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A heavy snowfall closed Highway 3 between Coleman and the British Columbia border for more than three hours and left the Crowsnest Pass blanketed in over 10 cm. See story on page 2.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Visibility review rejected

By Joni MacFarlane Editor Council unanimously rejected a recommendation that the municipality request a viability review be conducted by the province.

At the meeting on Nov. 19, Myron Thompson, chief administrative officer, brought the issue forward in response to the municipal inspection report from Russell Farmer & Associates Consulting Ltd. Thompson said previous council “determined that immediate action was needed to address the findings in the report” and a spreadsheet was prepared with action and timelines on each of the recommendations. A formal submission accepting the action plan was sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs in October.

The concluding comments of the municipal inspection said the munici-

pality has never been able to fully complete the amalgamation into a single united community and recommended a viability review be done by the province, added Thompson.

Council members strongly disagreed with the recommendation and said they would not support such a request.

“That the reason most of us are here right now is because we hope to bring the Crowsnest Pass back together and unify it,” said Councillor Marlene Anctil. “There was so much dissension before and we’re hoping to rectify a lot of this... I’m sure we can work with the people and the communities... and I think we can get our community back on track.”

A motion was unanimously approved to send a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs advising that the Crowsnest Pass is prepared to move forward and get its house in order with no desire to enter into a viability review at this time.

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Thursday, November 28, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

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Work has begun on the municipal entranceway sign to the east of the Bellevue campground. Foundation and footings were poured and construction of the structure is underway.

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Council has given the go-ahead to construction of the entranceway signs at the east and west ends of the municipality in a 4-3 vote on Nov. 19.

Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson said administration wanted to ensure that council approved the design elements and location, primarily on the east end, prior to construction. Previous council had had some discussion around the east location and it had been relocated to east of the Bellevue campground.

“Logistically, this is a preferred location as it provides a safe and convenient pull-off for vehicles and ties in nicely

with the public amenities such as the campground itself, washrooms, tourist information, etc,” said Thompson. “It is also in close proximity to a number of local businesses.”

Several councillors questioned if this location leaves some residents beyond its boundary and whether it should be placed further east, either where the existing sign is or in the area near Leitch Collieries.

Thompson said the geography of Leitch Collieries makes installation challenging and with the ground lower than the highway, the impact of the sign would be minimized. He reiterated that the current location was chosen for its tourism amenities. He said the existing sign would be dismantled and materials

salvaged if possible.

He cautioned that if council chose to move the location it would have to be decided soon as footings have already been poured at a cost of about $2,000 at the campground location.

A total cost of $200,000 had been budgeted for the project and is funded through a provincial grant. There is a contract for the structure, he added, and the total cost will be about $170,000.

The west end sign will be put in the existing location.

Councillor Shar Lazzarotto moved to proceed with the east and west installation as previously decided.

The motion was approved 4-3 with Councillors Marlene Anctil Dave Filipuzzi and Bill Kovach opposed.

November storm closes highway

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As afternoon settled into dusk, the snow became heavier and blowing winds turned visibility into guesswork.

By 6 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 19, Alberta Transportation officials said extreme weather conditions forced the closure of Highway 3 between Coleman and Sparwood, B.C. Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue Chief Steve Munshaw said in situations like that, his department’s role is to help motorists, both at the gate and within the municipality.

A group of three fire/rescue personnel went to the gate, said Munshaw, to speak to motorists and get them turned around.

“Vehicles can’t wait there, they can’t block the road off,” he said. “We can only do that in an emergency.”

Fortunately, there wasn’t much traffic, he said.

“We’ve been working with organizations and trucking companies to send out information to identify pass closures… they’re turning around before they get to us,” said Munshaw.

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The Fire/rescue department also had two people stationed near Tim Horton’s to redirect truckers to the turnoffs in Frank and the Burmis weigh scales.

Munshaw said these locations are plowed and available so dangerous goods are not sitting in the community.

Munshaw said a new system is being implemented on the municipal website that will provide immediate information about road closures. A red banner will be activated with links to a location map of the closure as well as “mustering” locations for rigs where they can drive to wait out the storm. Hard copies of these maps will also be available for truckers at the closure gate.

Munshaw told The Free Press the Crowsnest Pass is unique in the province as no other Alberta community has a gate marking the entrance to a mountain pass. As such, he said, the decision to close the highway is made by Alberta Transportation officials in the southern region who must request closure from the Minister.

Highway 3 reopened at 9:30 p.m.

“The [closure] went excellent,” said Munshaw. “Everything went very well and we had a good response with traffic.”

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Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 28, 2013

3

Council looks at remuneration

By Joni MacFarlane Editor On Nov. 19, municipal council addressed the thorny issue of how much they are paid for meetings, travel and other expenses necessary to do their job.

Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson said the policy committee had been working on this and that “normally when it comes to changes in

remuneration, the existing council, the old council, tries to deal with that prior to the election time so that the new council comes in and doesn’t have to make these kinds of decisions”.

Work had been done on the issue, he said, but not formalized and so, administration was bringing it forward for the new council’s review.

The monthly stipend hasn’t been amended

since 2000 and the meeting remuneration hasn’t been changed since 2008, said Thompson.

Currently, council members are paid $160 per day for meetings in excess of six hours, $160 per day for meetings in excess of one day, $50 per day for expenses while attending out of town meetings, mileage at the provincial rate per kilometre set in April each year, $70 for

meetings less than six hours, and a monthly stipend of $500 for a councillor and $800 for the mayor.

They are not reimbursed for social or other events promoting the Crowsnest Pass nor are they reimbursed if they receive payment from another organization such as a board or committee.

