FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2014
Enjoy the long weekend There will be no Bulletin published on Monday, February 10 because of the Family Day holiday.
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PROUDLY SERVING KIMBERLEY AND AREA SINCE 1932 | Vol. 82, Issue 27 | www.dailybulletin.ca MARYSVILLE ARENA
Down to the wire Which ever way the vote goes, it looks like a close one C AROLYN GR ANT editor@dailybulletin.ca
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
The McKim Grade Sevens are fundraising for their year end trip and are capitalizing on the Sochi hype by raffling off a 2014 Olympic hockey jersey signed by San Jose Shark, two-time Olympian, Vancouver 2010 gold medalist, Patrick Marleau. Other prizes include two separate two night stays in two bedroom condos courtesy of Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa and Northstar Mountain Village, two tickets to the Calgary Flames versus the New York Rangers on March 28th, and a horseback riding trip courtesy of Got-Adventure. Tickets are only $2 for all that and available at McKim and from any McKim Grade Seven student. Go Canada!
It appears the decision on whether to proceed with the $350,000 upgrade to the Marysville Arena ice plant will come down to the wire on Tuesday evening. Kimberley City Council will make a decision at their regular meeting on February 11 as to whether the $350,000 expenditure will be included in the budget. Thus far, Mayor Ron McRae and Coun. Albert Hoglund have emphatically stated that they will vote for the repairs. Councillors Darryl Oakley and Don McCormick are concerned about a mounting list of infrastructure priorities and say that the taxpayer cannot continue to fund everything. Coun. Jack Ratcliffe has indicated that he will wait until the meeting to make his final decision as he is waiting for a final report from the City’s Manager of Recreation Services Tom Sprado.
Coun. Kent Goodwin has not said what his decision will be. Coun. Bev Middlebrook is wrestling with a decision. “I find it a very difficult decision,” Middlebrook told the Bulletin. “Yes, the arena is used and wanted, but are we a community that can afford two arenas on the backs of our taxpayers?” “You bet, I don’t want to close it, but we have to be responsible. This community’s budget is important to me as well and that’s what makes it so tough.” Middlebrook says that the ice plant funds can be carved into this year’s budget, but that won’t be the end of the expenditures. “Are youth and recreation important to me? Yes. We are waiting for a report before we decide, but these numbers are realistic; the arena earns $60,000 a year, costs are $180,000 to operate. The cost of ice plant is $350,000, and then the costs of a future, new concrete floor is $600,000.” She says she will read all the reports from staff and emails from the public — which are pouring into City Hall — and decide after all the discussion. See VOTE, page 3
Cranbrook mall to become medical centre
The downtown Cranbrook complex has been bought by an affiliate of New Dawn Developments SALLY MACDONALD Townsman Staff
Cranbrook’s Baker Street Mall will become a one-stop professional medical centre opening later this year. New Dawn Developments has formed an affiliated business to purchase the mall in downtown Cranbrook which has been under utilized since Giant Tiger closed in December 2012. While plans are still being confirmed, the
55,000 square foot Baker Street Professional Centre will contain two family practice clinics, a physiotherapy practice and a pharmacy. There will be space in the clinics to bring another four or five doctors to the community. “We are very excited about the redevelopment of the Baker Street Mall and are actively
Night Skiing
Ski under the
stars!
FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21 & 28
Every Friday evening in February the Ski Area features fabulous public night skiing! Night skiing runs from 4pm to 9pm each Friday, with only the main Sundance Triple Chair running. Adult (18-64) $17 • Youth (13-17) $15 • Senior (65+) $15 • Child (5-12) $12 Regular full Day Lift Pass purchased on the day after 1:00pm is valid until 9:00pm.
Tubing The Tube Park will be open until 8:00pm each Friday in February. Please note the Snowbird Platter Lift will not be operating. Magic Carpet open for tubing. Tax not included.
working on securing tenants for the currently vacant spaces,” said Chad Jensen, president of New Dawn and the Baker Street Professional Centre. “This project will bring together various practices within the healthcare community, along with retail spaces focused on healthcare.” See MALL, page 4
31st Annual Starlight Challenge Starts Feb. 7! There’s still time to join!
Only $89 per person. Includes night lift pass, weekly races and awards dinner.