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Departing and newly elected Directors for the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce celebrated a successful year and looked forward to 2014 at the organization’s Annual General Meeting on Nov. 7. Back row (L-R): Manager, Cathy Ward, Kathy Gilmour, Brian Gallant, Patrick Sager, Chris Hopkyns, Lisa Lockhart and John Redekopp. Front row (L-R): Dawn Rigby, Janis Entem and Pam Vamplew. Missing is Sharon Marthaller. See page 6 for more.

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By Joni MacFarlane Editor The final round of public consultation is taking place on a long-awaited plan to manage land use in southern Alberta as the province tries to find a balance between numerous competing interests.

Stakeholder and public sessions held in Crowsnest Pass on Nov. 5 were well attended with govern-

ment and industry representatives as well as outdoor recreationists, conservationists and others interested in the province’s controversial plan.

The South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) is a plan that will govern land usage by the public, industry and government for decades to come. It is the second regional pan to be developed by the province and comprises 1.6 million peo-

ple or 45 per cent of Alberta’s population.

The region includes the province’s largest city, Calgary, as well as seven First Nations reserves that were established through the Treaty 7 process in 1877.

The plan has been highly criticized by outdoor recreationists who are concerned that a proposal restricting forestry access will have a detrimental effect on the

region’s tourism economy.

On the other side of the debate, some environmentalists say the plan hasn’t gone far enough.

Although the plan designates 44,558 hectares for a new Wildland Provincial Park in the Castle area, it’s a step backward, said Carolyn Aspeslet, Executive Director for the Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition.

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The Alberta government designated the Castle under its Special Places program in 1988 but the area has never received the legal protection other Special Places have.

Aspeslet said the plan is “business as usual” for camping, off-highway vehicles and industry.

“The province has

had over 100,000 messages to protect the Castle, but they’re not listening,” she said.

“We’re hoping for a lot of revisions [to the draft plan].”

The land use plan has been in the works for several years as the province struggles to bring about a longterm framework for development, water conservation, logging, oil & gas exploration, Continued oage page 2

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Municipal CAO resigns

By Joni MacFarlane Editor After two years, the Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has handed in his resignation.

Myron Thompson announced his resignation on Nov. 6 and told The Free Press he’d be leaving shortly before Christmas.

Thompson, who had been employed as the Director of Operations for the municipality, took over as CAO in November 2011.

With his permanent residence in Sylvan Lake, Thompson said the drive back and forth had become tiring and there had been one too many close calls in bad driving conditions.

With the recent change in council, he also said he didn’t like the direction they were going.

“I don’t think it’s a good time for me to be here anymore,” said Thompson.

He said he would return to Sylvan Lake where he would decide on his future.

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Horace Allen students from Grade 1 held a moving tribute in honour of Remembrance Day on Friday, No. 8. The students sang songs about peace and interacted with the executive from Crowsnest Pass branches of the Canadian Royal Legion. A number of students from the school presented Legion representatives with essays on soldiers and the military.

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The third and final round of public consultation was well-attended last week for the province’s draft land use plan that will govern land usage for the South Saskatchewan Region.

Photos by J. MacFarlane Continued from page 1

agriculture, ruralurban planning, and tourism.

An advisory group formed to look at the plan and draft recommendations, provided their Advice to the province in 2011.

Since then, two phases of public consultation were completed. The third and final phase is underway and Crowsnest Pass was the first of several to be held this month throughout southern Alberta.

About 50 people attended the stakeholders’ session on Nov. 5

representing all interests including, ski hill operators, RV and cabin owners, ranchers, recreationists including Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, conservationists including Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition, and government and industry representatives including municipal council, Spray Lakes Sawmills, Riversdale Resources and other resource companies.

Duncan MacDonnell, Public Affairs Officer with Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resource Development, said the public’s level of

engagement and the diversity of issues expressed in the Crowsnest Pass was very impressive.

Concerns crossed a wide spectrum, said MacDonnell, but the main issues revolved around tourism, recreation and the need for industry in the area.

“We kept hearing about the need for economic development, how to draw people to the area,” he said. “It was as much about recreation and wanting to have access to the land. The biggest issues were access management and recreation.”

In addition, MacDonnell said people wanted to know what the rules area and how the plan is going to work – details that have not yet been clearly specified.

However, MacDonnell believes people now understand the intention of the plan and are paying more attention to the fine details such as enforcement and the mechanisms for regulation.

“There is a realization that [the land use plan] can’t be all things to all people,” said MacDonnell.

“Everyone was very concerned about the

future of the community and how tradeoffs will be made… By and large, most people are okay with compromise if their voice has been heard.”

Once the plan has been finalized, it will be presented to Cabinet for approval, which would then become legislation. MacDonnell said this is expected to happen in the spring of 2014.

“It’s obvious there is a huge interest in this community, not just in the plan but in its future,” MacDonnell said. “People here are engaged and now have faith in the process.”

Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 14, 2013

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Drum Creek in Hillcrest is one of several areas damaged by last spring flooding event that is slated to receive provincial funding for repairs.

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Repairs from flooding move slowly

By Joni MacFarlane Editor As the province wrestles with paying for unprecedented damage from last spring’s flooding event, Crowsnest Pass is eligible for money towards restoration of damaged waterways but the actual work may not happen for some time.

Director of Planning, Engineering & Operations Frank Besinger and Jeff Drain of Stantec Engineering told council on Nov. 5 that the municipality can access two available sources of funding totaling over $4 million.

