The Free Press, November 06, 2014

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Sparwood mall renovation completed

Riders smash Golden Rockets - Page 23 FERNIE

Fernie forum held last week - Page 4 SPARWOOD

Business Excellence Awards - Page 2

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Marge Templin (far left) and Norma McDougall (far right), president and manager of the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, hold up a ribbon for (left to right) Ron Mason; MDG President, Glenn Noort; mall owner and Nelson Wight; Manager of Planning, at the Sparwood Mall renovation completion ceremony. For the full story turn to page 27.

Photo by S. Kucharski

Fish death toll increases at Line Creek

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By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

lmost two-dozen more fish have been added to the total of deceased aquatic life found at Teck’s Line Creek Operations.

Between Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17 an initial 11 fish were found dead in the water

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treatment facility area at the Teck mine and preparation plant located near Sparwood. Since then, the total has risen to 34.

The facility has been shut down and is not expected to be fully operational again until early 2015, as Teck has taken to decommissioning, restarting and re-commissioning the facility as a precautionary measure.

“We take this incident very

seriously and are actively working to determine the cause,” said Nic Milligan, manager of community and Aboriginal affairs in a press release.

Investigation into the cause of death of these fish is still ongoing, though according to Teck, the startup process of the water treatment facility may be related to the incident.

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The startup process was recently installed to reduce selenium levels in the water.

Marcia Smith, senior vice president of sustainability and external affairs at Teck, has cited the water treatment facility — a $100 million infrastructure — as part of Teck’s “significant work” to reverse issues caused by selenium levels.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Fish death toll increases at Line Creek Continued from page 1 ublic concern is rising regarding selenium levels as a result of the nearby Teck plants Fording River and Greenhills Operations, both located northeast of Elkford.

Selenium is an essential trace element necessary for cellular function in many organisms; however excessive amounts may result in toxic effects.

According to a review of Environment Canada’s Teck Coal Environmental Assessment, conducted between 20122014, concentrations of selenium found in westslope cutthroat trout fish eggs collected from the Upper Fording River were much higher than the toxic threshold for the species and displayed “classical symptoms of selenium poisoning marked by skeletal and craniofacial deformities.”

These deformities include concave

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craniums, bent spines, missing gill concentrations of 60 micrograms per covers and deformed or missing fins, gram (dry weight). as seen in photographs of westslope The review was posted on Teck’s cutthroat trout collected from the Upper website last month and the company Fording River has long included in the acknowledged “We recognize that water quality assessment. their part in the T h e river pollution in the Elk Valley watershed is a selenium problem. serious challenge that requires threshold Over the next action.” for these five years, Teck creatures, will be spending Nic Milligan which notes $600 million to Teck Manager of Community and the level improve water Aboriginal Affairs at which quality. sensitive “We recognize species first that water quality begin to exhibit symptoms of selenium in the Elk Valley watershed is a serious poisoning, is 10-15 micrograms per challenge that requires action,” said gram (dry weight).

Milligan. “That’s why we have been Fish eggs collected from the working in cooperation with provincial Upper Fording River frequently had and federal governments, First Nations,

communities, governments in the U.S. and technical experts to develop an Elk Valley Water Quality Plan that will set out the approach to stabilizing and reversing selenium levels within the Elk Valley.”

Local residents had the opportunity to attend open houses earlier this year to provide their input in the development of the plan. Smith has also stated that Teck will continue to do research in universities across Canada and the U.S. in order to develop new ways to manage the selenium issue.

To read the full report and view photos captured of poisoned westslope cutthroat trout, visit http://www.teckelkvalley. com/res/vpl/documents/_ces_portal_ meta/_portal_pages/documents/ review_environment_canada.pdf

Businesses awarded by Sparwood Chamber

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

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fter a four-year hiatus, the Business Excellence Awards returned to Sparwood, honouring worthy district businesses, both retail and non-profit, in a variety of categories.

“We’re here tonight to celebrate our businesses and to really appreciate some of the people in town who need a ‘thank you’,” said Sparwood Chamber of Commerce Manager Norma McDougall.

Over 60 people gathered at the Visitor Centre last Wednesday evening for appetizers and drinks as names of the big winners were called out.

Tammy Ogden, vice-president at the chamber, read out the description and winner for Retail The Elk Valley Thrift Store graciously accepted their award for Business of the Year.

Best Non-Profit Business during last weeks Sparwood Chamber “The retail business award of Commerce Business Excellence Awards ceremony. is awarded to a local business

Photo by S. Kucharski that demonstrates good business standards and ethics, provides exemplary retail products and services to their clientele and actively demonstrates their commitment to the community • Fixed prices SOLD! SOLD! FAMILY HOME through involvement • Listed until sold and leadership,” said • We market your home Ogden.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Budget increase Fernie reviews city fees and charges bylaw to Sparwood highway T construction

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

conducting hourly work to remove the material and replace it with suitable fill rather than ue to unsuitable paying a premium to a contractor material encountered for fixed costs. in the Highway 43 Dwyer said that, moving and 3 Intersection Project in forward, there are plans to Sparwood, the budget will need apply for the Infrastructure to be increased to remove the Grant program. If successful, the unusable material and haul in district could offset half of the material to fill and replace it costs for next year’s construction with. from the federal and provincial According to the director of government. engineering, Danny Dwyer, in Barbara Nunes, director of a report to council at a special finance, said that the entire meeting on October 30, during project is currently in the budget excavation “unsuitable material for $7.8 million and the district which must be disposed of is expecting land sales totalling and cannot be reused” was upwards of $700,000 to be encountered at the development committed by the end of the site as well as in the trench zones year. for sanitary, storm and water.

“We will have a little extra cash “I don’t understand how for next year,” said Nunes, “but nobody knew that ground was we’re really going to have to look unstable because at our budget I remember carefully and in the 70s, 90 see what “It comes down to the per cent of that we can do. fact that we have to gravel was There may do something about hauled in there,” be things we it...Nobody’s happy commented have to delay but nobody’s ever Coun.

Sonny to make this happy when it comes Saad.

“Those work because sandpits were to more dollars.” l e a v i n g there when I it halfwas a kid … and Sharon Fraser completed I’m not quite Sparwood Councillor isn’t an understanding option.” why nobody The land knew that.” itself was D w y e r awarded responded, stating that when to Copcan Contracting in conducting test holes, suitable June for $2.87 million and the material could be found directly development will eventually adjacent to ground that was too house commercial offices and unstable for machines to stand a hotel. New lights will also on. be installed at the highway “When we got into the intersection as well as a tunnel earthworks and the area a for resident access to the new good chunk of the south side development. material was much worse than The hope is that the I anticipated,” explained Dwyer. development will attract more “[There was] high moisture and business to Sparwood. flowing sand to the point that Coun. Sharon Fraser was they had a difficult time settling focused on dealing with the equipment on site. We put down problem rather than pointing swamp mats to deal with that,” fingers. said Dwyer.

“It comes down to the fact that “We were aware of some soil we have to do something about challenges in this area,” said it,” said Coun. Fraser. “You can Chief Administrative Officer blame people and run back Terry Melcer. “But this sub- and forth, but in the end there division is unique as there was are areas that you’ll hit really no opportunity to move it down good gravel and just over from the road in either direction, we it you’ll find something with had to put the intersection at totally different soil ... Nobody’s the Highway 43 intersection. happy but nobody’s ever happy Because there was only one place when it comes to more dollars. to put that development, we You just have to fix it and get on have to deal with the challenges with it. Get it done and be more of the soil.” prepared next time if you’re able In his report, Dwyer proposed to.”

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

D

he current city fees and charges bylaw will be undergoing a review that could potentially threaten for-profit businesses in Fernie such as tennis and aquatic physiotherapy.

According to Cam Mertz, Director of Leisure Services, the current city bylaw was drafted in 1999 and last reviewed in 2008.

“The bylaw is somewhat outdated,” said Mertz.

“We have to go back and look at how we can be a bit more strategic with dealing with some of the operational costs of some of our facilities.”

Mertz said that he assumes that under the review, recommendations on how to deal with commercial businesses accessing publicly funded facilities will be addressed, as it currently isn’t in the bylaw.

“None of the recommendations have been made yet,” said Mertz, “and council will have the ultimate decision on what happens with those recommendations.”

Mertz cited the Fernie Memorial Arena as an example of why the bylaw needs to change.

“Right now, somebody from Calgary can rent the arena for the same price that Fernie Minor Hockey can. I’m assuming that that needs to change because Fernie Minor Hockey is paying a user fee based on a subsidy from the tax dollars that are collected from local residents.”

Mertz added, “Can you imagine if a commercial business operated at a playground and you, as a public tax-paying member of the community, were not able to access that playground? You’d be a little upset.”

Currently, there are no plans for the bylaw review to be implemented anywhere else in the valley.

Charlotte Willis, a tennis instructor who has run her business, Fernie Tennis Coaching, for the last five years is concerned that the possibility for a change in the bylaw will put an end to her tennis

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program.

Willis goes to schools in Fernie and Sparwood and reaches more than 1500 students every year.

“I am not against the charge,” said Willis.

“However, they are proposing that it will be a blanket charge with no consideration to small operations such as myself. I just want them to consider the smaller businesses and the good they do for the community, ensuring that the fee is affordable.”

Marlene Vale, who hopes to provide aquatic rehabilitation services at the Fernie Aquatic Center is also worried about the review.

Vale had intended on moving forward with her business but said she was advised against it by the City of Fernie.

“Currently in Fernie we offer AquaFit and that’s it,” said Vale. “We don’t offer much here, so it’s essential to have some sort of a therapy service in the pool and in the Elk Valley nobody really offers that.”

Vale intended to run her business Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the pool, hours that Vale says is normally quiet for the center.

“If the pool is there, it should be used. They’re kind of punishing us in a way for using it,” Vale commented.

Vale said that if the charge ends up being too much, she will move her business and clients to Sparwood.

“I understand that they want to charge independent contractors, however, I’m promoting the pool,” explained Vale. “I’m bringing people there and paying my entrance fee as well my client to get into the pool. We’re already paying to use the pool and I don’t understand why I would have to pay extra beyond that.”

For Mertz, the bottom line is that, “It isn’t the city’s responsibility to provide publicly funded spaces for for-profit businesses.” During the review, public consultation will be taken into account, according to Mertz.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Limited public involvement in Fernie forum addresses Elkford politics discussed at forum affordable housing

By Andrea Horton Free Press Staff

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ine candidates for the municipal election that takes place on November 15 answered questions to an audience of approximately 115 members of the public at the Elkford all-candidates forum on Monday, November 3.

Each candidate had two minutes to introduce themselves and explain why they are running for council.

“Being a councillor is not an easy job, making decisions for our community on behalf of our community is a huge responsibility and the decisions that have to be made are endless,” said candidate Mandy McGregor in her opening statement. “If elected, I will be only one vote on council but I can assure you that I will be one vote filled with the desire, the enthusiasm, the dedication and the determination to do what is best for our community.”

On the topic of getting the public more involved in the political process, mayoral candidate David Jones had this to say, “I would like to see more people interested in local politics, it seems like the only time they show up is when they have problems … people should take interest to ensure that we are doing our jobs.”

The recent deer cull was a hot topic among candidates. While most candidates agreed that they support council in the decision they made,

as the deer were becoming a danger to humans and domestic animals, there was a consensus that the project that current Mayor Dean McKerracher is leading, which involves relocating the animals, is a more humane way to deal with the issue.

“I am leading a group right now from Cranbrook, Kimberley, Invermere and Elkford,” said McKerracher. “We are working with the provincial government to try relocation in 2015 … we have already chosen a place for them to be moved down in the South Country so they will be monitored by biologists and by the government.

If that is successful, the program will probably continue on right across B.C.” The candidates went on to answer a long list of questions, including how they would encourage new businesses to open in Elkford, most stating that the district currently has incentives that include programs being put in place for tax breaks. Ken Wildeman commented on the district needing to buy more land to house new businesses.

McKerracher went on to explain that the district is dealing with the lack of paramedics in Elkford by training their firefighters to be first responders and clearing it with BC Ambulance so that the firefighters can drive the ambulance.

After their closing remarks, the evening ended with a social where the public could talk to the candidates one on one.

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE FOR REFUSE PERMIT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT FOR TECK LINE CREEK OPERATIONS Teck Coal Limited (Teck) has filed with the Ministry of Environment an application for a refuse permit under the provisions of the Environmental Management Act. The permit would authorize Teck to discharge refuse to a landfill facility located at Teck’s Line Creek Operations (approximately 25 kilometres north of Sparwood, B.C.). The refuse would consist of nonhazardous dewatered solid residuals generated from the existing West Line Creek Selenium Active Water Treatment Facility (AWTF) at the Line Creek Operations.

The solid residuals are a combination of biological and ferric (iron related) solid waste byproducts generated through the selenium removal process of the AWTF. Teck proposes to dispose of these residuals through a non-hazardous landfill operation, which would include a 2.5 ha landfill, engineered lined landfill cells with a dual liner consisting of a geosynthetic clay layer and a 1.5 mm high density polyethylene layer, a leachate management system, surface water diversion ditches, a groundwater diversion system, and related appurtenances. The landfill, at full build out, is proposed to consist of two individual cells separated by a central crest berm. The landfill is proposed to operate initially from one cell, at a maximum rate of discharge of 8.2 m3 / day. The location of the facilities from which the discharge originates and the point of discharge is Lot 6772, Kootenay District.

A copy of this application was posted at Line Creek Operations on November 7, 2014, in accordance with the Public Notification Regulation. Details of the application are available for viewing at the Cranbrook office of the Ministry of Environment at 205 Industrial Road G, or at the Teck Mountainview Office at 603 Pine Avenue, Sparwood, British Columbia.

Any person affected by or interested in the proposed landfill facility who wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting, publishing, service or display, send written comments to Alan Gibson, Environmental Protection Officer, Regional Operations Branch at 3rd Floor-2975 Jutland Road, P.O. Box 9342 Stn Prov Gov’t, Victoria, BC V8W 9M1 (facsimile: 250.387.8897) with a copy to Nic Milligan, Teck. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record.

Dated this November 7, 2014 Nic Milligan Manager, Community & Aboriginal Affairs Teck Coal Limited Office: 250.425.3335 E-mail: nic.milligan@teck.com

Candidates Willard Ripley and Dennis Schafer answered prepared and open-mic questions during the Fernie forum last week. Photo by K. Dingman

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

S

even councillor candidates made their way to the City of Fernie Community Centre last week for the all-candidates forum, hosted in a prepared question and open-mic format.

During the nearly two-hour forum, the candidates were asked questions regarding seniors housing, affordable housing, the lack of community involvement in local politics and issues with snow removal.

The topic that seemed to come up again and again was affordable housing, an amenity several councillor candidates feel the City of Fernie is lacking in, especially during the winter season.

“We have a phenomenon here called ski season where people flock to the town and look for temporary housing for the winter. I think they [Fernie Alpine Resort] need to step in to that and help with the housing of the people that they’re bringing in, a staff housing type of thing that would take some of the pressure off of full time people,” current Coun.

Dan McSkimming noted.

McSkimming also brought up the Veneto housing project and how the community embraced it.

“That’s the direction we have to go,” he said.

Candidate and current Coun.

Willard Ripley agreed with the concept of affordable renting, asking, “Is ownership something that is part of the definition of affordable housing? I think the more important thing is that you have to be able to afford housing, so you need to be able to find gainful employment and be successful on some level so you can afford to rent a house.”

When asked by a member of the public to define affordable housing, candidate Ange Quallizza, who is running for her first term in the City of Fernie, noted that by definition, affordable housing means using 30 per cent of your earnings for housing. She also said that several entry-level workers don’t make enough money to live in the community.

Senior housing was another issue that was addressed by the candidates, with each candidate expressing the need to further

develop senior residency within the community.

“One gap that we have is we do not have seniors housing in the form of privately owned small house developments,” Candidate and current Coun. Phil Iddon said noting that his vision is to develop senior housing adjacent to New Horizon Village or the empty field across from 901.

“A lot of time, as seniors, we may not want go into a home,” candidate and current Coun. Joe Warshawsky added. “It wouldn’t be bad to live with a whole bunch of people, and we could basically share common areas,” he noted, stating that shared seniors housing would be a chance for seniors to take care of each other while living comfortably.

Another important issue that was addressed was the lack of residents engaged in local politics, something that was ironically emphasized in the lack of locals in attendance at the forum.

“I think it really starts with tackling certain demographics who feel a barrier, whether realized or not, to approaching us,” Qualizza noted. “Having high school outreach programs is a fantastic way [to solve this issue]. Also targeting women; certainly in this community, we need more women in politics.”

First time candidate Dennis Schafer addressed his desire to target the younger generation of 20 to 40-year-olds in the community.

During his closing remarks Schafer reiterated his intentions stating, “This has been pretty stressful for myself. There’s been some questions that I haven’t really had answers to but I know I’ve always, in my life, been a social person. If elected, I plan to get out there, get into the community, hear concerns, educate myself, do all that I can.”

Jon Levesque, who is also running for the first time, noted the stigma attached to politics and the need to address that stigma in order to deter it.

Unlike Schafer, Levesque was outspoken during the forum, humouring the audience.

During his final remarks Levesque said, “I don’t think you guys could go wrong today; you pick any six here and the city’s going to move in the direction it’s been moving in, it’s going to be exciting.”

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

5

Wildlife Corner WildSafeBC encourages

Sparwood to join program

Submitted by Kathy Murray Wildsafe B.C. Community Coordinator

Fernie

Grizzly bear sighting reported on Dem Bones trail in Mount Fernie Provincial Park and black bear sightings reported on Mount Proctor.

Elko

A grizzly bear and two cubs reported on Main Street in Elko.

Sparwood

A dog was attacked by a cougar on Michel Creek Road last week, and cougar sightings have been reported at the Elk Valley Mobile Home Park, Pine Avenue and on Tamarack Street in Sparwood.

Cougar Safety tips

Cougars are wide ranging animals and may show up in urban settings from time to time. If they are passing through, it is important they do not find food that may encourage them to stay. Many urban incidents occur with young cougars that have not yet learned how to hunt effectively or older animals that can no longer hunt in the wilds. Feed pets indoors and keep pets indoors, especially at night. Cats and small dogs that are left to range free hunt small birds and rodents may, in turn, become prey themselves. Bird feeders can attract cougars and bears. Seeds on the ground can accumulate, attracting rodents and, in turn, attracting

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

cougars and other predators that feed on the rodents. Never feed deer or other possible prey species for cougars. While deer may be pleasant to watch, they can attract large predators such as cougars into residential neighbourhoods.

As well, urban deer present their own set of problems to you and your neighbours. Deer are one of the cougar’s primary food sources.

If deer are abundant in an area, especially a wintering area, then there is a good possibility to find cougars using the same area.

Cougars are most active during the period from dusk until dawn and this period requires extra vigilance by hikers while in cougar country.

If you encounter a cougar:

STAY CALM, DO NOT RUN, MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT, pick up small children and small pets, let the cougar know you are human - NOT prey, make yourself as large and as mean as possible, use your voice in a loud and assertive manner, back away slowly. Never turn your back on wildlife, if the cougar attacks, fight back with everything you’ve got, it is a predatory attack.

K

athy Murray strongly encouraged the District of Sparwood to join the Elk Valley WildSafeBC program in order to properly educate residents about reducing human/wildlife contact.

Murray appeared as a delegate for WildSafeBC at the October 20 council meeting.

“Sparwood residents have identified the need for public education addressing or preventing human/wildlife conflict so far this year,” said Murray. “Six bears have become preconditioned and habituated to humans and have had to be destroyed in Sparwood because of concerns for human safety,” she noted.

Other forms of wildlife, including cougars and deer, have also been spotted in Sparwood, often due to residents leaving out attractants, such as garbage, on curbsides.

Murray stressed the importance of the program’s educational services as integral components to the WildSafeBC program. The educational service includes presentations to schools, informative public displays, extensive media coverage and door-to-door campaigning.

“The end result is fewer bears, cougars, deer, coyotes and other wildlife in the community,” said Murray.

The total budget for the regional Elk Valley WildSafeBC program – which provides service from Jaffray to Elkford — is $17,000, and the district would be responsible for a $2,000 contribution to cover operating costs. The program currently runs from May to November, which is peak human/wildlife conflict season,

according to Murray.

Approximately 10 days would be spent in Sparwood delivering those educational services.

Murray noted that other communities, like the City of Fernie, have their own dedicated WildSafeBC program, which means more time is spent there as more money is contributed.

“We suggest for Sparwood to start by joining the Elk Valley program as a segue before we can get more funding and support for them to have their own program,” explained Murray. “I think joining the regional program would be a good start.”

Coun. Sonny Saad said, “I think it would be a big mistake if Sparwood didn’t get involved with this program.”

Coun. Sharon Fraser asked if this is a program Sparwood would have to join in subsequent years, or if a trial one year would be acceptable.

