4745 51 Street P.O. Box 1529 Chetwynd, B.C. V0C 1J0
Chetwynd
Myra Grodzuik 250-788-6365
Dan Grodzuik 250-788-6435
Alma Walter 250-788-5168
Norma Tower 250-788-5388
Julia Nelson 250-788-6707
www.facebook.com/chetwyndecho www.chetwyndecho.net
ECHO
b
Pu s ’ y a r Mur heck
o
Come
ur
out o
ood & daily f pecials s drink594 • 4613-47 Ave. nd c n in a
Crews continue to battle wildfires
JULY 23, 2014
88-9
250-7
$1.25 INCLUDES GST
CELEBRATING 55 YEARS IN 2014
Hudson Hope, Moberly Lake residents remain on evacuation alert NAOMI LARSEN Chetwynd Echo Editor –––––––––––––– HUDSON’S HOPE – As of Monday morning, the Mt. McAllister forest fire has shrunk to 15,874 hectares and was 40 per cent guarded. Officials say the weather has been cooperating allowing crews to line located and begin dozer guard construction. As well, Structural ProtecBY
tion Teams (SPT) were working in Hudson’s Hope to get the structural assessments done. According to a District of Hudson’s Hope press release, the SPT and district staff have been taking measures to reduce the risk of fire to critical infrastructure. This includes some vegetation management around critical hydro poles and the coating of poles with fire re-
tardant. Thirty-nine pieces of heavy equipment six helicopters and 189 firefighters are working on the fire. “There are still many hot areas of the fire with some smoke coming up but they are working hard to get some containment around the accessible portions of Please see "TWO," page 2
Crews and equipment leave the Chetwynd airport several times a day. Photo by Naomi Larsen Chetwynd is command central for the area.
District of Chetwynd to attend New Legion leadership 2014 BC College of Family looking to the future Physicians Family Conference First order of business: raise money for $70,000 worth of renovations in Vancouver this October
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – Chetwynd is continuing its efforts to attract and retain doctors to rural BC. The District of Chetwynd mayor and council approved a resolution last week that will set aside $2,500 to send two representatives from the town to the BC College of Physicians 2014 Family Medicine Conference taking place in Vancouver, this October 18 and 19. Five hundred dollars will go towards the cost of an exhibitor’s booth, while the remaining $2,000 will go towards travel expenses for two representatives from the District of Chetwynd. BY
INSIDE
Chetwynd’s health services committee said in a district memo that it feels establishing a presence at the conference may present an opportunity to attract more physicians to the community. Discussions will also be held with Northern Health to seek its support. Representatives from Chetwynd have previously attended the May 2014 Rural Emergency Continuum of Care Conference at the cost of $1,000. Chetwynd is set to lose two of its four doctors in about a year’s time. The town council has also put forward plans to build a new medical clinic, to be located across from the Canada Post Office on 50th Street to help doctor recruitment and retention.
Maple Leaf Loading in receivership Page 3
BY MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND - The Chetwynd Legion was almost down for the count, until a dedicated group of individuals brought new life to the organization. Now, the members of the Royal Canadian Legion Chetwynd Branch #258 are setting their sights on strengthening their operational structures so that the Legion can continue to be major institution in the community for years to come. Under the leadership of
Weʼve got to replace the fire suppression in the kitchen. It canʼt be used until we get that done.
Darcy Groves and vicepresident Karen Buckley, the legion is now 50 members strong, and counting. They have already accomplished a lot. After announcing it was shuttering the doors on March 1, 2014, it has since
WIN FREE TICKETS TO GRIZFEST
been reopened, a new Legion executive has been elected, several new members have joined and a business plan has been developed in conjunction with the Royal Canadian
Please see "THE LEGION," page 3
RCMP on hunt for murder suspect Page 5
5008 50th Ave • Chetwynd, BC • 250-788-3755
Prices in effect from July 25 - July 31
2
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
NATURAL SPRINGS GOLF COURSE Registration at 8 am Start time 9 am $225 per team (each team must have one Jr. Golfer) Call Pam Engelland to register your team 250-788-1855 or 250-788-6543 Registration forms can also be found at Lonestar Sports
July 26, 2014 3 pm to 5 pm Chetwynd Rec Centre parking lot
This is the latest mapping of the Mt. McAllister fire provided by Wildfire Management Branch.Wildfire Management Branch currently has approximately 189 fire fighters and 30 pieces of heavy equipment conducting work on the fire to construct a "dozer guard" around the fire at this time. Wildfire Management Branch is in the process of continuing to build its resources for this fire.
