The Free Press, April 05, 2018

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NEWS

Fernie remembers local legend - Page A3 ENTERTAINMENT

Ken Whiteley to perform - Page A11 SPORT

The Morasse-Goggin family - Juliette, 3, Edith, Charles, 1, Anne, 4, and Guillaume - followed the clues to the Easter Bunny during a scavenger hunt at Fernie Alpine Resort on Sunday. More photos on page A18.

Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press

Well sampling finds elevated selenium levels Kimberley Vlasic reporter@thefreepress.ca

Freeriders impress at worlds - Page A21

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T

eck Resources has been forced to provide bottled drinking water to users of four private wells in the Elk Valley after testing revealed selenium levels above the provincial water guideline.

The Canadian mining giant operates five steelmaking coal mines in the region and was last year fined nearly $1.5 million for polluting a tributary of the Elk River.

Last week, Teck issued a public notice advising surface and shallow groundwater users along the Fording and Elk rivers that concentrations of some mine-related constituents may be elevated.

Initial results showed six of the 92 wells sampled between 2014-17 “slightly exceeded” the provincial water guideline for selenium (0.01mg/L).

According to the B.C. Ministry of Environment, selenium is an essential trace element necessary

for cellular function in many organisms, however, excessive amounts may result in toxic effects such deformities and increased mortality in fish populations.

In a statement issued to The Free Press, Teck revised the number of affected wells down to four private wells and Well #3 at the District of Sparwood.

It said while these wells slightly exceeded the provincial water guideline for selenium, they remained “well below” the Health Canada guideline of 0.05mg/L. “With respect to the private wells, Teck has provided alternative bottled drinking water,” read the statement.

“One well previously thought to be over guideline has now been confirmed as being below guideline.”

“Teck has been working closely with the District of Sparwood since 2014 to monitor Well #3,

DIRTY DANCER BANKED SLALOM Saturday April 7

which is taken offline during periods when levels exceed guideline.

“Teck is working with the District on a replacement well, which is expected to be completed later this year.”

The mining company is in the process of implementing the Elk River Water Quality Plan, which aims to stabilize and reverse the trend of selenium and other mining-related substances in the watershed.

In October 2014, Environment Canada officers investigating the deaths of 45 fish near one of Teck’s five mines found waste water from a Teck water treatment plant, put in place to deal with selenium pollution, was entering Line Creek.

Last year, Teck pleaded guilty to violating the federal Fisheries Act and was ordered to pay $1.425 million to restore fish habitat in the Elk Valley.

Continued on Page A2

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Page A2 Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Free Press

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Call for more transparency Continued from Page A1 The Elk River Alliance has called on the mining company to make its well sampling program more transparent.

“The current information does not make clear whether selenium in the five wells exceeded the BCWQG (B.C. Water Quality Guidelines) every year between 2014-2017, nor how ‘slight’ the exceedances were,” said a spokeswoman.

“It is also unclear whether the five wells are all located close to Teck operations.

“The Elk River Alliance will be following up with Teck to determine the location of the wells with exceedances, the actual selenium concentrations in the five wells relative to the BCWQG, whether the wells are currently drinking water sources and, if so, what Teck is doing to address the exceedances, however ‘slight’.”

The ERA said selenium in the watershed was a complex issue and challenging to address.

“We expect Teck to continue to make changes to their current mining operations to reduce selenium loadings to the Elk River system and to apply the results of research to the management of the large areas of waste rock from previous mining, which will otherwise continue to leach

selenium into the watershed for years to come,” said a spokeswoman.

The ERA has invited residents share their views on water resources via 250-423-3322 or info@ elkriveralliance.ca.

In summary: - Six of 92 wells sampled between 2014-17 were found to exceed the provincial water guideline for selenium (0.01mg/L). Teck has revised the number of affected wells to four private wells and Well #3 in Sparwood.

- Selenium is an essential trace element necessary for cellular function in many organisms, however, excessive amounts may result in toxic effects such deformities and increased mortality in fish populations.

- While the affected wells are above the provincial water guideline for selenium, Teck says they are “well below” the Health Canada guideline of 0.05mg/L. - Teck has provided bottled drinking water to affected private well users and has been working with the District of Sparwood since 2014 to monitor Well #3, which is taken offline during periods when levels exceed guideline.

RCMP Community Update

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Elk Valley RCMP. File photo Cst. Debra Katerenchuk Media Relations Officer, Elk Valley RCMP

B

reak and Enter of residence in Koocanusa Between March 10-14, 2018, a Koocanusa resident was a victim of break and enter on his property where tools, firearm(s) and a surveillance system were stolen.

Investigators attended to the scene and learned several items were stolen from inside the residence as well as the garage.

A similar occurrence happened in the Elk Valley area earlier this February. Investigators believe a suspicious grey car with a loud motor may be of interest to this incident.

Anyone with information with respect to this break and enter is encouraged to contact the Fernie RCMP at 250-4234404, or remain anonymous

by Calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

You may also leave a tip online at Crimestoppers.com.

You do not have to reveal your identity and if you provide information that leads to an

arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.

Traffic Safety and Fraud Awareness The Elk Valley RCMP would like to remind everyone children are now back in school after spring break. Please be mindful and aware of the posted speed limit in school zones of 30 km/h between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

When you see police and emergency vehicle(s) stopped alongside the road that have their emergency equipment activated, please slow down and move over.

Motorists must slow their speed to 70 km/h when in an 80 km/h or over zone and 40 km/h when in an under 80 km/h zone.

The penalty is a $173 traffic violation ticket that carries three penalty points as per the Motor Vehicle Act. The tax season is upon us and that means dubious Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scams will be out there trying to obtain your personal and financial information. These scams present themselves like this: An individual contacts

you pretending to be from the CRA and advises you owe money, and in many cases, they say that if you don’t pay they will contact the police and an arrest will occur. The scam is about bullying the victim out of their money or personal information.

The fraudsters will threaten or use foul language, ask for your information via e-mail or text message, request payment by prepaid credit card, wire transfer; and as of late, prepaid iTunes cards. They may also demand that you share your tax information. If any of this happens to you do not provide any information, hang up the phone and report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at Antifraudcentre.ca or toll free 1-888-495-8501.

The Elk Valley RCMP continue to be proactive in and around our communities. You will see members conducting license premises checks, performing traffic enforcement at our school zones, as well as targeting aggressive/distracted/ impaired drivers.

www.thefreepress.ca

The Free Press

Thursday, April 5, 2018 Page A3

Fernie honours local legend Dave Wall Kimberley Vlasic reporter@thefreepress.ca

A

much-loved member of the Fernie ski community has been immortalized in the very mountain he helped to develop and run over decades.

Dave “Wally” Wall will forever be a part of Fernie Alpine Resort, formerly Fernie Snow Valley, after his ashes were fired onto the mountain by an avalanche cannon during a memorial service at the resort on Sunday.

Hundreds of people, many sporting Wally’s trademark neckties, gathered at Bear’s Den cafe and the Griz Bar that afternoon to remember a man hailed as a local legend.

Wally spent 25 years at the ski resort in a variety of roles and was instrumental in organizing events such as Fernie’s annual pre-winter party, the Mogul Smoker, and the Powder, Pedal, Paddle relay race.

He was 64 when he suffered a fatal heart attack while landscaping at his house in Panama, Central America, on December 12, 2017.

On Sunday, friends and family regaled each other with stories of Wally, who they fondly remembered as a dreamer who was both outgoing and industrious.

“He had many jobs on the mountain, he operated lifts and snow plows, he worked in the bar, he managed the restaurant, he organized dances and booked bands, and took tourists on guided ski tours, he cut down trees and created new ski runs, he learnt first aid and avalanche control and became a professional ski patroller,” Wally’s youngest brother Andy told the crowd gathered at the Griz Bar. “When he retired from the mountain in 2007, he took some of his skills into the construction industry, he was never afraid of a challenge and always dared to dream.”

Continued on Page A4

Hundreds of people gathered at the Griz Bar on Sunday to bid farewell to former employee Dave “Wally” Wall.

Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press

Powder pig hogwash Kimberley Vlasic reporter@thefreepress.ca

F

ernie Alpine Resort has been caught telling a porker on social media.

The resort had many people fooled when it shared photos of its new avalanche rescue animal “Poppy the Powder Pig” on Instagram on Easter Sunday, which also coincided with April Fool’s Day. “Be on the lookout. Fernie Ski Patrol is testing out some new avalanche rescue animals today,” the post read.

“If you forget your beacon, he’ll save your bacon.”

The post had on Tuesday attracted over 1400 likes and 70 comments on Instagram, with many people

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Poppy the Powder Pig. Photo supplied. falling for the prank. The pig in fact belonged to a family staying in the resort’s RV lot and the photo was staged by ski patrollers.

“CARPA – Canadian Avalanche Rescue Pig Association – has now begun,” joked FAR spokesman Matt Mosteller.

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Page A4 Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Free Press

www.thefreepress.ca

Fernie ski veteran remembered as outgoing, industrious Continued from Page A3 “After mastering mountainside logging, he designed and built his first home using logs salvaged from the ski hill. That sounds impressive until you hear he’s not a carpenter, he drew the plans and built it around his existing home, which he then dismantled. Then it sounds impossible.

“Dave did not lack self confidence and believed anything was possible with enough hard work, imagination and tenacity.”

Andy was by Wally’s side when he embarked on his biggest project of all – building a house in Panama.