Council members asked for clarification on length of time of meetings. They also

suggested the per diem of $50 be increased to $75, to look at reimbursement for office supplies and expenses which are not covered, and to bring back comparative information from other municipalities on monthly stipends.

After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that a draft would be brought back to council at the Dec. 9 GPC meeting.

Council reviews delegation approval process

By Joni MacFarlane Editor In one of their first meetings, council clearly signalled they intend to change past practices of determining who is allowed to speak at Governance & Priorities Committee (GPC) meetings.

On Nov. 19, the terms of reference for GPC’s was brought forward by Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson for council’s review.

The current GPC was developed in 2010 as a result of an organizational review by George Cuff. It was intended to “reduce the number of council committees operating and thereby increase the efficiency and effectiveness of council processes”, said Thompson.

The GPC is meant to be “advisory in nature... [and] meant to breed more discussion”, he said.

There are no formal resolutions or motions made, any council member can ask to have something put on the agenda, the public may attend with the exception of in-camera items, and delegations if allowed to speak may do so for a maximum of 10 minutes, unless the mayor extends the time.

“Requests for delegations may be reviewed by the CAO who will then determine whether or not the delegation shall be heard by the GPC or by council at the next regularly scheduled meeting,” said Thompson. “All delegations must comply with the provisions of the procedural bylaw with regards to providing briefing materials.”

Councillor Bill Kovach asked if public input was allowed and was told it hadn’t been the practice but could be if council chose to do so. Mayor Blair Painter suggested public input be included on the agenda.

Councillor Dean Ward asked if the CAO could refuse a delegation at either GPC or council. Thompson said that unless the matter was urgent, the preference had been to handle the request at GPC. “Definitely there have been times when the CAO has decided that an item won’t come forward and that would be on the basis... that it can be handled administratively,” said Thompson.

No appeal process has been incorporated into the policy, he added, but again, it could be if council wanted.

Mayor Blair Painter agreed the issue

of determining who gets on the agenda was important. “... it’s still at the total discretion of the CAO as to what material gets presented to that committee?” he questioned.

“All delegations are put on the draft agenda template for review with the mayor,” said Thompson. “All of them are put on there and if it’s determined that this one here doesn’t really require coming to council, it can be handled this way, then that would be the decision of the CAO and the mayor during the agenda review.”

“I have a concern... When you strike a committee where a minority of council decides what comes to council and what does not,” said Councillor Ward. “I want to change that situation. If anyone from council feels that an issue is important enough to bring to council... they should have that opportunity.”

Councillor Ward said he would bring forward a motion to change the procedural bylaws to reflect this.

It was also agreed that changes to the Terms of Reference would be brought back to council at the Dec. 9 GPC meeting.

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Thursday, November 28, 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

Vaccines, a sensible choice

Most of his short life was spent in a wheelchair. His stick-thin limbs were weak. His back, unnaturally humped, twisted his spine and put pressure on his lungs.

Heavy metal braces attached to his wrists allowed him to rise occasionally from his wheelchair and stand for a minute on his own steam.

A healthy toddler, at the age of three he was struck with polio in the epidemic that swept across Canada in the 1950s.

A good chuck of his life was spent lying in a hospital bed as doctors worked to alleviate his suffering through surgeries and other procedures, now startlingly antiquated.

At the age of 16, he lost the fight and died.

His name was Michael and he was my eldest brother.

Thanks to a vaccine, the World Health Organization certified Canada polio-free in 1994.

It’s another story in a few developing countries. A strain originating in Pakistan has recently crippled more than a dozen children in war-torn Syria as refugees flood across borders potentially putting neighbouring countries, and even Europe, at risk of contagion.

Closer to home, I’m alarmed at the recent measles outbreak – another highly contagious virus that attacks the respiratory system.

So far, 40 cases have been confirmed in Alberta Health Services, South Zone and another in Saskatchewan. Physicians believe they will see more cases over the next few months, if not longer. With Christmas around the corner and many people travelling for the holidays, it’s a good bet.

Today, parents in Canada have access to publicly funded vaccines to immunize their children against a number of diseases but there are still some who refuse to do so in the misguided believe it will cause more harm than good. To me, this is shocking.

A research paper published a link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. The architect of the theory, Andrew Wakefield, has since been thoroughly discredited and the study has been called, “the most damaging medical hoax of the last 100 years”.

The British Medical Journal published a series of articles detailing extensive manipu-

lation of data and in documents obtained under Freedom of Information legislation, it was found that Wakefield, in partnership with the father of one of the boys in the study, had planned to launch diagnostic kits that he would profit from.

Unfortunately, the damage the study has done is limitless.

Although clearly debunked and condemned, a generation of parents who’ve never seen the ravaging effects of disease – thanks to vaccines – have bought into the message that they’re dangerous.

The injustice that is illness and its prevention is one of mankind’s greatest achievements – penicillin, early diagnostic tools, and vaccines have saved untold families from suffering and death.

To scorn and ignore those achievements isn’t just misguided, it’s selfish. Vaccination works on the principle of the many protecting the few. The more people in a population who do not get vaccinated, the more the whole population is jeopardized.

That’s why the World Health Organization officially declared smallpox eradicated in 1979 – the only disease we no longer need fear. That’s why no other small child in Canada will suffer like my brother did.

Talk to your family doctor - vaccinate your children.

The Crowsnest Pass Free Press welcomes letters to the editor that are of interest to our community.

Whatever the subject, there are a few basic guidelines to follow before Crowsnest Pass Free Press will publish your comment.

• Letters must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s paper.

• 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.