Two hundred more firefighters from across Canada to assist Continued from page 1
An evening of support of KidsSport Chetwynd Hosted by Deryk & Melissa Engelland Saturday, July 26, 2014 Chetwynd Public Library Doors open at 7:30 pm Silent Auction Item bids close at 9:30 pm $5 suggested donation admission fee at the door
the burnt area,� states the release. The short to mid-term weather is looking favorable at this point, and there is nothing in the weather forecasts that would indicate any return to the fire behavior that we saw last week. However, the District of Hudson’s Hope remains on Evacuation Alert. The town was officially evacuated July 16 due to the fire but residents were allowed to return a day later. At this time, Chetwynd remains the main base of operations for fighting this fire. A "Type 1 Incident Management Team" is working on this fire. The Incident Command Post is located at the fire camp located at the end of 50th street. On the other side of the region, cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity are aiding in the fire suppression efforts for the Red Deer Creek fire. With decreased fire behaviour the crews can continue to work safely on this fire.
The area for the Red Deer Creek fire is 34 827ha, with about 3000 ha in Alberta. The fire is ten percent contained. There are 119 fire fighters, 43 pieces of heavy equipment, and 154 support staff working on the fire. There are additional resources working on the Alberta side of the Red Deer Creek fire. In BC, crews will be completing the construction of guard up to Lookout Mountain and build wet line in assigned areas. Danger trees will be assess and hazardous tree will be felled. In Alberta, the fire is located in the Two Lakes Area of the MD of Greenview, Township 65 Range 14, West of the 6th Meridian, South of the Wapiti River. Resources continue to be mobilized on the ground and Alberta SRD is bringing in addition resources from out of province. Due to the fire activity around the province, the Wildfire Management Branch has requested the help of 200 additional fire suppression personnel from out-of-
Make Room for Change!
With files from the Tumbler Ridge News
Value Rate
Buy two weeks, get one free. Buy three and get two free!
Call or email
s a l e s @ c h e t wy n d e c h o . n e t
to place your ad today!
With the Classifieds, you can clear the clutter, earn extra cash and find great deals on the things you really want!
Chetwynd Echo
Beelyne Executive Services Ltd. Serving Chetwynd for 40 Years ACCOUNTING ~ INCOME TAX
Summer Hours July/August Mon. - Thurs,:
Monday - Thursday 9 am to noon
9am-12pm • 1pm - 4pm 1 pm - 4 pm Closed Fridays
788-3638 250-788-3638
province. On Saturday40 sustained action firefighters from Quebec, plus 20 from Nova Scotia and 20 from New Brunswick, arrived in Prince George. Another 120 arrived from Ontario the following day. ??These resources join more than 1,500 provincial staff, nearly 800 B.C. contractors and 94 out-ofprovince personnel already engaged in fire response efforts. ?? The fire danger rating for the province is primarily "high" to "extreme". ??Campfire prohibitions are in effect in many areas of the Wildfire Management Branch's jurisdiction. ?? For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca?? You can also follow the latest wildfire news on Twitter at twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo or Facebook at facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Closed Fridays
5208 N.Access (Chinook Centre)
Ph: 250-788-2246 Fax: 250-788-9988 www.facebook.com ÂĽ www.issuu.com
Johnson Rad & Muffler 4536-45th Ave This spotPark could Industrial
be yours!
Call us today!
MON- FRI -7:00 AM- 5:30 PM SATURDAY- 8:00AM- 1:00 PM
788-3535
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
3
The Legion is not only for the benefit of the veterans but for the entire community, says board Continued from page 1
Legion Pacific Command for the future renovation of the 56-year old building. Groves says as many as 13 younger members have joined since it was first reported that the Legion was on its last legs. “The legion is there not only for the benefit of the veterans of the town, [but also for] the seniors, the air cadets who are there every Monday, [and] the community as a whole who can use the hall for all sorts of activities: weddings, meetings, [and] funerals,” said president Darcy Groves. That is why the Legion executive is setting its sights on a large renovation project with a total estimated cost of $70,000. Quotes are still coming in for some of the work, so all assumed costs are estimated at this time. The most expensive cost, will be the replacement of the building’s eight emergency doors and door frames, which need to be brought up to regulations. This will cost an estimated $48,000. Another estimated
Chetwynd’s Royal Canadian Legion has battled back from the File photo brink of closure. $11,000 would be needed for kitchen renovations, $6,000 for decking/stairs and $5,000 for the refurbishment of the boardroom and offices. “We've got to replace all of our doors with fire graded doors,” Groves said. “We’ve got to replace the fire suppression in the kitchen. It can’t be used until we get that done.”