“In true Dave style, he decided to start this project by driving from Canada to Panama with a load of old tools, a tent, a rusty barbecue and his youngest brother, who took no more than two minutes to convince,” he said.

“His enthusiasm for life was contagious.

Dave leaves behind so many people who are better for having known him.”

Wally enjoyed many sporting pursuits and it was his love of downhill skiing that brought him to Fernie. He discovered the town while working as a travelling salesman for the Hudson Bay Company.

“He just became part of the Fernie Snow Valley family,” recalled friend and ski patroller, Robin Siggers.

“We all hung out together, skied a lot together and Dave’s contagious enthusiasm, he fit right in.”

Wally became a colourful fixture at the resort and always ensured guests had a good time from the moment they arrived.

“Saturday morning, he’d start out early

Dave “Wally” Wall spent 25 years at Fernie Alpine Resort, formerly Fernie Snow Valley. doing some plowing in the parking lots then he’d put on the tie and some bright clothing then he’d start parking people and he’d make sure everybody got parked in so they couldn’t leave, then he’d go over here and ride up the chairlift and get to the Bear T-Bar then he’d start riling everyone up there and he’d have the whole crowd just going crazy then he’d come down to the lodge here and start serving them drinks,” said Randy Gliege, who met Wall in 1981 while working at the resort.

Wally often went beyond his call of duty to organize events such as the Mogul Smoker, a Fernie tradition that celebrates the start of winter and continues today.

Muriel MacLeod recalled a conversation between Wally and former Fernie Snow Valley owner-operator Heiko Socher.

“If it wasn’t snowing, he would want to know why Dave hadn’t organized it yet,” she said.

“Years later he (Dave) told me he never organized it until the forecast said there was snow coming, so then it always

worked.” As well as organizing events, Wally often MC’d them.

“He was just the most exciting MC,” said MacLeod.“He knew everybody and he knew everything about the teams and would just embellish everything, that’s just how he was… There was nothing boring about Dave Wall.”

Siggers was confident Wally would have approved of his lively send off.

“It’s very similar to what he came to do in 1980. Forty years on almost and we’re still here doing exactly the same thing in the same bar and I don’t think he would have a problem with that,” he laughed.

At the Griz Bar, friends and family sat at tables Wally helped build, drinking at the bar he once managed, with a lock of his hair framed on the wall to commemorate the opening of the Timber Express chairlift.

“There was a bit of a delay to get the lifts built, so Wally decided he wasn’t cutting his hair until that lift opened,” recalled FAR veteran Blair Craig.

“Then on opening day of the chair, they cut his ponytail.”

Ski patroller and friend, Paul Wright, met Wally when he was working as a liftie on Bear T-Bar, now Bear Chair.

Over the years, Wright and Wally poured beer at the Griz Bar, patrolled the mountain and moved to Baynes Lake, southwest of Fernie, together.

“We spent a lot of time running around in boats, drinking beer and landscaping at the lake,” said Wright.

“He’s touched a tonne of people here over the years.”

It was long-term friend Chris Chorostecki

who lured Wally to Panama 10 years ago.

“Wally was my kids’ best friend,” said Chorostecki.

“He taught them to play chess and football, and they would go and watch hockey with him.

“My kids lost a really good friend.”

Chorostecki said Wally embraced the Panamanian lifestyle, attending sporting events and befriending the locals, who knew him as Santa Claus.

“My fondest memories would be drinking Ron Abuelo rum with Wally in Panama at the rodeos,” he said.

“We had lots of beach walks too. Two days before he died, we went on a beach walk with him to a friend’s bar down the beach. That was a normal life for us down there.”

Wally’s brother Graham travelled from Victoria, B.C., for Sunday’s memorial.

He said one of his fondest memories of his brother was hurtling through Lethbridge, Alberta, on the back of Wally’s motorcycle in search of asparagus.

“I was hanging on for dear life and we went to this asparagus farm and bought some asparagus then brought it home and the rest of the family is saying ‘what’s that?’,” Graham said.

“He introduced us to new things and that’s just the way he was – adventurous and full of life.”

Wall is survived by his wife Diane, father Peter, son Jesse, granddaughter Kalia, stepsons Leon and Drew, and brothers Kevin, Steve, Graham, Trevor and Andy.

“His spirit is in all of our lives and will continue to inspire us to be happy, to live our lives fully and dream fully,” said Andy.

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The Free Press

Thursday, April 5, 2018 Page A5

West Fernie OCP dusted off for review Phil McLachlan editor@thefreepress.ca

A

s of the December 18, 2017, both phases one and two of West Fernie were incorporated into the City of Fernie.

West Fernie’s adoption by the City of Fernie meant that their official community plan (OCP) and zoning bylaw had to be dusted off for review.

Upon review, some things needed to be changed.

During the regular council meeting on March 26, 2018, the draft OCP (bylaw #2342) and Zoning Bylaw (bylaw #2341) amendments were presented to council.

An online survey, workshop and online discussion revealed locals were in favor or indifferent to most of the proposed changes, but there were some topics that garnered much discussion.

This has been a long time coming. The City of Fernie has, in one way shape or form, been planning in West Fernie since February 2004.

For the OCP, topics of interest were: what to do with Thomson Park, where to put a pedestrian connection through West Fernie, dealing with backyard chickens, and land use/zoning.

Staff found that there was a clear desire to develop a parks plan for Thomson Park, something with which to focus work and investment in the future. While many members of the community voiced approval for things like playgrounds and parking lots, there was also a strong opinion in the community to come up

with an alternative delivery model for parks in that area.

In particular, the residents of West Fernie have modified Thomson Park over the years, in all cases trespassing on RDEK lands and doing things without approval, however, it’s something that the community enjoys.

“There are inherit challenges with the City owning an asset that has been built by someone without any particular standard, there’s liability that we incur. But there are possibilities for coproduction of services in having a community group run the park,” said Sorfleet.

The OCP amendments aim to explore those opportunities to have the community run the park instead of the City as well as developing a park plan.

Pedestrians expressed concern that while phase two construction was ongoing in West Fernie, they were forced to unsafely walk or bike on the tight highway shoulder to get to and from town. A strong majority of members in the workshop requested that a sidewalk be built on the west side of the road.

Locals were clear that they wanted some things to remain the same in West Fernie, such as their ability to raise chickens. When West Fernie joined the City of Fernie, they lost the ability to do so. Five years ago, when the City of Fernie looked at allowing bees and chickens in backyards, council at the time decided bees were acceptable but chickens were not.

The community of West Fernie proposed the OCP be amended to remove some of the roadblocks, which currently prohibit the possession of chickens on a property. However, they accepted that there needed to be some sort of standard around how chickens were kept and how the poultry could affect their neighbors.

In order for this to happen, the Animal Control Bylaw would need to be amended and this is scheduled to be brought before council at either the first or second Regular Council Meeting in April.

The intent with this new Animal Control Bylaw is to permit someone in West Fernie to have a beehive and up to six chickens or ducks, female only. The remainder of the City would stay the same, keeping in line with the status quo of owning a maximum of two beehives (250 bees per hive).

This type of bylaw does not require a public hearing but because it was such a big topic, staff hopes to have this before council prior to the OCP Public Hearing, so that those at the public hearing are given a chance to voice or share their views.

Staff found that locals were far more interested in the zoning than the land use.

There are now two main zones which are similar, but differentiated by slope.

The feedback staff received from the community was to maintain the majority of West Fernie as “residential: with some commercial, parks and other zones. The new zones are: Low Density Residential-

West Fernie (RWF), Low Density Residential – West Fernie Steep Slope (RWF1), West Fernie Mixed Use Zone (CWF) and Agricultural Zone (A1).

In a survey, staff asked West Fernie residents what kinds of development they wanted to see in their community.

In general, single family duplexes and smaller developments were supported, whereas townhouses and apartments less so. During a workshop, staff worked with locals to figure out where these could be located. There were very few comments on the drafts laid out by staff.

Some expressed interest in subdividing their parcel for a suite.

“I think we’ve reached a good balancing point of conforming lots and non-conforming lots,” said Sorfleet.

That being said, the variance mechanism is still in play. If someone wanted to subdivide, they could apply to council for a variance to have a smaller parcel size.

To view an in-depth description of zoning changes, visit Fernie.ca/wfocp.

Administration recommended Council provide first and second readings of both bylaws, and direct staff to conduct referrals and schedule a public hearing.

Council is aiming for a possible May 2018 adoption of these changes.

They provided first and second reading of bylaw 2341 (Zoning) and 2342 (OCP).

Staff is hoping to bring this before council on April 23 to schedule a public hearing.

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Page A6 Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Free Press

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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 Kimberley Vlasic

Mining is a lifeblood industry of the Elk Valley.

Teck Resources operates five steelmaking coal mines in the region and is inarguably its biggest employer, supporting hundreds, if not thousands, of families.

In recent years, the mining giant has come under scrutiny over water quality issues.

Last year, Teck copped a $1.425 million fine for polluting a tributary of the Elk River, which caused fish to die off and prompted an Environment Canada investigation.

Teck is once again in the spotlight after well sampling found elevated levels of selenium in Well #3 in the District of Sparwood and four private wells along the Elk and Fording rivers.

Selenium is a trace element necessary for cellular function in many organisms, including humans, but excessive amounts can have harmful effects.