The first is the Disaster Recovery Program for municipalities to assist with uninsurable loss and damage.

The municipality has been approved for $1,380,140.

The second program is the Flood Recovery Erosion Control Program (FRECP) in the amount of $2,878,665.

This is mainly to restore watercourses to mitigate or protect property and infrastructure that are not covered by the first program.

The program pays for

100% of the costs for the first $2 million per project. Fortunately, there are no projects over $2 million, said Drain.

There are 27 known sites that were impacted by the June 20th flooding event, said

more and Drum Creek in Hillcrest.

Backcountry trail system restoration cost estimates have been submitted to the province but work will likely not start until next year, Besinger added.

ing and were critical of the province’s delays in paying for work to begin.

Councillor Dave Filipuzzi questioned whether the logjam at Lyons Creek would be repaired before next spring.

the municipality can access two available sources of funding totaling over $4 million.

Drain, that are under municipal control.

He added that there is a five-year time limit on making application to the province and once a project is closed, no more applications will be accepted. Also, the funds can’t be used to improve a property but can only be used to restore to their preflooding conditions.

Money from the FRECP will be used to restore damage to Lyons Creek in Blair-

Letters of consent to adjacent property owners have been sent out, said Drain, and once they are received, applications will be submitted to the province for evaluation and approval. Tenders for the work will then be prepared and work can begin under the timelines noted in the approvals.

Several council members had harsh words for how the municipality handled the flood-

Besinger responded that the province was looking at burning or blasting it but both options were not under consideration because of issues with fish habitat. A grapple system would likely be used to get the logs out instead.

“It’s really unfortunate that we’re at a point in governance in Canada, in Alberta… that it takes longer to go through the bureaucracy than

it does to do the job,” said Councillor Bill Kovach. “That’s a real sad state of affairs.”

Councillor Marlene Anctil was also critical of the timeline.

“I don’t think Mother Nature threw us a curve because we were told it was going to rain. We know living in the high country how much snow’s up there and how much is coming down when we get a heavy rain,” she said. “Mr. Drain said we may not get anything done until 2014.

Are we just going to hope that [Mother Nature] just doesn’t throw us another curve in between and what are our disaster plans if that should happen?”

Mayor Blair Painter also expressed his frustration. Sentiment at a recent Mayors & Reeves meeting with provincial officials was that flood recovery was going very well in other communities and some were almost completed.

“Here we are sitting at almost five months later and not a piece of equipment has moved to do anything,” he said. “We need to move on this… Let’s get this done.”

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Thursday, November 14, 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

Political scandal

At long last Canadians have a political scandal.

While not quite as juicy as the British brand or as titillating as some found in our neighbour’s closet (think infamous Bill Clinton debacle or more recently Eliot Spitzer call-girl scandal), politicians here at home are typically as bland as an English roast.

And that’s usually just the way we like things. In fact, we often listen to neighbouring shenanigans with a proud smugness, an air of self-satisfaction that smacks clearly of superiority. Usually the kind of satisfaction that comes from those just not having been caught yet.

Even when we do get something with even the faintest whiff of impropriety, it’s still oh, so Canadian. Not for us any wrinkled dresses, midnight rendezvous, or other indiscretions of the heart and loins.

No, Canadian scandals – and even that’s too strong a word – often revolve around money.

Payoffs in brown envelopes (Brian Mulroney and German pal, Karlheinz Schreiber anyone?) - that sort of thing.

So it’s no surprise that the current Ottawa skirmish and resulting media frenzy involves that most staid and respectable of institutions – the Canadian Senate. Ho hum.

And yet, pundits, political commentators, and other news junkies, including yours truly, just can’t get enough. Are we so deprived of real honest-to-goodness scandal, that we’re truly fascinated by fudging expense accounts?

I’m not for a minute suggesting that what these Senators did was right, nor that they shouldn’t be appropriately punished if they are indeed guilty of padding their bottom line. A thorough investigation conducted by the proper authorities should be implemented and everyone connected should be held to account. Including the PM and his office - despite Mr. Harper’s unflinching mantra of deny, deny, deny.

I also don’t believe these three Senators should’ve been turfed without their day in court.

After much huffing and puffing, the Conservative majority in the unelected Senate voted for a two-year suspension without pay as Harper’s office tries to deflect its involvement.

Due process was nowhere to be found. The RCMP should be left to complete their criminal investigation and if the evidence results in charges being laid, so be it.

However, no matter how the Senate affair plays out, it’s amusing purely for its “Canadianess”, its lack of lurid details typical of more worldly scandals. While we here at home wait for the next instalment – did he or didn’t he live in PEI – the rest of the world snickers. I hear them now, chuckling over the water cooler.

“Those Canadians,” they scoff, “getting themselves in a lather over expenses. Hahaha. What’s next, stealing sticky notes from Parliament’s storeroom?”

Really it’s all so embarrassing. Thanks goodness we’ve still got Rob Ford.

Planning to Succeed Financial Focus

By Patrick B. Sager For many years conventional wisdom had suggested that most Canadians were planning to retire early and that many of us wanted to be fully retired by age 55. Since the early 90’s and through to the year 2000 if you had asked your spouse, sibling, friends, neighbor’s or even your dentist at what age they planned to retire the standard answer would have been 55. Remember all the great advertising around “Freedom 55” and enjoying the benefits of a worry free retirement?