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

• Anonymous letters will not be published and pen names may not be used, except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the editor.

• The editor reserves the right to edit for length, clarity or reject letters over matters of libel, legality, taste or style.

Letters published do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy or belief of this newspaper.

Free Press

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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.

Chris Hopkyns PUBLISHER/SALES

Joni MacFarlane

REPORTER/EDITOR

Bridget Fix

PRODUCTION

Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 28, 2013

5

Questions answered as information provided to council

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

Municipal council members were handed a mountain of paper on Nov. 19 resulting from an earlier request for information from Councillor Dean Ward.

There were seven items requested and supplied. These included a copy of the municipal budget including reserves, job descriptions for union and non-union employees, information on ongoing legal issues, and an update on the Wolfstone Development including risks and possible solutions.

Council had also asked for administration employee contracts and job evaluations. Thompson said the CAO position is the only administration employee contract in place and council is not privy to performance evaluations except for that of the CAO. “My evaluation is redundant at this time since I am vacating the position,” he said.

The Deputy Fire Chief is on contract until December 2014 but the contract review is at the end of 2013, Thompson said, and the Economic Development Officer is on a one-year term due in June.

Thompson also reported that there were seven grievances “on-the-go” and a number were resolved at a joint unionmanagement meeting held earlier that day.

He confirmed that three grievances were tentatively going to arbitration. The cost of arbitration depends on several factors such as how long it lasts, the arbitrator’s fees, and how many witnesses are called, among others. Each side appoints and pays for an arbitrator and the cost of a third government-

appointed arbitrator is split between the union and the municipality.

Councillor Dave Filipuzzi said the cost is very expensive and can be anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 per case.

Two that currently exist, Thompson said, pertain to contracting out services – one is relative to road grading preparation prior to the application of dust suppressant in the spring, and the other relates to using the Town of Pincher Creek to assist with work during the June flooding event.

“The union has grieved the fact that the municipality did not put processes in place, or call out, those staff members back on overtime,” said Thompson.

There is also a position recently created and communicated to the union that is being grieved based on the required qualifications and flexibility that’s being extended for that position, he said.

“We’ll be working with the union to try and resolve this, however it appears it may go to arbitration as well,” Thompson added.

Two other grievances exist – one regarding a union member paid out for sick days while on leave and another policy grievance on harassment. A harassment workshop was held last fall and another one scheduled for the new year for all staff to attend, Thompson told council.

Lastly, Thompson confirmed that the municipality has submitted the required information to the province for flood recovery funding and that they’re still awaiting word on who will handle backcountry recovery work.

MP candidate Wagner

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

An entrepreneur with rural roots believes he has the right mix of skills to represent the Tories in the soon-to-be-vacant Macleod riding.

Scott Wagner officially declared his candidacy to run for the Conservative Party of Canada after the recent announcement by MP Ted Menzies that he would be retiring Jan. 1.

Wagner, growing up in one of the province’s prime grain-producing regions, Oyen, Alberta, he became familiar with agriculture issues and the problems facing ranchers and farmers. His father was a grain manager and his wife is a rancher’s daughter, further solidifying those roots, he added.

After specializing in computer science at the University of Calgary, Wagner worked with a small computer company before going on to open his own business.

He’s since had three successful computer companies, he said, and has also been involved in the wind energy business.

“I’m a serial entrepreneur and I’ve been very successful doing that,” said Wagner. “I sold my last business two years ago with the expectation of running for office.

Wagner said he especially wants to be in federal politics and believes he has things to offer that are very important.

“As a competitive nation, we need skills, business and entrepreneurial skills, that will help government,” he said. “I have a unique skill set and look at things differently.”

Wagner said as a business owner he understands how to maximize the value of a dollar with limited resources.

“The key to Canada is to be competitive and the federal government has huge input into how things work,” he said.

“The Conservatives have

a very positive direction on that and I want to advance it more.”

Reducing taxes to make the market more competitive and reducing government bureaucracy are some of the issues Wagner feels strongly about.

“We have to have government regulation, but we can’t have bureaucracy layering on stuff to stop people from doing positive things,” he said.

He said he understands many of the issues in the Macleod riding, such as

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those ranchers are experiencing around origin labelling on beef, but remains optimistic about the Conservatives’ efforts.

“They’re making the best out of a tough situation. They’re making progress and I want to be part of that,” he said.

“For instance, they’re opening new markets such as the free trade agreement with Europe, which is amazing.”

“I’m an entrepreneur and I know how to create value out of a buck.

I have great experience on boards and in high level management and my private sector view is quite strong,” said Wagner. “I have an extensive background and can touch base with both rural and business communities.”

The Conservative Party of Canada has to call a by-election within six months from the date of Menzies’ retirement announcement. Watch the CNP Free Press for more information as details become known.

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Insurance companies challenged

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

From flooding to drought, from hailstorms to wildfires, Canadians are seeing severe weather incidents in many parts of the country. Whether you’re a climate change believer or not, the severity and frequency of weather-related damage to property is causing changes within the insurance industry.

In response to increased claims from natural disasters such as Alberta’s flooding incident last June, insurance companies are working to understand how they adapt to these realities.

Marie Ruzek, broker at Crowsnest Insurance Agencies Ltd., said there are numerous factors taken into consideration when providing insurance or calculating premiums, but there are a few irrefutable facts.

Severe weather events have impacted a greater number of people year over year and in fact, 2013 will be the third consecutive year in a row that the industry has seen losses greater than a billion dollars.

In Alberta, there were 65 hailstorms in the summer of 2011; over a third of insured losses in Canada were attributed to thunderstorms; and water damage has now surpassed fire as the number one cause of insurance claims.