Teck has provided bottled drinking water to users of the four private wells and continues to work with the Sparwood council to monitor Well #3, which is taken offline during periods when selenium levels exceed provincial water guidelines.

Last week, the mining company published a public notice advising residents of the well sampling results but kept details to a minimum.

It has drawn criticism from a local environmental group for a lack of transparency.

The Elk River Alliance has invited residents to share their views on water resources and urged Teck to continue making changes to current mining operations to reduce selenium loadings to the Elk River system.

Teck has learnt from its mistakes and is in the process of implementing the Elk River Water Quality Plan, which aims to stabilize and reverse the trend of selenium and other mining-related substances in the watershed.

However, it could be doing more to communicate well sampling results and its efforts to restore water quality with Elk Valley residents.

Open and honest discussion, and the sharing of information will only go further to strengthen ties between the company and community.

It is imperative that Teck finds a long-term solution to its ongoing water quality issues to ensure continued, sustainable mining in the region and the future of an important industry.

Jennifer Cronin

Phil McLachlan

Kimberley Vlasic

Roxanne Belzile

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EDITOR

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Re: Sculpting tourism to accommodate Pride community

Letters to the Editor

I read the above article with interest and felt that I should respond to some of the assertions made and presumptions voiced. If for no other reason than oftentimes silence can be construed as consent or a lack of challenge as agreement.

The assertion is made that ‘embracing diversity and inclusion benefits everyone’. This is not so obviously true as the writer would seem to believe. It is necessary in any civil society to exercise discretion, use critical thinking as well as common sense. We use these faculties to make value judgements that help our society to work.

I would suggest that there necessarily limits on all of us as human beings in terms of behaviour. I would further suggest we all exclude and include in every part of our lives everyday. Who our friends are, who our partner is, who we like and don’t like.

As an aside I would say naming a group Fernie Pride is in and of itself a grossly exclusive name (if I follow the accepted ideology). With regard to pronouns ‘and the correct use of them’ I would say that in spite of the passing of Bill C16 which seeks to impose compelled speech, there are many many people who do not believe this to be a legitimate use of language but rather the wholesale hijacking of the English language to normalize a well-documented psychiatric disorder.

As for diversity and inclusion training, this is unscientific ideological propaganda and should be rejected for the nonsense it is. There are two biological sexes. Period. This is not a matter open to serious debate. I would advise extreme caution against going down this ideological rabbit hole as the ideology of the left leads to logical absurdity.

Sincerely,

Karl K. Leathley, Fernie

Youth donates birthday money Phil McLachlan editor@thefreepress.ca

F

or his 10th birthday, Adam Hayden asked all those attending his party to donate money towards the Summer Program for Children with Special Needs, one of many programs put in place by the Elk Valley Society for Community Living (EVSCL).

Hayden and friends raised $337 for the program.

Asked what prompted this generous gift, he said, “Because everyone likes to go to camp.”

Hayden, together with his family, met with Reid Mende and his mother Angela Wallin at the Fernie Aquatic Centre this past Saturday to present them with the donation. Through the EVSCL, 17-yearold Mende has been participating in summer camps and other programs since the age of six.

Fernie, Sparwood youth aged 6-17 participate in programs put in place by the EVSCL, specifically designed to help youth with disabilities. These groups often collaborate and participate in programs together.

“It’s wonderful for the kids,” said Wallin. “They do a lot of activities, they travel a lot.”

Wallin says she’s grateful for the program, as it allows Reid and other

Adam Hayden (middle right) presents Reid Mende with a donation of $337 which will go towards the Summer Program for Children with Special Needs.

Phil McLachlan/The Free Press youth with disabilities to get out and enjoy their summer.

The Elk Valley Society for Community Living is a charitable, non-profit organization. They believe that, “…regardless of their abilities, all individuals should be given the opportunity to live with dignity as independently as possible within their own community.”

Since 1971, the EVSCL has focused on advocating for the rights of persons living with physical or mental challenges and their families. They continue,

through various fundraising activities in the community, to provide a summer program for mentally and physically challenged children, educational seminars for members and families of persons with special needs, and advocacy for the rights of those with specials needs through public awareness and education.

To join the society, or help with fundraising efforts, contact Coleen Pelletier 250-423-7635 or Gayle Vallance at 250-423-6473.

www.thefreepress.ca

The Free Press

Thursday, April 5, 2018 Page A7

Coal Mountain Operations to close mid-2018 Unstable wall causes delays, Teck Resources aims to relocate CMO staff to other sites Kimberley Vlasic reporter@thefreepress.ca

A

n unstable wall in the last remaining pit at Coal Mountain is delaying the closure of the Teck Resources-operated mine.

Active coal mining at the site, about 30km southeast of Sparwood, was expected to finish last year.

However, an unstable wall has slowed down coal extraction, forcing Teck to defer the closure until mid-2018.

The mining company has been transporting raw coal from Elkview Operations along Highway 3 and Corbin Rd to be processed at the Coal Mountain processing plant in order to utilize the existing facilities there and optimize operations across the Elk Valley.

“I’m hearing there’s about 660,000 tonnes of that sitting on ground at Elkview and if the run was successful,

then they would continue to trek coal from Elkview to Coal Mountain,” said United Steelworkers Local 7284 (Coal Mountain Operations) president Nick Howard.

Howard is an industrial mechanic and has been stationed at Coal Mountain since 2010.

He said the mine had been closing “forever” and revealed the reason for the latest delay.

“There’s currently only one pit left at Coal Mountain… and within that pit there’s a wall instability so we can’t mine it traditionally,” he said.

“We’ve got a remote dozer set up, basically an unmanned dozer, that’s been run by an operator well out of the danger area and that dozer is pushing the coal out of the bottom of that pit to a location where we can safely extract it.

“Basically it slowed it down severely so in the meantime we’re running these test runs from other sites to see

Your Independent Grocer heading in a new direction Kimberley Vlasic reporter@thefreepress.ca

A

major supermarket in Fernie has been without leadership since the recent departure of its franchise owner.

Ann Zweerink previously ran the Your Independent Grocer on 9th Avenue.

In a statement issued to The Free Press, Loblaw Companies said it opened the supermarket in July 2015 to provide residents with “a great shopping experience that included a wider selection of fresh food items and convenient graband-go meals”.

“Ann has been in the grocery business with Loblaw for more than two decades and will be

pursuing other opportunities,” said a company spokesperson.

“We are currently searching for a new franchise owner to operate the store.”

The company, which is Canada’s largest food retailer, did not provide an explanation for Zweerink’s departure.

if we can process their coal.” Teck will maintain its overall steelmaking coal production at similar levels, despite the closure of the Coal Mountain mine and preparation plant, which have annual production capacities of about 2.7 and 3.5 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively.

A small number of employees will remain on-site as the operation transitions to care and maintenance stage, while other staff will be relocated.

“As part of our closure planning at Coal Mountain Operations, we are working to provide employment for permanent CMO employees at other sites in the Elk Valley and we continue working to identify opportunities for employees,” said a Teck spokesman.

At its peak, Howard estimates there were up to 240 union members plus another 100-120 staff working at Coal Mountain.

He said about 130 staff, including

80 union members, had already been transitioned to other Teck sites in the Elk Valley and the union was satisfied with the company’s handling of the situation.

“It sucks that we have to go to the bottom in seniority at another site again but at the same time most of our people understand that it wouldn’t be too fair to people on those sites if we started bumping them down in seniority,” he said.

“Keeping our holidays and keeping our benefits, and being able to choose what site we wanted to go to, that’s been pretty good, people are pretty happy with that.

“I think the transition has gone smoothly with the company and the union working together with the common goal of keeping everyone employed.

“Open communication was what made it work out smoothly.”

Public Notification Regarding Potable Water Use in the Elk Valley Environmental Management Act Permit 107517, section 7.8 Teck operates five steelmaking coal mines in the Elk Valley, and has been working with regulators and communities to address water quality challenges related to mining activities in the Elk River watershed. In recent years it has been observed that levels of selenium, cadmium, Sulphate and/or nitrate may have become elevated with the potential to impact certain water sources.

Surface and shallow groundwater (well water) users along the Fording and Elk rivers should be aware that concentrations of some mine-related constituents may be elevated. During sampling in 2014-2017, Teck sampled an initial 92 wells (2014-2015) with ongoing monitoring of 13 wells for mine-related water quality constituents. Drinking water quality was assessed by comparing the test results from the well sampling program to British Columbia’s Approved Water Quality Guidelines (BCWQG; BC MoE, 2016) and Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ, Health Canada 2012).

This comparison identified that six of the 92 wells sampled slightly exceeded BCWQG for total selenium.

As per Ministry of Health (Safe Water Supply Vital to Your Health, 1995), private well owners should maintain water systems in good condition and occasionally test water to identify if treatment is required prior to drinking. In addition, water users can support regulators and monitoring programs in the protection of safe drinking water by registering their well with the Ministry of Environment: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/groundwaterwells/information-for-property-owners/well-records-registration For further information regarding health-related drinking water concerns, please visit Interior Health’s Drinking Water Webpage at: www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/ DrinkingWater or contact the Cranbrook Health Unit at (250) 420-2220.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday APRIL 11th 7:00 PM

Fernie Child Care Society (3-5 side) * 44 Mt. Washburn St.

AGENDA INCLUDES: *2017 Year in Review *Goals for 2018 *Election of new board members

Everyone welcome!