Many recent studies suggest that retirement at 55 is somewhat unrealistic for several reasons. The RBC 2011 “Retirement Myths and Realities Poll” paints an interesting picture for those planning on retirement. The poll indicates that 83% of pre-retirees believe they will retire on their expected retirement date of choice, however, 41% of those already retired indicated that their retirement date was unplanned. This would surely indicate that there is a disconnect with what we plan for and what can actually happen. The study pointed out that the top 3 reasons for early retirement were; 18% employer request, 14% health reasons and 6% mandatory retirement age.

These numbers suggest that although we expect to retire when we want to, the reality can be much different.

The RBC Poll also indicates that in the last year 41% of retirees who returned to work did so because they needed the income which is up 9% from 32% in 2010. The number of Canadians retiring debt free also dropped from 61% to 56% over the same time frame.

The numbers are somewhat shocking but not totally surpris-

ing given that the retirement picture will constantly shift as trends and attitudes change over time and as they have since I started in the financial services business in 1976. If you look at the second reason for retirees returning to work (boredom 39%) you get a better understanding of how attitudes influence our decisions about what retirement really means.

I’ve been quoted as saying “financial planning is not an exact science” and believe me it’s not. Just as attitudes and financial trends can influence our retirement plans so can changes to levels of taxation, the reduction of government benefits and our personal health circumstances. The reason why most Canadians don’t realize their retirement goals and objectives is because of the lack of a written financial plan. Less than 25% of Canadians have a formal plan for retirement which explains why some of us are going to get the retirement we are given not the retirement we planned for.

Given the recent changes to the Canada Pension Plan and the likelihood of additional changes being made to Old Age Security in the upcoming Federal Budget wouldn’t it be better to plan for the retirement you dreamed of ? Planning for tomorrow is better than dreaming about yesterday.

Patrick B. Sager CFP, CLU, EPC is a Certified Financial Planner with IPC Investment Corporation in the Crowsnest Pass and specializes in Retirement, Investment and Tax Minimization Strategies. If you have any comments, questions or would like additional information, you can contact Patrick directly at (403)753-0020 or by email at psager@ipcc.org. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of IPC Investment Corporation or The Crowsnest Pass Promoter.

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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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Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 14, 2013

5

Council defer HR position

By Joni MacFarlane Editor An issue highlighted in the recent municipal election was brought to the table by Chief Administrative Officer, Myron Thompson, at last week’s council meeting.

In a recently completed municipal inspection conducted by the province, it was recommended that, “the Municipality hires a part time or full time senior human resources person”.

In addition, the recently completed Workplace Assessment initiated by the union representing municipal staff, also highlighted poor relations between staff and administration.

Twenty-five per cent of the report’s recommendations were dependent upon the position.

At a forum of mayoral candidates prior to the election, Mayor Blair Painter said he believed a dedicated HR person must be hired.

In the past, a Direc-

tor position reporting to the CAO was in place but this position was cut from the organizational structure along with the HR Clerk in 2012, said Thompson.

He recommended council support hiring an HR person reporting directly to the CAO. He suggested the position start as part time for the duration of the year with funding accommodated through the vacant Director of Protective & Community Services position, and change to full time in 2014.

Councillor Bill Kovach suggested that more information was needed before council could make this decision.

“I realize this position is needed. I know we have a lot of problems and I know the union’s on side for the HR position, but my feeling is that at this point in time, we still need to get to our Nov. 19 [council] meeting where we can have a lot of questions answered and… a better

handle on where we’re headed,” he said. “We need to review a lot of things before we can hire somebody else.”

Councillor Dean Ward agreed and asked what the position would cost on a full-time basis.

Thompson said about $65,000 to $70,000 excluding benefits.

“I know the HR problems are pretty significant but we waited a long time and I think another three or four weeks isn’t going to make a lot of difference,” said Councillor Kovach.

He moved to defer the recommendation until more information was reviewed and have it brought back to council on Dec. 3.

In a separate motion put forward by Councillor Ward, it was also agreed that Mayor Blair Painter and Councillor Dave Filipuzzi attend labour management meetings as observers and report back to council.

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Thursday, November 14, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

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Chamber celebrates local business

By Joni MacFarlane Editor Awards honouring the achievements of local businesses were handed out at the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7.

New Business of the Year was awarded to Dream Team Consulting. Owner Lisa Lockhart accepted the award.

Overall Business of the Year for Outstanding Achievement in all areas including customer service and operations was Stone’s Throw Café in Blairmore. Owners Steve and Jessica Atkinson accepted the award.

The newest award added to the roster was Outstanding Customer Service and this was awarded to Fantin’s Funeral Chapel. Darrell Sydora was on hand to proudly accept the award.

Chamber President Janis Entem told members 2013 had been a busy year for the organization with many successes achieved.

The two key revenue generators for the Chamber continue to be the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) and the renamed Lifestyle & Outdoor Adventure Show (formerly known as the Trade Show).

The Chamber was the successful bidder to oversee the VIC for the next four years, Entem added.

Also noteworthy was the completion of the Chamber’s strategic plan, which will be rolled out, early in 2014.

“We needed to know what direction we were going so that

we could assure a sound future for the organization,” said Entem.

In addition, the Chamber forged an improved relationship with municipal council, she said, and two board members sit on the municipality’s new Economic Development Board.

Also successful were 11 lunches – and one breakfast – presenting a variety of speakers and an involved membership.