Ruzek said insurance companies have been treating some

things differently, such as flood zones, but increases have been implemented across the board. Crowsnest Insurance Agencies Ltd. provides insurance through Intact Insurance, she said, who have raised the base deductible for wind and hail, as well as sewer backup claims. Provincially, most companies have done the same, she added.

“The area you live in has a big influence [on premiums], whether it’s prone to hailstorms, or floods, or wind,” she said.

Although the insurance industry is looking at increases to premiums and deductibles, Ruzek said they are also looking at preventative measures. They may include using different housing materials such as siding or installing backwater valves, a one-way control valve installed directly on the main sewer drain of the property. The valve is designed to prevent sewage in an overloaded or blocked sewer line from backing up into the home.

“Insurance companies have to start making changes to their product due to weather without just having premium increases,” she said.

Ruzek has owned Crowsnest Insurance Agencies Ltd. since 1997, along with three other licensed brokers, will be happy to help you better understand your insurance needs.

Ruzek, along with Alycia Sagrafena, also own Crowsnest License & Registry Ltd.

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Thursday, November 28, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

Committee talks economic development plans

By Joni MacFarlane Editor The Crowsnest Economic Development Advisory Committee (CEDTAC) held its first meeting with their new municipal council representative, Councillor Dave Filipuzzi, on Nov. 18.

Formed last summer, the committee is comprised of six community members, one municipal board appointed member and Sherry Poole, the municipal Economic Development Officer (EDO).

According to its draft strategic plan, members are professionals, “all dedicated towards implementation of economic development strategies dedicated in creating a healthy and sustainable quality of life for Crowsnest Pass residents as well as creating an excellent tourist experience in attraction of visitors”.

Committee members attended a training session on economic development last summer and have been working on developing a strategic plan, terms of reference, clarification of roles and responsibilities, and formation of an action plan with accountabilities.

After Councillor Filipuzzi introduced himself, Poole provided an understanding of how an advisory committee works and how it represents council. She said sub-committees would be appointed who are the “doers” of the action items and committee members are accountable for these actions.

Poole emphasized that the committee’s responsibility is advisory but they are still connected to results. Action items are presented to council through the CAO. “The tree of command is truly top-down just like any municipality initiative,” said Poole. “All information is to be filtered up to the council and ultimately, they are the decision-makers.”

Poole said the committee is obliged to present an annual report to council but she would like to have a quarterly report prepared for budget deliberations.

The committee prepares a budget to be presented to council, said Poole, but all initiatives are driven by “in kind” income. Economic development initiatives are tied back to an equal amount of money coming from all parties involved,” she said.

One of the initiatives discussed was the DimeStore Fisherman show, an Alberta produced television show that promotes a fishing destination. Poole said that although there’s a void in marketing fishing in Crowsnest Pass, the cost make exceed the benefits. The show requires payment of up to $25,000 from the municipality, she added.

“There are so many other things you could take $25,000 to promote, not only the fishing aspect, but the outdoors,” said Patrick Sager, committee chairperson.

It was agreed that the committee needs to promote all-season activities and not spend money without good sense.

Poole reported that an Economic Disaster Recovery team from the BC and Alberta Economic Developers Associations were in the Crowsnest Pass conducting business visitations to discover the impacts of flooding on the local economy.

The team would present their results in mid-December, Poole added.

Attendance at the Western Hotel & Conference Investment Seminar in Vancouver was productive, Poole told the committee, with three proposals sent out to investors – two to Saskatchewan and one to the Netherlands. She said if interested, they will do their own risk analysis but will also request an updated feasibility study and a more detailed site plan.

Poole said the site plan that accompanied the proposal was “not worthy of a $10 million site” and it was agreed Stantec needs to prepare a more thorough plan that “gives it the credibility it deserves”.

Meetings were scheduled in December to review the hotel proposal and to finalize the strategic plan.

Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 28, 2013

Police briefs

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

Between Nov. 13 and Nov. 20, Crowsnest Pass RCMP responded to 39 calls for service. They included: Assaults: 2 Fraud/Forgery: 1 Mischief: 2 Disturbing Peace: 1 Driving Complaints: 2 MV Collisions: 13 Suspicious Occurrences: 3 Assistance to General Public: 6 Assistance to Other Agencies: 2 False Alarms: 3 911 Calls: 1 Animal Calls: 3 Prisoners Held: 1 On Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m., police received a complaint from a Coleman resident of possible fraud. The complainant reported he had received a phone call advising their computer was at risk.

The caller requested credit card information, but was refused. Police would like to caution not to give out credit card information over the phone to unknown callers.

On Nov. 13 at 9 a.m., police received a complaint that a residence in west Coleman had been spray painted sometime during the night.

On Nov. 13 at 2 p.m., police received a complaint from the Willow Valley Road area that a 49-year-old male from Calgary was missing. It was reported that the man was out hunting by himself and had not been heard from since the previous night. Police patrolled the area and at about 6:10 p.m., the hunter had returned to camp and was not injured.

On Nov. 15 at 3:30 a.m., police received a

complaint of domestic assault in Coleman. A 31-year-old female was arrested, charged with assault and released on conditions to appear in Pincher Creek court on Dec. 3.

On Nov. 15 at 12:50 p.m., police received a complaint of damage to a fence on 19th Avenue Blairmore. Some time during the night, board were pried off. Later that day, another complaint of damage to a fence were also pried off.

On Nov. 15 at 8:50 p.m., police received a report of males fighting outside of a Lundbreck hotel. Police patrolled but the suspects had left the scene. Warrants were issued for a 22-year-old male from Lundbreck and a 23-year-old male from Crowsnest Pass.