Snacks & Beverages Provided ferniecc@telus.net

For more information regarding Teck’s sampling program, please contact Teck’s Community office in Sparwood or leave a message on the community Teck feedback tollfree line at 1-855-806-6854, and your call will be returned. In addition, more information on Teck’s Elk Valley Water Quality Plan can be found on our webpage at: www.teck.com/ responsibility/our-sustainability-strategy/water/water-quality-in-the-elk-valley and any additional questions or feedback can be sent to: feedbackteckcoal@teck.com.

Through implementation of the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, Teck continues to work to address potential impacts of mine related constituents to protect the ongoing health of the watershed.

Page A8 Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Free Press

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The Arts Station

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5 APR 7 - 9 p.m.

Grizzly Bears: Running Out of Room ........................................

6 APR 12 - 4 p.m.

Gender & Sexual Diversity for Tourism Lunch & Learn Workshop Park Place Lodge

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6 APR 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fernie Breastfeeding Mamas! April Meeting Fernie Heritage Society

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6 APR 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Open House & Pottery Sale The Arts Station

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Fernie Friends of Opera: Otello - Verdi The Arts Station

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Steve Hillis as Garth Brooks and Voices of Legends Fernie Royal Canadian Legion Fernie

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Saori Weaving Workshop The Arts Station

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Dirty Dancer Banked Slalom Fernie Alpine Resort

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7 APR 7 p.m.

Brush With Death: A Murder Mystery ........................................

7 APR 7:20 p.m.

Singing Bowls SOAR Studios

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7 APR 7:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;First Tracksâ&#x20AC;? to Russia - Slide Show Royal Canadian Legion Fernie

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7 - 8 APR Spring Fling 2018: Sled Riding Clinic Elk Valley Snow Shepherds

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8 APR 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Narrative Therapy Tools for Exploring Stories Sparwood Fire & Rescue Hall

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8 APR 5 p.m.

Indie Films Fernie: Film Stars Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Die in Liverpool Vogue Theatre Fernie

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10 APR 12 - 3:30 p.m.

Empowering Personalities

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........................................

11 APR 10 - 11 a.m.

Walkie Talkie Book Club Fernie Heritage Library

........................................

12 APR 3:45 - 5 p.m.

After School Knits & Knots Fernie Heritage Library

........................................

12 APR 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Ukulele 101

n Kitche pen o s alway

Infinitea T-bar & Restaurant THURSDAY 5th All 2oz Hot & Cold Cocktails $8 FRIDAY 6th Robyn & Sarah host ladies Jam night from 8pm

........................................

7 APR 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Vicarious Trauma - Strategies for Resilience

Fernie Heritage Library

........................................

12 APR 7 p.m.

Concert Series: Ken Whiteley

SATURDAY 7th Record Appreciation & Wine specials

........................................

7 APR 1 - 4 p.m.

Volunteer Income Tax Program

........................................

13 APR 4 - 5 p.m.

FYAN Presents Photography Classes

MONDAY 9th Movie: `Napolean Dynamite` plays at 7pm - free popcorn $6 meals

........................................

........................................

13 APR 6 - 10 p.m.

Shop Late Friday

Fully Licenced

Sparwood Fire & Rescue Hall

Fernie Heritage Library

The Arts Station

Kyle Hamilton Photography

Freyja Lifestyle Clothing

www.thefreepress.ca

SUNDAY 8th $10 Roast Dinner 6-9pm book!

WEDNESDAY 11th Tarot Readings from 7pm

5th St. Downtown Fernie 778.519.5258

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AROUND THE VALLEY

www.thefreepress.ca

The Free Press

Thursday, April 5, 2018 Page A9

CONNECTION

CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

City of Fernie CONNECTION | Community Information and Opportunities | www.fernie.ca City Council Meeting Schedule April 2018 1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 13 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

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

City of Fernie Contact Info:

Take notice that the Corporation of the City of Fernie located at Fernie, BC has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD), Kootenay Boundary Region, for a Statutory Right-of-Way for public works â&#x20AC;&#x201C; James White Wells Trunk Main for waterline purpose, situated on Provincial Crown land in Fernie, and containing 0.15 hectares more or less.

The James White Wells Project is a drinking water extraction project that will help to provide safe drinking water quality throughout the year. The trunk main commences in James White Park at the Well Control Facility and connects the new water supply to the existing high pressure main within the Highway 3 right of way west of the paved surface.

The Lands File for this application is 4405892.

For more information; or, to submit written comments concerning this application, please visit the website at http://arfd.gov.bc.ca/ ApplicationPosting/index.jsp and using the Search bar, search for File Number 4405892.

Written comments can also be directed to: Authorizations Specialist, FLNRORD Kootenay Boundary Region 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G1

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 OfďŹ ce Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-4pm (Closed statutory holidays) After Hours Phone: 250.423.4226

Comments will be received by FLNRORD up to May 10, 2018. FLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date.

Fernie Aquatic Centre

Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomoďŹ nformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

250 Pine Avenue

Leisure Services Happenings

Application for Crown Tenure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; James White Wells Trunk Main

Phone: 250.423.4466

Spring Registration Fair The Spring Registration Fair is happening April 4th and 5th at the Fernie Community Centre from 5pm- 8pm.

Fernie Aquatic Centre Spring Break Swim Schedule (April 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 5, 2018)

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Public Swim Mon, Wed and Fri, 6:30 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00pm and 3:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:00 pm Tues and Thurs, 10:00 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00pm and 3:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:00pm Sat and Sun, 12:00 - 6:00pm

Fernie Memorial Arena 1092 Highway 3

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

How Do I 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 Fernieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Noise Bylaw deďŹ nes how much noise is acceptable, based on: Â&#x2026; 8IFSF ZPV BSF Â&#x2026; 8IFSF UIF OPJTF JT DPNJOH GSPN Â&#x2026; 8IBU JT NBLJOH UIF OPJTF Â&#x2026; 8IBU UJNF BOE EBZ UIF OPJTF JT PDDVSSJOH For more information on the Noise Bylaw please visit the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www. fernie.ca or contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@fernie.ca.

National Poetry Month In celebration of the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month, Mayor and City Council have invited local students to read poetry at the April 9 Regular Council meeting at 7:00 pm at City Hall, 501 -3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC. Join Council to hear some delightful poetry readings from Fernie students.

Notice of Amendment to Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 2284 Notice is hereby given that Council will consider adoption of Bylaw No. 2344, 2018 Amendment No.2 to Tax Exemption Bylaw No.2284 at the April 9, 2018 regular meeting. This amendment proposes the following, in accordance with Section 224 of the Community Charter:

Water Slide Monday to Friday, 6:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:00pm Sat and Sun,1:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00pm Aqua Fit Active Fit Mon/Wed/Fri â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:40 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:25am Gentle Fit Tues/Thurs/Fri - 10:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:15am

Roll Number

Civic Address

Property Owned by

Municipal Taxes exempted

209-05030.009

302 1002 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

644.17

InďŹ&#x201A;atable Toy Swim Saturdays, 2:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:00pm

209-05030.011

304 1002 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

644.17

209-05030.012

401 1002 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

682.81

For more information on all Aquatic Programs including Lifeguard Training courses and Private Aquatic bookings available please call the Fernie Aquatic Centre at 250.423.4466.

209-05030.014

403 1002 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

682.81

209-05030.024

302 1042 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

644.17

209-05030.026

304 1042 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

644.17

209-05030.027

401 1042 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

682.81

209-05030.029

403 1042 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

682.81

209-05030.039

302 1092 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

644.17

209-05030.041

304 1092 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

644.17

209-05030.042

401 1092 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

682.81

209-05030.044

403 1092 1st Avenue

Elk Valley Family Society

682.81 $7,961.88

A complete copy of the proposed bylaw may be viewed at the ofďŹ ce of the undersigned at City Hall, 501 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC during regular business hours. For more information on the proposed change, please contact cityhall@fernie.ca.

Call for Nominations: George S. Majic Spiritus Award Do you know someone who is a champion for our community? Nominate them for the George S. Majic Spiritus Award today!

The Spiritus Award celebrates community members whose contributions and commitment to our city embody strong community values and enhance the lives of fellow residents. This award is presented annually by the City of Fernie in memory of Mr. George Majic, a man dedicated to supporting his community and enriching the lives of others.

Nomination forms are available at the City of Fernie and the website www.fernie.ca.

The deadline for nomination submissions is Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 4:00 pm. The award will be presented at the Monday, May 14, 2018 Regular Council meeting.

Page A10 Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Free Press

www.thefreepress.ca

D IS T R I C T O F S PA 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

Building Inspection and Permit Services

(in Council Chambers)

Building permits provide property owners with a reasonable assurance that the structure will perform as intended and provide occupants with an acceptable level of life safety.

The Building Official is responsible for : t *TTVJOH CVJMEJOH QMVNCJOH QFSNJUT t *OTQFDUJPO PG DPOTUSVDUJPO QMBO SFWJFX BOE t #VJMEJOH DPEF BENJOJTUSBUJPO If you are planning on doing any construction or demolition work, to help you understand the process, procedures and requirements, please visit www. sparwood.ca/building-and-renovating.

For more information on the BC Building Code, contact the Building Official, Bruce Hunter, at 250.425.6271 or email him at buildingofficial@sparwood. ca.