Looking ahead, the Chamber has revamped Christmas in the Mountains coming up this weekend and the Small Business Christmas party on Nov. 30.

Twenty-six new members joined the organization representing a 25 per cent increase in 2013. However, Entem stressed that they can’t rely on fundraising or the VIC to secure their financial future. The office hours have increasingly expanded, as has the scope of the manager’s role and new revenue must be generated to pay for increased hours and office expenses.

A motion to increase membership fees by $20 passed successfully.

Entem thanked all members of the board and volunteers who worked on behalf of the Chamber.

Following a financial report by Treasurer Dawn Rigby, an election was held for three Directors to the Board. Four others are staying on to complete their term.

The new Board of Directors for 2014 is: Janis Entem, Patrick Sager, Dawn Rigby, Kathy Gilmour, Brian Gallant, Chris Hopkyns and Lisa Lockhart.

Positions within the board will be determined shortly.

Owner of Dream Team Consulting, Lisa Lockhart (right), accepted the New Business of the Year award from Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce President Janis Entem (left) at the Annual General Meeting on Nov. 7.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Celebrating their 10th year in the Crowsnest Pass, Stone’s Throw Café owners Steve and Jessica Atkinson (with baby Bethany) picked up the Chamber of Commerce Award for Overall Business of the Year.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel picked up the award for Outstanding Customer Service at the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting on Nov. 7. Darrell Sydora accepted the award from President Janis Entem.

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Guest speaker Gillian Nish of Execuserve Lethbridge, put smiles on the faces of Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce members at the organization’s Annual General Meeting on Nov. 7.

Her entertaining and inspiration speech focused on the value of offering consumers a friendly, positive attitude.

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Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 14, 2013

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Spirits high as store celebrates 20 years

A&B Liquor Store Manager Cathy Thomas invites the community to help celebrate 20 years serving the Crowsnest Pass.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

By Joni MacFarlane Editor They say laughter is infectious so it’s little wonder that staff at A & B Liquor Store are always smiling.

As one of the largest liquor stories in the Crowsnest Pass celebrates 20 years in business, Manager Cathy Thomas said the dedicated group is like family.

“It’s a really nice place to be and a joy to work here,” said Thomas. “We’re a family.”

Started by Adrian and Beric Fabro in 1993 after the Alberta government privatized the liquor industry, the brothers took possession of the Coleman Liquor Store, a former ALCB store, in downtown Coleman.

Born and raised in Coleman, the Fabros were well known and it wasn’t long before a steady supply of customers brought eventual growth.

With continued success, A&B Liquor Store moved to its current location ten years later.

Since first opening its doors, the A&B family has grown and staff clearly take great pride their role serving the community.

Undeniably, A&B Liquor Store’s location is ideal, but Thomas believes it’s a combination of factors that makes the store such a success – knowledgeable and friendly staff, competitive pricing, and a very wide selec-

tion of product.

Things such as weekly specials, tastings, staff picks, custommade baskets for gifts and special holidays, giftware, and other instore events give customers an opportunity to try new products and have fun doing it, said Thomas.

“We continue to bring new items in, to keep products new,” she said. “We have a very good selection of wines, craft beers, rum, and just about everything.”

As well, Thomas stressed that she’s happy to receive requests and will special order product if customers request something not in stock.

Thomas said staff receive many comments from customers remarking on how well product is displayed.

“People tell us how spacious and well appointed the store is,” she added. “But people come back because they’re treated well…

[The staff] tries hard to know what’s popular and can offer advice.”

As well as a loyal Crowsnest Pass customer base, Thomas said they have a large clientele from the Elk Valley who drive to A&B Liquor Store because of the selection and the pricing. Many customers also stop in while driving through from Calgary and Lethbridge, she added.

A&B Liquor Store also has an active website where services, recipes and specials are posted. Currently, on

sale is a Craft BeerAdvent Calendar featuring 24 different bottles of beer only available in the calendar. A taste for everyone!

Thomas said A&B Liquor Store is also well known for its generous support to community functions.

Sponsorships and donations have included popular events such as Sinister 7, United Riders of Crowsnest, Rum Runner Days, Kananaskis Pro Rodeo, and the Crow Snow Riders.

“We focus on a community presence and it’s part of our success,” said Thomas.

“We’re proud of what we do for the commu-

nity.”

A&B Liquor also offers planning with suggested quantities for weddings and other special events.

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, A&B Liquor Store will be offering specials all through November and December, said Thomas.

Tastings of wine, beer and spirits will be held on Friday and Saturday afternoons, and special celebrations will be held throughout the weekend of Nov. 21 and 22.

Mountain Radio will be holding a live remote on Nov. 22.

Thomas said there will be numerous instore draws and giveaways. Some items include T-shirts, glasses, coolers, a fridge, baskets and a portable fire-pit, among others.

Drop in throughout the next two months and help the A&B family celebrate 20 years serving Crowsnest Pass.

A&B Liquor Store is open Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“We have a very loyal customer base and we want to thank them for their support,” said Thomas. “Thanks to them and to staff – that’s what makes it.”

Community calendar NOVEMBER 15 The Crowsnest Pass Royal Purple Lodge #159 wish to announce the 15th Annual Crafters Home Business Event/Sale held in the Blairmore Elk’s Hall from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please come out and join us.