Murray explained, “These things take time to be implemented and learn. It isn’t learned overnight. In 2004, there were 40 bears destroyed in Fernie. Now, we’re down to an average of five per year or even none destroyed.”

Murray concluded her presentation by saying, “We have all chosen to work, live, play and grow food in wildlife habitat. With this comes the responsibility to ensure that wildlife remains wild. We’re hopeful that the District of Sparwood will join neighbouring communities and support the WildSafeBC program.”

The WildSafeBC program is currently supported by the Ministry of Environment, Columbia Basin Trust, the City of Fernie, the District of Elkford and the Regional District of East Kootenay.

District of Elkford 816 Michel Road P.O. Box 340 Elkford, B.C. V0B 1H0 P.250.865.4000 • F.250.865.4001 • info@elkford.ca • www.elkford.ca

Reminder to Turn on Bleeder Valves

The District reminds you that per District Bylaw No. 428, residents must turn ON the bleeder valve in their residences from October 31, 2014 to May 1, 2015.

Please ensure that your valves are in working condition before you turn them on. It is the residents’ responsibility to ensure that their water systems do not freeze. Any thawing of lines will be at the homeowner’s expense.

Elkford Fire Rescue is Recruiting

Come out and join us.

No experience is necessary.

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings Citizen’s Advisory Committee

• November 10 Regular Council

Public Skating: 16+ Shinny: Parent and Tot Skating: Family Shinny:

Wed. and Sun. 1 PM – 3 PM Tues.

10 AM – 12 PM Tues. & Thurs. 12:30 PM – 2 PM Wed. 10 AM – 12 PM Sat. 3 PM – 4:30 PM • Men’s Shinny: Fri. 8:30 PM – 10 PM Note: No Family Shinny on Nov. 1st, Nov. 8th, Nov. 15th and no Men’s Shinny on Nov. 7th. The skating schedule is subject to change.

Visit www.elkford.ca for the current skating schedule.

Remembrance Day Ceremony

November 11, 2014

On Tuesday, November 11th, the Elkford Remembrance Day Service will be held at 10:00 AM at the Elkford Alliance Church, 1803 Alpine Way. At 10:45 AM, following the service, there will be a Memorial Parade down to the Cenotaph in front of the District of Elkford Main Office, 816 Michel Road. The Cenotaph Ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM. Refreshments to follow the Cenotaph Ceremony at the Elkford Community Conference Centre, 750 Fording Drive.

All are warmly welcomed and encouraged to attend each event in honour of those who have fought for our freedom.

Notice of Intent to Amend Council Procedure Bylaw No. 712, 2011

For further information about this opportunity, please call 250.865.4020 or email: firechief@elkford.ca.

• November 6

• • • •

November Skating Schedule

@ 6 PM @ 6 PM

• November 24 Regular Council @ 6 PM These meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at 816 Michel Road and are open to the public.

TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to sections 94 and 124 of the Community Charter, Council may not amend, repeal or substitute a Council Procedure Bylaw unless Council first gives notice of their intent to do so.

Council for the District of Elkford intends to amend Council Procedure Bylaw No. 712, 2011. Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw No. 766, 2014 will receive the second and the third readings at the Council meeting on November 24, 2014; with adoption scheduled for the Council meeting of December 8, 2014.

The proposed Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw No. 766, 2014 includes the following changes: 1. Section 7(2)(a) Council meeting schedule changed from the second and fourth Monday to the second Monday only in the

2.

3.

4.

month of December.

Section 10(1) Electronic Meetings provision added for the Regular Council meetings.

Section 23(1) Delegations, removed the words “by resolution”.

Section 33(1) Public Question Period, change the words “have been on the Council agenda” to “are on the current Council agenda” to clarify the intent of the section.

The current bylaw can be viewed on the District of Elkford website at www.elkford.ca or a copy may be obtained at the District of Elkford Office, 816 Michel Road, Elkford, BC. C. Helgesen, Chief Administrative Officer November 3, 2014

6

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Opinion

Phone: 250-423-4666 Email: editor@thefreepress.ca

Production Manager Bonny McLardy Creative Kaitlyn Haarstad Member of

Circulation Shannon Stewart

342 2nd Avenue • Box 2350, Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0 Tel: (250) 423-4666 Toll Free 1-866-337-6437 Editorial email: editor@thefreepress.ca Advertising email: advertising@thefreepress.ca Publisher’s email: publisher@thefreepress.ca website: www.thefreepress.ca

250-489-3455 Toll Free: 1 800 665 2382

Wanda MacDonald Jacquie Zutter

Andrea Horton

PUBLISHER

Call 250-489-3455 or toll free 1-800-665-2382 for Subscriptions Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9 Established in Fernie, B.C. in 1898 and published weekly each Thursday by The Free Press, a division of Black Press Group Ltd. and distributed throughout the Elk Valley and South Country. Free circulation 6,000.

Reproductions of any material contained in this publication is forbidden without the prior consent of the publisher.

Editorial

by Andrea Horton

Being a community newspaper, we don’t typically cover provincial or national news, but with recent tragic events that have taken place in our country and with Remembrance Day just around the corner, I would be remiss if I didn’t comment on these circumstances.

On October 20, 52-year-old Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, a 28 year military man, was run down and killed by a young man who had embraced radical Islam. Vincent was accompanying another warrant officer that was doing an administrative procedure. Vincent offered to help the officer who needed support to complete his duty. At his funeral on November 1, a friend recalls how Vincent always put service before self.

Only two days later 24-year-old Corporal Nathan Cirillo of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada was shot and killed in Parliament’s Centre Block in Ottawa while he was guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Though Cirillo had a standard issue firearm, it was not loaded with ammunition in accordance with standard practice. He was shot twice in the back at close range by a 32-year-old man who, it has been reported, was addicted to drugs and suffering from a mental illness.

Some people believe that these two soldiers lives were taken away in an attempt to instill fear into the heart of our country. Others question the state of mind of the man who took Cirillo’s life.

Either way, two soldiers died on Canadian soil and their loved ones and all Canadians are left to make sense of two heinous acts that, some say, took away Canada’s innocence.

If it was an attempt to instill fear in the hearts of Canadians, I believe that instead of allowing these terrible acts of violence to corrupt our country’s belief of openness to other cultures and religions, we need to keep our country’s resolve to nurture multiculturalism while steadfastly keeping our own culture alive. By allowing fear and mistrust of people’s beliefs into our collective heart, no matter how different they are from our own, is to give in to terror. I think that these two strong men, that had their lives cut short, would want us to persevere. They would want us to keep the ideals of multiculturalism and openness to new ideas and beliefs that make our country what it is today.

Rest In Peace Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo.

Katelyn Dingman EDITOR

Sara Moulton

ADVERTISING

Jennifer Cronin

Sarah Kucharski

ADMINISTRATION

Copyright® All rights reserved. Contents copyright by The Free Press. Any reproduction of material contained in this publication in whole or in part is forbidden without the expressed written consent of the publisher. It is agreed that The Free Press will not be responsible for errors or omissions and is not liable for any amount exceeding the cost of the space used and then only such portion where the errors actually appeared. We reserve the right to edit or reject any submission or advertisement that is contrary to our publishing guidelines.

REPORTER

Jenna Jensen

CONTRIBUTOR

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CONTRIBUTOR

FRONT OFFICE In Absentia

Nicole Obre EDITORIAL Maternity Leave

Letters Welcome The Free Press wants to hear your opinion, especially on local issues. We reserve the right to edit letters for legality, length and good taste, as well as the right to refuse publication of any submission.

Copyright in letters and other materials submitted to the publisher and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms.

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All letters to the editor will be published with the authors name. 300 word limit per letter.

Email your letter to editor@thefreepress.ca

Letters to the Editor Letter to the editor in response to Mark Hume’s the Globe and Mail article Elk Valley residents have been aware of and have worked together with industry and government on the selenium issue for more than twenty years. Mark Hume’s articles in the Globe and Mail dated October 12 and 19 creates an impression that this problem is new and that people are uninformed of the risk and doing little to remedy its effect.

The community has been participating in processes to better understand the problem and discuss solutions starting with the Selenium Task Force, formed over a decade ago. More recently, the Elk River Alliance (ERA), a community-based water group in the Elk River watershed, have attended several

workshops and strategic planning sessions on selenium and other constituents of concern. The first opportunity was with the Strategic Advisory Panel on Selenium Management, who tabled their recommendations to Teck in 2010. Teck accepted all of the Panel’s recommendations. More recently, a condition in the permit for Teck’s Line Creek mine expansion is to address incremental impacts of all five mines through the Elk Valley by developing a Cumulative Effects Management Framework (CEMF); the ERA is part of the Working Group for the Framework. In the spring of 2013, the B.C. Environment Minister ordered Teck to produce the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, which involved the community via many focused workshops and on-line public consultation. Citizens have also toured Teck’s Line Creek treatment facility to better understand the biological removal of selenium from contaminated water.

Additionally, residents have been talking together about selenium at many public events sponsored by the ERA; e.g.

Friends Living on Water (FLOW) conversations, H2 oh! Public Forum and Field Trip and, a Selenium Sunday Dialogue with community members, including fly fishers. ERA also collects selenium data through our community-based water monitoring program on Alexander Creek and Lizard Creek to compare with Teck’s selenium data.

The challenge of this issue is not just science but integrating it with society and the human experience in order to achieve a sustainable solution. It will require collaboration and an increase in our collective water literacy in a process that must continue to build trust among community members, industry and government. The community remains focused on what can be done to optimize Teck’s sustainability performance and protect the watershed. The focus of our collective action is stabilization and ultimately reduction of selenium concentrations in the Elk River.

A face in the crowd Sponsored by

& The Free Press

If you are the individual in this photo you have won a $10 gift voucher from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Drop into The Free Press office for your prize.

Lee-Anne Walker Executive Director, Elk River Alliance

POLL OF THE WEEK Will you be getting a flu shot this season?

No 40%

Yes 60%

This week’s poll question: Do you plan to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies in the Elk Valley?

log onto www.thefreepress.ca to make your vote count This web poll is informal, not scientific. It reflects opinions of site visitors who voluntarily participate. Results may not represent the opinions of the public as a whole.

Black Press is not responsible for the statistical accuracy of opinions expressed here.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Little Girl- A poem submission Submitted by Margaret Blumhagen

Little Girl There was a little girl Who was so mad Her dad went away and she was sad He went off to war And she didn’t know the score Daddy, daddy was it something I did I will be very good instead I was only four when you left It was a big loss in my life You went overseas for five years It did bring me a lot of tears I was so young, I didn’t understand What had happened to the man When you came back I wasn’t on track Who is this man coming back into my life How does he rate to have a wife Time went by and he went to school To teach the golden rule

It wasn’t fair I had a few scraps To get me through The kids didn’t like me And how could I care I did everything I could to fit in But I had to take it on the chin

will be holding the

Annual General Meeting

on November 13, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the Park Place Lodge in the upstairs board room.

Need A Dentist?

A few years passed and I’ve Moved on to another town Then I was able to get around Finally confronted my dad Why did you let me get so sad He said he had a chore To feed his family and more No jobs, no work, he took the perk To leave his family, I felt he was a jerk Years went by and I did agree He was very nice to me It took a little girl a lot of years To get rid of her fears

Many a time I was in his class And probably acted like a brat

Why do people have to fight Let’s get along and have a good night

I didn’t want to be there

Daddy, daddy please think of me

Correction: In the October 23 edition of The Free Press in the article entitled “Elkford school wins book” on page 3 Denise Reker was quoted saying, “The purchased books equates to $15,768 plus the $10,000 grand prize [that] totals $25,768.01 in Indigo eGift Cards.” An additional quote stated, “The real winners in all this are our students. Reading is a skill that will serve them for a lifetime, helping them improve language skills, strengthen creative thinking and uncover hidden talent or interests. With the books received, our aim is to re-stock the library as a core center of learning at RMES and drive the love for reading across our entire student body.” This quote should have been attributed to Sheila Lemke, the Rocky Mountain Elementary School secretary.

Sparwood Chamber of Commerce provides council with update to do a better job at bringing people into our community,” noted Norma McDougall, manager of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Sparwood Chamber of Commerce The Chamber also noted that over delivered an $50,000 worth of Sparwood update on its merchandise was sold accomplishments “The Titan Truck does its job, that did not compete with and completed we just have to do a better any other business in the projects to district. job at bringing people into Sparwood council The Chamber also our community.” at the October 20 brought on 37 new members council meeting. this year, bringing the total Norma McDougall Most notable on business memberships to Sparwood Chamber of Commerce the list was the 106.

Manager increased number McDougall also noted of tourists who the reinstatement of the visited the Titan “Business Excellence Truck this year, which, as of September 30, Awards”, which highlighted five local had totalled 60,000 visitors. The month of businesses as a celebration of Small Business August alone contributed to almost half of Month. The presentation of those awards that number. was held October 29 at the Visitor Center.

“The Titan Truck does its job, we just have

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

Fernie Snowmobile Association

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Friday, November 21, 2014 at 6:30 pm at the clubhouse Social to follow

• Financial Statement • Dues & Budget • Election of Officers • New Business

The Bra Lady

Is Coming to Size You Up

Are you tired of feeling saggy, lumpy, pinched or strained? Well you’re not alone. As you’ve probably seen on Oprah or read in women’s magazines, over 80 per cent of all women wear the wrong size bra.

Here’s where Barb Chapman, the Bra Lady, comes in.

Due to the overwhelming response to the previous clinic, Chapman is coming to FERNIE, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, SPARWOOD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 AND CROWSNEST PASS, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 AND FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 to outfit you with the best possible bra for your body. Chapman said she will be seeing clients on a one-onone basis, explaining the benefits of good bras and measuring their bodies properly.“ “Most women just want to find a good-fitting bra that’s not uncomfortable,” Chapman said.

“What they don’t realize is that a good support bra is also important for blood circulation and enhanced lymph drainage.”

Chapman has over 200 bra sizes available for ordering, ranging from 30AA to 52KK. It’s likely that you’ll fit somewhere between those sizes.

She offers these questions for women to ask themselves: • Do you have a drawer full of bras but none that fit comfortably?

• Does your bust line “bounce” when you walk while wearing your “everyday” bra?

• Do you overflow the cup of your bra?

• Do your bra straps slip off or dig into your shoulders leaving red and painful marks?

• Does your bra ride up in the back because you tightened the straps to give you added support?

• Have you ever begun an exercise class only to drop out because your breasts ached from lack of support while jumping or running?

If you answered yes to any of these you are in need of a new bra, and a custom one could be the way to go.

1-800-254-3938 by November 17 for FERNIE November 18 for SPARWOOD and CROWSNEST PASS She doesn’t come into town very often so she advises booking as soon as possible. Although Chapman enjoys coming to this area, she is on the look-out for someone to train for or buy the business.

2009 Entrepreneur of the Year - Lifetime Achievement YOU’VE TRIED ALL THE REST - NOW TRY THE BEST • NO UNDERWIRES • NO ELASTIC STRAPS • NO STRAPS FALLING OFF SHOULDERS • NO RIDING UP IN THE BACK

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www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Starting Friday, November 7 to Thursday, November 13

Big Hero 6 - 3D

Interstellar

Rated G: 7:00 pm nightly 7:00 & 9:00 pm Fri, Sat & Tues 3:00 pm Matinees on Sat & Sun - $6.50 2D and $8.50 3D per person

Rated PG: 7:00 pm ONLY

321 2nd Avenue in Historical Downtown Fernie 250-423-7111

Warren Miller: No Turning Back

Add it online!

Thurs., Nov. 27 7:00 & 9:00 pm Tickets: $15.00 PRIZES

s Event submission

General

Senior

Family

$10.00

$8.00

$29.00

3D MOVIES

Want your event listed?

Child (12-)

are free!

Go to www.thefreepress.ca/calendar/submit/ now

$2.00 Extra $6.50

Around the Valley

Around the Valley is a free listing to any local service.

Please send an email to customerservice@thefreepress.ca or drop off a brief description of your event at The Free Press office.

Mondays

• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to 10:30am –Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 4:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 8:00 to 9:00pm – Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool

Tuesdays

• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to noon – Parent and Tot Funtimes at the Sparwood Leisure Centre • 9:30 to 10:15am – Low Impact Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 10:15am – Aquafit at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to 11:00am – Preschool Swim Lessons at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym for 0-5 years at the Fernie Family Centre • 10:30 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:45 to 11:30am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Parent and Tot Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Water Walking at the Sparwood Pool • 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:30 to 5:00pm – Red Cross & Lifesaving Lessons at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool

• 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:30 to 8:30pm – Opt Fernie Clinic at the Elk Valley Hospital • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 8:00 pm – Narcotics Anonymous Open Meeting, 101 Centennial Sq. Sparwood

Wednesdays

• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00 to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to 10:30am –Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 11:00am – Preschool Swim Lessons at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to 10:15am – Aquafit at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym for 0-5 years at the Fernie Family Centre • 10:30 to 11:00am – Wittle Water Works at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 11:15 to noon - Toddlertime at the Fernie Library for ages 2 & under • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00pm - Fernie Rotary Meeting Park Place Lodge • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:30 to 5:00pm – Red Cross & Lifesaving Lessons at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 3:45 to 5:00pm – After School Rec Hockey at the Sparwood Arena • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:30 – Ladies Darts at the Fernie Legion (new members welcome) • 7:30pm- Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 8:00 to 9:00pm – Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool

Thursdays

• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to 10:15am – Low Impact Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 11:30am - MOMs Group at the Fernie Library • 9:30 to 11:00am – Preschool Swim Lessons at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:30 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 10:45 to 11:45am – Kinder Gym at the Sparwood Leisure Centre • 10:45 to 11:30am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Water Walking at the Sparwood Pool • 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:30 to 5:00pm – Red Cross & Lifesaving Lessons at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00pm – Darts at the Sparwood Legion • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 7:30 to 9:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 11:00pm – Adult Rec Hockey 19+ at the Sparwood Arena

Fridays

• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to 10:30am –Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 10:15am – Aquafit at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to 11:00am – Preschool Swim Lessons at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym for 0-5 years at the Fernie Family Centre

• 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:45 to 11:30am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 11:15 to noon - Storytime at the Fernie Library for ages 3-5 years • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:30 to 5:00pm – Red Cross & Lifesaving Lessons at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 3:30 to 4:45pm – Pioneer Crafts at the Fernie Library, ages 7-10 (registration required) • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 5:30pm - Free Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm - $3.00 Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00pm – Jam Night every 2nd Friday at the Sparwood Legion • 7:00pm - Jitney Darts at the Fernie Legion – everyone is welcome • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 13+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 8:00 to 9:00pm – Teen/Adult Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre

Saturdays

• Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 1:00 to 2:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 2:00 to 3:00pm – Family Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 3:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 2:30 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 6:00pm - Meat Draw at the Fernie Legion • 4:00 to 6:00pm - Meat Draw at the Sparwood Legion • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 6:30pm - Texas Hold’em Poker at the Fernie Legion (every 2nd week) • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing

Sundays

• Noon to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 1:00 to 2:00pm – Family Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 1:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 2:00 to 4:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 3:00 to 4:45pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 4:00 to 5:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 7:30pm - Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie

UPCOMING EVENTS November 7

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15 15 16 18 19 22 22

Fernie Ghostriders vs.

Kimberley Dynamiters, Memorial Arena 7:30 pm Chakra Healing Retreat, Essential Yoga Studio Fernie Ski & Board Film Festival, 6:30 pm Fast Ski Swap, Fernie Community Centre Fernie Ghostriders vs.

Princeton Posse, Memorial Arena 7:30 pm Remembrance Day Services, Fernie, Sparwood & Elkford Pugs & Crows, Fernie Arts Station 8 pm Sparwood Arts Heritage Council Annual Craft Fair, Recreation Centre 1:008:00pm Fernie Ghostriders vs.

Spokane Braves, Memorial Arena 7:30 pm Texas Hold’em, Fernie Legion Hall – registration 6 pm start 6:30 pm Lantern Build, Fernie Arts Station 11:00 am Lantern Build, Fernie Arts Station, Noon & 6:00 pm Lantern Build, Fernie Arts Station 6:00 pm Northern Lights Lantern Festival, Fernie Arts Station 6:30 – 8:30 pm Fernie Ghostriders vs.

Kimberley Dynamiters, Memorial Arena 7:30 pm

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CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

CONNECTION

City of Fernie CONNECTION | Community Information and Opportunities | www.fernie.ca City Council Meeting Schedule November 2014 2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 CITY OF FERNIE 18BRITISH 19 COLUMBIA 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29

Regular Council meetings are open to the public and held at City Hall at 7:00 p.m.

City of Fernie Contact Info: City Hall Ph: 250.423.6817 Fx: 250.423.3034 Email: cityhall@fernie.ca Website: www.fernie.ca 501-3rd Avenue, Box 190 Fernie, British Columbia V0B 1M0 Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

(Closed statutory holidays) After Hours Phone: 250.423.4226

Fernie Aquatic Centre 250 Pine Avenue Phone: 250.423.4466

Fernie Memorial Arena 991-6th Avenue (Highway 3)

For all Police, Ambulance or Fire related emergencies: Call 911

statutory Holiday City Hall, Fernie Aquatic Centre and Fernie Memorial Arena are closed for the statutory Holiday (Remembrance Day) tuesday, November 11, 2014. Residential garbage collection will be picked up as usual.