Monday, April 16, 2018 Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm Monday, April 23, 2018 Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs Involvement Meeting at 7:00 pm Monday, April 30, 2018 Committee of the Whole Meeting at 7:00 pm

Invitations to Quote

The District of Sparwood invites interested parties to submit quotes for: 1. The installation of a Digital Control System for the automation of the Arena Ice Plant Master Control Centre. Interested parties must submit quotes for the project listed above no later than April 20, 2018 at 3:00 pm Local Time.

2. The removal and replacement of the Leisure Center Pool Master Control Centre. Interested parties must submit quotes for the project listed above no later than April 11, 2018 at 3:00 pm Local Time.

Submission will be accepted by email at dlawrence@sparwood.ca or in person at 367 Pine Avenue, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0. Detailed information packages are available at www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca or www.sparwood.ca. Direct inquires may be submitted via email to dlawrence@sparwood.ca.

Off-Road Vehicle Restrictions The District of Sparwood would like to remind citizens that Off-Road Vehicle Bylaw 1182 prohibits the operation of any vehicle including off-road vehicles and snowmobiles on all public property including parks, trails, walkways, highways, roads, and greenbelts.

Please see the map for areas that are prohibited. Map is also available online at www.sparwood.ca/maps.

Section 6 authorizes a Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Peace Officer to seize or impound an off-road vehicle that operates contrary to this bylaw.

In addition to impoundment fees of $50.00 per day and towing costs, violators could be charged up to $500.00 in fines.

If YOU witness a contravention, please notify the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at bleo@sparwood.ca or 250.425.5367.

You will be asked to provide a description and any evidence (photo or video if possible or witness statement) you may have when you call.

Encroachments on Municipal Land The District of Sparwood would like to thank all residents who have removed or are planning to remove encroachments on municipal land beside their properties. Our aim is to have all encroachments removed from municipal land, including parks, greenbelts, and natural spaces by spring, 2018, and the response from residents so far has been overwhelmingly positive. These spaces provide benefits for all residents, including those who do not have direct access to them with abutting properties. More information on this project is available at www.sparwood.ca/encroachments.

Please contact the Planning Department at 250.425.6271 or email sparwood@ sparwood.ca if you have any questions about why we are working to remove encroachments.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring! Notice anything emerging from the snow???

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right. Garbage. Lots and lots of garbage.

Volunteers Needed to Help with Community Clean-Up & Earth Day 2018 Events Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of year again! The District of Sparwood is challenging local clubs, workplaces and families to come out to the Chamber of Commerce / Visitor Centre on Earth Day, Sunday April 22, for our 5th Annual Sparwood Community Cleanup to help pick up the garbage that has accumulated throughout the winter. Volunteers will be supplied with garbage bags, gloves, and high-vis vests (if desired).

The first 20 volunteers to register in advance will receive a Sparwood water bottle!

For more information or to register, please contact Jeremy Johnston, Planning Assistant, at 250.425.6829 or email sparwood@sparwood.ca.

All community groups, businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate and show their civic pride!

Bylaw Enforcement / Animal Control Officer The District of Sparwood is pleased to announce that Mr. Frank deBoon has been appointed as the new Bylaw Enforcement/Animal Control Officer (BLEO) beginning April 9, 2018. Mr. deBoon brings a wealth of enforcement experience and local knowledge with him. We look forward to his expertise to continue to maintain and build upon the service delivery standards that our current BLEO, Mr. Mortimer, has established. Although Mr. Mortimer will be retiring in April he will continue in a relief capacity for Mr. deBoon when he is unavailable.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. deBoon and thanking Mr. Mortimer for his service to Sparwood.

Stay Informed & Be in the Know!

The District of Sparwood is committed to sharing timely, relevant information with residents and visitors. Sign up and stay up to date on all the latest news from Council and around the community.

The Community Newsletter has all the latest news from the Leisure Centre highlighting local events, fitness classes, pool schedules, and more! It is published on a weekly basis.

Council Facts has all the latest news from Council, their decisions, progress made on strategic priorities, media releases, public service announcements, upcoming meetings, and other useful information about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening at the District. Council Facts is published within 1-3 days after every Regular Council meeting.

Visit our website at http://sparwood.ca/newsletters and subscribe to either of these notifications.

www.thefreepress.ca

The Free Press

Thursday, April 5, 2018 Page A11

Artss&Entertainment

you by brought to

Ken Whiteley to woo Fernie C

ELK VALLEY Libraries

estern www.bestw

Friends of Opera to present Spring recital

Phil McLachlan editor@thefreepress.ca

elebrated Canadian roots, blues and gospel musician, Ken Whiteley, is on his way to The Arts Station and will take the stage on Thursday, April 12.

The seven-time Juno award nominee can’t wait to come back to Fernie, where he has performed twice before.

This will be his first solo show in Fernie.

Whiteley has been praised for his songwriting, his versatility as an instrumentalist and powerful vocalist. Through his music, Whiteley communicates the message of freedom, love, spiritual aspiration and social comment. He always performs his shows with a healthy dose of participatory humor, grace and energy.

It’s fair to say that music is in his blood. The 66-year-old has been performing for 52 years, but fell in love with music as a child. Even his son has grown up to become a professional musician.

“I love music, I love performing and I love connecting with people,” he said.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, but it’s really about when that music, and I love the music in and of itself, but being able to make that connection with people, and people of all ages…”

Whiteley loves intimate shows. He loves being able to see everyone he’s playing to. One of the most gratifying things that he experiences is when someone comes up to him after the show and thanks him for turning their day around.

“That’s really what it’s about,” said Whiteley. And after 52 years, that’s what keeps him going.

As much as he loves performing with a large group of musicians, Whiteley always looks forward to a solo show.

This gives him the freedom to adapt to the audience and go in whatever direction feels right.

Every night before he goes on stage, Whiteley pours himself a Chinese Tonic Tea, and he’ll bring a second cup on stage with him. He picked up this pre-show ritual at the 1979 Vancouver Folk Festival. Over the years, some of his biggest accomplishments and best memories have been with the people he has worked with. In the 70s, Whiteley worked alongside famed children’s singer songwriter Raffi who, during that period, produced seven

3-5500 BC 250-42 Ave, Fernie 1622 – 7th fernie.com

Phil McLachlan editor@thefreepress.ca

O

Ken Whiteley will perform in Fernie. of his best selling albums. Whiteley also produced five albums with the adored Fred Penner.

Twenty-three of Whiteley’s albums have been nominated for Junos.

In addition, his productions have resulted in 11 Gold or Platinum albums, 22 Juno nominations, two Juno winners and two Grammy nominations, with total sales in excess of eight million copies In his career, he has been honoured with many awards, including lifetime achievement awards from Folk Music Ontario, things that Whiteley says are very much appreciated. But this isn’t why he does it.

“There’s other things which are intangible wonderfulnesses,” he said.

“Playing with Pete Seeger at Massey Hall. That was pretty great. And playing with him again at a 200 seat club in Toronto when he was 89.

“He’s been an inspiration to me for over 50 years, and to see him there almost 90 years old, and still out there, still making new music, still getting people to sing along, and then to be invited up on stage with him.

That’s got to be a highlight.”

FERNIE HERITAGE LIBRARY

ELKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

SPARWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

492 - 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. 1pm-5pm Sun. 1pm-5pm

Mon. Closed Tues.-Wed. 10am-5pm Thurs-Fri. 11am-6pm Sat. 12pm-5pm Sun. Closed

Mon. Closed Tues. 10am-8pm Wed. 10am-5pm Thurs. 10am-8pm Fri.-Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. 12-4 pm

Space donated by The Free Press

Photo supplied.

Whiteley has performed a huge variety of concerts in various locations with many different crowds.

At the beginning of every show, he steps onto the stage excited, knowing that it’s going to be unique evening.

“I love to get people to sing with me,” he said. “Often that is facilitated in a more intimate space. In a space like The Arts Station where you can sit on stage and literally look everybody in the audience in the eye, I love that.”

Ken Whiteley will step on stage in Fernie on Thursday, April 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.ca or at the door. $20/ adult, $14/youth.

n Friday, April 14, Fernie Friends of Opera will present Songs for Spring, a recital of art songs and arias, at Mountainside Community Church.

Liesel Fedkenheuer, Soprano and Cheryl Emery-Karapita, Pianist, will lead the evening of entertainment.

Fedkenheuer, an accomplished vocalist, is based out of Calgary. She has studied with many of North America’s preeminent vocal artists, teachers and coaches, including Mary Morrison and Marilyn Horne.

Canadian pianist Emery-Karapita is based in Lethbridge and specializes in the field of song in recital with Canada’s emerging vocal talent.

Fernie Friends of Opera is in its sixth year of screening live productions of operas from the world’s greatest opera houses. Their monthly offerings at The Arts Station have attracted a small but dedicated audience of opera lovers.

With the generosity of these opera fans, the group has been able to bring accomplished singers and musicians to Fernie for live concerts.

This year, FFO offers a rare opportunity for Fernie audiences to hear art songs performed by an honoured vocalist in this genre, together with an pianist who specializes in accompanying vocalists.

Fedkenheuer and Emery-Karapita will present music by Berg, Liszt, Richard Strauss and Rachmaninoff as well as more contemporary pieces by William Bolcom and Charles Ives.

Fernie Friends of Opera appreciates the help and support they have received now and over the years from The Arts Station, Mountainside Community Church, the 88 Keys Piano Society, Park Place Lodge and, most of all, the many supporters of their opera screening program.