See page 10 on how to submit events for this column

NOVEMBER 15 - Crowsnest Pass RCMP detachment invite everyone to participate in the annual Charity Check Stop held by the Crowsnest Pass Emergency Services in partnership with the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank. It will be held on 20th Avenue, Blairmore, across from Summit Home Hardware from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will be accepting cash donations or non-perishable food items.

Your Crowsnest/ CalgarY ConneCtion

7430 18 Avenue, Coleman

Very funky renovated 1.5 storey oozing with character. Nice views of the surrounding mountains.

Great kitchen with stainless counter top, new fridge, gas stove top and large movable coke cooler island with stainless counter top. Accents of the original log construction have been exposed. Numerous upgrades in the last year. MLS®#: LD0017143

$139,900

11307 19 Avenue, Blairmore

Very nice mountain home on a fantastic lot surrounded by views. Excellent kitchen with stainless appliances. Large master bedroom w/walk in closet and 3 pce bath. Two bedrooms and a 4 pce bath with laundry on the main floor. Large covered porch, big deck and a fire pit area with flagstone.MLS®#: LD0018643

$430,000

5302 19 Avenue, Coleman

Very nice 3 acre parcel located in McLaren Ridge.

Acreage overlooks the Crowsnest River Valley just west of Coleman. Quiet acreage living with convenient amenities close by. A 10 minute drive gets you to beautiful Chinook lake and the Alison cross country ski system. Great property with no building commitment. MLS®#: LD0005144

$200,000

41.95 Acres, Beaver Mines

Spectacular 41 acres 5 minutes from Beaver Mines and 15 minutes to the Castle ski hill. Unique open floor plan with soaring ceilings and large windows.

Beaver ponds, views, park like landscaping, camping spots, great old barn and large productive garden, green house, gravity irrigation system for watering whatever you like. MLS®#: LD0016289

$695,000

John Redekopp

Maxwell Canyon Creek

1-800-950-7797 email: jredekopp@maxwellrealty.ca www.crowsnestpassrecproperties.ca

8

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Thursday, November 14, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

Local race comes up winner

By Joni MacFarlane Editor One of Alberta’s most prestigious awards was recently claimed by a Crowsnest Pass business that has become a well-known force in the sports tourism world.

Up against tough competitors – the Calgary Tower and Jasper’s Dark Sky Preserve – Sinister 7 Ultra + Relay took home the award for Sustainable Tourism at the recent Alto Awards presented in Banff on Oct. 28.

The grueling mountain race was also nominated in the Alberta Pride category up against heavyhitters Calgary Stampede and Drumheller’s Canadian Badlands Passion Play, which won the award.

The Alto Awards are held annually by Travel Alberta to recognize businesses or organizations in the tourism industry. Excellence is awarded in nine categories and the event is one of the largest tourism awards in Canada with over 700 people in attendance.

Race organizers Brian Gallant and Andrew Fairhurst were on hand to receive the Alto Award for Sustainable Tourism presented by Richard Starke, Alberta Minister of Tourism, Parks & Recreation.

“We knew we were finalists but were really surprised,” said Fairhurst. “There was a lot of competition and it’s quite an honour.”

Fairhurst explained that the Sustainable Tourism category was based on protecting and enhancing the environment as well as maintaining the social and cultural integrity of the community.

He said Sinister 7 has implemented several practices to minimize the impact on the environment, such as giving all participants sporks (reusable utensils), removing 5,000 paper cups along the trails, using temporary flagging and signage, and ensuring Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resource Development has input into the race course to protect fish habitat, waterways and other sensitive areas.

From a cultural perspective, Fairhurst said Sin-

ister 7 ties the community together with the large volunteer base and instills pride in sharing the community.

“It’s great to say Sinister 7 won this, but the bigger picture is that’s it really good for the community to be recognized for this,” he said. “It’s something we’re proud of and the community is proud to share the area we live in.”

Fairhurst said one of the spinoffs of the race is that it showcases sports tourism in the area.

“Smaller events like ours are a form of tourism that’s taking off,” he said. “It brings people to the area and once discovered, lots come back.”

Co-organizer Gallant agrees.

“The Alto Award is a validation by leaders in the tourism industry that they see we are having a positive impact both locally and within Alberta. I think that there is a lot of money spent through sports tourism (people travelling to races and other competitions) and it is great to finally see that recognized by tourism professionals as a real economic driver,” he said. “To us this award also shows that we are taking the right steps to be leaders in sustainable tourism while contributing to our community.”

Another appealing aspect that Fairhurst said appealed to the sponsor, Parks Canada, was that the race is self-propelled – non-motorized – and that the course uses existing trails.

“The running community is very environmentally conscious and Sinister 7 is an ambassador for trail sustainability,” Fairhurst said. “We’ve very conscientious and we focus on trail maintenance.

Every year we go over the whole trail to clear deadfall and make repairs. We want to ensure there’s no surprises.”

In 2014, runners will see that the course has increased to 100 miles (from 148 km to 161 km).

Fairhurst said many people were asking for this as the 100-mile is the “pinnacle” of racing and is more internationally-recognized so will appeal to international soloists. The time limit has increased from 27 to 30 hours.

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Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 14, 2013

Christmas comes to the mountains

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

Expanding on an always-popular event, the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce has planned a long weekend full of activities and events for the annual Christmas in the Mountains.

Organizer Lisa Lockhart with Dream Team Consulting said Christmas in the Mountains has been part of the community in various guises for about 30 years. This year, the Chamber actively promoted the event beyond Crowsnest Pass in an effort to attract visitors and to become a community-wide event.