Notice of Proposed Property Disposition NotiCe is HeReBy giVeN that the Council for the City of Fernie intends to dispose of an interest in land under the terms of an offer to Purchase to BC Hydro and Power Authority to accommodate an expansion of their Fernie substation. subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions detailed in the offer to Purchase the following City owned properties located immediately adjacent to the existing substation and consisting of approximately 0.75 (+/-) acres would be sold, in fee simple, to BC Hydro and Power Authority for the sum of $175,000: 1.

2.

3.

P.i.D. 011-851-708, Lot 2 District Lot 4589 Kootenay District Plan 7970 P.i.D. 011-628-316, Parcel 60 (see DD 4782) District Lot 4589 Kootenay District except (1) Part included in RW Plan 1340 and (2) Parts included in Plans 6724, 7024, 12857, 15270 and NeP 21051 P.i.D. 014-080-541, Lot 58 District Lot 4589 Kootenay District Plan 6724 except Parts included in Plans 6797, 7970 and 14848

For the complete offer to Purchase or other information, please contact Jim Hendricks, Chief Administrative officer at 250.423.2225 or via email at jim.hendricks@fernie.ca.

Public Hearing Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 7:00PM in Council Chambers at Fernie City Hall, located at 501 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie BC so that Council may hear representations from the public who deem an interest in the properties affected by the proposed amendments to official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2231 and Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 for: Applicant: Haworth Development Consulting Ltd. (o/b 0948262 B.C. Ltd., BC0948262) Location: Cedar Valley Neighborhood Legal Description: that Part of District Lot 5237, Kootenay District Lying south of the Portion subdivided by Plan 1280 and the Westerly extension of the southerly Boundary of Lot 36, Plan 1280 and West of Parcel B, (see 24330i) of Lot 36, except (1) Parts shown outlined in Red on Plans 31725i and 34821i (2) Part included in explanatory Plan 36221i (3) Part included in Plan 4201 and (4) Part included in Plan R368 Bylaws: Bylaw No. 2213, cited as official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2231, Amendment Bylaw No.1, 2014; AND Bylaw No. 2216 cited as Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 148, 2014 the applicant is proposing to: • Bylaw No. 2213: Amend official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2231 by redesignating a 18.73 hectares portion of the subject property from Residential to Natural open space on schedule B, Land Use Designations; AND • Bylaw No. 2216: Amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 by deleting and replacing section 4.2.18 Comprehensive Development Four zone text and CD-4 Map 1 with a new section 4.2.18 Comprehensive Development Four zone text and CD-4 Map. Comments can be made in person at the Public Hearing, or in any of the following methods:

BY EMAIL: cityhall@fernie.ca IN PERSON: City Hall 501 – 3rd Avenue

BY FAX: (250) 423.3034

BY MAIL: City of Fernie, Planning Department, Po Box 190, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 Any submissions received after 5:00PM, Monday, November 24, 2014 will not be accepted. No representation will be received by Council after the conclusion of the Public Hearing. All submissions must include your name and street address. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of information and Protection of Privacy Act. For more information, please contact the Planning Department at (250) 423.6817 or via email at cityhall@fernie.ca.

A copy of the proposed bylaw amendment and other relevant documents may be viewed at City Hall, 501 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC during normal business hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm November 6, 2014 to November 24, 2014 (excluding weekends and statutory holidays), or online.

This Notice is published in accordance with Section 892 of the Local Government Act.

Notice of Proposed Property Disposition (Lease)

Public input into Amendment to the 2014-2018 Financial Plan

NotiCe is HeReBy giVeN that the City of Fernie intends to dispose of an interest in land, being the entering into of a lease for a portion of the Fernie Memorial Arena (Lot 3, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District, Plan 2605) specifically the curling portion of the facility, with the Fernie Curling Club, for a term of 5 months commencing on November 15, 2014. the consideration to be received by the City for the proposed lease is the initial sum of $7,200 per year.

the Council for the City of Fernie will be considering adoption of the 2014 - 2018 Five year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2265, 2014 on Monday, November 24, 2014. this amendment proposes to reallocate current funding from the downtown surveillance cameras and to increase capital works expenditures and the east Kootenay energy Diet subsidy.

this is the second of two notices dated the 6thof November, 2014.

For more information please contact Cam Mertz, Director of Leisure services at 250-423-2225 or via email at cam.mertz@fernie.ca.

How to get Neighbours to turn Down the Noise Noise is part of urban life, but too much noise is disruptive and harmful. How much noise is too much? the City of Fernie's Noise Bylaw defines how much noise is acceptable, based on: • Where you are.

• Where the noise is coming from.

• What is making the noise.

• What time and day the noise is occurring.

For more information on the Noise Bylaw please visit the City’s website or contact Bylaw services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@fernie.ca.

the george s. Majic spiritus Award Nominate a person or persons who for many years have exemplified the spirit of giving without any desire for recognition or reward; and by way of their contributions have enriched our community as a whole through their love of Fernie.

Deadline for submissions is November 17, 2014 at 5:00pm For more information see our website at www.fernie.ca or stop by City Hall.

Council encourages the public to review this information and if desired, to make representation to Council at the November 24, 2014 meeting either in person or in writing. Copies of the bylaw amendment and staff report are available on the City’s website at www.fernie.ca. Written submissions can be mailed, hand delivered or emailed to City Hall. the City will only guarantee that emails sent to cityhall@fernie.ca will form part of the Council agenda. the deadline for written submission is noon on Friday, November 21, 2014.

For additional information, please contact Mr. terry Holt at 250.423.2223 or terry.holt@fernie.ca.

Winter Parking the City of Fernie would like to remind residents that the Winter Parking Regulations will be in effect from November 1st to April 15th in order to facilitate snow removal. the following alternate parking schedule will be enforced during this time period: NO PARKING permitted on the south or east side of the Roadways Monday, Wednesday, Friday and sunday NO PARKING permitted on the North or West side of the Roadways tuesday, thursday and saturdays these restrictions allow City plows to clear the snow back to the boulevards on alternating days. Any vehicle parked contrary to the regulation or posted signage is subject to towing, vehicle impoundment and applicable fees.

Please take precautions to ensure that this does not happen to you!

For more information on the winter parking regulations please visit the City’s website or contact Bylaw services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@fernie.ca.

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10

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

www.thefreepress.ca

d is tr i c t o f spa rwo o d Box 520, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 Phone: 250.425.6271 | Fax: 250.425.7277 Email: sparwood@sparwood.ca

www.sparwood.ca

Upcoming Meetings of Council Monday, November 17 Monday, November 24 Monday, December 1 Monday, December 15

(in Council Chambers)

Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm Committee of the Whole Meeting at 7:00 pm Inaugural Meeting at 7:00 pm Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE

Notice is hereby given that Council at their Regular Meeting to be held on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC intends to approve a loan to Elk Valley Seniors Housing Society as follows: Amount of loan Purpose of loan Interest rate Repayment terms

$ 685,000.00 Complete construction of the Lilac Terrace Expansion Project To start upon completion of construction and charged monthly at the Municipal Finance Authority rate for short term loans as at the beginning of each month.

To be repaid by any fundraising efforts, with the balance of the loan repayable on November 16, 2019. The Society may prepay the loan or any portion thereof at any time without notice, bonus or penalty.

NOTICE OF ASSENT VOTING CEASE FLUORIDATION BYLAW (REFERENDUM) PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given to the electors of the District of Sparwood that voting will be held on the following question: “Are you in favor of Council adopting Bylaw 1145, “Cease Fluoridation Bylaw 1145, 2014” which authorizes removal of fluoride from the municipal water supply effective January 1, 2015?”

DISTRICT OF SPARWOOD BYLAW 1145 A Bylaw to Cease Fluoridation of the Municipal Water Supply

WHEREAS by referendum in 1966 consent of the electors to fluoridate the municipal water supply was obtained; AND WHEREAS Council has deemed it in the public interest to provide opportunity for the removal of fluoride from the municipal water supply; NOW THEREFORE the Council of the District of Sparwood, in open meeting assembled, enacts as follows; 1.

Council shall cease to fluoridate the municipal water supply effective January 1, 2015.

2.

This Bylaw may be cited as “Cease Fluoridation Bylaw 1145, 2014”.

The full bylaw and background information may be inspected at the District of Sparwood Office, 136 Spruce Avenue, during regular office hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday excluding Statutory Holidays.

VOTING will be open to qualified electors of the District of Sparwood as follows: General Voting:

Advance Voting:

Saturday, November 15, 2014 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Henry Volkmann Memorial Complex (Leisure Centre) – Curling Rink Concourse, 367 Pine Avenue, Sparwood BC

Wednesday, November 5, 2014 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday, November 10, 2014 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Friday, November 14, 2014 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sparwood Seniors Citizen Drop In Centre, 101 4th Avenue, Sparwood BC ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Resident Elector (a) is a Canadian citizen; (b) is, OR will be on November 15, 2014, age 18 or older; (c) has been a resident of British Columbia for the past 6 months; (d) has been a resident of the District of Sparwood for the past 30 days; and (e) is not otherwise disqualified by law from voting.

RESIDENT ELECTORS may register on Voting Day at the Polling Station, if they meet these qualifications and provide two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not required.

The identification must prove both residency and identity.

Notice of Council’s Intention

to Consider Adoption of amendments to the Utility and Solid Waste Management Bylaw At the Regular Meeting held November 3, 2014 Council gave three readings to Bylaw 1158 cited as “Utility and Solid Waste Management Bylaw 1014, Amendment Bylaw 1158, 2014”. This Bylaw has been brought forward to set rates for 2015 to 2017.

The highlights of Bylaw 1158 are: • General rate increases for Water of 4%, for Sewer of 4% and for Garbage of 3% in each of 2015, 2016 and 2017.

• These rates will be in effect until the new metered rates are established.

• Inspection and connection fee increases of 4% in each of 2015, 2016 and 2017.

• Revision to discount timing (no change to the 10% discount for January payment).

• Establishment of a rate for excess water consumption (after District has provided notice).

All persons who believe their interests are affected by Bylaw 1158 will be given an opportunity to make representations to Council at the Regular Meeting on November 17, 2014 at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC. Written submissions may be delivered to the District Office prior to the meeting.

Barbara Nunes, Director of Finance

NOTICE OF ELECTION BY VOTING

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given to the electors of the District of Sparwood that an Election by Voting is necessary to elect one Mayor and six Councillors, and that the persons nominated as candidates and for whom the votes will be received are listed below: MAYOR Hungry Baytaluke Bev Bellina Cal McDougall Joanne Wilton

One person to be elected 259 Blue Spruce Crescent Sparwood, BC 461 Engelmann Spruce Drive Sparwood, BC 1329 Wildwood Sparwood, BC 427B Engelmann Spruce Drive Sparwood, BC

COUNCILLOR John Baher Brad Bowen Sharon Fraser Lois Halko Melanie Hutchinson Joe Jarina Jenna Jensen Margaret McKie Ron (Sonny) Saad Bobbie Saga Simon Senycz Rose Sharma Peter Templin

Six persons to be elected 8468 Baher Road North Sparwood, BC 414 Willow Place Sparwood, BC 460 Michel Creek Road Sparwood, BC 304 Pine Avenue Sparwood, BC 259 Blue Spruce Crescent Sparwood, BC 411 Engelmann Spruce Drive Sparwood, BC 5867 Hwy 43 Sparwood, BC 463 White Birch Crescent Sparwood, BC 305 Pacific Yew Crescent Sparwood, BC 7555 Hwy 43 Sparwood, BC 25 Juniper Crescent Sparwood, BC 452 Engelmann Spruce Drive Sparwood, BC 1210 Hickory Crescent Sparwood, BC

VOTING will be open to qualified electors of the District of Sparwood as follows: General Voting:

Advance Voting:

Saturday, November 15, 2014 Henry Volkmann Memorial Curling Rink Concourse, 367 Pine Avenue, Sparwood BC Wednesday, November 5, 2014 Monday, November 10, 2014 Friday, November 14, 2014 Sparwood Seniors 101 4th Avenue, Sparwood BC

8:00 am to 8:00 pm Complex (Leisure

Citizen

8:00 am to 8:00 pm 9:00 am to 1:00 pm 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Drop In

Centre)

–

Centre,

ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS Resident Elector (a) is a Canadian citizen; (b) is, OR will be on November 15, 2014, age 18 or older; (c) has been a resident of British Columbia for the past 6 months; (d) has been a resident of the District of Sparwood for the past 30 days; and (e) is not otherwise disqualified by law from voting.

RESIDENT ELECTORS may register on Voting Day at the Polling Station, if they meet these qualifications and provide two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not required.

The identification must prove both residency and identity.

Non-Resident Property Elector (a) is not entitled to register as a resident elector of the District of Sparwood; (b) is a Canadian citizen; (c) is, OR will be on November 15, 2014, age 18 or older; (d) has been a resident of British Columbia for the past 6 months; (e) has been a registered owner of real property in the District of Sparwood for the past 30 days; (f) has received the written consent of a majority of the registered owners of the property designating you as the one who may vote (only one person may vote on the property qualification no matter how many owners there may be).

Non-Resident Property Elector (a) is not entitled to register as a resident elector of the District of Sparwood; (b) is a Canadian citizen; (c) is, OR will be on November 15, 2014, age 18 or older; (d) has been a resident of British Columbia for the past 6 months; (e) has been a registered owner of real property in the District of Sparwood for the past 30 days; (f) has received the written consent of a majority of the registered owners of the property designating you as the one who may vote (only one person may vote on the property qualification no matter how many owners there may be).

Sarann Press Chief Election Officer

Sarann Press Chief Election Officer

NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS may register on Voting Day at the Polling Station, if they meet the qualifications set out, have two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature to prove identity), PROOF OF OWNERSHIP OF THE PROPERTY and the WRITTEN CONSENT OF A MAJORITY OF THE REGISTERED OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY designating you as the one who may vote.

NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS may register on Voting Day at the Polling Station, if they meet the qualifications set out, have two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature to prove identity), PROOF OF OWNERSHIP OF THE PROPERTY and the WRITTEN CONSENT OF A MAJORITY OF THE REGISTERED OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY designating you as the one who may vote.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

11

Q&A with the the Candidates • Do you feel that the residents of Area B would benefit from having a skating complex in Jaffray and would you support this initiative?

The question of a skating complex in Jaffray is not a new issue. In 1990 a proposed complex was narrowly defeated in a referendum.

There are many positives that support the proposed complex, such as benefits to youth and community cohesiveness, but also, there are a lot of financial and social considerations accompanying this issue. A review of the current costs and feasibility of the project will need to be undertaken, and if local taxpayers support the findings then I will put my full effort towards seeing it to fruition.

Yes, it would be great to have the benefit of a skating complex in Jaffray. BUT the reality is that we have neither the population nor the tax base to support it. With the information that I have gathered and the costs associated with the building of an arena complex this project would not be feasible at this time.

STAN DOEHLE

MORGAN DILTS

Directorial Candidate Area B

Directorial Candidate Area B

•What vision do you have for Sparwood beyond the lifespan of current mining operations?

I’m not sure what our community will look like beyond the life span of mining operations as some sites surpass my lifetime.

I would hope that with strong fundamentals and good planning set out over time that our community would be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

With a strong voice from our residents and through active participation on all issues I believe this is attainable.

BEV BELLINA

HUNGRY BAYTALUKE Mayoral Candidate

CAL MCDOUGALL Mayoral Candidate

To ensure life after mining, it is important to diversify the economy of Sparwood. Building tourism opportunities would be a good start. Completion of the Whiskey Jack golf course would be a huge boost to the entire area, along with snowmobiling as a destination and marketing our rivers. Make it easier for small businesses to establish themselves in Sparwood and build a stronger base for the town. Business attracts business.

Maybe make it more affordable for manufacturing and medium size business to open or relocate.

Sparwood has the lifestyle for their employees.

My vision would be that we diversify focusing on our strengths. We have a history of strong resilient people who have come, stayed and left their footprints here. We came because of our industrial heritage. We need a permanent place to house our collective artifacts, pictures and memorabilia. I envision a museum and/or interpretive centre where people stop to listen and learn about how we came to live here and why we generationally continue to stay. We will capture thousands of people driving past and guaranteed some will come back to stay for our great quality of life ... and some will see great business opportunities. And we will grow!

Mayoral Candidate

JOANNE WILTON

JOHN BAHER

BRAD BOWEN

Mayoral Candidate

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

The life of the coal mines will be extended with the expansion of Baldy Ridge and Coal Mountain, but I believe we need to explore options for the future now rather than wait until the mines are closed and have to reinvent ourselves. We need to diversify so that we are ready for any eventuality. I really believe that council, staff and citizens need to put some time and energy into this planning. A good start would be considering the 60,000+ plus tourists that stop at the Titan every year.

Although I believe Sparwood will be sustainable with mining for many years to come, the incredible area in which we live also offers great tourism opportunities.

We need to always be cognizant that things could change at any time and for that reason, I believe we need to be sure to showcase Sparwood not only as a one industry community but also as a destination with plenty of great outdoor activities in our own back yard and plenty of great history allowing for us to also be a tourism destination.

With pending closure of the coal mines somewhere in the future it is imperative that we manage our finances carefully now.

Reserves must be built back up to a comfortable level, while still maintaining our infrastructure.

New developments need to be reviewed and prioritized accordingly. This will ensure we have the funds in place to make Sparwood our home as we now know it. A quiet little town in the Rockies; a perfect place to bring up a family or retire. It will be a haven for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

SHARON FRASER Councillor Candidate

I believe that the Elk Valley is coal rich, and as long as there is a need for coal in this world, the Elk Valley will be able to supply the demands for coal to make steel! At what cost to Sparwood, and Elkford and Fernie, I have no idea, as far as what changes could mining bring about to the communities? I am a coal miners daughter, my dad was killed int the Bomber North explosion, and my Uncle Rocky was buried and died in A South mine!

They both died almost fifty years ago, and still, we continue to mine!

I believe the mines will continue to add new life spans as they deplete the life spans they have now set!

Coal mining will go on and on for years to come, that is my belief!

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Q&A with the the Candidates • Sparwood continued

Councillor Candidate

JOE JARINA

Councillor Candidate

JENNA JENSEN

Councillor Candidate

MARGARET MCKIE

Implementation and follow through of programs that benefit the community as a whole.

Facilitate recycling by providing curbside pickup so that motivated residents can use the program.

Support the WildSafe program to educate residents on living with wildlife in the Rockies.

Give volunteers credit for their community improvement initiatives. Volunteers get things done on the grass roots level.

Provide facilities and amenities that would enable residents to remain in Sparwood. Take ownership of your community.

Become engaged. Make it the best place to live. One person can make a difference.

Once mining is complete in Elk Valley, Sparwood, I see the future town to be a mining reclaimed, beautiful town. This will bring in more retirement people, people who love the wilderness, winter and/or summer. The price of homes in Sparwood would be attractive to many people, some who would move here from cities for year round or winter and/or summer activities. More tourist type of business would open. Hiking, fishing hunting, skiing, etc would be available in Sparwood.

That is a tough question to answer in 90 words. Mining is such a significant part of our past, present and future; it plays a huge role in everything we do. Sparwood truly has so much to offer, and as we continue to identify who we are as a community and who we want to become now and beyond the lifespan of mining, my vision is that this will be something we will naturally be able to ease into whenever the time comes and as we continually diversify, develop and progress.

Beyond the life of mining is not necessarily the end of our community. The areas where mining occurred will have to be restored. Some future uses could be rangeland, farmland, recreation areas or other productive uses. Sparwood completed a Community Sustainability Plan, which meets the current generations needs without compromising the future. Our Leisure Center recently went through a major energy retrofit project , replacing the old heating system and boilers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 163 tonnes a year

ROSE SHARMA

PETER TEMPLIN

LOIS HALKO

MELANIE HUTCHINSON

Councillor Candidate Following the eventual closure and reclamation of mine sites, Sparwood will continue to have a strong local economy. Transition will be assisted by planned nonreliance on major industrial taxation. The foresight to develop strong municipal infrastructure and energy efficient facilities will be in place for the future.

The economy will be diversified toward skills, technological and knowledge based jobs. Sparwood’s fiber optic network will provide communication ability for expansion and attraction for a range of businesses. Our beautiful natural setting will provide for a diversity of outdoor tourism recreational opportunities.

SONNY SAAD

BOBBIE SAGA

SIMON SENYCZ

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

I believe that the communities of the Elk Valley have a history and natural scenic beauty that is not to be overlooked. Supporting each other, I have no doubt that we have the ability to flourish after mining. The fortunate part is we have approximately 36 years to work with councils, citizens and all support groups to make this happen. Our valley, in its history and natural beauty, will attract the investment and alternative industry. I would venture to say that whatever the choices you and I will see world class outcomes.

