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NOVEMBER 27, 2013
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Vol. 61, Issue 230
Proudly serving Cranbrook and area since 1951
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Construction values still down for quarter A R N E P E T RYS H E N Townsman Staff
Construction is down in Cranbrook when compared to the same third quarter period last year, according to the city’s latest building
permit summary. In 2013 the third quarter total for construction value was $6 million, down from 2012 figures of $7.1 million. Staff presents the summary every three months
and it gives an idea of what is going on construction wise in the community. “They’re a little less than last year,” said CAO Wayne Staudt. “I think these things go in cycles, but generally
are down for the quarter in the third quarter compared to last year and our numbers are also down here to date.” While residential and sign construction is up for the quarter, commercial, in-
dustrial and institutional construction are all down. In terms of residential construction, third quarter values were $4.3 million, up from $2.6 million for the same period last year. The year-to-date construction value is $8.8 million in 2013, compared to $9.7 in 2012. Commercial construction dropped to $1.6 million, from $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2012. The year to date value was almost half last year’s at $5.3 million in 2013, versus $10.4 million in 2012. Industrial figures are down this year with year-to-
date values of $262,165 this year compared to $4.6 million last year. Institutional construction was also down for the year at $95,900 this year compared to $618,292 at this time last year. Sign construction value was up compared to last year, at $213,392 in 2013, compared to $176,447 in the same period last year. “I think we all know that the economy is still struggling and we’re all trying to find ways to improve the economy,” CAO Staudt said. “As long as we’re collectively trying to find ways to improve the economy that’s the best we can do.”
Bennett announces Hydro increases over 10-year period Rates going up 28% over five years B A R RY CO U LT E R
ARNE PETRYSHEN PHOTO
On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Matthew Burr was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Medal. The medal recognizes outstanding scholarly achievements of students in Canada. Burr graduated in 2013. Above Burr, left, receives the medal beside Mount Baker Secondary principal Jason Tichauer inside the It’s An Honour travelling exhibit. Burr said the award gives him motivation to keep striving in his studies. He plans to pursue mathematics at the University of Alberta.
The uncertainty over predicted BC Hydro rate increases has come to an end. The Government of B.C. and BC Hydro have come up with a plan, striking a balance between trying to keep a handle on electricity rate increases while freeing up money for BC Hydro to make repairs to aging facilities and create new generation. The provincial govern-
ment on Tuesday announced a new 10-yearplan designed to keep electricity rates as low as possible while BC Hydro makes investments in assets and new infrastructure. Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review and MLA for Kootenay East, made the announcement Tuesday in Victoria.
See RATE, Page 4
Railways ordered to declare dangerous goods New federal regulations mean CPR will have to tell East Kootenay communities what it is carrying on local tracks SALLY MACDONALD Townsman Staff
Canadian Pacific will have to declare to the City of Cranbrook what dangerous goods pass through the city under new federal regulations announced last week. Announced on Wednes-
day, Nov. 20, the regulations require railway companies to give municipalities a list every three months of the dangerous goods that have passed through the community, including the nature and volume of the goods. Each day, sixteen trains
pass through Cranbrook, but until now Canadian Pacific has resisted specifically stating what goods are in those trains, saying that it is for public safety reasons. However, in 2012 Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services participated in a
three-day training exercise with CP Rail where they talked about the different products passing through town. Now municipalities will be given that information. The change comes after pressure on Transport Canada after the tragedy in
Lac-Megantic, Quebec, in July, where a 74-car freight train carrying crude oil derailed in the centre of the town, killing 47 people. “Local governments and first responders are the front line in keeping our communities safe, and we are ensur-
ing they have the information they need about the dangerous goods being transported in their communities,”said Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
See NEW, Page 3