These costs can be rather expensive, Groves said, using the example of the front wheelchair accessible self-opening door set which can run as much as $4,800 by itself. Groves also hinted at the idea of a patio bar. “We want to redo the balcony so that people can go out there on [hot days] sit out there and
Maple Leaf Loading in receivership
Owes more than $400,000 to Chetwynd businesses
Trent Ernst TUMBLER RIDGE NEWS –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – Maple Leaf Loading, the company in charge of loading the trains at Walter Energy’s Canadian operations has been placed into receivership, putting more than 200 employees out of work. The Prince George-based company, which has been around since 2005, was put into receivership on June 27, with Ernst and Young acting on behalf of the secured lenders of Maple Leaf Loading. The company specializes in hauling coal for mining businesses, and while the company has the contract for hauling, loading and road maintenance for Grande Cache Coal, and Hauling contract for the Yukon Zinc Wolverine Mine, from the Yukon to Port Stewart BC, the company’s biggest contract came from Walter Energy, hauling at Wolverine, Willow Creek, and Brule, as well as having the road maintenance jobs for the Falling Creek Connector Road. In an interview with 250 News, company President and CEO Martin Carsky said one of the company’s biggest customers is Walter Energy. “The business of Maple Leaf is quite tied to the business of Walter Energy and other coal companies and so, with the prices of those com-
where it might be a little bit cooler and enjoy it,” he said. The branch #258 executive has also eyed upgraded flooring. “The building was built 56 years ago and it is in some dire need of some T.L.C,” groves added. The Royal Canadian Legion Chetwynd Branch managed to raise $8,000
at it’s first ever Chainsaw Carving weekend dance. They are hoping this can become an annual event. The group has also managed to gather $2,000 in in-kind donations. They have applied (or will soon apply) for $25,000 grants from both the government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors program, and
the Northern Initiative Development Trust. At last Monday’s July 14, 2014 regular council meeting, the branch put in a request for a $5,000 Grant-in-Aid from the District of Chetwynd. “We believe that a refurbishment [will create] a renewed and refurbished Royal Canadian Legion which will be there for many more Remembrance Days and will permit the cadets to have a training base and home for many years to come,” Groves said. The legion extends its ask for donations to the community at large, and also asks that you consider becoming a member. “By assisting in renovating the legion, your contributions will honor the many past, and remaining few veterans of the town, who have served our country and community. “The new executive, we've committed to making this thing go. It was in trouble, but we're going to get it out of it. We've made strides already and we are going to get it the rest of the way.”
modities right now those companies are struggling and it has a knock-on effect obviously to businesses like Maple Leaf.” The entire company has been placed into receivership. While the company was trying to make a go of it after Walter idled its operations, the banks stepped in, as the company was unable to pay back their loans. All equipment, including pick-ups used by staff, was or is in the process of being seized. The company’s financial woes are not all of its own doing. In 2011, the company was acquired by Pro-Trans Ventures. In May, the entire board of Pr-Trans resigned, as the company had been able to pay a $5,000,000 secured loan, and received a notice of default from the lender. According to a press release, “the Company has delivered to the Lender all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Maple Leaf Loading Ltd. (“Maple Leaf”) in order to provide for an orderly transition of management and operations of Maple Leaf. The Lender has agreed that the acceleration of the enforcement of its security was in full satisfaction of the Lender’s debt and has agreed to assume the majority of the Company’s current liabilities.” Maple Leaf represented the only operations of Pro-Trans, and with the shares being given to the Lender, Pro-Trans no longer has any operations. Trading on the company’s shares were suspended on June 13. Earlier, the company had said there would probably be sufficient coal to remain hauling through the fourth quarter of this year. In a letter from Ernst & Young received to local businesses in July, it was noted Maple Leaf owed approximately $23,357,649 with almost $400,000 being owed to Chetwynd local businesses. R E A D MO R E .
DO MORE.
Pick us up on newstands throughout the area
Get more out of Chetwynd!
Log on and read the Chetwynd Echo at www.issuu.com
Wednesday 23
High: 22 Low: 12
Thursday 24
High: 18 Low: 13
Friday 25
High: 21 Low: 12
Saturday 26
High: 21 Low: 13
prepared for driving winter driving conditions. BeBe prepared for seasonal conditions. Check www.drivebc.ca
Check www.drivebc.ca or phone 1-800-550-4997 phone 1-800-550-4997 for the latest conditions in BC fororthe latest road conditions in road British Columbia.