On Nov. 19, in Pincher Creek Provincial Court, a 26-year-old male from Crowsnest Pass was sentenced to 30 days on obstruction charge of providing a false name and 30 days on breach of probation by consuming alcohol. The charges stem from an incident on Oct. 27 in Blairmore.

On Nov. 14, in Lethbridge Provincial Court, a 26-year-old male from Crowsnest Pass was sentenced to six months conditional sentence order (house arrest) followed by six months probation.

The charges were from a charge of assaulting a peace officer incident in July 2012 in Coleman.

7

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For news tips, community, sporting and other events, please contact Joni MacFarlane at 403-563-7725 or email: joni.macfar@gmail.com

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Thursday, November 28, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

Wendell and The Deb lent a smooth groove as guests mingled at the art exhibit, “Mud, Glass, Paper, Paint” at the Stained Glass Gallery on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

New development plan needed MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

You are invited!

TEA & BAKE SALE Whispering Winds Village will be holding an afternoon Tea and Bake Sale. Baked goods will be sold by Chef James & Residents.

WHEN Tuesday, December 3 from 2:00-4:00pm WHERE Whispering Winds Village 941 Elizabeth Street Pincher Creek, AB

WHISPERING WINDS FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (403) 627-1997

By Joni MacFarlane Editor As the province moves towards finalization of a regional land use plan for the Crowsnest Pass and with a municipal development plan (MDP) over 12 years old, council learned that a new plan must soon be developed.

Mike Burla and Ryan Dyck with the Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) made a brief presentation to council on Nov. 19 giving an overview of what an MDP is, why a new one is needed, the process required, and a possible timeframe for action.

MDP’s are a mandatory requirement for municipalities in Alberta with a population of 3,500 or more. With the adoption in April 2014 of the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan, every local government will have to make all necessary policy changes within five years, said Burla.

In addition, the Crowsnest Pass plan was last updated in 2001.

“Changes to the demographic, economic and social make up and the needs and aspirations of the municipality... necessitate the formation of a new MDP,” Burla told council.

The recently revised Land Use Bylaw adopted earlier this year is a day-to-day plan, he added,

while the MDP is more of a long-range plan to address future land use and development, provisions of transportation systems, and municipal services and facilities.

It may also address development constraints, environmental matters, financial resources of the municipality and other physical, social and economic development issues.

Burla said the ORRSC has had a long relationship with the municipality of Crowsnest Pass and has been in the planning business in southern Alberta since 1955.

He suggested that the timeframe for a new MDP for Crowsnest Pass would be about 18 months and they would be available to begin as early as next month. Burla added that ORRSC would be doing a number of these plans over the next five years for 40 municipalities.

The cost of the process has been reduced for Crowsnest Pass because the population and assessment values have decreased, he said, and is now in the range of $30,000 to $35,000. Myron Thompson, chief administrative officer, said $30,000 was earmarked for the project in the 2013 budget.

Burla emphasized that a large part of designing the MDP would be to esnure public consultation at the front end of the process.

Peace officer report

By Joni MacFarlane Editor A report of the Community Peace Officer program for the month of October was released to council as follows: • Bylaw complaints: 73 • Bylaw complaints closed: 74 • Bylaw complaints open: 3 • Unsightly property complaints: 3 • Unsightly property complaints completed: 3 • Dogs impounded: 4 • Barking complaints: 2 • Lost dog/cats: 2 • Noise complaints: 4 • Parking complaints: 6

• • • • • •

Total bylaw tickets issued: 1 Speeding offenses: 38 Misc. traffic offenses: 25 Liquor tickets: 1 Mandatory court appearance: 2 Seatbelt infractions: 19 Total fine amount reported for October was $14,245.

Myron Thompson, chief administrative officer, later reported that 16.5 per cent of revenue from fines is sent to the province.

Community Peace Officers also joined the Fire/ Rescue Department in providing presentations to schools on Oct. 29 and 30 regarding Halloween safety. They were also out and about handing out candy to kids on Halloween evening.

Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 28, 2013

Bellevue Underground Mine busy year-round

By Joni MacFarlane Editor It may be considered the off-season, but staff at the Bellevue Underground Mine haven’t let that slow them down on plans to make the attraction a fantastic experience for residents and visitors alike.

First, said Manager Crystal Potts-Johnson, the crew at Bellevue Underground Mine spent several weeks painting, sprucing up the interior and expanding the office space.

The gift shop was moved and the hallways, cupboards and floors were painted. Mine Interpreter, Stephanie Lanting used her creative skills and painted the floors a unique pattern resembling bricks.

At the end of October, the mine’s office at the M.D. McEachern Community Centre was incorporated into the main building and new space was created for interpreters.

In addition, said Potts-Johnson, an addition was built onto an out-building that is now used for storage space.

“Our museum space is very limited, so we’re taking out everything that isn’t specific to the Bellevue Underground Mine,” she said. “We have lots of donations from people that are mining-related but that’s not where we’re going. We want to focus on artifacts relative to this mine.”

Students from Nippon Institute of Technology selected the mine for their architectural program and built a gazebo in September that can be used by visitors for resting or having lunch.

The other focus for the team is working towards building a new interpretive centre. Proceeds from the mine’s gala event, Music From the Mine, have been raised and a proposal has been sent in to the provincial government.

Potts-Johnson said they have partnered with Stantec Engineering who prepared initial drawings now under review for approval by the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation.