The concert starts at 7 p.m. Admission to the concert is by donation, with a suggested amount of $10. For more information, email opera.fernie@gmail.com or phone 250-4302117.

Saturday April 7

National Beer Day t tasty Try ou m our fro beers Taps!

16 NEW

Live E v Enter ening tainm ent

way DRIVE

Page A12 Thursday, April 5, 2018

DriveWay

Your East Kootenay Regional

Auto Source

Stay safe on wet roadways all year long W

eather plays a role in driver safety regardless of what time of year it may be. From wind and rain to snow and ice, travelers routinely navigate roads when conditions are far from ideal.

Wet roadways are a common occurrence. The automotive resource AAA advises that wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic accidents each year. Many crashes occur when drivers do not recognize the need to change their driving habits in wet conditions. Mastering driving techniques on slick, water-logged roads can help motorists avoid accidents and injuries.

See and be seen Before they even get behind the wheel, drivers should inspect

all headlights and taillights to ensure they are in working order.

Replace any bulbs that have burned out, and clean cloudy lens covers.

Drivers need to see roadways clearly, so they should make sure their windshields are free of streaks, debris and water. Periodically replacing windshield wiper blades can ensure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working optimally when drivers need them most.

Slow down and give other motorists space Slowing down and stopping can take extra time when roads are wet. AAA notes that, with as

little as 1â &#x201E;12-inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water a second to keep the rubber in contact with the street.

Driving slowly can make it much easier for vehicles to stop. Plus, driving slowly enables drivers to see obstacles or pedestrians more easily, especially in heavy rains.

Exercise caution with puddles

and running water It may be difficult to gauge the depth and ferocity of water flowing in a roadway. Quickly moving water can cause a vehicle to hydroplane or even move a large vehicle. A deep puddle also can affect driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to steer or cause vehicles to stall. Take another route rather than risk driving through large puddles or areas where water is flowing on roadways.

Skidding Do not slam on the brakes if a car begins to skid or hydroplane, advise experts. Instead, ease up

slowly from the accelerator and then steer the vehicle into the skid or straight. Then accelerate smoothly once more. Sudden, jerky movements when a car begins to skid can exacerbate the situation.

Maintain tires Tire treads should be checked at the start of a new season to ensure the rubber will be able to grip the road. Rotate tires according to the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements, or every 5,000 miles. Properly inflated tires will improve traction as well.

Wet weather can make driving challenging. Driving slowly and modifying other habits when roads are wet can make for safe road trips.

USED INVENTORY CLEAR OUT 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring-L FWD Stk #T1943 ..................................... Sale Price

36,900

$

2015 Dodge Grand Caravan SE/SXT FWD

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

2016 RAM 2500 Power Wagon 4WD Stk. T1987

Stk. T1973

Sale Price

$

8,500

Sale Price

$

48,500

2012 RAM 1500 Laramie 4WD Stk. T1996

$

Sale Price

31,900

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD Stk. T1970

Sale Price

$

28,900

Stk #T1940 ............................................... Sale Price

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The Free Press

Thursday, April 5, 2018 Page A17

Potters fired up for annual sale

natural health

Kimberley Vlasic reporter@thefreepress.ca

by Trent Brereton, ND

M

ore Elk Valley residents are firing the kiln than ever as the ancient art of pottery enjoys a resurgence.

There is now a waitlist to join the Fernie Potters Guild, which has had to cap membership at 50 people and continues to host sellout events.

Members have been working at the wheel in preparation for their annual open house and pottery sale at The Arts Station on Friday, April 6.

“It has doubled in size in two years, so it’s thriving now,” said hobby potter and president, Helena de Jong.

“When I started I think there were 12 people, it was really little and kind of like Fernie’s best kept secret.

“No-one really knew about it, so we’ve been having a drive the last few years to get the word out and increase membership.”

The Guild meets every Tuesday at its pottery studio, which is located in the basement of The Arts Station. The selffunded group also hosts regular classes and workshops.

“We encourage people to have some experience before joining, whether that’s classes out of town or through our guild so that they have an idea of how the process works because it’s all self-directed,

Evidence Based Medicine

Fernie Potters Guild president Helena de Jong at the studio in Fernie.

Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press there’s no monitoring,” said de Jong. de Jong took her first pottery class with artist Kerri Holmes five years ago and has been playing with clay ever since.

“I’ve always been an artistic person and I like that nothing is ever the same (in pottery),” she said.

People will have a chance to learn more about the Guild at the open house on Friday, which will feature studio tours and a range of pottery made by local artists.

“We have donation pieces from the Guild

and those can range from experiments to nice, well executed pottery then we also have a consignment option for members to sell larger items,” said de Jong.

The open house and pottery sale will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and include a raffle and appetizers.

Raffle prizes have been donated by The Green Petal, Rooftop Coffee Roasters, Interior Envy, Lysh Hair Salon, Sweet Cakes, Essentially Abundant and Eleanor Tweddell RMT.

Kerri inspiring next generation of potters Kimberley Vlasic reporter@thefreepress.ca

Last week I introduced the topic of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM). EBM is used to guide treatment in family medicine by taking into account the best available evidence, patient values and the doctor’s clinical expertise. Let’s look at cardiovascular disease (heart attack, angina, stroke, peripheral vascular disease) and how EBM plays out in deciding on a treatment plan. If you are a 60 year old woman with a family history of heart disease, a total cholesterol of 6 and a systolic blood pressure of 140, your ten-year risk of getting heart disease is 18%. In other words there is a 1 in 5 chance that you will get some type of heart disease in that time period. Cardiovascular risk goes up with age, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, family history and low HDL cholesterol. Going on a blood pressure medicine would lower the risk (for our hypothetical female patient) of cardiovascular disease by 1% and lower the risk of dying by 1% over the next 4 to 8 years (from 18% to 17%). If this same patient went on a statin drug to lower cholesterol

We Direct Bill Extended Insurance

K

erri Holmes is moulding the next generation of potters.

The Fernie-based artist is the studio technician at the local potters guild and regularly hosts classes at The Arts Station.

“I love introducing people to pottery,” she said.

“Once you get into it, you’re going down a rabbit hole full of ideas and exploration, and adventures.

“It’s a wonderful journey to be on, we have such a rich history with cultures all around the world.”

Holmes discovered pottery 22 years ago at a community class in Vancouver and went on to study at the Alberta College of Art and Design.

Her passion lies in “peasant pottery” and the full forms of pottery from the classical Greek, Italian and French eras.

“I mainly use the potter’s wheel and I throw traditional functional ware for table,” she said.

“I like to use red stoneware and a white glaze on top, I’m pretty minimalist.”

Holmes said it was encouraging to see more interest from the younger generation, with the Potters Guild recently hosting the Fernie Youth Action Network at the studio.

“There’s this public awareness now around pottery and it seems a bit of buzz in the community so I’m excited,” she said.

Holmes is looking at the bigger picture as she prepares to take her career to the next level.

“My big goal right now is getting ready for a solo show next year and I’m going to be focusing on revisiting all the main influences that I’ve had in my career as a potter, so revisiting those and making large garden pots,” she said.

“I’m usually small scale for tableware, so this is a bit of a departure for me.”

Holmes will have a selection of pieces available for sale at the Guild’s open house on Friday, April 6.

the drug would also lower her risk of heart disease by 1% and reduce her risk of dying by 0.5% (2% if she took BOTH the blood pressure and statin). A 1% absolute reduction in risk means 100 people would need to be treated with either a blood pressure or cholesterol drug to prevent one person from getting heart disease. Our hypothetical patient would need to consider the magnitude of benefit from the drug, the cost of the medicine and whether or not they are willing to take a pill daily to get a 1% reduction in risk for heart disease. To one patient a 1% reduction wouldn’t be worth taking the medicine where for another, it would make perfect sense to take a medicine to get the benefit. As a patient, knowing the benefit of a treatment allows you to make an informed choice, based on your values, as to whether or not to use a medical intervention. Providers, pharmacists and online sites like the Cochrane Collaboration (canada.cochrane.org) can help you understand the absolute benefit a treatment will provide.

Trent Brereton N.D.

Fernie Potters Guild studio technician Kerri Holmes.

The Snow Valley Wranglers are hosting our Annual General Meeting When: April 16th, 2018 @ 6pm Where: The Fernie Chamber of Commerce

CLASSIC COOKIES ARE BACK!

It’s amazing what a cookie can do!

Proceeds from cookie sales support local Guiding programs in BC! To find out where cookies are sold:

www.girlguides.ca or 1-800-565-8111

Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press

Kootenay Health Center

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Is your income under $40,000 for families and $30,000 for individuals?

The CRA Community Volunteer Income Tax Program Can Help!

Volunteers will be available during March and April to help you file your 2017 Income Tax. BRING YOUR 2016 T-1 AND 2017 INFORMATION SLIPS Saturdays, starting March 3rd in the Fernie Library board room (bottom floor) from 1:00 to 4:00 pm ending on Saturday, April 28. The library is closed for Easter on Sat., March 31st. Or at the Seniors Drop-In Centre on Tuesdays starting March 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ending on April 24th.

Any questions please call Terry at 250.423.4905 or Bill at 250.423.4758 (leave message).