Sparwood’s future lies in our ability to diversify and balance new ventures with what we already have that reflects the talent, unique history and values of all members of the community. We can create a vision that builds on the past, while taking into consideration that the Elk Valley is one of the most beautiful places on earth to live, work and play. It’s a vision beyond mining that seemingly ties into the Elk Valley Regional Economic Collaborative, which is already identifying priorities for promoting and advancing regional economic development.

The vision is beyond our capabilities at this time but our future will require secondary industry like tourism, more secondary education facilities, and facilities for the seniors as this area has lower costs that the rest of B.C. We have been discussing these ideas, but have not implemented action to make the future different after coal.

Sparwood thrives because of the coal mining resources in our valley.

Luckily, we have coal reserves to last for many generations to come, however, it is very important that we diversify our economy to ensure that Sparwood is a thriving community for even longer than that. As a councillor, I would work on building up our tourism industry for outdoor activities like fishing, hunting and hiking. We do have great tourist attractions.

We can leverage these attractions and create more through using our mined-out hills as a way to educate people about the mining industry.

My vision for Sparwood would be to have an expanded tourism market. Not one in direct competition with Fernie but offering our own style of outdoor adventures. From mountain-biking to hiking to guided horseback trips into backcountry lakes. Cross country skiing, with trails all around town and into surrounding valleys.

My vision would also include a financially sound Sparwood with good infrastructure in place. For this to become a reality, it would take sound planning and insight and forward thinking from council this term and in terms to come .

For all of your personal, commercial or industrial automotive repair needs! come check out our new sparwood showroom!

From bumper to bumper and the ground up come see Mountain Mechanical for all of your repair needs!

Home of the elk valley’s Most exPerienced Mechanics!

Free local pick up and delivery!

Now hiring for service, parts and warehouse.

Sparwood - 743 Douglas Fir

250-425-6535

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Complete Radiator Service Industrial Truck & Heavy Duty Equipment

SERVING THE MINING & LOGGING INDUSTRY SINCE 1982

Elkford - 1 Front Street

250-865-4622

A proud community supporter

250-425-6413 Sparwood, B.C.

BC & NARSA HD CERTIFIED

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

13

Q&A with the the Candidates • How do you plan to balance economic growth and development while remaining environmentally conscious?

PHIL IDDON

JON LEVESQUE

DAN MCSKIMMING

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

I think a lot of work has gone into the balance of development and the environment. Through community consultation during the Official Community Plan (OCP) process and the upcoming rewrites of the Subdivision Servicing bylaw and staffs adherence to strict guidelines within our current bylaws, we should see very environmentally conscious growth within city boundaries. I think The Cedars and Montane subdivisions will be of the highest order in preserving green space, controlling runoff and providing community amenities.

The question suggests that the two ideas are incompatible.

While thought to be the case in the past, it’s certainly not the case today. We do not need to reinvent the wheel here. The hurdle isn’t coming up with ideas, it’s coming up with ideas where the community has buy-in and fully understands the benefits as well as the risks. Council needs to reinvigorate local politics. If we can create a model where every citizen participates at some level, our community will continue to be prosperous while being in harmony with our environment.

Economic growth is imperative to keep our town sustainable. There are tools that the city has to ensure that wetlands, riverbanks and other important areas are protected as development moves forward. Most of the land available for development is privately owned, however, the city has the ability to request parkland dedication, and has covenants in place to ensure that our sensitive areas are protected forever. We also need to find a way to encourage those developing and building to use ‘green’ methods and ideas such as the Lead in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

ANGE BUTTERFIELD QUALIZZA Councillor Candidate

Environmental initiatives attract businesses and residents who choose to live in places that value quality of life.

Local government can create this culture by implementing sustainable procurement policies, green building technologies and the requirement of land use and climate change policies.

Sustainability contributes a high quality of life today and for future generations. Leaders in local government balance sustainability and economic development. The World Bank (2010) suggests that economic development involves building up the economic and social capacity of an area to improve its economic future and overall quality of life.

WILLARD RIPLEY

DENNIS SCHAFER

JOE WARSHAWSKY

I intend to keep the balance with the application of common sense and forward thinking. I am very committed to protecting the environment and preventing wasteful or destructive activities that impact any natural resources and therefore our quality of life.

Good development takes these things into consideration, and a balance must always be struck between doing nothing and doing too much. There is never a simple answer and it is impossible to address this in any meaningful way in the allotted 90 words.

The recent adoption of Fernie’s Official Community Plan, a document said to be written by the people for the people, provides an overall vision for achieving balance between economic growth and diversity and long term sustainability; a great challenge, no doubt. As your councillor, I will embark to take on that challenge by continuously asking questions on behalf of the community’s vision and by supporting innovation.

That said, it is important to look to the success of similar communities for perspective but to always maintain a “Made in Fernie” approach.

We should encourage new development to have L.E.D. lighting in homes and in the streets. Have radiant hot water tubes located in every roof line to help offset heating costs of hot water. Use of clothes lines to help with clothes drying whenever possible. Encourage the use of public and urban garden space available to all to use and maintain. A paved wide walkway with solar lighting and a separate bicycle lane way with the same features.

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

14

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

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Q&A with the the Candidates

• How would you support the development of a vibrant downtown core in Elkford?

DAVID JONES

I fully support developing a stronger downtown core in Elkford. In order to do this, we have to entice out of town businesses to develop and grow within Elkford. We have to drop the development charge on district commercial properties that are for sale. This charge hinders businesses from buying and developing in Elkford. If we drop this charge, they can use this to invest in their company and help with start up costs. Elkford should also give all startup businesses a three year tax break to help with costs as well. The district should also be offering incentives for home businesses to move into the downtown core. There should be a plan put in place to limit the same kind of businesses to help the existing businesses survive.

In the past we have had a development/revitalization bylaw for the downtown core which offered certain tax incentives and relaxed taxation for certain time periods.

That bylaw is now out-dated. We could review and update and reactivate that bylaw as part of an incentive plan for new and old development. The re-branding of Elkford is a part of the district’s plan to attract new residents as well as new business to town. The review and redevelopment of our building bylaws, as well as adding a manager of planning and development will streamline the complete process for building and assist homeowners as well as developers to make it easier to build in Elkford. We will continue with our beautification program as well do some repaving of our main streets.

DEAN MCKERRACHER

Mayoral Candidate

Mayoral Candidate

DENISE BERTRAND

STEVE FAIRBAIRN

Councillor Candidate

Councillor Candidate

Under current work schedules and agreements, I feel that revitalization of the downtown core of Elkford is unattainable at this time.

I have been pushing for the creation of a downtown core, a gathering place within walking distance of the mall and the post office, with retail space and a mix of rental apartments and small offices spaces above, for many years.

The land is there, and it is all privately owned. Although we cannot force the sale or development of this land, we are always marketing our town to developers, and we are actively reducing the timeline that would be required for a developer to build on these lots.

MANDY MCGREGOR Councillor Candidate

CRAIG ROBINSON Councillor Candidate

With shift work, commuting, and online shopping now being our reality, a downtown core that focuses on storefront businesses is not sustainable. We need to think outside the box! An Elk Valley Business License Program, as opposed to the necessity of three individual business licenses, would encourage inter-community service business, and lighten the cost associated with offering mobile business. A multi-generational play ground where all ages could meet and play, would encourage and increase community interaction and involvement. Both would be a step in the right direction.

Since my move to Elkford, the downtown core has seen changes. The addition of our swimming pool, the building of our Elkford Community Centre and the building of the Teck apartments, etc. We are now watching the transformation of the Elkford Mall. Over the years we have seen the disappearance of a sports store, a department store, a drugstore and the list goes on. In order to keep these businesses and outdoor and indoor recreation programs, the citizens need to support local. The downtown is the heart of any community. Let’s become involved to support what we have and do our part to promote NEW.

To build a vibrant downtown core in Elkford we will need to attract more businesses into the space. We have limited space for businesses to start up within the community. With limited space available, it is hard to draw people to the downtown core of town. We need to promote shopping locally and expand spaces to those who are willing to try business in Elkford and support our local entrepreneurs.

KRIS WILDE

Councillor Candidate

KEN WILDEMAN

Councillor Candidate

I support our existing policy which allows some tax relief for existing businesses to expand and renovate and for new ones who choose to start. I am in favour of the support council gives to the Elk Valley Economic Development Committee. I buy whatever I can local. While more businesses would be great, we still have a lot going on downtown. Skating, curling, an outdoor rink, soccer pitch, tobogganing, a library, a swimming pool, ball diamonds, a tennis court, a new conference centre, municipal offices, a hotel and a mall that shows good signs of improvement.

WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM!!!

JOE ZAROWNY

Councillor Candidate

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Streaking the town pink

Having survived Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 15 and then watching his father tragically lose his fight to cancer at a young age, Rossland’s Spencer Paolone has an intimate, heartbreaking and inspiring view of what it takes to be a doctor. He is using his triumph and tragedy to fuel his desire to become the very best doctor he can be.

Customer Jessica Babin streaked her hair with fuchsia in order to raise awareness for breast cancer during the Streaks for Cancer event.

Photo by K. Dingman

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

Goldade said. “It was really great.”

The event was held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Goldade said they raised over $200 dollars, and had between 15 and 20 people streaking their hair pink.

The idea behind the fundraiser came from one of Goldade’s clients.

“She works really hard for them and thought that it would be a neat way to raise some money,” Goldade said, noting the project was put together last minute. “If we had a little bit more notice next year we can probably raise even a little more.”

S

I’m going into medicine because I feel like a doctor is what I’m supposed to be. Studying in a class of 17 people I’m not just on a first name basis, but really close with everybody enroled in the Rural Pre-Medicine Program.

SPENCER PAOLONE, RURAL PRE-MEDICINE PROGRAM STUDENT, SELKIRK COLLEGE

Sparrow for Hair hair stylist Sasha Struyk took part in the Streaks for Cancer event, getting baby pink streaks in her hair. Photo by K. Dingman

treaks of pink painted the hair of nearly two dozen locals last Thursday, but it wasn’t for Halloween.

In order to celebrate October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hair salon Sparrow For Hair hosted a Streaks for Cancer event, where clients could get a pink streak in their hair with all donations going to the cause.

“I think almost every single one of our clients got the pink streak,” owner and stylist Stacy

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Fire chief for the day

From left: Training Officer Brendan Morgan, Fernie McDonald’s Community Relations Representative Courtney Magro, Grace Hanson, Marissa Hutton, Summer Masschoot and Lieutenant Colin Letcher. These Grade 3 students got to travel with two Fernie Fire Department employees and eat breakfast at McDonald’s restaurant, meet the mayor, take a tour of Fernie City Hall, eat lunch at Dairy Queen and watch videos at the fire hall.

Submitted photo

From left: Marissa Hutton and Summer Masschoot from Isabella Dicken Elementary School and Grace Hanson from the Fernie Academy got to be fire chiefs for the day.

Photo by K. Dingman

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Comprehensive coverage of your 2014 municipal election: See more online

For all of the up-to-date election coverage check out our new on-line website BC Go toMuniCipal thefreepress.ca and

election!

click on election 2014 in the top right hand corner

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Comprehensive coverage of your 2014 municipal 342 2nd Ave, Fernie election: Est. 1898

250-423-4666 See more online

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

This week’s feature: green and mean

TestFest!

drivewaycanada.ca

Regional District of East Kootenay

The Free Press Halloween colouring contest winners

IMPORTANT NOTICE Remembrance Day Closures

The Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford Transfer Stations will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th 2014 to observe the Remembrance Day Statutory Holiday, and will reopen Wednesday, November 12th for regular business hours.

Henry McCabe, 5, and Eddie McCabe, 3, won The Free Press and Grow’s Halloween colouring contest in the younger age category. The young boys took home a monster bowling set from Grow.

Photo by K. Dingman Phone: 250-489-2791 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca

Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

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Payton Caravetta, 7, won The Free Press and Grow’s Halloween colouring contest in the older age category. She took home a magic set and Yo-Yo from Grow.

Photo by K. Haarstad

Jordyn Zweerink, 9, took home a gift certificate from Just Pizza 2 for One after winning The Free Press and Grow’s Halloween colouring contest in the older age category.

Photo by S. Kucharski

Fernie Aquatic Centre hosts Halloween haunted house

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The Mad Hatter led dozens of children through the Fernie Aquatic Centre’s decked out Halloween haunted house on Thursday October, 30.

Photo by K. Dingman

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

17

Liquid Waste Management Plan endorsed

The City of Fernie will be going forward with the nearly $2 million plan

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

C

o u n c i l approved the Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP), a plan budgeted at nearly $2 million, during the October 27 council meeting.

Now that the three-stage plan has been endorsed by the City of Fernie, it will be forwarded to the B.C. Ministry of Environment for approval.

“I’m happy to say we’re getting very close to completing the final steps in our liquid waste planning process,” Director of Operational Services Dave Cockwell said.

“It’s been a long process.”

Cockwell noted that the process was initiated in 2010 when the approach to the LWMP was outlined in three stages; the first stage being to define the problem and identify options, the second stage to develop and evaluate the preferred options and prepare an implementation strategy and the final stage being the LWMP approval process, which was completed during the October 27 council meeting.

Council, however, noted their concern over the high budget for the plan, which includes the implementation of a lagoon based treatment and associated works, with an estimated cost of $1,973,000 in addition to an annual operating and maintaining treatment plan fee of approximately $600,000. The city would also be required to submit to a $100,000 per year fee for a sewer main repair/ replacement program that would reduce the inflow and infiltration of water.

“Are the numbers going to be anywhere near accurate here?”

Coun. Phil Iddon questioned.

Cockwell noted that the original numbers were significantly higher and were

reduced once he put forward the current LWMP.

“I was blown away by the numbers we got on the original,”

Cockwell said, adding, “I appreciate your concerns Mr. Iddon.”

Now that council has approved the plan, they will move for-

ward with initializing the final steps to have the plan endorsed.

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1. Offer available until December 31, 2014, to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS Satellite TV or Internet in the past 90 days. Minimum system requirements apply. Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a TELUS representative. TELUS reserves the right to modify channel lineups and packaging, and regular pricing without notice. Cannot be combined with other offers. HDTV-input-equipped television required to watch HD. A retail value of $689, based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, plus a 2 year extended warranty, provincial government eco fees and shipping. TELUS reserves the right to substitute an equivalent or better product without notice. A cancellation fee applies for early termination of the service agreement. The cancellation fee will be the value of the promotional gift received in return for your term commitment, multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term (with a partial month counting as a full month), divided by the total number of months in the term, plus applicable taxes. If you have chosen free PVR and digital box rental, an additional cancellation fee applies and will be $10 multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term. Rental equipment must be returned in good condition upon cancellation of service, otherwise the replacement cost will be charged to the account. TELUS, the TELUS logo, telus.com and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. Samsung and the Samsung logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Canada. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 TELUS.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

drivewayBC.ca

The Free Press DrivewayCanada.ca |

Welcome to the driver’s seat

Visit the TestFest gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca

TestFest puts green machines and gas-guzzlers through their paces wider, the all-new seventh-generation You gotta love a competition that pits Volkswagen Golf is my pick. It’s an a small, zero emissions 74-horsepower even more refined hatchback and I loved (Smart Car) electric vehicle against a its new base turbocharged 1.8-litre 707-horsepower, tire-smoking (Dodge engine.

Challenger Hellcat) muscle car. That’s Price (base/as tested): what’s on the cards if both vehicles win $19,995/$24,295 their categories in this edition of the Acceleration 0 to 100 km/hour: Canadian Car of the Year Competition.

8.4 seconds This was the second year in a row that Same-day, backBraking 100 to 0 Km/hour: 41.4 metres TestFest was held in Niagara Falls, OnFuel economy (city/highway): 9.3/6.5 tario, and once again, the Niagara Parks to-back vehicle L/100 km Commission, at the Legends on the Nicategory assessments agara Golf Course, hosted it. No golfing Family Car - Over $30,000: for Automobile Journalists Association of are performed, Hyundai Sonata, Subaru WRX & Canada (AJAC) members, who converged using both specially Toyota Camry Hybrid. Bob’s Pick: on the place in droves, but lots of oppor- prepared evaluation The ultra reliable Toyota Camry Hytunities to fill out score cards on the fifty brid is a great value package. Nearly ev2015 model year vehicle entries arranged courses and on public ery exterior surface has been redesigned roads…during the six and the interior has been upgraded. It into fifteen categories.

Same-day, back-to-back vehicle category day TestFest event. now comes with 10 standard air bags assessments were performed, using both and a clever new feature allows it to Bob McHugh specially prepared evaluation courses recharge a smart phone wirelessly. and on public roads by the invited Price (base/as tested): journalists during the six day TestFest event. So, until $28,410/$34,500 the official category winners are announced December Acceleration 0 to 100 km/hour: 8.0 seconds 2, here are my picks in seven categories, in which I Braking 100 to 0 Km/hour: 43.9 metres evaluated all the entries: Fuel economy (city/highway): 5.7/6.1 L/100 km

‘‘

’’

City Car: Kia Soul EV & Smart ForTwo Electric Drive. Bob’s Pick: Both entries are small electric vehicles and they’re close in terms of performance, but the Kia Soul EV is my choice. It seats five (instead of two), has more cargo space and rides nicer, making it a more practical everyday car.

Price (base/as tested): $34,995/$34,995 Acceleration 0 to 100 km/hour: 10.5 seconds Braking 100 to 0 Km/hour: 43.4 metres Fuel economy (city/highway): 2.0/2.6 Le/100 km Small Car - Over $21,000: Mini Cooper, Kia Forte5 & Volkswagen Golf. Bob’s Pick: The winner of this category should be a strong contender for the overall car of the year title. Lower, longer and

Luxury Car - Over $50,000: Acura RLX Hybrid, Cadillac ATS Coupe, Hyundai Genesis & Kia K900. Bob’s Pick: My clear winner here is the Acura RLX Hybrid, a large all-wheel drive luxury sedan that’s fun to drive, yet very easy on fuel. It uses a 3-motor hybrid powertrain with a front electric motor & twin rear motors. The drivetrain also includes a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Price (base/as tested): $49,990/$69,990 Acceleration 0 to 100 km/hour: 6.0 seconds Braking 100 to 0 Km/hour: 44.3 metres Fuel economy (city/highway): 8.0/7.5 L/100 km Sports Performance - Over $50,000: Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang GT & Volvo

V60 Polestar. Bob’s Pick: Priced well below the other two entries in this category, the new Ford Mustang GT provides excellent bang for the buck and looks awesome.

Price (base/as tested): $42,499/$51,899 Acceleration 0 to 100 km/hour: 6.2 seconds Braking 100 to 0 Km/hour: 39.5 metres Fuel economy (city/highway): 15.2/9.3 L/100 km SUV/CUV - $35,000 to $60,000: Chevrolet Tahoe, Lincoln MKC, Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 & Toyota Highlander. Bob’s Pick: Big can be beautiful, as Chevrolet Tahoe has evolved into a more drive-able vehicle that offers a supremely comfortable ride, can pull a (3863 kg) mountain and the new EcoTec 5.3 litre V8 engine provides decent fuel economy, especially on the highway.

Price (base/as tested): $57,245/$59,460 Acceleration 0 to 100 km/hour: 8.0 seconds Braking 100 to 0 Km/hour: 42.1 metres Fuel economy (city/highway): 14.9/10.1 L/100 km SUV/CUV - Over $60,000: GMC Yukon XL, Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG & Porsche Macan. Bob’s Pick: A performance utility vehicle that actually can go off-road, the Porsche Macan came with an optional (height adjustable & self levelling) air suspension. On a paved road…it’s a Porsche!

Price (base/as tested): $54,300/$64,030 Acceleration 0 to 100 km/hour: 5.2 seconds Braking 100 to 0 Km/hour: 38.1 metres Fuel economy (city/highway): 13.7/10.3 L/100 km There’s a lot more information about Canadian Car of the Year, this year’s TestFest event and all the entries available online at the AJAC web site (www.ajac.ca). bob.mchugh@drivewaybc.ca Read about Alexandra Straub’s experience at TestFest at drivewaycanada.ca

Don’t be a Deer in the Headlights...

We can put your advertising into HIGH GEAR! Contact Sara Moulton - Advertising Consultant Phone: 250-423-4666 Email: advertising@thefreepress.ca

Question of the Week Lauren Kramer’s column this week makes a compelling argument for the new distracted driving fines.

Has the government gone too far?

?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Go to DrivewayCanada.ca to submit your answer.

