FRIDAY
< Journey comes to an end
FEBRUARY 21, 2014
Part V of A Day In The Life | Pages 10, 11
New at the Kootenay Garage > Janus and the advent of car culture | Page 7
1
Like Us
$ 10
TownsmanBulletin
INCLUDES G.S.T.
Follow Us @crantownsman
Proudly serving Cranbrook and area since 1951
Vol. 63, Issue 35
www.dailytownsman.com
Avalanche warning issued for backcountry C A RO LYN G R AN T
The Canadian Avalanche Centre issued a special public avalanche warning for recreational backcountry users who may be intending to enjoy all that new powder this weekend.
Every region in the forecast area with the exception of the North Shore Mountains near Vancouver, and the Yukon, is affected by the bulletin, including the entire Kootenay region. The warning extends to Wednesday,
February 26, 2014. The problem, says Karl Klassen, Manager of the CAC’s Public Avalanche Warning Service, is a weak layer of snow, the result of an extended dry period in January.
“That long drought left the surface of the snowpack in very bad shape,” said Klassen. “Now the new snow is sitting on one of the worst weak layers we’ve seen in a few years. That weakness is currently anywhere between
one and two metres deep so when it’s triggered, the resulting avalanches are very large.” Klassen explained that when the surface of the snow is exposed for a long dry period, it changes. With
sun and warm temperatures, it melts then freezes creating a smooth, slick surface. Wind on the exposed surface can also form a firm, hard crust.
See AVALANCHE, Page 3
Skating Club marks history BARRY COULTER
Skating in Cranbrook has a long history — as long as the town’s itself — and this history will be marked at a special show coming up next week. The Cranbrook Skating Club is celebrating the moment when it affiliated itself with Skate Canada, the national skating body. On Saturday, March 1, the 150 members of the Cranbrook club will be joined by skaters from Kimberley, Invermere, Elkford
and Fernie. Almost 200 skaters from around the region will take part in a magnificent ice show — held at Western Financial Place in Cranbrook. Joining them will be two rising stars in the skating world — Keelee Gingrich and Davin Portz, the 2014 Novice Pairs Champions of Canada, recently crowned at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships.
See SKATING , Page 4
Balanced budget benefits taxpayers, says Bennett Kootenay East MLA goes over the highlights of the 2014 B.C. budget SA LLY MAC DONAL D
A balanced budget is worth celebrating, Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett said this week of the 2014 provincial budget. “This is the second consecutive balanced budget in B.C. and one of only two balanced provincial bud-
gets in Canada – even Alberta is not balancing its budget. That is the most significant thing for British Columbians to know and to celebrate,” Bennett told the Townsman on Wednesday.
See BENNETT , Page 5
TREVOR CRAWLEY PHOTO
Kootenay Ice forward Matt Alfaro admires his player card before practice at Western Financial Place on Tuesday afternoon. The cards will be handed out by the Kootenay Ice Fan Club to the first 2,000 attendees through the doors on Friday night when the Spokane Chiefs are in town.
New Owners
New Look
Fresh New Product
Visit www.kimberleycitybakery.ca for daily specials 8:30 - 5:00 Tues. - Fri. • 10:00 - 5:00 Sat. • Closed Sun. - Mon. 250-427-2131
287 Spokane St. Kimberley