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Vol. 73, Issue 77
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Cranbrook
Townsman
THURSDAY
JUNE 27, 2019
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Council pledges to cover cost of BMX track reconstruction Indoor facility construction set for the fall; city to cover any costs from BMX track modifications
Trevor Crawley
City council voted to cover the cost of rebuilding a portion of the BMX track that will be displaced due to pending construction of an indoor sports facility at Balment Park. Council also accepted an offer from the Kootenay East Youth Soccer Association which promised to provide $10,000 in
funding or in-kind services to rebuild the BMX track. The discussion was sparked by a submitted letter from KEYSA that responded to a draft License of Occupation — the necessary legal document that will permit the use of the parkspace for the indoor facility. Determining the costs of reconstructing the BMX track
and the ensuing responsibility for covering that cost was the last outstanding issue, according to city staff. The dollar figure for rebuilding the track is still under debate. Councillor Ron Popoff put forward a motion to accept KEYSA’s offer and resolve the final License of Occupation issues, while Councillor Mike
Peabody amended the motion to ensure that the city would bear the cost of reconstructing the BMX track. “The window is closing, the window is already at the last hour for when the contractors and KEYSA can move forward to get this in the ground this year,” said Popoff. Council voted earlier this year
to offer land at Balment Park in between the BMX track and the Cranbrook Curling Centre for the indoor facility. Mayor Lee Pratt, the lone vote against Popoff’s motion, expressed his frustration with the process, noting that KEYSA had
turned down a location at Moir Park and argued that the Balment Park location inconveniences parking at Western Financial Place and the Cranbrook Curling Centre, and displaces the Sam Steele Society and the BMX park users. Continued on A3
Phillip Porter, 16, disappeared on June 26, 1969 RCMP continue to investigate 50 year old missing person case Carolyn Grant
June 26, 2019 marks the 50 year anniversary of the disappearance of Phillip Porter of Kimberley. Teenager Phillip disappeared running an errand for his mother on June 26, 1969 and was never seen again. At the time, Phillip was 16 years old and lived with his family on Giegerich Road in Townsite. Kimberley RCMP Sgt. Chris Newel says that although the case is 50 years old, it remains active, and police are reaching out to the public for any information that could assist in bringing closure to the family. “Phillip left the house around 1:00 pm on June 26, 1969. He was expected home around 5:30 pm for dinner. When he didn’t return, Mrs. Porter called friends to see if they had seen Philip,” wrote Newel in a press release. At the time, Phillip’s father was the general manager of the Cominco Mine (now Teck). Mrs. Porter was scheduled to fly to Trail that evening but the flight had been cancelled so, fortunately, she was at home when the phone rang.
Cranbrook RCMP teamed up with Cranbrook Safeway on Saturday, June 22, for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of the Special Olympics. Starting at Safeway, participants set off down Baker Street, up 8th Avenue South, east along 2nd Street and back down 13th Avenue to Safeway. At the same time, Canada Safeway hosted a food fair, in support of Special Olympics Canada, treating customers to a number of food kiosks throughout the store, along with a barbeque outside. All funds raised went to Special Olympics. Every year Law Enforcement Torch Runs are held in more than 51 countries around the world to support Special Olympics and raises awareness to the program. The funds raised help with high quality training and competition for the over 4800 registered athletes in British Columbia. Barry Coulter photo
KIMBERLEY’S
First
SATURDAYS Celebrating arts, culture & heritage A GOOD PLACE TO BE.
Saturday
July 6th
Continued on A3
KIMBERLEY cELEBRATES SUMMER!
PLATZL AREA 9-11 am - Rotary Pancake Breakfast in Platzl with Entertainment – An Amazing Way to Start Your First Saturday 10 am – Annual First Saturday Silent Auction Tons of great items; golf, accommodation, local merchandise and restaurant certificate, artwork…
10:30-4 pm Live entertainment Kids Activities: Face Painting, Creative Corner, Photo Booth Kimberley Library Imagination Station Local Art and Crafters Market Interactive Story Wall NEW – Creative Station: Artists working on collaborative creating