Safety Tip: Speed-related crashes increase significantly from October to December in B.C. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions only. When roads are wet, icy or snowy, leave more following distance, slow down, and give yourself more time to get where you’re going.

follow us… /Driveway @DrivewayCanada

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

19

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Call 250-423-4666 or email customerservice@thefreepress.ca

Featured This Week

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• Weddings • Parties • Events Jacob MacDonald 250-430-7781 Hosmer74@gmail.com

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20

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Tips for the East Kootenay Outdoor Enthusiasts Several hunters have been involved in illegal activity in the Elk Valley Submitted by Patricia Burley East Kootenay Conservation Officer

Section 75 of the Wildlife Act states that if a person kills or wounds wildlife, either accidentally or for protection of life or property, that person must promptly report the killing or wounding of the wildlife to an officer.

If a hunter makes a mistake and kills an animal that is not legal and reports himself, he is generally dealt with in a much less severe manner than the person who shoots an illegal animal and does not report it and is subsequently caught. To ensure that legitimate mistakes are treated as such, it is important that if an accident happens a call is made as soon as possible to the Conservation Officer Service (COS) in order to report the accidental killing of wildlife.

The COS wishes to remind the public that if they witness or become aware of an environmental or fish and wildlife related infraction, to please report it by calling 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP). Callers may remain anonymous if they wish and they may be eligible for a reward.

Since the rifle season opened in September the Conservation Office Service has investigated ten self-reported hunters who have shot five bull elk in the area.

Submitted photo

Since the rifle season opened on September 10, the COS has investigated ten self-reported hunters who have shot five pt. bull elk. This is an illegal size; they have to be 6 pt. or

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A gigajoule (GJ) is a measurement of energy used for establishing rates, sales and billing. One gigajoule is equal to one billion joules (J) or 948,213 British thermal units (Btu).

The Customer Choice name and logo is used under license from FortisBC Energy Inc. This advertisement is produced on behalf of the British Columbia Utilities Commission.

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greater or within certain regions spike bulls from September 10 to September 19. Although mistakes do happen, it is appreciated when hunters come forward and admit their honest mistake. It is also a reminder to make sure you are 100 per cent sure of the animal’s size and species before pulling the trigger. It is not worth walking away from an animal because of being scared of the consequences.

Too many animals are being shot and wasted.

We are looking for the public’s assistance to report any further wildlife violations. The Fernie Rod and Gun Club would also like to remind the public that they will be offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to a conviction of any wildlife infraction.

The following information describes illegal activity where the hunters have not come forward:

On September 30 at 6:30 p.m., a dark red older model pickup truck was pulled over on Highway 3 east of the Sparwood Transfer Station. The suspect, a male described to be in his mid-twenties to thirties, shot and killed a five pt. bull elk within the No Shooting area of the District of Sparwood. The suspect told people that he would self-report the illegal size elk to the COS. This individual never made the report to officials, meaning that the elk was wasted in the bush. If the suspect had brought the violation forward to the Report All Poachers and Polluters Hotline (RAPP) then the animal would have been used at the Salvation Army. If this individual or the public has further information on this violation and would like to come forward, they can by calling the RAPP number (1-877-952-7277).

September 27- A five pt. bull elk was shot and left off the Bull River Forest Service Road onto the West Sulphur Rd at the three to four km mark.

September 28 – A five pt. bull elk was shot and left off of the Big Sand Creek Road.

September 28 – The possible shooting and improper disposal of a white tail buck southwest of Grave Lake within Grave Prairie Access Management Area.

Between September 28 and October 2 - An adult sow grizzly bear was shot and killed beside a 7 pt. bull elk off of the Fording Highway, northest of Elkford. It is suspected that a hunter came across the grizzly and shot it in self-protection. Please come forward if this was you.

October 2 – A white tail deer doe was shot and left near Beese Road in Hosmer. The deer was located in an area that looked to be hidden intentionally.

October 6 – A mule deer doe was shot and left northeast of Elkford near Round Prairie.

Late September – A five pt. bull elk was shot and left in the Lost Dog area.

Late September – A five pt. bull elk was shot and left in the Premier Ridge area.

Late September – A five pt. bull elk was shot and illegally taken from the LP Ranch Rd near Kimberly.

21

Arts&Entertainment WhatsOn THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

What’s on in the Elk Valley this week.

Judy Gadicke showcased her Lavender Lampworks jewelry during the Jaffray Christmas in the Country Craft Fair last Saturday.

Photo by S. Kucharski

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

V

endors selling everything from baked goods, jewelry, handmade candles and unique decorations made their way to the Jaffray Christmas in the Country Craft Fair last Saturday at the Jaffray Community Hall. Outside, fresh fruit from the farmer’s market was made available to visitors.

Organizer Doug Lyon has been putting the event on since it began 24 years ago.

“It brings a lot of business to the community and brings some really amazing displays to the hall,” said Lyon who is also the manager of the Jaffray-Baynes Lake Farmer’s Market.

One such display was Kim Serwatkewich’s Scentsy table, where she sold all kinds of heated candle warmers that melt scented wax instead of traditional open-flame candles.

“I’ve bought a lot of scented candles in the past but I was always afraid of leaving them alone or someone knocking them over,” explained Serwatkewich.

Judy Gadicke of Lavender Lampworks, based out of Creston, isn’t afraid of the heat and actually spends hours at a time in her home studio making jewelry out of melted glass.

Gadicke selects different rods of Italian coloured glass, melting and swirling them together to create beautiful necklace pendants. She’s even taken to designing flowers onto them or turning them into owls.

She’s also added cake testers and hair ties to her roster, each topped with a different handcrafted glass piece.

Fernie will be hosting its own holiday craft fair at the community centre on December 6.

ELKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

SPARWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

592 - 3rd Ave. 250-423-4458

816 Michel Rd 250-865-2912

110 Pine Ave. 250-425-2299

Mon. Closed Tues.-Wed. 11am-6pm Thurs. 11am-8pm Fri. 11am-6pm Sat. 1-5pm Sun. Closed

Mon. Closed Tues.-Wed. 10am-5pm

Mon. Closed Tues. 10am-8pm Wed. 10am-5pm Thurs. 10am-8pm Fri.-Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. Closed

Thurs.-Fri. 11am-6pm Sat. 12-5pm Sun. Closed

Space donated by The Free Press

h Av 5500 1622 – 7t 250-423-

.com rnfernie stweste www.be E NTAIN LODG

FERNIE MOU

CAN’T MISS Park Place Lodge:

Nov.

7

On the “First Friday” of the month enjoy complimentary samplings from the menu paired with tasting from regional wine, beer & spirits purveyors. The event showcases a local artist – this month local professional photographer Kyle Hamilton will showcase a collection of his latest favourite images.

The Central:

Nov.

8

Riley J + Shane Floyd + Nemkae Dubs | Saturday November 8th | The Central 3 awesome DJ’s blasting out the mega tunes from open to close!

Don’t forget happy hour is from 10 pm-12 am so come in early!!

Submit your posters and approximately 50 words of text describing your event to customerservice@thefreepress.ca Only two events will be sponsored, so first come first serve.

Dave’s Faves

This week’s recommended drink is a 2011 Merlot from Okanagan’s Perseus Winery who will be on hand pouring samples at Park Place Lodge’s First Friday Wine Tasting Event occurring November 7th, 4:30-6:30pm.

Drink recommendations are from Dave Hamilton, Manager of Spirits Cold Beer & Wine Shop at the Park Place Lodge

First Friday Join us on the first Friday of the month to enjoy complimentary samplings from our menu paired with tastings from regional wine, beer & spirits purveyors. The event also showcases a featured local artist monthly.

WineTasting

i f in te

-B

ar

a

FERNIE PUBLIC LIBRARY

E

you by brought to e, Fernie BC

November 7, 2014 4:30 - 6:30 pm

T

ELK VALLEY Libraries

The Parent Trip

In

A handcrafted Christmas in Jaffray

v e r y once in a while, your kid can ask you a question that really jars you.

Shelby Cain Why is there no gravity in space? Why do dogs live shorter lives than people? What’s for dinner?

The other day I got one that really sent me reeling. We were discussing the always popular topic of career choices, when out of the blue Five looks at me with those big brown eyes, like an oracle peering into the darkest corners of my soul, and asks “Mommy, what are you going to be when you grow up?” “Well…I…was something.

And I am something. I’m your Mom. I take care of you guys.” “Yeah, but we’re going to school. Next year we both go all day long.

Then what will you do?”

I start to sweat. I’ve been avoiding asking myself this exact question, tucking it away for future consideration. Besides, I’m too busy to think about it. Currently, I have two hours and twenty minutes a day with both girls occupied. In this time I try to get ahead of the curve, knock a few items off my list so when the girls are home I can be present, not just a blur of a woman carrying armloads of laundry or toys, trailing a vacuum behind her. But still, the question looms. And not just from my kids or my subconscious. My friends have started asking. My family.

What’s next? When are you going back to work? The word ‘back’ feels like an unexpected tree branch whipped into my face.

Yes, the vacation is over. B.C. (before children) I had a career. A great career. And the version of me that did that job loved it. Travel. Presentations. Pressure. It was challenging and exhilarating. But who I am now, A.C., is a totally different person.

So once again, it’s time to reinvent myself. Who am I going to be? What are my interests? The last time I asked myself these questions, I was an eager university student, checking off the boxes of my strengths and weaknesses. Little did I know that adulthood is separated into chapters. Very distinctive ones. It’s scary. It’s exciting. Like staring at the blank screen of my laptop, waiting for lightning to strike. From experience, I know that it will.

Eventually. And compared to that naïve girl in university, there are some things I know for sure about myself. I know for sure that I can multi-task, prioritize and keep my cool in all kinds of chaotic situations. I know I can teach, and learn and accept my inadequacies. I can check a lot more boxes.

All of that knowledge I owe to two curlyhaired little people who challenge me more than any job ever could. What a chapter.

&

Bou

Kitchen always open

ti q u e

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Thursday 6th - Tarot Readings with Miss Janeil from 7pm Friday 7th - Whisperers on a quest play live 7pm Saturday 8th - $4 wines & 25% off Tapas New Summer Menu Sunday 9th - $10 Roast Beef dinner (book a table!)

Serving Lunch & Dinner Patio Licenced Noon until 10pm

Located on 5th St downtown

with Emily Sauvé, BC Wine Shop Featured Artist Kyle Hamilton Photography tel: 250.423.6871

www.parkplacelodge.com

22

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

www.thefreepress.ca

Fernie provides Fernie’s transportation locals with flu shot and infrastructure issues

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

E

xperts are warning Canadians that this year flu season could start early and hit us hard.

This year the Elk Valley Hospital and the Drugstore Pharmacy in Fernie are gearing up to help protect the community from an influenza outbreak.

The Elk Valley Hospital will be hosting a free public flu clinic on November 9 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., while the Drugstore Pharmacy will be offering the public flu shots during their regular hours of operation, which are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We realize that there’s a greater need in the hours,” Fernie’s Drugstore Pharmacy pharmacist Ariel McLeod said. “We’re just really trying to make it accessible to whoever wants a flu shot or needs a flu shot, [so they] can get it in a timely fashion.”

The flu shot is being offered to those who are at heightened risk for contracting influenza and being affected by influenza complications. The ‘at risk’ group includes children, pregnant women, seniors and people with chronic illnesses.

Interior Health noted that influenza is a significant illness that can, at minimum, leave people affected sick for several days and, at maximum, result in death. People with influenza can easily spread the virus to others at greater risk.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, it is estimated that around 3,500 Canadians die from influenza complications every year.

“Influenza reduces the body’s ability to fight illnesses and infection and it can also increase a person’s risk for developing other serious conditions, including viral or bacterial pneumonia,” Medical Health Officer Dr. Rob Parker said in a press release.

McLeod added, “By helping to prevent the spread of influenza, it helps keep the people who are really sick out of that danger zone, where they could be more susceptible to pneumonia or other secondary infections that could land them in hospital, as well as complications from the flu itself.” She went on to say, “It’s a good thing to keep the people at risk healthy as well as our general population.”

For more information visit the Interior Health website.

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

I

ssues related to the City of Fernie’s transportation and infrastructure services were addressed in depth during the October 27 council meeting, including the lack of turning lanes in West Fernie and the lack of transit in the city.

These issues, along with several others, were brought up in response to an email invitation from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s (MOTI) Executive Project Manager Kirsten Pedersen, inviting Fernie city council to participate in a meeting with MOTI officials. The meeting will focus on British Columbia moving towards a 10-year transportation plan.

The letter noted that MOTI officials plan to travel to communities across the province in mid-October to discuss transportation priorities with local government, First Nations, transportation authorities and other community and business leaders. The MOTI also noted that they hope to meet with all local government by November 7.

Fernie council plans to address several transportation priorities during this meeting.

“The thing that I find often gets forgotten when we talk about transportation in the province is transit,” Coun. Randal Macnair noted. “Rurally, we often get forgotten about when it comes to transit. Seeing the impact that just a little bit of transit has made in our community, I think we need to take the next step.”

Macnair said that as driving becomes more

Don't Forget

Fernie Rotary Weekly Meetings Wednesdays at 12:00 Noon at the

Park Place Lodge 742 Highway 3 • Fernie

expensive, residents need to be able to rely on transit within the Elk Valley, East Kootenay’s and South Country.

Mayor Mary Giuliano however noted that when transit was available in the South Country, it failed and because of this, it was cut off.

Giuliano also noted that a year ago, she petitioned for transit for seniors and people with disabilities within the community and received a response for a $40,000 per year transit proposal that she did not believe would be accepted by the city.

“I don’t think the City of Fernie should have to carry that entirely on their own,” Macnair responded, suggesting that the province play in role in supporting transit.

Coun. Phil Iddon also mentioned the lack of turning lanes in West Fernie.

“Turning left is an absolute gong show,” Iddon said of the West Fernie cut off.

Iddon noted that there is a high density of traffic going through that area and adding a left hand turning lane would contribute to the community’s public safety.

He also suggested furthering the construction of trails along the highway.

Aside from city engagement, all British Columbia residents are also being invited to share their ideas on future improvements in the transportation network. Public engagement opened online on Tuesday, October 14. British Columbian’s can submit feedback online until December 12 at 4 p.m. For more information, residents can visit http://engage.gov.bc.ca/ transportationplan.

Sports

23

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Fernie Ghostriders leave KIJHL leaders howling in OT

The following night, a much-anticipated meeting between the league-leading Coyotes drew a decent crowd despite the weather and fans were certainly not disappointed. Osoyoos set the tone with two unanswered goals in the first period, before Yan (from Peers) and Burgess (from Tyler Rebelato) delivered two for the Riders in the second. After one more for the visitors, Aaron Neufeld tied the game at 3-3 in the third and sent the game into overtime.

After a fruitless first period of overtime, the Coyotes were called for head contact and McCulloch was given an opportunity to end the game with a penalty shot. With the crowd on their feet, the puck hit the net and the Riders earned the win. By the end of the game, the continued strong performance of goalie Jeff Orser had held the Coyotes back from over 34 shots on goal throughout the night.

Speaking after Saturday’s win, McCulloch highlighted the strength of the Fernie squad as the season heats up.

“We came into the weekend as the most focused team Josh McCulloch celebrates with his teammates after his winning out of anyone … we wanted two big wins and to have penalty shot on Saturday night.

Photo by S. Moulton a good start on next week’s game against Kimberley,” explained McCulloch.

By Sara Moulton “I was a little bit nervous, but it was a big opportunity for Free Press Staff the team to win and it felt unreal,” he added, regarding his t was another successful weekend at the Fernie Memorial winning penalty shot.

Arena as the Ghostriders smashed the Golden Rockets 7-2 Another star of the weekend was Peers, who accumulated before a nail-biting 4-3 overtime win against the league- five assists in two games after two weeks in the stands due leading Osoyoos Coyotes. to injury. Crediting his teammates for their hard work, the The Riders came out swinging in Friday’s grudge match 18-year-old rookie was buzzing with excitement after the wins. against the Rockets with four goals in the first period, courtesy “It was tough sitting out in the crowd, but I was really eager of Tayler Sincennes (assisted by Kyle Haugo and Dylan to get back in the lineup and try to do whatever I can,” said Robertson), Derek Georgopoulos (Joel Burgess and Cavin Peers.

Tilsley), Evan Reid (Justin Peers) and Sam Plaquin.

He continued, “Tonight had two of the best teams in the Things never got better for the Rockets as Cole Keebler league battling it out, and we came out with the win.”

(Jason Yan and Peers), Burgess (Georgopoulos and Peers) and Don’t miss this Friday night’s game against division rivals Josh McCulloch (Burgess and Peers) continued the assault on Kimberley or the special Sunday match against the Princeton net throughout the second and third periods, for an end result Posse. The puck drops at the Fernie Memorial Arena at 7:30 of only two Golden goals compared to Fernie’s seven. p.m. on both nights.

I

Isabella Dicken soccer tournament

Standings DIVISION: Kootenay Conference: Eddie Mountain

Team

Fernie Ghostriders Kimberley Dynamiters Golden Rockets Creston Valley Thunder Cats Columbia Valley Rockies

GP W L T OTL Pts 16 18 20 18 18

13 12 9 7 3

2 4 9 7 12

0 0 0 1 0

1 2 2 3 3

27 26 20 18 9

DIVISION: Kootenay Conference: Neil Murdoch

Team

Nelson Leafs Spokane Braves Beaver Valley Nitehawks Castlegar Rebels Grand Forks Border Bruins

GP W L T OTL Pts 19 20 18 20 19

12 11 9 10 6

4 6 4 7 12

2 0 1 1 1

1 3 4 2 0

27 25 23 23 13

DIVISION: Okanagan/Shuswap Conference: Doug Birks

Team

Kamloops Storm Sicamous Eagles Revelstoke Grizzlies 100 Mile House Wranglers Chase Heat

GP W L T OTL Pts 20 21 20 17 18

11 12 8 8 6

7 9 8 7 9

0 0 2 0 1

2 0 2 2 2

24 24 20 18 15

DIVISION: Okanagan/Shuswap Conference: Okanagan

Team

Osoyoos Coyotes Princeton Posse Summerland Steam Kelowna Chiefs North Okanagan Knights

GP W L T OTL Pts 20 18 17 19 18

16 9 10 6 2

3 5 7 `0 13

0 2 0 1 1

1 2 0 1 2

33 22 20 15 7

STANDINGS as of October 31, 2012

W

L

PTS

Canaus Coal

3

0

6

Rocky MTN DR TRNG

3

0

6

A & B Liquor Store

2

1

4

Coal Valley

2

1

4

Alpine Lumber

1

2

2

EV Bighorn Outfitters

1

2

2

EKCUU

0

3

0

Kal Tire

0

3

0

On Thursday, October 16, Isabella Dicken School hosted their annual Elk Valley School’s soccer tournament. The Isabella Dicken boys and girls soccer team took first place, competing against teams from Sparwood, Jaffray and Fernie.

Submitted photos

GHOSTRIDERS HOCKEY VS Friday, November 7

All home games start at 7:30 pm unless otherwise stated ~ Fernie Memorial Arena

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24

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

The Operation Christmas Child campaign is finally underway in the Elk Valley Submitted by Gary Cavers

It's full steam ahead for the Operation Christmas Child Campaign in the Elk Valley.

After delays in finding new committee volunteers to take charge of distributing Christmas Child Shoeboxes in the Elk Valley, Operation Christmas Child local media spokesperson Gary Cavers announced the locations for pick-up and drop-off centres in Fernie and Elkford.

This year only, Sparwood residents will need to pick-and drop-off their boxes at a Fernie location.

Extra Foods in Fernie is back again as a

pick-up and drop-off centre and Kootenay Custom Interiors at 402, Highway #3 in Fernie has been added to the list.

Overwaitea Foods in Fernie will be a drop-off centre and the Community Credit Union in Elkford is a distribution and drop-off business.

Some local churches will also have boxes available.

A new committee needed to be formed in the East Kootenay. Most of the former group retired or stepped down, due to health, job and personal obligations that prevented them from continuing.

The community has appreciated their

tireless, enthusiastic efforts over the years.

Thousands of gift-filled shoeboxes have been collected locally and delivered to children in need.

As a result of the slow start-up, families in the Elk Valley will have to hurry to pick up their Christmas Child Shoeboxes and fill the boxes with gifts for needy children living in undeveloped countries around the globe.

The deadline for returning your shoebox to a drop-off location near you is between November 17 and 24.

Remember to enclose a $7 donation in each shoebox you send. The money goes

First Nation coordinator visits École Sophie Morigeau

Roger Lagacé, the First Nation coordinator for Conseil Scolaire Francophone and a representative of the Mic Mac Nation, was back for his second visit at École Sophie Morigeau, French School of the East Kootenays. Monsieur Roger came to share legends, crafts and music with students from Kindergarten to grade 3.

Submitted photos at the Fernie Community Centre

The Annual Fernie Alpine Ski Team

Ski Swap

Creative minds build Fernie model

Fernie Creative Minds Preschool took part in Community Helpers week. The children and their parents worked together to construct a cardboard model of Fernie.

Submitted photos

together with Fernie Ski and Board Film Fest presented by CSPS

Saturday, November 8th 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

CAL MCDOUGALL

Recycle your old winter sports gear!

