I grew up with.”

Employed in the public service, Hannan has worked in numerous communities ranging in size and population, including Swan River, Manitoba, Norman Wells, NWT, Cold Lake, Morinville, Grande Cache, and Hay River, NWT. In two of these communities, Hannan said, he was involved in multi-million dollar recreation projects, including management of a new high school campus and recreation centre, as well as a recreation centre expansion and aquatic centre addition.

Every community had a parks and recreation component, he said, and often combined tourism, family and social services, with protective services.

Hannan said he’s always loved the mountains and envisioned working again in that landscape. Still very much interested in sports, he’s an avid golfer in summer and downhill skier in winter. He’s also open to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, playing slo-pitch and rugby, and refereeing hockey.

He said he likes the location and size of the Crowsnest Pass as well as the challenge and diversity of his position.

Hannan said he will be working closely with the Manager of Protective Services who will provide the direction and oversight for the department.

“I’ll be relying on him for that,” said Hannan, “and together we’ll work on the strategic direction.”

With only a few days under his belt, Hannan said he’s looking forward to getting council’s vision for the future.

“It’s a brand new council and we haven’t had an opportunity to look at the strategic plan,” he said.

As council sets its mandate, Hannan said discussions will have to take place on issues such as how recreation ties into council’s plan for economic development, what the community’s focus is, how much investment does the community want to put into recreational facilities, trail building, or culture and heritage, and if it’s determined to put certain things in place, how financially feasible are they.

“Our focus is to work with council to set the direction for the next four years and to build relationships with community groups so they’re involved and informed,” he said. “There are so many wonderful assets to work with here.”

Hannan said his focus right now is to review documents, talk to stakeholders and understand the background of his portfolio so he can better advise council.

“I want to have a positive impact on the community,” said Hannan. “I’m just excited to meet everyone and get at it. I’m sure there’s no shortage of interesting times ahead.”

Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 21, 2013

11

Police briefs

By Joni MacFarlane Editor Between Nov. 6 and Nov. 13, Crowsnest Pass RCMP responded to 43 calls for service. They included: Assaults: 2 Mischief: 2 Theft of MV: 1 Thefts: 3 Impaired Driving: 1 Disturbing Peace: 2 Driving Complaints: 4 MV Collisions: 8 Suspicious Occurrences: 2 Assistance to General Public: 5 Assistance to Other Agencies: 5 False Alarms: 5 Animal Calls: 1 Municipal Bylaws: 2 Prisoners Held: 1 On Nov. 7, police received a complaint of theft of a licence plate from a parked vehicle on 122 St. Blairmore. The theft occurred sometime overnight.

On Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., police received a complaint of a possible impaired driver in Coleman. The vehicle and driver were located and a 44-yearold female from Coleman was charged with impaired driving and breach of conditions. She was remanded into custody, appeared in court on Nov. 12 and a court date was set over to Nov. 19 in Pincher Creek.

On Nov. 9, Red Deer police arrested a 39-yearold male from Red Deer on outstanding warrants as the result of a complaint of theft from a store in Blairmore on June 1. The subject was remanded into custody and appeared via closed circuit TV in Pincher Creek court on Nov. 12. It was set over to Nov. 18 in Lethbridge court.

On Nov. 10 at 3 a.m., police received a complaint from a 28-year-old male from Crowsnest Pass that he had been assaulted while at a Bellevue tavern by an unidentified male approximately half-an-hour earlier. An investigation by police failed to identify the assailant.

On Nov. 10 at 1 a.m., police received a complaint of loud music from a Coleman residence.

Police attended and advised the occupants to turn down the music. No charges were laid.

On Nov. 10, police received a complaint of theft of meat from a freezer at a Coleman restaurant. The suspect has been identified and the matter is under investigation.

On Nov. 12, police received a complaint that the rear driver’s door had been kicked while parked on 21st Ave. Frank. The damage occurred sometime overnight.

On Nov. 13, police received a complaint of theft of a motorcycle from a residence located on 117 St. Blairmore sometime over the past month. Reported stolen was a green 1998 Kawasaki KX60.

Registered Level II Dental Assistant We require an energetic Registered Level II Dental Assistant at Crowsnest Dental.

This position will commence immediately. This will be a part-time position with the potential to become a full time opportunity in the future.

You must be proficient in all expanded Level II chair-side duties. You must be able to work closely in a Team and be confident working independently.

Exceptional patient relations are a must as you will be sharing dental education with your patients.

We offer competitive wages and continuing education opportunities.

Please forward resume to: RDAII/ Crowsnest Dental c/o Cheryl Oczkowski cheryloczkowski@abledentalgroup.com or fax: 403-562-2211 Please note only those successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Thank you.

Servus Credit Union, in partnership with Parent Link, holds financial literacy workshops at Horace Allen School. The sessions focus on financial literacy for young families covering topics such as budgeting, buying a home, debt, credit ratings, fraud and other financial basics.

Joanne Secretan and Branch Manager Tyler Hope are conducting the free sessions which are open to everyone.

Photo J. MacFarlane

The Food Bank Needs Your Help!

Please drop off your donations at our location on 20th Avenue

Helen Wasnock and Clarence Morrow, help York Creek Lodge host their 4th annual Coffee Break fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society on Friday, Nov. 8. In the first year, $64 was raised and they continue to beat their previous year. In 2012, the Lodge raised $251 and so far this year they’re well on their way to beating their record. A 50/50 draw and a Coffee Bean Count Contest sweetened the pot for those donating to this worthwhile organization. The top closest guesses will receive a prize with winners announced on Nov. 29.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Mon. & Wed., 5-7 pm., Thurs. 11am-2pm (closed Tues.)

(403)564-5110

Thank you for your support

12

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Open 7 days a week • 403-627-3717 • Ranchland Mall • yOuR lOcally Owned advantage