“We’ve created a lot of hype by expanding our marketing to include Cranbrook, Calgary, Fernie, Lethbridge and even Montana,” said Lockhart.

“We want tourists to experience the beauty of Crowsnest Pass and the lifestyle that we all enjoy.”

Christmas in the Mountains kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 14 with the truly delicious, Art of Chocolate, at the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery.

Managing Director Krisztina Wood said it’s a fun event that bridges the gap between arts and the community as well as a fundraiser for the gallery. “Hopefully this event will turn into one that the whole

community will look forward to each year,” said Wood.

The Art of Chocolate features wine and chocolate-themed desserts from local restaurants and Frankslide Liquor with entertainment by local musician Tynan Groves. Tickets are $25 dollars in advance ($30 at the door) and include 15 tickets.

On Friday night, the official lighting of the tree will take place at Gazebo Park with Mayor Blair Painter placing the top decoration on the tree.

Many retailers are participating in a Red & White sale with latenight shopping on Friday. Canada’s answer to America’s Black Friday the following weekend, many retailers throughout the Pass will be offering sales, said Lockhart.

Mountain Radio will be on location Friday night, moving throughout the community and giving away free turkeys. So far, about 30 businesses have donated to the Turkey Trotter, said Lockhart.

Make sure to take in the parade along Main Street, Blairmore on Saturday at 11 a.m.

A new contest, sponsored by the Chamber, is being held with prizes for the best floats.

Maintaining a longstanding tradition, the Crowsnest Pass Royal Purple Lodge #159 will be hosting its annual Christmas market at Elks Hall on Friday

and Saturday with local and regional artisans and vendors.

Later that evening, the six-piece Calgary band, Metro Beat, will have you out on the dance floor at the new Community Spirit Christmas Dance at Bellevue’s MDM, sponsored by Teck.

Door prizes and a midnight snack are included for $20 per person.

In addition, said Lockhart, businesses are invited to donate a decorated Christmas tree to the dance that will be auctioned off in a silent auction. All proceeds will be donated to the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank.

Another event sure to light up faces is the Parade of Lights sponsored by Servus Credit Union on Friday and Saturday nights. Residents are invited to decorate their homes for the festive season.

All registered participants will be given a sign to put in front of their properties and residents are asked to vote for their favourite.

Participants are eligible to win one of three prizes - $500 cash donated by Servus, $250 cash donated by Servus, or $100 gift certificate towards their utility bill donated by the municipality.

Adding to the weekend, there is free public skating at the Coleman Sports Complex, a scavenger hunt for kids in Bellevue sponsored by the Ag So-

ciety, pictures with Santa at Gazebo Park after Saturday’s parade, pet pictures with Santa at Sears sponsored by Bellevue Veterinary Clinic, a free yoga class at Spry on Saturday, half price tours at the Bellevue Underground Mine, free gift wrapping services at Spry sponsored by CNP Indoor Playground, drop-in street hockey in Coleman sponsored by CNP Minor Hockey Association, a Tea & Fashion Show at the Holy Trinity Parish on Sunday, and a membership drive and education on the South Saskatchewan Regional land use plan put on by the Crow Snow Riders.

To ensure that it’s a community-wide event, the municipality has donated the Town Rounder. Residents and visitors are invited to ride the bus to different communities for free throughout the event. The bus will also be available for tours of the Parade of Lights on Friday and Saturday nights.

A central bus stop will be set up prior to the event.

Accommodation packages for out-oftown visitors is also being offered by Coleman’s BCMI and several vacation homes.

For more information, see the detailed listing of events in this paper or call the Chamber office at 403562-7108.

Movember raises men’s awareness

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

Residents in Crowsnest Pass may have seen more facial hair than usual lately. Despite the cold weather, it’s not men’s attempt to keep their upper lip warm. Instead, they’re growing moustaches as visual reminders to discuss the health issues they face with their partner, family or doctor and to get their prostate checked regularly for early symptoms of cancer. Movember grew out of an initiative to get men’s cancer out of the closet.

Today, the focus has grown to raise awareness of other men’s health issues, including prostate, testicular cancer and mental health problems.

These Mo Bros are leading by example and encouraging men to know more about their health.

Crowsnest Consolidated High School is also actively and promoting the event.

Not expected to grow a moustache, women can also get involved and become a Mo Sista by spreading awareness about men’s health, fund raising and supporting the moustache-sporting men in their lives.

The idea for Movember was sparked in 2003 in Australia and has continued to grow year after year, expanding to Canada and around the

world.

Last year, almost a quarter of a million men in Canada participated and raised a total of $42.6 million with over 87 per cent of the funds allocated to programs supporting prostate cancer and male mental health programs.

Movember facts: • The average life expectancy for men is five years less than women (78 versus 83).

• One in five Canadians will experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime.

• The male suicide rate is four times higher than that of women.

• Two in five men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

• One in seven men in Canada will develop prostate cancer.

• Close to 4,000 Canadian men will die of prostate cancer annually.

• As a result of the Movember campaign, more men are seeking medical advice, encouraging someone else to seek medical advice, and talking about specific men’s health issues with friends, family and colleagues.

To find out how you can get involved, or make a donation in support of an individual, a team or in general, visit www.movember.com.

9

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.

The Food Bank Needs Your Help!

