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DECEMBER 11, 2015
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Vol. 64, Issue 235
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Downtown tower clock gets historic upgrade BARRY CO ULTER
A significant Cranbrook landmark is undergoing a significant upgrade. Soon, the streets of downtown will be soothed by the sound of the Westminster chimes — or other appropriate music — once an hour, on the hour. As well, the clock in the
clock tower in Spirit Square is now keeping deadly accurate time, all the time. The Cranbrook Rotary Club has funded a major renovation to the famous clock — likely its biggest upgrade in its 100-plus year history. Gord Delamont, of Delamont Jeweler, is the go-to clock-
smith, a spent a few days earlier this week installing a new clock mechanism. “I used to have to go up once a week to wind it,” he said. “Now it’s going to be electrically operated.” The new clock mechanism, shipped up from Illinois, is an all-enclosed unit in
a sealed steel box. Four fivefoot spindals emerge from the box to connect to each of the clock’s four faces. The old clock, now 102 years old, was originally part of the Cranbrook Post Office on the corner of 10th Avenue South and Baker Street. When that venerable building
was torn down in 1971, the clock was saved, and later incorporated into the clock tower, which was build in the 1980s. But this year, the old clock mechanism finally gave up the ghost.
See HISTORIC, Page 4
The Cranbrook tower clock has been upgraded with a new clock mechanism and musical system
Man killed in head-on collision near Fairmont RCMP
JIM CAMERON PHOTO
The Key City Theatre, in conjunction with the Cranbrook History Centre, took guests back to 1864 with a themed gala dinner and concert at the Royal Alexandra Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 9. Delegates from 1864’s Charlottetown Conference to decide to united the colonies into one country made an appearance, and renowned international pianist Michael Kim performed on the Royal Alex’s restored 1864 Broadwood and Sons Grand Piano. Chef Rusty Cox’s four-course dinner was catered by the Heid-Out. Pictured, left to right: Father of Confederation Darcy McGee (Peter Schalk), Michael Kim, Prophetess Alexandra (Sioban Staplin), original Kootenay pioneer John Galbraith (Patrick Baranowski) and Father of Confederation John A. Macdonald (Barry Coulter).
Stetski reacts to throne speech, MMIW inquiry T R E VO R C R AWL EY
With the House of Commons in session, a glimpse of the legislative agenda was offered through the Liberal government’s
throne speech, delivered by Governor General David Johnston last week. Kootenay Columbia MP Wayne Stetski said the speech was a reflection of
Liberal promises made during the election. With that in mind, the NDP attempted to add a few amendments that were staple election planks for
the party during the election, including an increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, tax relief for the middle class, a $15 per hour minimum
wage for federal jobs and changes to the employment insurance program.
See STETSKI, Page 3
On Dec. 9, at approximately 5:12 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a headon motor collision south of Fairmont Hot Springs involving a semi and a Toyota sedan. A 73-year-old male from Invermere operating the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene. The 55 year old male truck driver from Cranbrook received minor injuries and was released from hospital. The matter is currently being investigated by East Kootenay Traffic Services and the B.C. Coroner’s Service. Cpl. J.A. Whitfield, Forensic Collision Reconstructionist of the Southeast District ICARS program, would like to remind motorists to drive appropriately for the road conditions. Cpl. Whitfield advises that his unit has responded to three fatalities and one serious motor vehicle collision in the last week.