Page A18 Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Free Press

www.thefreepress.ca

Murderous fun in Fernie Easter celebrations in the Elk Valley The Arts Station launches accessibility fund Kimberley Vlasic reporter@thefreepress.ca

A

mateur sleuths will have a chance to crack their first case when The Arts Station hosts a murder mystery evening this weekend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brush with Deathâ&#x20AC;? has been written by Lindsay Vallance especially for the event, which will launch The Arts Station Accessibility Fund.

It will be performed by the Tunnel Theatre Guild and about 100 people are expected to take part. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The evening will be very fun and entertaining, and unlike any event we have had in the past,â&#x20AC;? said The Arts Station administrator Louise Ferguson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a performance but it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a traditional seated theatre show, you are able to move around the station, mingle and find clues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also encourage participants to dress up as an eccentric artist or in your best gallery attire.â&#x20AC;?

The murder mystery will unfold in four parts with â&#x20AC;&#x153;mingleâ&#x20AC;? moments in between and last for about two hours.

Local band Hark Raving Sirens will perform after the theatre portion of the evening.

Tickets cost $45 and include hor dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres and a selection of â&#x20AC;&#x153;murderousâ&#x20AC;? cocktails crafted by the Blue Toque, which is sponsoring the event.

There will also be a cash bar and 50/50 as well as a special exhibition of works from local guilds and The Arts Station members, with half of the proceeds from sales going to the accessibility fund.

The Arts Station is exploring different options to make the facility more accessible, including chairlifts to the upstairs studios and improvements to the existing ramp for better access during the winter months. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Arts Station is a very old building so the process will not be easy and may take some time to make it accessible,â&#x20AC;? said Ferguson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope with the money raised that it can be used to leverage grant money and help with ongoing maintenance.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brush with Deathâ&#x20AC;? will be held at The Arts Station on Saturday, April 7 from 7pm.

Tickets for the event are available at The Arts Station or online at Eventbrite, as well as on the door.

For more information, visit Theartsstation.com.

Seren MacDonald (above), 5, gets creative at The Arts Station on Saturday. Peyton Paquette (right), 3, from Calahoo, Alberta, with the Easter Bunny at Fernie Alpine Resort.

Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press

Trish and Mike Tonge with twins Victoria and Briar at Fernie Alpine Resort.

Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press

Neve, 8, and Kale, 5, Hall enjoy Easter crafts with Club Cr8 at The Arts Station.

Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press

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Remembering Loved Ones

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No words we speak can ever say, how much we miss you every day.

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Thursday, April 5, 2018 Page A19

Morris, Kenneth David (Ken) April 9,1939 – January 29,2018 It is with great sadness that the children of Ken announce his passing after battling dementia. Ken passed away peacefully at Broadmead Lodge in Victoria B.C. Ken was predeceased by his mother Julia, and father Brynley, and his beloved wife Sharron.

Ken was born, raised and schooled in Fernie B.C. where he met and married his high school sweetheart.

After high school Ken enlisted in the Air Force where he became a navigator and always loved to fly.

Following his time in the service Ken continued his education by correspondence and achieved a high level of electronics knowledge and skills.

Ken then went to work with the Department of Transport where he was stationed first at Spring Island on the west coast of Vancouver Island and then Alert NWT. After his time with DOT Ken moved to Fernie and worked for the cablevision company, then to Cominco in Trail where he was the supervisor of communications.

Following his time at Cominco Ken moved to Yellowknife where he worked at designing and maintaining the mine’s communications an electronics systems.

After retiring from the mine, Ken moved to Sylvan Lake Alberta where he resided for 6 years.

Seeking a warmer climate, Ken them moved to Sidney BC. Throughout his life Ken was a loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

An avid stamp collector, Ken was active in many local stamp clubs.

During his time in Castlegar he was very active in Minor Baseball enjoying coaching as well as umpiring.

While in Sylvan Lake Ken became very active in the Senior’s Centre, organizing several government courses to help seniors for which he received the 2008 Minister’s Senior Service Award at a lunch with the premier, and was later named Citizen of the Year.

Ken is survived by his 2 sisters, 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

BCClassifieds.com

BONNIE MARGARET PLATT (1939-2018) It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Bonnie Platt, formerly of Fernie, British Columbia and more recently of the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. Our beloved mother was called to be with the Lord on April 1, 2018 while receiving care at the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre. She was blessed with 78 years of a wonderful life.

Bonnie was born on October 2, 1939 in Grandview, Manitoba to proud parents, John William and Margaret Laszlo. She was instilled with an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and the rewards from hard work, the comforts of a loving home and devotion to friends and family. Bonnie blossomed into a graceful and lovely young lady who won the heart of a dashing young man, Robert Platt. Her courtship was full of romance and happiness and on July 11, 1959, they pledged their love in holy matrimony. The young couple was further blessed with three lovely daughters, and later with several grandchildren and great grandchildren who they cherished greatly.

Bonnie took an active role in raising her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed spending times outdoors as a family camping and boating. As the years passed, she slowed down a little and took up bingo, knitting and crocheting but her greatest joy was any time spent with her beloved Bob and family – they were the purpose in her life and their love the greatest reward. She was nurturing and kind, resilient and inspirational and her fond memory will remain forever in our hearts.

Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life include her cherished children, Sandra (Charlie) McCormick of West Kelowna, BC, Cheryl (Bill) Woolridge of Kelowna, BC and Paula (Dennis) Brazzoni of Bellevue, AB; her beloved grandchildren, Scott (Amanda) McCormick of Fernie, BC, Stan (Ashley) Yuszko of Elkford, BC, Stephanie (Pat) Keller of Sparwood, BC, Robert (Serena) Woolridge and Thomas Woolridge of Kelowna, BC, Jesse Brazzoni of Coleman, AB, and Branden (Brittany) of Calgary, AB; her precious great grandchildren, Hunter, Ryder and Sawyer McCormick, Jackson Keller and his baby-sister-tobe and Fynnlee Woolridge; as well as her extended family and many friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert Platt and parents, John & Margaret Lazslo.

The Memorial Service celebrating Bonnie’s life will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel in Blairmore, AB (13461-20th Ave) with the reception and refreshments to follow. Honourary urn bearers are: Stan Yuszko, Scott McCormick, Robert Woolridge, Tom Woolridge, Charlie McCormick, Pat Keller, Jerry Platt and Art Platt.

Donations in memory of the late Bonnie Platt may be directed to the York Creek Lodge Residents’ Assoc, Box 1050, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0. Condolences may be registered at www. fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.

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Thursday, April 5, 2018 Page A21

Sports Fernie freeriders impress at World Championships Snowboarder Heidi Farmer takes third in Austria with “beautiful big mountain turns”

Fernie teen Heidi Farmer (right) placed third in the 2018 Freeride Junior World Championship in Kappl, Austria.

Photos supplied Kimberley Vlasic Farmer was the 2017 FJWC winner and reporter@thefreepress.ca impressed judges with her “beautiful big hree Fernie athletes have overcome mountain turns”.

The athletes faced tough conditions tough conditions to compete during the competition, which was held in the Freeride Junior World from March 21-23 in Kappl, Austria.

Championship in Austria.

“The course was pretty intense, there Heidi Farmer placed third in the was a lot of variety that we could hit,” women’s snowboarding with 840 points, said Amundsen. while skiers Seth Amundsen and Micah “The snow for the comp was a bit iffy, Morris scored 310 points, finishing 12th they had a lot of issues with snow… It was and 11th respectively. very punchy and difficult to ride through.

The trio was among 60 invitees to earn “They did some avalanche control on a spot at the event, which is the world’s the course and got it going.” biggest junior freeride competition.

T

Fernie skier Seth Amundsen at the 2018 Freeride Junior World Championship in Kappl, Austria.

Photo supplied Amundsen managed to keep the nerves on the podium, Amundsen feels he still at bay but it was the avalanche control benefited from the experience.

He will soon turn 19 and is focused on work that proved to be his undoing.

“I skied right into where they had staying fit over summer in preparation recently bombed for avalanche control for senior freeride events on the world and did a little somersault, which put me qualification circuit. out of contention to win but I still pulled At press time, Farmer was still in Europe off 12th place, so I can’t really complain while Morris lives in Sweden.

“I think a big lesson is learning how to about coming 12th in the world,” he said.

“I wasn’t scared for my run or anything, have fun with it as well as keeping that it more of just a wow factor. I was just competitive aspect of the sport,” said amazed that I actually made it to the Amundsen. world stage.”

“I would like to thank everyone who Although he missed out on a place reached out to me for their support.”

Late snow extends FAR season Kimberley Vlasic reporter@thefreepress.ca

C

hairlifts at Fernie Alpine Resort will continue to run right up until April 15 after heavy snowfall extended the season.

Over the weekend, the resort reached 11m of total accumulated snow for the season with more snow in the forecast.

FAR spokesman Matt Mosteller said it was not unusual to get heavy snowfall in March, which for years had been the snowiest month on record.

“We have had many winters that have had a

closing date near or around this date,” he said.

“We are fortunate as this winter keeps on giving for sure.”

FAR will celebrate its last weekend with two days of free outdoor concerts.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Fernival, which kicks off on Saturday, April 14 with a performance by Torontobased rock/power pop quartet, Sloan.

“We are stoked to have Sloan play here, it’s such a great way to celebrate with friends and family,” said Mosteller.

“Thank you to the community and pass

Athlete of the Week Sponsored by

NOT Just Pizza

Emmett Koles Fernie’s Emmett Koles took first place in the 2-Run Men’s GS, during the Teck U14 provincials.