Please drop off your donations at our location on 20th Avenue Mon.-Wed., 5-7 pm., Thurs. 11am-2pm (403)564-5110

Thank you for your support

10

Thursday, November 14, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

Police briefs

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

Flu Shots Available Now!!!

Free for all eligible Albertans aged 9 years old and up.

Flumist Nasal Spray Available for Albertans aged 9 – 59!!

No Appointment Necessary

YOUR LOCAL DRUG STORE 8335 20th Ave, Coleman, AB Phone: 403.563.3242

NEWSPAPERS WORK

DID YOU KNOW?

Between Oct. 30 and Nov. 6, Crowsnest Pass RCMP responded to 45 calls for service. They included: Assaults: 1 Mischief: 2 Thefts: 5 Driving Complaints: 2 MV Collisions: 8 Suspicious Occurrences: 4 Assistance to General Public: 8 Assistance to Other Agencies: 4 False Alarms: 3 911 Calls (invalid): 1 Animal Calls: 6 Municipal Bylaws: 1 Prisoners Held: 2 On Oct. 30 at 8 p.m., police received a complaint of domestic assault in Blairmore.

Police attended, investigated the complaint and a 48-yearold male was charged with assault. He was released on conditions and a court date was set over to Nov. 19 in Pincher Creek.

On Oct. 31 at 10 a.m., police received a complaint that three mountain sheep were fatally hit on Highway 3 near Crowsnest Lakes. Fish & Wildlife were advised and about an hour later, another report was received that about 20 mountain sheep were on again the highway.

A patrol was made and the sheep were re-routed off the highway.

On Oct. 31, police received a complaint

from a Bellevue resident that a metal sculpture of fish had been stolen sometime over the past two months from a Hillcrest residence.

On Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m., police received a complaint that a tailpipe had been stolen off a 1978 GMC truck sometime over the past three months.

The theft occurred on 16th Avenue, Coleman.

On Nov. 2 at 2:15 p.m., police received a complaint of damaged windows and doors on an older tour bus parked on 61st Street, Coleman. The damage occurred sometime over the past month.

On Nov. 3 at 2:50

p.m., police received a complaint of a broken window on a 2001 Chevrolet car while parked overnight in a parking lot on 20th Avenue, Blairmore.

On Nov. 3 at 8:30 a.m., police received a complaint of a gas & dash from a gas station in Blairmore. The suspect, who later returned and paid for the gas, said he had forgotten to pay.

On Nov. 3 at 8:30 a.m., police received a complaint of an overdue hunter from Calgary. The 41-year-old male had been west of Chain Lakes the previous afternoon and had failed to return home that night. He spent the night in the bush and returned home

later that morning.

On Nov. 3 at 2:55 p.m., police received a complaint that a pair of show tickets and phone charger had been stolen sometime overnight from a vehicle parked in a parking lot on 20th Avenue, Blairmore.

On Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m., police received a complaint of a gas & dash from a gas station in Blairmore. The suspect from B.C., returned later and paid for the gas.

On Nov. 5 at 2:30 p.m., police received a complaint of a lost cell phone over the past couple of days on 20th Avenue, Blairmore.

• 85% of Canadian adults read a newspaper in print, online or mobile last week • 73% read the print edition • 4 out of 5 took action as a result of a newspaper ad in the past month.

For more information on newspaper advertising and how it can work for you, call Chris Hopkyns. statistics from http://www.newspaperscanada.ca/

Chris Hopkyns If you have any marketing questions, please feel free to contact me.

250.509-0177

publisher@cnpfreepress.com

Community Calendar The Crowsnest Pass Free Press would like to publish your upcoming events in our weekly Community Calendar.

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.

Free Press

the

Crowsnest Pass

Crowsnest Consolidated High School Senior Panthers battled it out on the volleyball court with the Claresholm Cobras on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The Senior Panthers took the match in the first three sets.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Fire rescue briefs

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

For the month of October, Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue Department responded to 12 calls for service.

They included: Alarm Bells: 5 Gas Leaks: 3 Medical Assist: 1 Backcountry Rescue: 3 On Oct. 12 at 10 a.m., eight fire/rescue staff responded to a medical assist on 135th Street, Blairmore.

On Oct. 13 at 2:30 p.m., 17 fire/rescue responded to a gas leak at the Crowsnest Sports Complex in Coleman. Several hours later, shortly after midnight, another call was received for the same thing.

On Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m., three fire/rescue responded to a fire alarm off on 7th Ave-

nue, Hillcrest. A cooking incident had set the alarm off and fire/ rescue were automatically notified.

On Oct. 20 at 5 a.m., 10 fire/rescue responded to a 911 call after a residential carbon dioxide alarm was set off on 16th Avenue, Coleman. The alarm’s battery had died.

On Oct. 20 at 3:45 p.m., one fire/rescue responded to an alarm that been set off by drywall dust on 22nd Avenue, Blairmore.

On Oct. 22 at 9:50 a.m., 12 fire/rescue responded to a gas leak at the Crowsnest Sports Complex in Coleman.

On Oct. 23 at 4:15 p.m., seven fire/rescue responded to a backcountry incident in west Coleman. A male mountain biker had suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Calgary.

On Oct. 25 at 11:50 p.m., eight fire/rescue responded to a carbon dioxide alarm on 18th Avenue, Coleman.