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for

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towards getting your shoebox into the hands of a needy child. In your box you can place cash in a sealed envelope or make a cheque or money order payable to Samaritans Purse.

Operation Christmas Child was started in 1993 by Samaritans Purse and is the largest Children's Christmas Charity in the world. Since that date, over $100 million gift-filled shoeboxes world-wide have been collected and delivered to needy children around the world.

For additional information you can contact Pamela Berry 1-250-919-0655 or Gary Cavers at 1-250-426-1948.

MAYOR Proven leadership Trusted Experience Team Player

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

25

Wildlife signs revealed throughout Fernie groups and travelling during daylight; not to litter and to carry bear spray.

“Keep it accessible, know how to use it and be confident in using it as your last, best defense,” Murray said adding that the spray is meant to be used to create a wall or barrier between you and the bear.

Murray noted that when used properly, bear spray is proven to be 98 per cent affective, as it affects the bear’s mucus membranes, making it difficult for them to see and breathe.

She also noted the importance of keeping pets under control, whether that be under voice control or with a leash. As a warning to cyclists, Murray also mentioned the importance of making yourself known while cycling on Fernie’s network of trails.

“Your speed and quietness put you at greater risk for sudden encounters with wildlife.”

The President of Elk Valley Wildsight, Lisa Janssen, noted that these signs are not solely meant to inform local people, who are more likely to be aware of the local wildlife.

“There’s a lot of new people that are coming to our community,” Janssen noted adding, “whether they’re moving here or just visiting. To create a new awareness and a new campaign, it was really important.”

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

W

ildSafeBC has teamed up with the Fernie Trails Alliance and WildSight in order to install wildlife trail signage throughout Fernie.

So far, the signs that show hikers and bikers alike what animals to be aware of and how to avoid a wildlife/human encounter have been placed on the Old Stumpy Trail, the Cemetery bypass, the Aquatic Centre Kios, Heiko’s Trail, Island Lake Lodge, the Fernie Nordic Society’s network of trails, the Fernie Chamber of Commerce trailhead along with a few other prime locations.

The signage is meant, “to create awareness and remind trail users to put thought and energy into preventing human/ wildlife conflict,” WildSafeBC Community Coordinator Kathy Murray said. “Fernie is a wildlife country, and the safest encounter is one prevented.”

Murray noted that in this past year alone there have been three incidents where people shot grizzly bears in self-defense. The newly installed signage advises locals and visitors to look for signs of wildlife, including droppings and claw marks, to travel smart, staying in

From left: WildSafeBC Community Coordinator Kathy Murray, Manager of Fernie Trails Alliance Julie Kelly and President of Elk Valley Wildsight Lisa Janssen worked to create trail safe signage like the one pictured above.

Photo by K. Dingman

Sparwood Senior’s Society applies for grant

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

T

he District of Sparwood has agreed to write a letter for the Sparwood Senior Citizens Society, supporting their application to the Columbia Basin Trust social grant — an application that would allow them to construct a social building at the Seniors Villa.

Coun. Sharon Fraser was one of the first to pledge approval of the letter.

“The villas are so small, they need something of this type just for them all to gather and have social events,” she explained.

Coun. Joanne Wilton seconded the support, describing how Debbie FurberAltomare, the society’s administrator, has

said that residents even find it difficult to have family members over for dinner because there’s not enough space.

The Villas currently consist of 39 onebedroom units. The Sparwood Senior Citizens Society is a non-profit society.

“Those people are so much more relaxed and enthusiastic and they really want to come out and make [the Villa] a place

that’s wonderful to live,” said Fraser. “I think it would be good for council to have a meeting with the society and see how far they’ve come.”

Fraser added that the social building will be of use to not just seniors but also to lowincome residents.

The application for the social grant was due on October 29.

W W W. E K E M P L O Y M E N T. O R G

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1. The Mines Act will be changed to give Provincial authorities more time to sort through the results of the independent investigation into the Mt Polley mine accident and future mine events and sufficient time to lay charges if justified.

2. The Police Act will be changed to add a recommendation from the Missing Women Commission that municipalities with their own police forces must do a better job of collaborating and that the province has the authority to create more integrated policing where necessary.

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3. The Agriculture Land Commission Act will be changed to ensure that local governments cannot prohibit activities on ALR land that have been specifically defined by Provincial regulation as “farm use”. The status of the current right of local government to prohibit uses on ALR land is unchanged.

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Bill Bennett MLA, Kootenay East www.billbennettmla.bc.ca The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

26

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Broadband conference identifies need for better service

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

O

n October 15, business owners attended the Elk Valley Broadband Forum to address issues related to broadband service and the economy.

The forum, held in Elkford, identified broadband as a necessity to “advance the economy,” a necessity that was originally identified in the region at the Elk Valley Regional Economic Collaborative forum held in January 2014, according to Diana Brooks, regional manager of the Kootenay Regional Office. “[Broadband] is an essential infrastructure service and it’s a tool for economic development,” explained Brooks. “From a business perspective, broadband is now a key to success in expanding, developing, retaining and tracking workers.”

Brooks continued by stating that they conducted a poll at the conference for how many businesses were dependent on the Internet.

“One hundred per cent,” she confirmed.

The dozens of business owners and workers discussed the need for reliable broadband service.

“I think the important part is to make sure that businesses have a reliable, costeffective means of communicating out, whether [that be] through the Internet or the cloud they develop to facilitate other cities that we need to connect to,” explained Peter Leibel, IT administrator for the East Kootenay Community Credit Union.

The conference was also meant to identify and address those who are unserved or underserved in the regions.

“One of the areas we continue to research is mapping and statistics of those served

by broadband,” said Brooks. “According to Industry Canada and people who have done research from a distance, we are a served community and have adequate coverage. But when you really drill down, you see that there are coverage gaps, and that is a level of detail that gets lost when you roll it up.”

Brooks said that it’s the responsibility of the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training to identify gap areas and communicate that upwards to provincial and federal-levels of government in order to ensure accurate service mapping in the future.

“Broadband is now a cornerstone in business, it is no longer a luxury,” said Brooks.

Rob Gay, chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay agreed with that notion.

He delivered a presentation about the Kootenay Regional Broadband Initiative

during the conference, focusing on how to go about executing a strategic plan for broadband.

“In my mind, it’s a matter of survival for these small communities to have access to good broadband,” said Gay. “If the people here can’t do business from their homes, we get left behind in the world. A lot of people now are saying that to be wired is just as bad as needing water.”

Gay suggested that in order to be considered “successful” he would want 80 per cent of residents who are unserved to have access to “equitable, affordable, high speed broadband” within the next two years.

“We want to retain existing businesses and attract new ones,” said Gay in his presentation. “We need a roadmap to the future for key services like public safety, critical health care, education and entrepreneurship.”

Fernie’s Western Financial Sparwood Legion Group funds Women’s donates funds Resource Centre

From left; Shelby Rawson, Deb Warner, Shelby Schweitzer, Denise Hutchinson, Shannon Willford, Lauren Fox (Fernie Women’s Resource centre Rep) and Melanie Mollet. Last Friday, the Fernie Western Financial Group branch presented a donation of $715 to the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre. These funds were raised through the Western Communities Foundation’s 10th Annual Support the Cause Day Walk.

Submitted photo

ELECT

John Ward, president of the Sparwood Legion branch 81, stands with recipients of donations from the Legion to local charities. Over $4,000 has been donated in the past month.

Submitted photo

Paint & SundrieS ClearanCe Sale

Saman Interior Stain While Colours and Quantities Last

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391 - 1st Avenue Fernie BC 250-423-4314 • 1-800-860-3136

Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph 10:45 – 12:00 Tuesday, November 11 (In case of snow, seniors are invited to view ceremony from inside the Library)

For more information call 250-425-2299 or visit www.facebook.com/groups/sparwoodlibrary

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

27

Sparwood Council addresses letters from Heritage Society during special meeting Inaccurate financial reports and frusterated correspondence were discussed during a special council meeting held October 13

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

T

he District of Sparwood called a special council meeting on October 13 to address inaccurate financial reports and frustrated correspondence from Monica Beranek of the Sparwood Michel Natal Heritage Society.

The district recently changed their policy for financial reporting from the Heritage Society from an annual to quarterly basis. The switch, according to Mayor Lois Halko, was to create consistency with other organizations that the district provides funds to, such as the Chamber of Commerce and Sparwood Library.

Chief Administrative Officer Terry Melcer added, “By providing these reports quarterly, it helps the organization to complete their year-end report, and we can review and provide assistance in saving them money if needed.”

Unfortunately, due to miscommunication between the district and the Heritage Society, frustrations flared.

This resulted in Beranek sending a letter to council, which council deemed unacceptable.

In her correspondence, Beranek wrote, “I have had enough of Barb Nunes [Director of Finance] and the crap that the Heritage has to make a special report every three

months with her program so we can get where [sic] put there. We voted you in, not the money that you voted us to have.” the staff, they were hired and they can be Currently, the district provides the fired,” she wrote.

Heritage Society with $1,000 per month, Nunes explained that she was trying to totalling $3,000 per quarter. provide Beranek with a template that she Beranek wrote that the Heritage Society could follow for quarterly reporting. does not own a computer that can “The unfortunate part of it is that I sent my adequately current Excel run the spreadsheet program as a sample “Maybe you should all get out and have n e e d e d and it did not to volunteer as many years as I have to file the speak to the in this community and have your face financial program that slapped as many times from council reports, and the Heritage so you start treating volunteers with because of Society is respect. Start running the town and this, she using because staff instead of them running it, that’s removed they have an why you were put there” the program older version,” from the said Nunes.

Monica Beranek society’s “They could Sparwood Michel Natal Heritage Society computer have done it Volunteer entirely. manually, so “Maybe this whole you should thing is just all get out unfortunate.” and have to volunteer as many years Mayor Halko asked if handwritten as I have in this community and have accounts would suffice if the Heritage your face slapped as many times from Society is not capable of using the software council so you start treating volunteers normally used to file such financial reports. with respect,” said Beranek in her letter to “You could just put it together with an council. “Start running the town and staff adding machine and then just type up the instead of them running it, that’s why you statement and that would be fine. If the

accounting system or the Excel spreadsheet aren’t going to work, they were supposed to help, they weren’t supposed to be a headache,” responded Nunes.

Coun. Hungry Baytaluke reasoned that due to miscommunication, the Heritage Society was justified in their frustration.

“There was obviously a bit of disconnect [between council and the society] and frankly I think that attributed to the forceful letter that was written,” said Baytaluke.

“They are doing the best they can and things just aren’t working for them …

We’re all only human. I hope we recognize that there’s reason to be frustrated.”

Coun. Sonny Saad agreed and said, “I understand where they were coming from in the letter. They’re volunteers. You’re comparing them to the chamber and the library, which consists of paid staff. These people are not paid and we’re sending them programs that are not working.”

The Heritage Society currently houses thousands of priceless items from the community’s history including photos, tapes, furniture and clothing that were all donated by Sparwood residents and former-residents of Michel, Natal and Middletown.

Beranek denied further comment on the story when contacted by The Free Press.

Sparwood mall renovations completed, ceremony held

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

A

ribbon was cut in front of the Sparwood mall last Wednesday to commemorate the completion of the renovation project.

The interior renovation was concluded last fall and took approximately three to four months. The exterior began in May 2014.

“I want to thank the tenants because these kinds of projects are a hassle and

disruptive to their business,” said mall owner Glenn Noort. “They’ve been patient with us and we really appreciate it. We hope the investment here will benefit the tenants and the entire community of Sparwood.”

WE

WE USE

:

ELK VALLEY THRIFT SHOP SOCIETY

ess A cold web offset printing proc which creates no emissions 100% canola based inks

REUSE

RECYCLE

Our Newsprint is made from

• Share with a friend • Train the puppy • Use as packing •Arts & Crafts paper

Please be responsible and

over 50%

Candidates Meet & Greet At the Fernie Heritage Library Thursday, November 6th from 6 to 8 pm Come and meet the candidates for the upcoming election in an informal setting

REDUCE

recyled paper

The interior of the mall now features new flooring, walls, lighting and ceilings as well as the installation of new bathrooms.

“It had to be made into a more welcoming place for customers,” said Noort. “So far we’ve had good feedback.”

recycle your paper!

Thrifting at its finest!

Christmas Shop Grand Opening Wednesday, 12 November Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who make our work possible, and to the community for all their donations and support.

Together we have donated over $48,000 to various causes in less than one year!

Located in Centennial Square, Sparwood 250-425-0853

28

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The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. bcclassified.com cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition. bcclassified.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona/fide requirement for the work involved.

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Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassified.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or of set process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

Remembered and missed every day...your loving family

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Obituaries

Travel RV LOT Rentals $8.95 a day.

362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertainment. Reserve by 11/01/2014. www.hemetrvresort.com. Call: 1-800-926-5593

Obituaries

BASARAB, RONALD M. ED. 1954 – 2014

On the eve of his 60th birthday, Ron quietly rose to the heavens to join his parents, Michael and Lorraine.

Deeply saddened are brothers Philip, Dana and Randy, sister Elizabeth Fraser, her children Michael and Catherine and his loyal canine companion Max. Much loved and sadly missed by the Basarab-Fysh families and many wonderful friends.

A passionate teacher of English, French and Social Studies, Ron taught high school for over thirty years in Sparwood BC. He also worked with the Ministry of Education to improve high school curriculums. Ron was a good man who loved a joke, British comedies, and music. His canine friends who walk Lynn Canyon mourn his kind spirit, as they knew their “Ronnie Human” and his pocket of dog treats.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday November 5, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver BC. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

“If music be the food of love, play on!”

TRAUTMAN: It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Marie Elizabeth Trautman. Marie passed away at the Rocky Mountain Village in Fernie, BC on Thursday, October 30th at the age of 89. Marie was born in Kitchener, ON to parents Addison and Maryann Scherer on May 22, 1925.

On October 10, 1970, Marie found the happiness she deserved when she married her soul mate and the love of her life, Howard Trautman. Together the couple raised their growing family; supporting each other through the celebrations and challenges life brought their way. In 1993, Howard and Marie moved from Kitchener to Fernie, enjoying life’s simple pleasures; daily walks, playing cards, attending church, and enjoying weekly Sunday brunches with their daughter Nancy and her family. In later years, with declining health, the couple moved into Rocky Mountain Village where Marie was among the favorites of the staff who grew to love her.

Marie will be lovingly remembered as a sweet, gentle woman who always had a cheerful smile and a kind word. Her life is a wonderful legacy of love and treasured memories for those she leaves behind.

Marie will be deeply missed by her husband Howard; her children: Bruce (Brenda) Williams, Sandra (George) Barlen, Gary Trautman, Nancy (Daniel) Kurschenska, and Paul Trautman; 12 precious grandchildren and 4 beautiful great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, step-brothers Leo and Carl Scherer, her daughter Carol-Ann Braby and son-in-law David Braby, grandchildren Michael, Cynthia-Lou and Cheryl-Lyn Braby, and 2 sons, David Williams and Frank Trautman.

Following a Funeral Mass at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Fernie, Marie will be laid to rest at the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Kitchener. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in your area.

Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd. Memories and condolences shared at www. cherishedmemoriesfs.com

MABLE NANCY ALLAN (NEE POPOFF) 1937 - 2014 It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our Mom, Mable Allan, on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Mom was 76 years old. The youngest of 4 children, Mom was born at home in Pass Creek on December 11, 1937. She grew up on a farm with no electricity, running water or phone, a coal stove for cooking and heating, and a bathroom outside. Mom always loved to crochet and embroider; and this she learned by the light of a coal oil lamp. As a teen, during the summers she worked in Creston picking strawberries and raspberries, or would go to Summerland to work in a cannery processing fruits and vegetables, where she got to meet a lot of friends her own age.

In her late teens, Mom went to visit her older sister, Mary, in Vancouver, got a job and ended up staying 5 years. She loved Vancouver! Mom’s friend, Tilly, was the singer in a band so Mom went along with her to different gigs and sang with her at times. The band was hired to play at the Scooner Club on the Airforce Base in Richmond, and this is where she met our Dad, Bill, a tri-service man who was in charge of hiring entertainment for the club. Mom and Dad were married in April 1961 and moved to Castlegar in 1962. They welcomed us, their 3 daughters, in the years to follow.

In 1973 Mom and Dad went to visit some close friends who had moved to Elkford. The road into Elkford was all washboard and Mom told Dad, “I will never live here.” Six months later, Dad was hired by Fording, so they packed us up and moved into what would be their home for 22 years.

Mom worked at the Elkford Post Office for 17 years and in 1995 she and Dad moved to Cranbrook to retire. They were so happy to live in Cranbrook where there are four seasons and much milder weather than the Valley.

During her retirement, Mom enjoyed decorating her home, crocheting, embroidery, sewing, crafts, shopping, travelling, and entertaining. Mom was country music’s biggest fan (there was no one greater than George Jones) and went to concerts as often as she could! More than anything though, Mom lived for her family; she enjoyed spending as much time as she could with all of us. “Baba’s” house was a second home for all of her grandchildren, whether it was having them come live with her while attending college, or just being a place to stop by while on a bike ride.

Her door was always open and she would welcome anyone with open arms.

She taught her grandkids to do things for themselves like cooking and sewing, and always did everything she could for them. She could be counted on at the drop of a hat to do anything her girls needed. She looked after our kids, babysat pets & houses, made countless family dinners (making enough to feed an army so we could all take home leftovers), acted as a substitute taxi service, was always there to listen, to laugh with, to cry with, to travel with, and to give advice if needed. Mom carried many burdens in her lifetime but she always did the best she could. She showed us what it means to be strong and independent, she taught us to be kind and to always do the right thing – she was our rock and our glue.

Left to cherish her memory are her broken hearted family: Lynda Lindley (Kelly, Keuran & Hailey, Dion), Cindy Armstrong (Aaron, Kade, Darrien, Presley), Diedre Kilback (Calvin, Alyssa, Keian), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mom was predeceased by her Mom and Dad, Alexander and Helen, brothers, Bill and Sam, sister, Mary, and husband, (our Dad) Bill.

A private service was held Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

ELK VALLEY CHURCH SERVICES ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH Centennial Square, Sparwood

741B 2nd Ave., Fernie

WELCOMES YOU Sunday Meeting Morning Services

11:00 am

Corps Officers: ..

Majors James & Gwen Hagglund

Fernie Office 250-423-4661 Fx 250-423-4668

KNOX UNITED CHURCH 201 2nd Avenue, Fernie

Sunday Service UCW Women’s Group

10:00 am 1st Tues each month 7:00 pm

Clergy: Jane Clarke D.L.M. 250-423-6010 www.elkvalleyunited.com YOU’RE WELCOME AT KNOX

(formerly Fernie Baptist Church)

1622 10th Avenue, Fernie 250-423-4112 www.mountainsidechurch.ca

Sunday Services

10:00 am in Fernie 6:00 pm Sparwood Campus gathering Contact Pastor Shawn Barden shawnbarden@gmail.com

YOU ARE INVITED! Mass Times: Saturdays: St. Michael’s ~ 7:00 pm Sundays: St. Michael’s ~ 11:00 am St. Bernard’s Mission, Elkford ~ 4:00 pm Thursdays: St. Michael’s ~ 6:30 pm Fridays: Lilac Terrrace ~ 11:00 am Confessions: Following each mass, or by appointment.

Pastor: Father J. Joseph Kizhakethottathil 250-425-6444

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 691 4th Avenue, Fernie Sunday Worship...1:30 pm Pastor Fraser Coltman

cell 250-417-5016 Pastor David Morton cell 250-417-5017 or 1-866-426-7564

SPARWOOD CHRISTIAN CENTRE 436 Pine Avenue Sparwood BC V0B 2G0

TRINITY PENTECOSTAL TABERNACLE 1361 8th Avenue, Fernie EVERYONE WELCOME

Monday Mens Fellowship...7 pm Sunday Worship & Children’s Ministry...10:30 am Friday Youth Group...7 pm Friday Morning Prayer Group...10 am Office 250-423-4114

HOLY FAMILY PARISH Catholic Church 521 4th Avenue, Fernie

Parish Office 250-423-6127 Masses:

Tues. & Wed. 9:00 am Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am Confessions: Before 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday or by appointment Father J. Joseph Kizhakethottathil

CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN 591 4th Avenue, Fernie 250-423-6517

250-425-7787 Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) Services: Sunday 10:00 am Wednesday Bible Study: 6:47 pm Everyone Welcome Pastor: Rev. R.G. (Ross) Powell

Christ Church Anglican Fernie

Sunday Service

8:30 am BCP

Sunday Service & School 9:30 am BAS Wednesday Service

10:00 am

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

The Free Press Thursday, November 6, 2014

Take Your Pick‌

5

Five ways to place your ad Pick Up The Phone

250-423-4666 Website

thefreepress.ca Toll Free

1-866-337-6437 Send Us An Email

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Announcements

Employment

Cards of Thanks

Trades, Technical

Thank you The family of Don Simpkin would like to thank everyone for the love and support shown to us during the loss of our loved one.