The intention is to build a new interpretive centre to resemble an old tipple or washhouse set into the mountain on the northeast side. A new parking area would be constructed and visitors could park at the top, visit the new centre and then walk down to the mine for their tour.

“This building was built in 1989,” said PottsJohnson. “It was only a temporary solution but here we are in 2013.”

The office and gift shop would also be moved to the top of the site and the existing building would be used for preserving the mine’s collection, she added.

New signage will be created to make the site more visible from the highway, said Potts-Johnson, and one that makes it worthy of the attraction.

Ron Price, mine inspector, makes daily checks inside the mine. Although incredibly sturdy, Price said a few places need re-timbering inside.

“Just making sure everything is safe and sound,” he said. “The ground is always moving.”

Potts-Johnson added that the portal is also deteriorating and needs to be preserved – a process that also requires provincial approval because of the historical significance.

Although still hiring summer students, a volunteer program has been set up to recruit community members for various duties at the facility.

Ten people have signed up, said Potts-Johnson, who will work as guides, help at the fundraising gala and assist with group tours.

“We want to let people know that we’re entrusted with the mine but it’s the people here who own it,” said Potts-Johnson. “We want to bring the community out more and show our appreciation.”

In addition, the mine is exploring a seniors outreach program as well as something for the local schools.

A new website, memberships, unique collector’s items, and localized giftware are other opportu-

nities the mine is looking at implementing.

“We’re focusing on what’s important and what needs to be done,” said Potts-Johnson. “We’re working on bringing the community in closer to the mine. We’re here for them, we’re just entrusted with it.

This is the first time the mine has been open all year and Potts-Johnson said they’ve seen a lot of visitors in the past two months.

“A lot of people are hearing we’re open who don’t have time in the summer and are stopping in now,” she said. “It’s a unique experience. There’s nowhere else in western Canada you can actually see what life was like in an underground mine.”

9

holiday sweets & treats Celebrating a winter birthday?

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“Bring a Book Take a Book” Fireworks for New Year!

Preorder & we will give you a 20% discount Coffee • Hot chocolate • Soup or sandwich Ice cream cookie or sundae

Expanding and focusing on community involvement, the Bellevue Underground Mine is now open year round. (Left to right:) Stephanie Lanting, Ron Price and Crystal Potts-Johnson. Missing is Penny Rinas, gift shop manager and head interpreter.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

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10

Thursday, November 28, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

Christmas hampers give a hand up

By Joni MacFarlane Editor

GROW WITH YOUR COMMUNITY Become A Community Builder

October 18 – December 19 • One hour-long session per week

What is Becoming A Community Builder?

Becoming A Community Builder is an initiative to build formal and informal leadership capacity in rural communities: http://www.viddler.com/v/d0d12237 Physical and mental capacities are essential to personal growth; Formal and informal leadership capacities are essential to community growth. Leadership capacity building involves shared personal development that builds vision, responsiveness and resilience in citizens, communities and societies.

Who Is Behind This Initiative?

Becoming A Community Builder is an initiative of award-winning coach and community builder Ian Hill: http://www. viddler.com/v/bd5f8247. Mr. Hill supported development of the community playground at St. Michael’s School in Pincher Creek, through his award-winning initiative Let Them Be Kids. “The skills, abilities and competencies to win the battles behind us may not be the skills, abilities and competencies to win the battles before us.”[Ian Hill]

How Will I Benefit From This Initiative?

Becoming A Community Builder will help you to better recognize and realize your value to yourself, your family, your community and the world. You will gain knowledge and skills that can help you to become a better informal leader, even if this just means becoming better at leading your own life. The knowledge and skills you gain can also help you to become a better parent, partner, professional, citizen and formal leader in the 21st century.

How Will My Community Benefit From This Initiative?

Becoming A Community Builder can help your community to achieve greater alignment of visions and actions across all community sectors and silos. It can also help your community to establish leadership capacity building as an enduring community-wide practice that will mature with time and experience. Breadth and depth of participation will determine what your community gains from this initiative, so YOUR PARTICIPATION IS VALUABLE AND IMPORTANT.

To help ease the burden for families facing difficult times, the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass and the Food Bank join forces every year to do what they can to help.

Kim Lewis, Coordinator with Family and Community Support Services said the municipality and the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank are again soliciting donations of money or nonperishable food items to put together Christmas food hampers for anyone needing a helping hand during the holiday season.

Lewis said the program has been in the Crowsnest Pass for over 20 years and FCSS has partnered for at least that long.

Today, volunteers from the community, the municipality and the Food Bank distribute about 140 hampers to residents.

Students from Nippon Institute of Technology assist in preparing the hampers for pick up and delivery as part of their service learning initiative and Crowsnest Consolidated High School

students also continue by way of a food drive.

Lewis said the hampers are intended to give a hand up to those who need it and contain a complete traditional Christmas supper including a fresh turkey, potatoes, dressing, cranberries and Christmas oranges.

Volunteers from Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue Department distribute the hampers on the morning of Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Recipients can also pick them up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Blairmore’s Elks Hall.

Crowsnest Pass residents, businesses and organizations can drop off donations of non-perishable food, cheques or cash to the municipal office. Cheques made payable to the Christmas Hamper Project can also be mailed to P.O. Box 600, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta T0K 0E0.

Anyone who wishes to receive a hamper must contact the Food Bank at 403-564-5110. Deadline to apply is Dec. 6.

If you would like more information on the program, please contact Kim Lewis at 403-5628833.

Who Can Participate And When, And At What Cost?

Becoming A Community Builder is open to any adult or youth residing in the town and district of Pincher Creek, Waterton Park, Cowley or Piikani. The live program will feature an hour-long video session every Friday at noon (adults) or 3:30pm (youth), October 18th – December 19th (fifteen weeks).