Congratulations, Emmett!

Fernie Alpine Resort will stay open right through to April 15 after late snow extended the season.

Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press holders, and all who skied or rode with us this winter.”

FAR will close on April

15 before reopening for mountain biking and hiking later this year.

If you are the athlete in this photo you have won a free pizza from Not Just Pizza!

Drop into The Free Press office to collect your prize.

Email your Athlete of the Week nominations to customerservice@thefreepress.ca

Powder, Pedal, Paddle Relay at Fernie Alpine Resort Saturday, April 14 A Fernie tradition that has been going strong since 1984!

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The Free Press

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Local athletes shine at U14 provincials Phil McLachlan editor@thefreepress.ca

F

rom March 23-25, Fernie hosted the Teck U14 Provincials at Fernie Alpine Resort. Several local athletes made podium finishes.

Approximately 200 athletes competed over the weekend from communities as far away as Prince George, B.C. Kaleb Barnum of the Fernie Alpine Ski Team placed first in the 2-Run Men’s Slalom with a combined time of 1:15:36, just 11 milliseconds faster than the second place finisher, Dylan Stevens of Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club. Overall, Barnum finished second in the U14 B.C. racers for 2017/18. In third for the 2-Run Men’s Slalom came Liam Vanhooren of the Fernie Alpine Ski Team.

Fernie’s Piper Whelan tied Whistler’s Kaila Lafreniere for first overall in the 2017/18 season. Piper placed second in both her 2-Run Ladies’ Giant Slalom as well as her 2-Run Ladies’ Slalom.

Fernie’s Emmett Koles took top spot in the 2-Run Men’s GS, 0.4 seconds ahead of Whistler’s Duncan Ross. Koles took fifth spot overall in the U14 B.C. racers, this season.

Fernie has been trying to bid on this event for many years and they were excited to finally be able to host it.

The last time Fernie hosted provincials was over 10 years ago, and many people remember it due to the unfortunate rain that crashed the party. This time, it was different story, as they were greeted by sun for two out of three race days, and were also able to ski some great powder.

“Yes it rains here every now and then, but we showed them what powder is like from a Fernie perspective,” said FAST President Steven Koles.

“These kids from Vancouver that ski at Grouse Mountain and Seymour, they don’t ski powder ever, so they were pretty enthused to be able to go and do some powder runs while they were waiting for their race.”

On Sunday, to finish up a weekend of good racing, athletes teamed up to participate in a team dual slalom race. The teams were made up of the four different zones in B.C., the Kootenay Zone, the Okanagan zone, the North zone and the Coast zone. The Coast ended up finishing on top with the Kootenay zone following close behind.

Brady Leman, Gold Medalist in the 2018 Winter Olympics Men’s Ski Cross presented athletes with their medals.

After the Fernie club’s home championships and banquet concluded the following weekend, this marked the end of the season for most of the Fernie athletes.

“It’s been fantastic,” said Koles when asked about the 2017/18 winter season.

FAST had a record number of athletes enroll for the 2017/18 season; 255 kids. Koles admitted that yes, they have many kids from Calgary, but said this season also marked the record number of local athlete enrollment as well.

Koles said he saw great results from the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation which helped sponsor some of their athletes this year.

“Overall it’s just been a really fun season of great events, home and away races,” he said.

Fernie’s Emmett Koles placed first in the 2-Run Men’s Giant Slalom.

Contract awarded for Fernie Memorial Arena Phil McLachlan editor@thefreepress.ca

T

he future of the Fernie Memorial Arena is looking up. A contract awarded by the City of Fernie to install a new refrigeration plant will give the arena a fresh start by August.

On Thursday, March 29, the City of Fernie announced Startec Refrigeration Services Ltd. of Calgary had been selected as the successful bidder to provide the new refrigeration plant for Fernie Memorial Arena.

“Awarding this contract will be a major step towards ensuring the arena is open for the 2018/19 winter season,” said City of Fernie chief administrative officer Norm FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT McInnis.

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of ammonia, which they saw as the best fit for Fernie and the arena.

The contract, worth $882,820, is to construct a Freon ice plant. With a substantially lower GWP (Global Warming Potential) than similar Freon refrigeration systems, this refrigerant is increasingly being used at ice rinks throughout Europe and North America.

“Startec has been one of the most trusted names in recreational refrigeration for over 40 years and they will bring their depth of experience to bear to complete this project” added McInnis.

Startec spokesman Mike Kelly said the company was pleased that its design approach would meet the needs of the city and it was excited to get to work.

“We are very proud to be able to provide assistance knowing that we will play a role in getting the user groups and the community back into their facility,” he said.

Work is scheduled to be completed by August 1, with Startec to train City of Fernie staff to safely operate and maintain the equipment throughout August in time for the 2018/2019 season.

The investigation into last year’s incident at Fernie Memorial Arena is ongoing.

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The Free Press

Thursday, April 5, 2018 Page A23

Cryptic Hive presents The Art of Theatre

Photos by Phil McLachlan/The Free Press Phil McLachlan editor@thefreepress.ca

T

he Cryptic Hive Tattoo and Art Theatre in Fernie was abuzz with activity Saturday night, during their Art of Theatre performance, an evening of artwork unveiling, extravagant costumes and acrobatic performances.

The theme of the evening was ‘otherworldly warriors’, and the rules were simple; no costume, no entry.

The walls were covered with abstract multimedia art by 13 different artists, and murals came to life through the use of special fx projections.

Local seamstress Caitlyn Bellavance was the brains behind many of the costumes worn by performers,

Joy Weick, the Circus Acts Insomniacs and host Liam Monahan.

DJs Melo.Nade, Duplex and Mister Moffet kept the night alive with energetic tunes.

Much of the artwork is still on display, so be sure to visit Cryptic Hive Tattoo and Art Theatre on 2nd Avenue.

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Page A24 Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Free Press

YOUR HOROSCOPE

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You’ll definitely be surrounded by lots of people this week. Your friends will invite you to all sorts of goings-on, each more actionpacked than the last. Someone might try to get you to lose your cool.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

Whether at work or at home, expect to have a lot of responsibilities end up on your shoulders this week. You’ll need to rethink your priorities and stop procrastinating if you want to get everything done.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

You may find yourself spontaneously planning a magnificent voyage. You’ll get in touch with your spiritual side, and this will put you on the path to greater well-being.

www.thefreepress.ca

BRAIN GAMES CROSSWORDS

PUZZLE NO. 917

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

You’ll go through the whole gamut of emotions this week. Your family and friends will be there to help you navigate a complicated situation on the home front.

Things should clear up quickly.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

It’s always easier to get along with people with whom you aren’t involved emotionally.

You may need to go a bit heavier on the discipline with your kids, who know exactly how to push your buttons.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)

You’ll have a lot of little details to straighten out. At work, there’s a significant promotion waiting for you just around the corner, but you’ll need to work on your negotiation skills to get the most out of what you’re offered.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)

If you’re single, expect love to come knocking at your door. It may even be an old friend. On the financial front, a considerable amount of cold hard cash will fall out of the sky.

Copyright © 2018, Penny Press

ACROSS 1. Throb 5. “____ So Lovely” 9. Cranberry location 12. Lunchtime 13. List of restaurant dishes 14. Poison ____ 15. Sightseeing trip 16. Historical epochs 17. On the ____ 18. Spread out awkwardly 20. Ices 22. Jelly 24. Wall-covering hanger 27. Ship’s underside 31. Hurricane center 32. Modifies copy 35. Fearful wonder 36. Hiker’s abode 38. Clipped, as sheep 40. Volunteered 43. Loud uproar 46. Disables 50. Paddle’s cousin 51. Steals 53. Soil enricher 54. Lip 55. Taunt 56. Control 57. Remove moisture 58. Purposes 59. Close forcefully

DOWN 1. Morsels for aardvarks 2. Chicken’s house 3. Clock division 4. Infuriate 5. Sniffed 6. Female pronoun 7. Make into law 8. Fish delicacy 9. Fashion designer Blass 10. Arena shape 11. Workout places 19. Had being 21. Printer’s fluid 23. Soar 24. Animal companion 25. Sailor’s response 26. Author

28. Jug handle 29. Cote member 30. Commanded 33. Shoves 34. Glimpsed 37. Cruise of “Mission: Impossible” 39. Modifies 41. Specialty 42. Displeased expression 43. Rope 44. Lion’s cave 45. Land force 47. True 48. Doll’s cry 49. Plant stalk 52. Auction offer

ANSWER/LAST WEEK - PUZZLE NO. 916

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

Your plans to move out of your current area will start to take shape. You’ll put the needs of your family before your own, even if your schedule for the next few days is already jam-packed.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

You’ll feel compelled to treat yourself to a new car. Be reasonable: you wouldn’t want to put too much of a strain on your finances.

Give yourself a few days to think about it, and the urge may disappear on its own.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

You’ll be feeling unusually emotional this week. To restore harmony in your relationship, dedicate some time to a heartto-heart conversation. This will help you get to know each other better.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

You’re overflowing with vitality and feel ready to tackle all kinds of problems. Various situations have had you considerably worried for a while, and you’ll be happy to put them behind you.

PUZZLE NO. 654

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.

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.

Answers:

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)

You’ll be more and more worried about a minor health problem. By taking the situation seriously, you’ll succeed in obtaining all the care you need, and you should be feeling better in no time.

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