Services

Don will be missed forever, but you know that he will live in the hearts of all who shared their grief with us during this difficult time.

Financial Services

and

Business Opportunities GET FREE vending machines.

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Career Opportunities

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada!

Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program.

Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

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AZ, DZ, 5, 3 or 1 w/ Airbrake • Guaranteed 40hr. Work Week & Overtime • Paid Travel & Lodging • Meal Allowance • 4 Weeks Vacation • Excellent Benefits Package

Must be able to have extended stays away from home. Up to 6 months. Must have valid AZ, DZ, 5, 3 or 1 with airbrake license and have previous commercial driving experience.

Apply at:www.sperryrail.com, careers & then choose the FastTRACK Application.

Run your ad for a minimum of

Help Wanted

4 weeks

An Alberta Oilfield Company is hiring experienced dozer and excavator operators. Meals and lodging provided. Drug testing required. 1-780-7235051.

and get

20% off

Merchandise for Sale

Financial Services

Cleaning Services

Fruit & Vegetables

IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple.

Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Sparwood Cleaning Services Residential and Commercial.

Evenings and weekends.

Call or text Susan 250-278-0412

Faraman Farm

Heavy Duty Machinery

ARE YOU $10K Or More In Debt? DebtGo can help reduce a significant portion of your debt load. Call now & see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783.

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed?

Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

Career Opportunities

Accounting/Tax/ Bookkeeping Dave's Accounting Service We Provide Monthly Bookkeeping Services, Personal And Corporate Tax Returns Phone 403-823-0513 Or Email Davecarr@Telus.net

Career Opportunities

WWW.EKEMPLOYMENT.ORG

Wapiti Ski Hill in Elkford is seeking both paid and volunteer ski patrollers. Visit wapitiskiclub.com for more details.

Home Improvements FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. Call 1-800-573-2928.

Household Services A-1 FURNACE & Air Duct Cleaning.

Complete Furnace/Air Duct Systems cleaned & sterilized. Locally owned & operated. 1-800-5650355 (Free estimates)

Merchandise for Sale

Food Products BC INSPECTED

GRADED AA OR BETTER LOCALLY GROWN NATURAL BEEF Hormone Free Grass Fed/Grain Finished Freezer Packages Available Quarters/Halves $4.30/lb Hanging Weight Extra Lean Ground Beef Available TARZWELL FARMS 250-428-4316 Creston

Help Wanted

New location!

3111 Hwy 3 Erickson, BC 250-402-3056 Visit us for apples

Gala, Mac Honeycrisp, Freedom, Priam, Blushing Susan & Elstar Liberty, Spartan, Jonagold, Creston, Golden Delicious Ambrosia & Orin We also have squash, potatoes, carrots & apple juice Juicing apples by the bin.

Bulk orders welcome Closed Sundays

A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all sizes in stock.

Trades are welcome.

40’Containers under $2500!

DMG 40’ containers under $2,000 each. Also JD 544 & 644 wheel Loaders & 20,000 lb CAT forklift.

Wanted to buy 300 size hydraulic excavator.

Ph Toll free 1-866-528-7108 Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Fernie Exchange New & Used & Pawnbrokers 1501-9th Ave. 250-423-6625 t 8F HJWF MPBOT PO QBXOBCMF JUFNT XL UP XLT t

We have a new line of Sigma Martin Guitars, double air mattresses (new) $49., 3 pet carriers $29-$39. 1 ½ gallon compressor, like new (oil) $125. Golf clubs ½ price. 6 hp Honda pressure washer $220, Drill presses 75-125. Good selection of guitars, amps, musical instruments. Motorcycle jacket and chaps, leather $149 each. Clear out bikes $20-$49, $79, $99, $299. 18’Coleman canoe $425. Built in heat exchanger (fireplace new) $199. Honda 5 hp brush cutter mower $249. Double pedestal table, 4 chairs wood 60’s $149. Hardwood table & leaf $110. 20 cu ft Electrolux white fridge $425. 18 cu ft black fridge freezer under $375 (Kenmore).

Various ranges $159 - $199. 2 beer signs – 1 lit Burgermeister (turns) $225., Olympia Gold beer $99., 2 compound bows 1pse $175, 1 Prairie Fire with quiver $195. Crossbow bolts 14� 6 to pkg $20 each, pkg 3 hunting tips $25. Hardwood china cabinet $495 2 pc. Lots of antiques. Come in and browse. Martin Gibson guitars 1970’s various prices, older. Freezer 15 cu ft. $199. Danby apt washer auto $349. Exercise bike new was $299 now $225. 1970’s 3 speed CCM bike like new $225.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Career opportunity

LOOKING FOR WORK? WE CAN HELP.

Route Sales Representative PEPSICO is looking for Route Sales Representatives with an entrepreneurial spirit & a clean driving record for Summer 2015 in Revelstoke. Apply today if sales is your strength!

Apply online at www.pepsico.ca/careers

starting at

Merchandise for Sale

LARGE FUND Borrowers Wanted Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts.

We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Thank you to Lynda and John from Cherished Memories for their assistance and kindness.

Drop By THE FREE PRESS

Free Press Classified

Services

A special thank you goes out to Dr. Holmes, The Elkford Clinic staff, Dr. Tessler, Jordan, Dr. Ma and all of the wonderful nursing staff at the Elk Valley Hospital for all their kind compassionate care. Also the outpour from the community of Elkford for all the donated food for the reception.

customerservice @thefreepress.ca

OFFICE in Fernie 342 2nd. Ave. Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Services

The family appreciated the lovely flowers, food, phone calls, visits, cards and gifts that were provided to us.

Our Sincere thanks, Colette, Aaron, Devin families.

29

*et tKe training and support you need to Ĺľnd and keep a job. Access job search resources, personal employment planning, workshops, training, self-employment, wage subsidies, and specialized asessments.

We deliver free employment services and host a premier job board for the Elk Valley and East Kootenay region.

EK Employment Elk Valley

Tel: 250-423-4204 - Website: www.ekemployment.org Store Front: 302 C 2nd Avenue, Fernie (Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm) Kiosk: 141 A Aspen Avenue, Sparwood (Tues 10am - 3pm)

MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES The Manager, Economic Initiatives will be responsible for developing, monitoring and reporting on the strategic plan for the Economic Initiatives area; planning, developing and managing the economic programs and initiatives, conducting related research and analysis activities, assessing business plans relating to Delivery of Benefits projects and initiatives, and assessing Delivery of Benefits investment opportunities.

Apply by November 21, 2014. cbt.org/careers 1.800.505.8998

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

WANT TO DELIVER NEWSPAPERS?

Employment Opportunities T184-14-15 (Parkland Middle School) Temporary 0.429 Counsellor Grades 7-9 T146-14-15 Temporary 1.0 District Elementary Counsellor (Cranbrook)

4ualiÀcations Ior both positions • Must have a Masters Degree recognized by the BC Teacher Regulation Branch in Counselling Psychology or a related discipline. • Preference will be given to a Counsellor who would be eligible for a BC Teacher s CertiÀcate. • Counsellors with formal training will be given serious consideration.

Please apply for this Mob only in the manner speciÀed by the employer, otherwise; your application will not be considered for this position.

Send 5esume To In Person Human Resources Department School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay 940 Industrial Road No. 1 Cranbrook, BC V1C 4C6 Or by e-mail: careers@sd5.bc.ca Please quote Posting Number.

Start Date November 18, 2014 or as soon as possible until June 26, 2015 Application Deadline November 17, 2014

WE HAVE LOTS OF ROUTES AVAILABLE

in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford 250-423-4666 • 342 2 Avenue customerservice@thefreepress.ca

30

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

A30 www.thefreepress.ca

Thursday, November 6, 2014 The Free Press

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Rentals

Rentals

Rentals

Transportation

Transportation

Misc. for Sale

Apt/Condo for Rent

Apt/Condo for Rent

Apt/Condo for Rent

Modular Homes

Auto Financing

Trucks & Vans

Sparwood, B.C.

Live in scenic &

PINEWAY COURT

peaceful Elkford

New condos in Sparwood Heights 2 bed/2 bath units are $1250. per month. 2 bed/1 bath units $1200 per month.

These units are in a new complex. New stainless steel appliances, granite counters, in suite washer/dryer. Building comes with an elevator and on site storage unit. No smoking or pets allowed. References required. (Utilities not included) Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711

Sparwood - Several Mobile Homes for rent $700 - $1000 per month. Utilities not included. Please contact

1978 Ford 4whdr Pick up original km 144,688. To view at 16 Pine Crescent phone 250-4236703

or call 250-425-7711 for more information.

Boats

Homes for Rent

World’s Finest FISHING BOATS

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available.

1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper?

STEEL BUILDINGS. “Giftcard give-away!’ 20x22 $4,358. 25x24 $4,895. 30x30 $6,446. 32x32 $7,599. 40x46 $12,662. 47x72 $18,498. One end wall Included. Pioneer Steel, Call 1-800-668-5422 or www.pioneersteel.ca STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit online at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.

Misc. Wanted Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Accumulations, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins + Chad: 778-281-0030. Local.

Apartment Units

ALDERWOOD PLACE

r $MPTF UP EPXOUPXO r "GGPSEBCMF r )PU XBUFS JODMVEFE r :PVS OFX IPNF

1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month 2 & 3 Bdrm - $850 (& up)-month

1 Bdrm plus den $775 (& up) month 2 Bdrm plus den $850 (& up) month

250-425-9912

Real Estate Acreage for Sale

SPARWOOD, B.C.

PRIVATE 150 ACRES

Quiet • Comfortable • Affordable

5 minutes from Cranbrook .

Borders crown land on 3 sides. Mixture of timber and fields. Surveyed, drilled well, power and Shaw cable. Not in ALR zoned RR60. Serious inquiries only. $695,000.

250-489-9234

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent Scenic Downtown Elkford

ALPINE COURT Spacious NEW apartments 1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month 2 & 3 Bdrm- $850 (& up)- month Includes heat, lights, & hot water

250-865-2722 Well kept 2 bedroom Condo for rent in Sparwood Heights Includes fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer, storage area, use of exercise room & sauna. No Smoking, No Pets.

Available Immediately $950 Furnished Heat included Call 250-425-4431 or 250-423-1224

GOLDEN OAK GARDENS 1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)- month 2 Bdrm - $850 (& up)- month

Comfortable apartment units

Includes: covered parking, sauna, heat, lights & hot water

Mobile Downtown Sparwood 373 Red Cedar-Clean 4 bedroom, 1 bath mobile close to the Rec Centre. Includes fridge, stove and washing machine. large porch, shed, large driveway - Older but clean. $850 pm.

Utilities not included Call 250-425-7711 or email

House for rent - Sparwood 3 bedroom log home 1800 sq. ft.

3 bathroom, full basement, wrap around deck, large yard on acreage, privacy, beautiful views - $1500 per month plus all utilities.

(Propane heat) No pets or smoking.

Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711.

References required.

SPARWOOD, 2-storey, 3bdrm townhouse for rent w/full basement, close to school & rec centre. (250)425-4448 primeprop@mymts.net

for information.

Storage

Modular Homes

1-250-865-7676

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

FOR RENT FERNIE 2 bdr condo - long term only Like New Condition No smoking, no pets FULLY FURNISHED Ph. 250-423-4498

Mobile home for rent in Little Acres Mobile Home Park. 3 bedroom, one bathroom mobile with an addition, deck and fenced yard. $850 per month.

(Utilities not included) Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711

For Rent: Sparwood Fully furnished and decorated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo ready to be moved into. Just bring your clothes. Comes with appliances including in suite washer and dryer. $1200 per month. No smoking/no pets.

Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711.

References required.

Hot Water Included

Walking Distance to Mall

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

Weldcraft, Hewescraft, Lund, Godfrey Pontoons Mark’s Marine, Hayden, ID 1-888-821-2200 www.marksmarineinc.com

Auto Financing Dream Team - www.iDreamAuto.com or call 1.800.961.7022

SELF STORAGE: Personal & commercial. Call Finnigan’s Storage.

250-423-3308 or 250-423-1236

,W WDNHV PXVFOHV WR UHDG WKLV DG

250-865-2722 Apt/Condo for Rent

Apt/Condo for Rent

Apartments for Rent 1 & 2 Bedroom Units Furnished & Unfurnished From

695 per month

$

1422 & 1462 – 6th Avenue, Fernie Located behind the Best Western

For more information call

250-423-1358

'RQŇ‹W WDNH \RXU PXVFOHV IRU JUDQWHG 2YHU &DQDGLDQV ZLWK PXVFXODU G\VWURSK\ WDNH WKHP YHU\ VHULRXVO\ /HDUQ PRUH DW PXVFOH FD

We've got you covered The Free Press Distribution Area

Number of papers distributed FFP- Fernie Free Press

Elkford FFP - 723

43

www.thefreepress.ca Sparwood

THE FREE PRESS

FFP - 1785

Fernie

Est. 1898

FFP - 2735

Jaffray Elko

South Country

FFP - 649

Total

FFP- 5892

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Your Best Choice for Great Hong Kong Style Cuisine!

Brought to you by Fernie’s premiere Chinese restaurant

250-423-3211

YOUR HOROSCOPE for the week of November 9 to 15, 2014

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: LIBRA, SCORPIO, AND SAGITTARIUS

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)

It won’t be easy to get you out of the house. You may even choose to work in the comfort of your own home. You also begin a housecleaning blitz.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

wifi available

1221A 7th Ave., Hwy. 3 Fernie • Beside ReMax

BRAIN GAMES ACROSS

CROSSWORDS

There is a bit of confusion with a family member. Don’t wait too long before setting the record straight. Try to determine who makes the decisions at home.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

You could benefit from an unexpected promotion following the departure of a colleague. You’re sure to be given the responsibility of occupying the boss’s chair for a while.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Everything is in line for you to be able to solve several problems very quickly. At work, your customer base should grow considerably in record time.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

By recharging your batteries, you succeed in improving lots of things in all spheres of your life. A healthy dose of inspiration helps you make the necessary changes.

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Airplane part Circle segments Trendy No good Kind of knot Copy Mistake in print Garlic feature Evergreen plant Have debts Black Andes climber English drink Black gold Trucker’s rig Radar spot Moistureless Shoulder ____ Aristocrat Computer fodder Inkling Court romantically Snow White’s pal Au pair Rice dish Recreational area King-topping card Record Tooted Fountain ____ College final

60. Observer 61. Museum display 62. Information 63. Bank (on)

DOWN

1. Soaked 2. Trailing vine 3. Little bite 4. Dimness 5. Burn-soothing plant 6. Curtain holder 7. Make like a pigeon 8. Binge 9. BLT dressing 10. Cafe sign 11. Damp with morning drops 19. Used to be 21. Pig movie 22. Pile on

23. Italian money, once 24. Touched ground 25. Ocean surge 28. Hero’s story 29. Frantic 31. Grass a la mowed?

32. Press clothes 33. Scheme 35. Word from a crib 40. Whatever 43. On a regular basis 45. Fossil resin 46. Mama’s mate 47. Bakery worker 48. Fasting season 49. Valued minerals 52. Chopper 53. Cat’s foot 55. Soap ingredient 56. Long, slippery fish 57. Twisted, as a grin

ANSWER/LAST WEEK - PUZZLE NO. 733

Copyright © 2014, Penny Press

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)

You are responsible for gathering together a group of people to participate in a truly memorable activity. The results will equal the efforts that you put into this project.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)

Your responsibilities are plentiful at this time. You succeed in establishing an order of priorities that corresponds to your abilities. Fortunately, your loved ones help you develop your game plan.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

Planning a return to school is not easy, but this effort will be extremely profitable to you in the future. Despite considerable stress, perseverance is the key to success.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

You must weigh the pros and cons before making a decision that shakes up the course of events. You might also join a spiritual movement of some kind.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

You need to think carefully before making any decisions, even if you are asked to hurry up. Your intuition is sure to guide you in the right direction.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

You need to spend many hours preparing some important negotiations in order for the final result to be in your favour. You find solutions to all your financial problems.

PUZZLE NO. 470

HOW TO PLAY : Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Asnwers:

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started.

Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)

You spend some time renewing your wardrobe after calculating exactly what you can afford to spend. You start to take better care of your appearance as you take on a more prestigious role at work.

FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT SARA MOULTON advertising@thefreepress.ca 250-423-4666

31

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

FERNIE and

ide ’s H ut

m 30p : 6 me i t w Sho BY TED

UB H R GEA SEN PRE

Sh ow tim e: 1 ED PRESE 0:3 GE NTE D 0p OF BY m TH EW OR LD

Sh ow tim The PRESENT e: 8:30 pm Gu ED BY

film Fest

FERNIE and

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film Fest November 8th at the Fernie Community Centre FEATURING THIS YEARS BEST SKI AND BOARD FILMS

A fundraiser for the Canadian Ski Patrol Tickets include all 3 shows - $20 for adults, $10 for kids, and are available at local retailers and the FAST Gear Swap.

Win great prizes including snowcat skiing, skis, boards and clothing from presenting retailers.

The FAST Gear Swap is the same day from 10am to 2pm. Gear drop on Friday, 6 to 8pm.

SCOTIABANK FERNIE

Remembrance Day services Royal Canadian Legion Branch #36, Fernie

Remembrance Day Parade 10:30 am Parade forms up at the Legion 10:40 am Parade marches to the Cenotaph 10:55 am Cenotaph Service begins 11:00 am 2 minute Wave of Silence begins 11:20 am Parade forms up again and marches back to the Legion.

An Ecumenical service will follow in the Legion Hall.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #81, Sparwood 10:00 am

Service at the Senior Citizens Drop in Centre Parade formation after service 10:40 am Parade to the Cenotaph After parade Youth and adults invited to meet at the Legion

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #279, Elkford 10:00 am 10:45 pm 11:00 am

Service at the Elkford Alliance Church Parade to the Cenotaph Cenotaph Service

Remembering our Veterans this Remembrance Day

113 Red Cedar Dr Sparwood, (250) 425-6489 792 2nd Ave Fernie (250) 423-4607

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REMEMBRANCE DAY

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

Local Servicemen

Bernie N Kabel Bernie Kabel was born June 12, 1934 in McCreary, Manitoba.

He enlisted November 1953 and Retired after 25 years on December 4, 1978 from PPCLI, Shilo Manitoba.

Bernie Kabel now resides in Fernie at Rocky Mountain Village.

Master Corporal Jeff Rygaard

Jeff Rygaard is a local Sparwood boy.

Jeff has been to Quebec, Vancouver, England, Ontario, Ottawa, and has done a tour in Afghanistan.

He is married and has a little girl.

Red and white poppies

W

earing a red poppy for Remembrance Day on November 11 has been a tradition in this country for 90 years now. The white poppy, dating from 1933, has recently resurfaced, however. It is a way to remember the civilian victims of war. The two complement each other: the red for those who died for their country, the white for the hope of peace.

Did you know that behind these poppy campaigns, both past and present, are some very committed women? The adoption of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance has international origins. The first person to use it in this way was Mrs. Moina Michael, a staff member of the American Overseas YMCA, during the last year of the First World War. In April 1920 she led a stirring campaign to have the poppy recognized as the official symbol of remembrance by the American Legion. At the same time, Mrs. Anna Guérin, from France, became an ardent defender of the poppy as the symbol that would help all citizens remember those who died in the war.

The efforts of these two ladies were not in vain. The first “poppy day” was held on November 11, 1921, in France as well as in Commonwealth countries. Ninety years later, the poppy is still a reminder to us all. But we mustn’t forget that on November 11, 1933, the Women’s Cooperative Guild in the United Kingdom launched the white poppy campaign, symbolizing the will to work towards creating a world without violence, to resolve conflicts peacefully, and to remember civilian victims of war.

In Remembrance

816 Michel Road, Elkford www.elkford.ca

In Remembrance We thank all those who have served and are currently serving

691B 2 Ave, Fernie 250-423-6831

110 Centennial Square, Sparwood 250-425-6634

814 Michel Rd, Elkford 250-865-2261

REMEMBRANCE DAY

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

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History and Remembrance in Fernie

shop promptly brought in the parts needed and had the car back on the n September, my wife, Linda, road! and I had occasion to spend I took the boys to the two weeks in Fernie while Fernie Miners Walk in our daughter and son-in-law were front of City Hall to away on vacation. With three lively learn about the city’s grandsons to care for -- age 6, 10 history. Built in 1905, and 14 -- there was never a dull the impressive stone moment! building survived the Early in our stay we got the devastating fire that boys started in school with the destroyed much of teachers’ strike having just ended.