PARTICIPATION IS ENTIRELY FREE OF CHARGE.

How Do I Participate?

Becoming A Community Builder is an Internet-based program that supports group and individual engagement with a series of live or recorded sessions. Learn at home with family; at work with colleagues; at school with friends; at the gym or library with neighbours; or by yourself, wherever and whenever suits you. Participation stations will be provided at Pincher Creek Library and ParentLink Center in Ranchland Mall, if you need Internet access or a group to learn with.

How Do I Register?

Register at http://register.becomingacommunitybuilder.ca.

Technical support at tech@becomingacommunitybuilder.ca or (888) 957-8743x6.

Over ninety (90) people from the Pincher Creek region have registered.

More than 150 are expected to participate.

Registration will remain open after October 18th.

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.

Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce members enjoyed an After Hours event held at Scotiabank on Nov. 14. Left to right: Brian Gallant, Shirley Bloom (in back), Branch Manager Manjeet Toor, Val and Rick Breakenridge, Carol Budgen, Cathy Painter, Gail Milledge and Valeria Shigehiro (back right).

Submitted photo

Book fair makes Christmas easy

By Joni MacFarlane Editor Do you have a child or young teen who’s a book lover or you’re looking for an original gift for Christmas?

To the rescue is next week’s book fair at Isabelle Sellon School.

Books, activity items, school supplies and giftware can be previewed at the school on Thursday, Nov. 28 and purchased on Friday, Nov. 29 for the school’s annual book fair.

School librarian Sandra O’Brien said the book fair has been an annual tradition for a very long time, probably 25 years. The event is very popular, she said, with many Crowsnest Pass students, parents, teachers and residents.

As well as providing a broad variety of books and gifts just in time for Christmas, the book fair is a fundraiser for the school, said O’Brien.

They receive 60 per cent of the profits, that are then used to buy more books for the library.

O’Brien said the school sometimes earns as much as $2,500.

Books are geared for pre-schoolers up to young teens, ages 13 to 14, as well as a few adult and teacher resources, she said.

Everyone is invited to preview the book fair during regular school hours on Nov. 28 and purchases can be picked up the following day during regular school hours.

Crowsnest Free Press Thursday, November 28, 2013

Vote for BearSmart

By Joni MacFarlane Editor As part of the Shell Fuelling Change grant application process, applicants are selected for a minimum $10,000 grant and the opportunity to receive a larger grant based on the results of voting by the general public and Shell customers.

Crowsnest Conservation’s BearSmart Program has been selected for this Fuelling Change grant and they would like your help to further support BearSmart work in the Crowsnest Pass.

Crowsnest Conservation Society said they need to be one of the top 12 applicants in the $25,000 category to receive the full grant.

If you would like to help, visit www.fuellingchange.com and sign up for your free account. You will receive 30 free votes to be distributed among projects.

If you wish, additional votes can be obtained through purchases at Shell stations (50 votes per purchase). To redeem these votes, click on the Redeem Codes button and enter the purchase date, station code, and transaction code found on the bottom of the receipt.

PriNTer 101 from mJ aT mouNTaiN iNk

Troubleshooting Inkjet Printers Inkjet printers are mainly designed for home use, which means that when problems arise, you don’t have a technical support team at your beck and call.

In many cases, you can contact the manufacturer for support, but there are a number of common troubleshooting steps you can try first to see if you can resolve the issue on your own. Most problems fall into a number of common categories, and often a few simple steps can get you back up and running.

Here are some troubleshooting steps to try before you contact support for further help: Reset and Check Connections A surprising number of issues can be resolved by simply powering down the printer and the computer to reset any print jobs that may have gotten stuck or print queue errors. While you’re at it, unplug the printer from the wall for several minutes.

While both machines are powered down, you should also unplug and replug the cables connected to the printer on both ends. Make sure both connections are secure, and that there are no signs of damage to the cable. If there are, replace the cables. Restart the computer and allow it to fully boot, then plug the printer into a power outlet and restart it as well.

Check the Cartridges Many issues that involve print quality such as streaking, ghost printing, and more have to do with an empty or malfunctioning ink cartridge. Remove the cartridges one by one and inspect them. It is possible your cartridge is empty, even if the printer is not alerting you. Also, check to make sure they are fully locked into place.

Check to see if the print heads look clogged. If so, you can try cleaning the print heads, first running the internal process, and then cleaning by hand if necessary. Of course, the simplest way to fix a problem with ink cartridges is simply to replace them, even if it is only temporarily, to test whether they are the cause.

Check for Paper Jams or Particles Another major culprit for printing problems is the paper. First, make sure you don’t have a paper jam. If the printer is stating that you have a paper jam, but you don’t see one, you may have small particles of paper stuck near the sensors.

Check the Paper It is also a good idea to examine the paper you are using. Is it creased? Does it appear to be sticking to other pages? You can also try fanning the paper with your finger to loosen it slightly, and remember to practice preventative paper care, such as storing paper away from moisture. Make sure the paper tray is not loaded too heavily by only loading a few pages as a test.

You should also check the label to ensure that the paper you are using is designed for use with an inkjet printer. Some types of laser paper or copy paper may give poor results if used with an inkjet model.

Update the Drivers Communication errors can cause a number of printing problems, so it may be a good idea to try updating the printer driver.

Microsoft Fix It If you are using Windows, and suspect that your problem is related to the operating system, Microsoft provides a program called Microsoft Fix It that may be able to help. By installing the program and choosing to troubleshoot printer problems, you may be able to resolve issues with the print queue or unresponsive ports.

