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Vol. 64, Issue 94
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Some things are driven with strings
ARNE PETRYSHEN PHOTO
Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra brought their five piece acoustic ensemble to delight a crowd at the Key City Theatre on Thursday night, May 14. Pictured on violin is Mack Shields and on guitar is Kurt Loewen. The other three band members are Ian Griffiths on accordion, Paul Wolda on drums and Keith Rodger on bass.
Council adopts 2015 Council updated on Wardner trail project tax rate bylaw TRAIL NETWORK
Trails BC hopes the work will be finished by Canada’s 150th anniversary ARNE PETRYSHEN
Representatives of Trails BC were in council on Monday, May 11, to talk to council about progress on the Cranbrook to Wardner bike trail. David Savage, along with Al Skucas and Neil Shuttleworth, said they are looking for collaboration from the city on the Isador Canyon work, but not looking for funding. He said the vision is that on Canada’s 150th birthday, in 2017, the trail across Canada will be completed, but as of now more work needs to be done. “If you look at the Kootenay part, it’s orange, and orange means
not done,” Savage said. “We’re really working hard to at least get Cranbrook to Wardner done by the 150th birthday.” He said this is an opportunity for all and that Trails BC is not a corporation looking for tax dollars or anything of that nature. “If you look at the real benefit that the tail that Hiawatha, Idaho has — they get a million riders a year and they charge $10 a person to ride down it,” he said. He clarified that they are not looking to charge for local trail riding. “But there is a demand there.” Savage also noted that when people are on non-motorized
transportation, they stay longer and spend more money, so providing trails is a good investment for the community. Al Skucas, also working on the local trail, outlined the project, which he said is a major one — it is made up of the City of Cranbrook Isador Canyon section, a kilometre of section owned by the B.C. Transportation Finance Authority, then there is the rail grade portion on Crown land. There are also portions of the rail grade that run through Mayook private properties.
See COUNCIL , Page 4
FOR THE TOWNSMAN
Cranbrook, BC (May 15, 2015) – On Thursday, Council adopted the City’s Tax Rates Bylaw that will see a 2.58 per cent overall increase in 2015. In order to maintain the current service levels expected by residents, the City needs to raise about $23,875,864 in General Municipal Property Taxes to balance its General Fund. The tax rates proposed in this bylaw will raise the $23 million in General Municipal property taxes and increase City taxes by $591,140 (2.58 per cent after adjusting for non-market change). “I’m pleased with this year’s tax rate,” said Mayor Lee Pratt. “I want to thank Council, CAO Wayne
Staudt, Charlotte Osborne our Chief Financial Officer and all City department heads for controlling this increase while continuing to provide all City services at the same level as last year. Citizens will also notice an increase in roadwork resurfacing and pothole repair as well as the continuation of the 1% dedicated road tax, all of which is included in the 2.58 per cent increase. This is a huge decrease from the previous 2015 budget forecasting a tax increase of 5.77 per cent. A job well done and a sign of spending our tax dollars more wisely and delivering on our election campaign promises.”
See TAX , Page 4