Fernie in 1908. Other Then we had opportunity to meet subjects for my camera teachers, and worked out the daily included flower baskets routines of making lunches, getting on Victoria Avenue, the boys off to school, and making “When we lived in historic buildings in arrangements for Taekwondo, Calgary,” said the Fernie, and the memorial trampoline and boxing classes. youngest grandson, statue of the soldier Our time in Fernie also provided “all I could see was commemorating Fernie’s the opportunity to get to know the buildings. In Fernie, losses in the First World city better by shopping at the stores War. Related to that, everywhere I look I can downtown, buying groceries, trying the boys and I made a see mountains!” some of the restaurants, and for me, visit to St. Margaret’s a good morning swim after seeing Cemetery, and when I We had an extra day to enjoy the the boys get to school, and aquasize showed them the grave scenery when the water pump on classes for Linda. Other trips to marker of Private J. our car failed just before we were Fernie’s excellent Aquatic Centre Dingsdale, they were to leave for home, but a local auto were fun for all of us. especially interested.

The gravestone is in memory of a young soldier who lost his life when killed at the Battle of Somme on October 2, 1916. Also remembered The grave marker at St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Fernie for Private J. Dingsdale, on the grave marker is who was killed in battle in the First World War. He and his brother, Christopher, Photo by J. Chalmers the soldier’s brother, also named, lost their lives in their teenage years.

Christopher, killed at several such cemeteries in Europe, He, along with the others named Coal Creek on July 4, 1910 at the age of 17. I wondered, I am grateful for the ways in which on the monument is not forgotten, could he have lost his life in a Canadian are remembered, even and perhaps somewhere in British coal mining accident? Although though they never returned from Columbia, there is family that remembers the young soldier who I thought he is buried in the war.

My grandsons were intrigued to left Fernie a century ago and went cemetery, it would be unlikely that his brother, Private Dingsdale, learn of the young soldier. They overseas to defend the Empire. In were particularly interested in this 100th anniversary year of the would be buried in Fernie.

A check on the internet web seeing the graves of other soldiers, start of the Great War, those who site of the Commonwealth War reading the dates of their deaths, never returned from it must not be Graves Commission confirmed my and wondering if they died in forgotten.

As Remembrance Day suspicions. Private J. Dingsdale, active service, in battle, or lived service number 478918, served out a normal life. As for myself, I approaches, it is appropriate to with the Royal Canadian Regiment continued to wonder -- what was honour the men and women who have served Canada’s armed forces and is buried in Courcelette British Private Dingsdale’s first name?

I found my answer at the in time of conflict and peace, Cemetery, near the village of Courcelette in the Somme district memorial on the grounds of the especially those who gave their of France. There the grave of impressive 1909 Fernie Court lives to protect the life we enjoy Private Dingsdale is one of 1,970 House, where the statue of a soldier today in Canada, and to appreciate Commonwealth servicemen buried stands upon a monument that the splendour of the timeless near the scene of battle during the honours the men of Fernie who mountains of Fernie. war. Like other military cemeteries fell during the Great War. Among Author note: John Chalmers is a in Europe, the graves of those the names of all those young men, The war memorial on the grounds of the Fernie Court House names who are buried there are cared carved into the stone, is that of Joe writer and historian who lives in all the young men of Fernie who gave their lives in the First World for in perpetuity. Having seen Dingsdale. Now I know his name. Edmonton, Alberta.

By John Chalmers Submitted

I

We have been to Fernie before to see our family, and again appreciated the clean streets and the breathtaking mountain scenery that surrounds the town. We never tire of seeing the Ghostrider make an afternoon appearance on Mount Hosmer, or looking up at the Three Sisters, sometimes known as Trinity Mountain, I am told.

I asked the boys what they liked most about Fernie. “When we lived in Calgary,” said the youngest grandson, “all I could see was buildings. In Fernie, everywhere I look I can see mountains!”

War.

741B 2nd Ave, Fernie, BC (250) 423-4661 www.salvationarmy.ca

Photo by J. Chalmers

We t s e L et g r o F

From generation to generation may we always remember those who served and continue to serve.

(250) 423-6868 www.ferniechamber.com

Remembrance Day Services Tuesday, November 11

Come out and honour our veterans

Sparwood, BC

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #81 10:00 a.m. Church Service, Seniors drop-in centre at 101 Pine Avenue 10:45 a.m. Parade formation after service 10:55 a.m. Cenotaph Ceremony, march back to the seniors drop-in centre, hot chocolate for the participating youth. A hot meal at Michel-Natal Branch 81, 117 Centennial Square.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Crossing the Bar

By Anne Gafiuk Submitted

G

eorge Crewe passed away on March 6, 2014, in Fernie, British Columbia at the age of 91. He was a kind, gentle soul, with an impish side to him, too. He wasn’t a tall man and suffered from gout, making his hands gnarled, contributing even more to his elfin appearance. He never lost his sense of humour, nor his way with words. He was a consummate storyteller and had the greatest expressions. I was privileged to record his experiences. ‘My sailor’ is how I started to refer to George E. Crewe to friends and family.

I remember the first day I met George. I brought with me a lemon meringue pie. One friend commented how my baking was a foot in the door.

For the past few years, I have been researching aircrew of the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War Two, as part of a fictional story I plan to write, based on a young pilot from Southern Alberta. A mutual friend suggested I meet George, as George was with the Royal Canadian Navy

(RCN) during the Second World War. To meet him might take me in a totally different direction, but I thought, “Why not?”

I remember the first day I met George. I brought with me a lemon meringue pie. One friend commented how my baking was a foot in the door. It worked with Gordon Jones, ‘my pilot’, and the subject of Wings Over High River. I hoped it would work with an old tar, too.

“No one has your stories, George.”

He pondered that statement. “I’ve never been interviewed before,” he told me. “No magazine or newspaper has ever contacted me.”

Once we were settled in at George’s compact senior’s apartment in Jaffray, BC, with a perplexed look on his round face, he said, "You've got me buffaloed, Anne.” He paused, “You know what that means don't you?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Why don't you go to a museum....the one there in Calgary on Crowchild Trail? Why come to me?"

"No one has your stories, George."

He pondered that statement. “I’ve never

been interviewed before,” he told me. “No magazine or newspaper has ever contacted me.”

At first, George was hesitant but as we started chatting that morning, I could sense him relaxing. The stories started to ebb then flow. We took a break for lunch, returned to his suite, had the pie, and we continued on until early evening, the tales surging, almost overflowing, until I had to depart. I visited with George a few more times in the last couple of years, collecting his stories and the following are only a few of the tales from a ‘Terra Firma Tar’.

George proudly hailed from landlocked Lethbridge, Alberta. At the age of 17, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and became a Boy Telegraphist.

I asked him why he chose the navy over the army and the air force. “When I was about ten years old, I was given the gift of a book called My Picture Book of Sailors. I always attributed that to me joining the navy.

I guess the stories and the pictures fascinated me. I still have the book. I wouldn’t part with it for $1,000,000!

“After I joined the navy, in 1940, that is the first time I saw the ocean in Esquimalt.

I was permanent force. I had to sign on for seven years. There were two groups: the RCN were permanent. The RCNVR (Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve), they were the ones that signed on during the war.”

He had his opinions about those who did

join the air force. “I think back in the navy, they were very strict, more than in the air force. As far as I was concerned, the air force personnel were a bunch of wimps. They had a bed to sleep in every night, and sheets!” He then laughed, “I wouldn’t admit it if I knew an air force guy!

“I think back in the navy, they were very strict, more than in the air force. As far as I was concerned, the air force personnel were a bunch of wimps.”

“One of the things and this will shake you to the roots! We got $15 per month when we were under 18. But you were not old enough to spend $15. They saved $10 for us. When you turned 18, you received your back pay. So you had $5 per month to spend.

It worked out. We only got out of barracks once or twice a week, depending upon the watch you were on. When you turned 18, you got $37.50. I used to send some home to my mother and I would spend the rest.”

George told me about his training as well as the day to day routines of being in the RCN, including how they had to sleep above the mess tables. “The first six weeks was basic training, then we went into our classes and that lasted about eight months.”

Continued on page C5

We will remember them.

SMS Equipment

Remembers…

Elkford: 250-865-4651

smsequip.com

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Crossing the Bar Continued from page C4 I learned about clews and hammocks, sailors’ uniforms and their kits.

“Friday the 13th, black cats, don’t go under a ladder?

I’ve always believed that,” said George, this time without humour. “There was a superstition: you do not place your navy hat upside down and on the bed.

Definitely not on the bed!

Our captain: if we came in on a Friday, he would talk his way out of it. We would never sail on a Friday.

“You know the canned milk? If you opened a can upside down, someone would take it and throw it overboard. It was bad luck.”

George kept a talisman. “I call it my good luck charm.

I got it from an Indian in Lethbridge when I was a kid. I kept it with me all my navy years. I think that is what saved my life! I’ve kept it all these years.”

I was curious about what he meant. George became sombre when he told me a few harrowing events.

“These stories will curl your hair and then straighten it out again!

“We were in a storm and I happened to go out on deck. A depth charge had got loose and there were a couple of guys wrestling with it and I went to help them. I slipped and broke my collar bone and the depth charged rolled over my toes. They were crushed. And I broke a tooth and hurt my back. We were at sea and we didn’t get in for another two or three weeks. We didn’t have an attendant or medic on board.

“Another time, I was aboard The Quinte. We just finished a refit and we were going from Lunenburg

to Picton to get some equipment on board. This was in the end of 1942 and when we left Lunenburg, I was on the radio. The captain said, ‘I’ve got to send a message.’

“I said, ‘Well that’s fine.’

The message read: ‘The forecast is for a big storm.

We have not got enough oil if we run into trouble.

Request permission to come into Halifax and oil up’.

“They sent the message back. ‘Sorry. You’ve got to keep going.’ We kept going. We got off Cape Breton Island...and we ran out of oil. We got pushed up against the rocks. Punched a hole in.....”

George paused for a minute or so, taking some deep breaths, and apologized, tearfully, before composing himself.

“Anyway, we ran out of oil and luckily, there was another tug and two barges in the same area. The tug couldn’t control the barges and they got pushed up on the shore, and the tug, too.

When I sent the signal, I tried to raise Halifax. There is something called the ‘skip distance’. It has something to do with the atmospherics.

And the only station I contacted – and it might be hard to believe – but it was Simonstown, South Africa!

“They picked up my

signal and gave me a receipt and they transferred it to Gibraltar, to London to Halifax. And I had a reply back within half an hour.

The captain and I were the last two to get off ! We stayed with the ship for two or three days and we went back to Halifax by train from St. Peter’s. When we got back to Halifax, the ship’s company was sent this way and that way and every way. I never saw anyone afterwards.” 1

George became sombre when he told me a few harrowing events.

“These stories will curl your hair and then straighten it out again!”

George was very much a people person.

He met numerous people throughout his wartime years: his crew aboard The Quinte, “my love as far as the ships were concerned,” he said, a US Navy cook from the Southern States while in Boston, a Scottish woman who made him shortbread while George was at Scapa Flow, trading his rum rations for butter, sugar and flour, smuggling them off the ship. In exchange, George was made to swear

Guardian First Aid Service LTD Phone: 250-865-2650 Cell: 250-425-5946 Fax: 250-865-2652 Email: guard1fa@telus.net

City Hall 501-3rd Ave., Box 190 Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 www.fernie.ca

The City of Fernie salutes our veterans Remembrance Day Parade 10:40 am - Parade marches to the Cenotaph 10:55 am - Cenotaph Service 11:00 am - 2 minute Wave of Silence begins 11:20 am - Parade forms up again and marches back to the Legion.

An Ecumenical service will follow in the Legion Hall.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

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Continued

he would not tell the recipe to anyone. He kept that promise until he shared the recipe with his wife, Evelyn, then daughter, Catherine, and granddaughter, Elleda.

Then there was the man in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, who, after the war, built George a model of the Bluenose, one of George’s prized possessions. “I was very foolish in those days.

There were a lot of people I should have kept in contact with. Just for that reason...I met so many people and I didn’t – and I’ve been sorry ever since.”

He has crossed the bar.

Smooth sailing ahead, George.

Footnotes.

1.

The Bangor class minesweeper Quinte (I) entered service early in WWII. Built on Canada’s west coast and having served on the east coast, she rescued a grounded British Aircraft carrier in the Caribbean and escorted many convoys. Because of a series of unfortunate events, she was accidentally grounded

on a rock off Cape Breton and slowly sank on a beach. She was refloated and brought to the St. Peter’s Canal, where she has the dubious distinction to be the only Canadian warship to sink twice in 10

days, since she then rolled on her side and sank for a second time. Quinte was eventually refloated and repaired, and still finished the war as an active warship.

Writer Profile Anne Gafiuk has loved to write for as long as she can remember, starting with handwritten letters to family and friends as a child and continuing today, staying connected with email, as well as with the traditional pen and paper.

She was an elementary school teacher for almost fifteen years, promoting the joy and beauty of the written word with her students; she contributed to newsletters and created teaching units for her colleagues.

Later, while taking on the role of full time mom with her active family, she started freelancing parttime, writing about houses, condos, their owners, and communities for Resorts, Okotoks Living, Condo Living and New Home Living, based out of Calgary.

She is the author of Wings Over High River, the story of A. Gordon Jones, a WWII Pilot Instructor.

Anne continues to research pilots from the Second World War for a novel set in Southern Alberta.

Other projects involve WWII correspondence, a war-time scrapbook and an RCAF WWII Accident Proneness Report. www.whatsinastory.ca anne@whatsinastory.ca

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REMEMBRANCE DAY

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

The Locket

By Allan Gallant and Sanne de Groot Submitted

A

s the battles of WWII raged on, a young infantryman of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment made a promise to keep his mother and family close to his heart. That vow was sealed with a delicate gold locket tucked away in the folds of his uniform.

He made other promises, to King and country, taking him to the deadly skirmishes in Europe. From September 17-25, 1944 he participated in the Battle for Arnheim, just outside of Oosterbeek, the Netherlands.

This was one of the last major successes for German forces. Of the 10,600 Canadians of the 1st Airborne Division who charged, only 2,400 returned, the rest killed or captured.

It is here, during this fevered fight that gaps in our puzzle emerge. At some point during those 8 days the young man took shelter beside the remains of a downed glider, but then…

It was there, near the remains of a downed glider, that he found a small treasure. Amidst the wreckage was a shining golden locket.

Not long after the wounded and dead were

shuttled from the scene a local man, Kobus Harbers picked his way through the cratered fields. It was there, near the remains of a downed glider, that he found a small treasure.

Amidst the wreckage was a shining golden locket. Inside was a piece of paper torn from a calendar. On one side was written: Newfoundland, Canada; on the other were two names: R.G. Breens and A.C. Brien.

It would be wonderful, he thought, to somehow find the rightful owner or his family and return the locket as a small gesture of gratitude and appreciation. As the years passed, the locket and the daydream remained in Harbers’ safekeeping, although his goal remained unfulfilled. After his death, his daughter, Annie van der Kamp bequeathed the locket, and along with her father’s dream, she passed on the locket to her daughter Trudy Richel - van der Kamp.

Fast forward now, to 2006. Sanne de Groot was about to leave the Netherlands to travel across Canada. Before she left, her grandmother Trudy Richel- van der Kamp remembered the locket and the family’s quest to find the soldier, who owned the locket. Sanne accepted the quest, set off

Cherished Memories

Funeral Services Ltd. & Cherished Memories Crematorium Ltd.

Lest We Forget

Your Loved One Never Leaves Our Care

to Canada and settled in Calgary, AB. She began working for a local fitness centre.

It was there that she met Allan Gallant, director of the Aero Space Museum of Calgary. One day, Sanne told Allan the story of the locket and asked him if he might be able to help her. Allan invited Sanne to meet him at the Aero Space Museum as the story had sparked his interest and he wanted to help her solve the mystery.

Books in the museum library and searches on the Internet were of no help. They knew nothing about the origin of the locket except for the two names from Newfoundland and the battlefield where it was found. Allan researched the Battle for Arnheim and, except for a renewed respect for our Canadian soldiers, came up empty handed.

Internet searches for the names gave no revelations, except that an ordinary soldier was rarely granted the foothold in history that his officers were. All they had left to research was Newfoundland.

A few phone calls had Allan chatting with Melanie Tucker, a staff member at the Provincial Archives in Newfoundland.

Melanie was eager to help and set off searching through all of the WWII records at her disposal. Two and a half weeks later Allan’s phone rang. The message was abrupt and astonishing. “Allan, it’s Melanie. We found him.”

Two and a half weeks later Allan’s phone rang. The message was abrupt and astonishing. “Allan, it’s Melanie. We found him.”

The once anonymous A.C. Brien was Augustus Brien, an artilleryman transferred into the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and shipped overseas.

He was one of the fortunate few to walk away from the Battle for Arnheim. Upon his return to Canada he moved to Edmonton but, sadly, passed away in 1992. The search was far from over though. Augustus may be gone but what of his family?

Using Internet websites Allan searched for the surname Brien in Edmonton and was rewarded with five phone numbers. On a lark, he called the last one first. On the other end was a woman’s voice, clearly from the east coast. Allan identified himself as a director with the Aero Space Museum in Calgary looking for the family of Augustus Brien. The woman paused briefly and spoke, “I’m Jean Brien, his wife.”

Continued on page C7

A day to remember...

Thank you to those who sacrificed for our freedom.

250-423-9211 1492 Hwy. #3 FERNIE

REMEMBRANCE DAY

The Locket

Trudy and Paul Richel (Sanne’s grandparents).

Submitted photo

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

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Continued

Continued from page C6 Not even at her own house that afternoon, Jean was babysitting her grandchildren.

Allan told her the story of Sanne, her grandmother and great-grandfather, and how the locket was currently in Calgary, only hours away. Although unfamiliar with R.G. Breens, Jean did clear up one mystery.

She explained “I didn’t meet Augustus until 1952 so the locket wasn’t mine but was his mother’s.” Jean wondered aloud what might become of the locket now. Allan told her the goal for Sanne and her family was to return the locket to its rightful owners.

Soon after, Sanne talked with Jean over the phone and made her way to Edmonton to meet the family of Augustus Brien.

Three generations were there to exchange stories and photographs and enjoy a

family barbeque. Finally, Sanne produced the locket from within the folds of the tissue paper in which it was long kept and placed it into Jean’s hand. Later, Jean said “The feeling that went through me when that locket touched my skin was chilling and unbelievable. All that way after all that time.” After 62 years it was where it belonged. Jean quickly put the locket into her purse, not even letting her daughters handle it; not just yet.

The following weekend Sanne was scheduled to fly to the Netherlands to bring her family a surprise visit. Her grandparents had no idea she was coming and that she had an amazing story to tell. From the corner of a battlefield in WWII Europe, through four generations and two nations, a shared dream had come to fruition.

Fernie's Honour Roll (as it appears on the Fernie Cenotaph) WWI

Sanne (middle) with Jean (on Sanne’s left).

Submitted photo

On November 11, we remember all of the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for us to be free.

J.C. Deed David Logan Frank Townsend Frank Herron Adam Howieson Andrew Cameron Garfield Mitchell James Scott J.J. Hixon T.J. Smith L. Tebo Thomas Wakelem John F. Annan G. Chedgy Joe Dingsdale Robert Connell William Fitzgerald Walter Harrison William Forsyth T.S. Ingram Pete Kennedy Harry James Thomas Martin Jock Kellog James Hixon Harry S. Branch John Myers N. Alke William Prince William McArthur Harry Zuince Hugh McLarkey Leonard Richardson Thomas Sowers Nathan Riley James Steele James Harrison Norman McBean J. Steele

Robert J. Black John B. Cartmell Joseph Fearon James Corrigan Robert Forsyth James Gorrie Kenneth C. Carson R.R. Henning Angus Dunlap Charles Hunnable Thomas Martin Stewart G. Corsan Joseph Leyland Peter Joinson Hector Murray Murdock McKay Thomas Shields Pasquale Perri William Peet Holden D. Stewart William Richardson William Wilson J.J. Martin Sam Poxon Charles Young Richard Strain John Anderson Thomas Dixon J.M. Murphy Arthur Slade Earnest Wilson George Evans John T. Dixon Jock Anderson John Appleby T.W. Stephens Cecil Holmes William McGuire Arthur Hopwood John Bough

T.A. Fitzgerald James Corrigan Peter Green Sydney McHugh Alex Bunch William Phillips Thomas Wood F.M. Whitlow Charles Clarke Thomas Phillips James Raven John Gaskell A.G. Smith William Grant

WWII

Ronald Brewer Frank Corrigan Thomas FitzPatrick Paul Frayne William Gill James Howell Leslie Hunter Frank Ingram Peter Kane William Klauer William Mahoney Jack McCluskey James McLean Peter Stefik John Swope Alex Swiderski Frank Townsley Earl VanBuskirk Dean Washburn Fred Worth

Korea 1950-1953 Vincent Liska

“Lest We Forget

Erected to perpetuate our honoured dead and those who carried on in the Great War from Fernie and District.”

1701 9 Ave, Fernie • 250-423-7709

This saying is found on the Cenotaph in Fernie, which was erected on Victoria DayMay 24, 1923. The Cenotaph is still standing tall today in front of the Courthouse in Fernie.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, November 6, 2014

REMEMBRANCE DAY

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

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