Still No Luck?

If you have tried all of these steps and you are still experiencing problems with your printer, it may be time to contact the manufacturer or a repair shop for help. At the very least, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you have tried the most obvious troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

Mountain Ink is your local supplier of printer equipment, ink & toner cartridges and office supplies. For more information contact MJ at sales@mountainink.ca, 403.564.4303 or find us on Facebook.

11

Community Calendar DECEMBER 7 – Mountain View Industries is hosting their annual Christmas Craft and Bake Sale starting at 10 a.m. Donations of baking or crafts would be gratefully accepted. Door prizes, silent auction, grab bags, hot dogs, coffee and lots of delicious baking. Everyone is welcome 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.

DECEMBER 13 - The Crowsnest Pass Youth Group (Four Twelve – YOUth) is hosting a community concert as a fundraiser for two local families, the Murray’s and the Goods. The concert will feature musical and artistic performances and is at the Crowsnest Christian Centre Church in Coleman at 7 p.m. There is a $5 entrance fee and children under 12 are free. A donation coffee bar with home-baked treats and festive beverages will be set up and after the program, a bake and Christmas craft sale will be held. All the funds raised will go to the Murrays and the Goods.

Visit the Facebook page, Community Christmas Concert Fundraiser.

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

12

Thursday, November 28, 2013 Crowsnest Free Press

Here to make you happy 1130 Table Mountain Street, Pincher Creek, AB • 403-627-2787

Stone’s Throw Café All Day Breakfast

Open every day 7am-5pm Sunday 10-4pm 13019-20th Avenue, Crowsnest Pass, AB

Ph/Fax 403-562-2230

www.stonesthrowcafe.ca

Specials 11-8pm

Wednesday-Steak Day 7 oz NEW YORK Thursday-Pasta (including Spaghetti or Baked Lasagna) Friday - Homemade Fish and Chips Saturday - BBQ RIB Night

Pick Up Orders 403-564-4522

Crowsnest Cafe and Fly Shop The Finer things in Life Dine in or Take Away

Organic Breakfasts , Lunches and Sweets made from scratch. Bold flavours from around the world : featuring foods from China,India, Mexico, Thailand...

Fine Rooibos Teas ,Free trade Coffees... famous Breakfast Bagel...

Patagonia, Hardy, Loomis, TFO, Fishpond Clothing, and a wide selection of Fly fishing supplies Winter Hours: Wed-Sun 8-5 Gift certificates available Healthy food on Highway #3

403-563-8510

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Have you booked your Christmas Party Yet?

Crowsnest Pass Eat & Drink CHEF DEZ ON COOKING

Seasonal Beverages for the Winter Months The upcoming holiday season is a very special time of the year that is celebrated not only with food, but with favorite drinks as well.

Family and friends come together to eat, drink, and commemorate the precious relationships that they hold with each other.

Throughout the years there have been many beverages made to help capture the essence of the season and these gatherings.

Eggnog is probably the first seasonal beverage that comes to mind. Eggnog is a drink that seems to have originated in Britain from a drink called a posset. This was a mixture of eggs, milk, and ale, sherry, or brandy. Posset was served in small, carved, wooden mugs called “noggins”, and thus the name “eggnog” was created. In North America the recipe was altered with rum as the replacement for the ale, sherry, or brandy.

In today’s world, eggnog is not necessarily served with alcohol and is a favorite for many of all ages. There are numerous recipes available to make eggnog from scratch, but most just buy it pre-made in a carton.

The varieties available to us at our local grocery stores also include a light version that is lower in fat, and at some locations, a no-fat variety. It is mostly served chilled either with or without ice, but I prefer to served it hot, individually, like a steamed milk, and garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. If you aren’t likely to make your eggnog from a recipe, at least buy whole nutmeg versus pre-ground, and try it grating it fresh onto the eggnog before serving. The flavour difference is incredible.

Hot apple cider and mulled wines are other wintertime favorites. These creations are made by heating either cider or red wine with a combination of favorite spices to infuse flavour. There is an endless combination of spices

that one can use, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, and many other warm complimenting flavours. Sugar is not usually added to hot apple ciders as the base cider used in the recipe already provides an abundance of natural sweetness from the apples. Mulled wines require a bit of sugar to compliment the feeling of consuming a warm festive drink, while also offsetting some of the acidity in the wine. Mulled wines that are heated for a long period of time are less likely to contain as much residual alcohol. Many prefer to have most of the alcohol still left in the finished product and thus cook it briefly. Whichever way you choose to serve and consume this wonderful seasonal favourite, just remem-

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ber n o t to boil the wine.

Boiling the wine will rapidly increase the amount of evaporation and risk the chance of the mulled wine being too strong tasting in the end.

A Swedish and Finnish version of mulled wine is called glogg. It is much sweeter and always has a high alcohol content. The final touch to glogg is the addition of a few almonds and raisins to each glass being served. Mulled wines are documented to have been in existence from as early as 400 A.D. in European areas, and thus have quite the history.

Always remember that seasonal beverages do not have to contain alcohol to be enjoyable. A heated cranberry juice or grape juice, for example, with the same warming spices can be made to replace mulled wine.

Furthermore, there are so many choices of fantastic herbal teas and syrups for coffees that capture the essence of the season beautifully. Whatever beverage you choose to help celebrate during the holidays, please drink responsibly.

Send your food/cooking questions to dez@chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6R4 Chef Dez is a Food Columnist, Culinary Instructor & Cooking Show Performer. Visit him at www. chefdez.com

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