On Oct. 27 at 7:15 p.m., seven fire/rescue responded to a complaint of an overdue hunter. The male had been near Pascal Mountain in Kananaskis country and when he’d radioed his friends at camp, growling and gunshots were heard before the radio died. Fire/Rescue, RCMP and Fish & Wildlife responded.

The hunter spent the night in the bush and was found the next afternoon.

Fire Prevention Week The 2013 Fire Prevention Week was a huge success with 180 students interacting with the department.

Kids watched educational and fun videos for fire safety in the

home, learned to GET DOWN, GET OUT and STAY OUT to escape smoke in the home or a building, and STOP DROP AND ROLL if clothes catch on fire. There were four lucky winners for Fire Chief for the Day. Winners were picked up in a fire engine, had lunch at the station and a tour of all trucks and equipment.

Halloween Safety Halloween Safety with the Community Peace Officers and Fire/Rescue department started at Horace Allen School on Oct. 30 and continued at Isabelle Sellon School on Oct. 31. Kids participated in Halloween safety tips that talked about dark and bright costumes, strangers, inspecting candy and candles in pumpkins.

Students received a

glow stick to help others see them when out Trick or Treating.

Both CPO and Fire/ Rescue departments were out handing candy to kids throughout Crowsnest Pass.

Training Fire/Rescue is continuing in-house Pro Board Certified Training, another class is going through HazMat Awareness, and hosting of an operations course is being prepared. Another group of members are preparing to take the practical testing for Level 2 Firefighter. Once completed, they will receive their NFPA 1001 Level 2 Pro Board Certification for Professional Firefighting.

Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 14, 2013

11

Crowsnest Pass Property Management

MEETING ALL OF YOUR RENTAL NEEDS: Residential and Commercial

info@cnp-pm.ca 403 562 8444

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Apartments, Houses, Acreages, Store Fronts, Furnished, Unfurnished, Long & Short Term Leases

Film presents a Blairmore’s thrilling ride from newest hotel to open the comforts of a theatre seat

By Andrew Craig Contributor

If you were born and raised in southern Alberta the odds are fairly good you’ve never hung 10 while goofy foot on a bonzer wave off the coast of Queensland.

To be honest, I am not even sure I know what that means but I know it has to do with surfing and that is what Storm Surfers 3D is all about.

The Allied Arts Council is proud to present the fifth film in its fall series and the second documentary of the set, although “real life adventure” may be a more accurate description.

Ross and Tom have been buddies for a long time and in that time they have both become surfing legends. The problem with being a legend is one’s ability to find the same kind of thrill doing what you love after so many years.

Waves that were once challenging become mundane after they are mastered and so Ross and Tom set out to find some truly monstrous waves to conquer; the kind of waves that could cost them their lives.

Shot in gorgeous 3D, this film is more of an experience as opposed to a traditional film and is really a must see on the big screen. The sometimes vertigoinducing shots demonstrate both the skills and courage required to undertake the kind of challenges that the boys place in front of themselves. That said, even the most adventurous needs a story to anchor itself.

Ross and Tom have grown up together, they have aged together, they have seen their lives change in terms of priority and family and as they push past 50 they contemplate the future of the sport they love so dear. As a colleague points out,

both athletes seem to have already spent eight of their seeming nine lives, already pushing their sport to its limit and beyond.

Storm Surfers brings forth all of these issues with humour and poignancy.

As winter looms down upon us the waves we can expect are decidedly more chilly and disruptive which is why Storm Surfers is such a delightful break from it all. It is the next best thing to being there with the added safety of a comfortable theatre seat and no risk of a splash zone that make this a great addition to this year’s series of films.

The Allied Arts Council is proud to present this fifth film in our fall schedule on Monday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Fox Theatre in Pincher Creek for ONE NIGHT ONLY. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.

Timber pillars of natural fir enclosed in stone grace the entranceway of the newly renovated Best Canadian Motor Inn (BCMI) on 21st Avenue in Blairmore.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Most of the work on the main floor has been completed and crews have started finishing work such as painting and flooring.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

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Signature Paint Series eggshell and pearl

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Home Owners helping homeowners

10701 - 20th Ave, Blairmore, AB

(403)562-8282

12

Thursday, November 14, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce proudly presents

November 15-17 2013 Bring your family and friends to get into the Christmas Spirit!

A community wide 3 day event!!!

November 14 Thursday Evening featuring “The Art of Chocolate�

Official Town Light Up Ceremony Mountain Radio Live on Site! Turkey Trotter FREE TURKEYS! Late Night shopping Friday night AND Red & White Sales (Discount Specials) with participating local retailers throughout the weekend!

Free public skating at the Crowsnest Sportsplex Scavenger Hunt for kids Fashion Show Bonfires Christmas Parade Gift Wrapping Services Pictures with Santa for children & pets!

Drop in Street Hockey Game Free Yoga Class Art Studio Open House 50% off admission for Bellevue Mine Tours Parade of Lights Residential Light Contest sponsored by Servus Credit Union Photo Courtesy of Marcus Micheals Photo Courtesy of Scott Warris Free Transportation to all participating events and businesses!

Prizes and treats for the whole family!

New This Year!!

Community Spirit Christmas Dance featuring Metrobeat sponsored by Teck Coal Ltd Tickets $20

(complimentary bus ride home 10:30pm-2:30am) Accommodation Packages (2 nights & 2 Dance tickets) starting at $189 plus taxes BOOK EARLY!

Call Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce 403-562-7108 for more details or find them on