Sunday 27
High: 23 Low: 11
Monday 28
High: 24 Low: 11
High: 23 Low: 12
Tuesday 29
Use caution when passing Use caution when passing or encountering or encountering road maintenance equipment.road maintenance equipment.
Drive Safely! Drive Safely!
4
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
Mars water bombers make most sense
W
ith forest fires raging across B.C., the snubbing of a local icon has burned deeply into the Nanaimo Daily hearts of Alberni Valley News residents. The question that is currently screaming in the Alberni Valley is this: Why is the Hawaii Mars water bomber sitting idle on Sproat Lake? Despite it's world-renowned ability to scoop up and drop 27,200 litres of water at time and a 53-year legacy of dowsing forest fires across North America, this year the provincial government opted not to renew its contract with Coulson Flying Tankers, the Hawaii Mars' owner. Instead the province looked to Abbotsford-based Conair for aerial fire suppression, gaining the services of four smaller turbinepowered aircraft instead of the massive Hawaii Mars. Early into the forest fire season, it appears the situation in B.C. will be particularly serious this year. Halfway through July, 624 fires have been documented by the Wildfire Management Branch, encompassing 105,697 hectares. The spread of forest fires this summer has already eclipsed the 2013 total of 18,259 hectares, and appears to be approaching the average burn total of 141,000. The cost of fighting these blazes is yet to be released, but as a relatively calm season drained $122.2 million of provincial funds, the 2014 forest firefighting costs should be enormous. According to Coulson Group of Companies CEO Wayne Coulson, the Mars bomber's firefighting contract in 2013 amounted to $750,000, yet this year the province decided to go with Conair's smaller, more modern aircraft for $1.8 million. After the deal was made Steve Thomson, minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource operations cited the bomber's "operational limitations" with respect to performing multiple drop patterns in B.C.'s mountainous terrain. The decision to with the Abbotsford company was made while considering the "more cost-effective, efficient options available due to advances in airplane technology," Thomson said. But the price disparity between the two options warrants a more detailed explanation of why the government chose the costlier contract. The effectiveness of attacking a forest fire with a single drop was clearly not the most important consideration. Although there are 11 different B.C. air tanker groups contracted by the province this year for forest fires, more support is needed. Instead of looking to the Hawaii Mars, the province called on a company from the Yukon to supply two airplanes. Meanwhile an online petition in support of the water bomber has grown to collect over 2,400 names in just a few days, calling on Premier Christy Clark to renew the Mars contract. "Our province is burning," stated the petition, posted by resident Chris Alemany. "The Martin Mars water bombers have stood the test of time. They are the best, most efficient and cheapest way to get the most water on a fire in the shortest amount of time." The provincial government has decided to go with a more expensive group of water bombers on the Lower Mainland, and when more help was needed called on the Yukon for more support. A capable firefighting asset sits still on Sproat Lake, sparking many locals to wonder if there is much more than cost effectiveness and efficiency involved in the province's decisions around controlling forest fires.
Guest Editorial
Something stinks in the country of Denmark To the Editor: The PRRD has finally announced to the public, the recinding of the Bylaw 1996-2011. It took a relentless fight and effort on the part of a small number of individuals to accomplish this. Is this the end of the matter ? A statement by PRRD chair person, Karen Goodings, throws some light on the matter “ if there is another
Bylaw considered, It wouldn’t be until after the Election, which will be in November”. So, this tells me that they are considering the matter again. After the next election they will be elected for a four year term instead of two, a lot can be accomplished in our years! Do you trust these people not to try to sneak another Bylaw in??? I don’t!!
Also, these people have another agenda looming on the horizon, a ‘Rural Municipal Regional District’. The former Regional District Manager, Fred Bannam, now works for this group. OH OH!! Something is stinking in Denmark. Keep your eyes and ears open! Jim Ross Jackfish, BC
Northern BC has it’s own health needs To the Editor: Eighteen months ago, while we still had 32 residing physicians, myself and five of our local doctors visited our MLA's office for a meeting at which we discussed the medical crisis which was arising. We had two meetings in total and a committee was supposed to have been formed to investigate the problem and suggest some ways in which to improve the situation. Nothing further has developed following our meetings and we have now lost many more valuable physicians for many reasons. I firmly believe that the main reason for this loss of physicians is the disorganization and lack of leadership in our Northern Health Board since Prince George was included and became the biggest factor in our region.
Back in the good old days, before Prince George was included, representatives from each city in our region such as Tumbler Ridge, Chetwynd, Hudson Hope, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson and Fort St. John would meet and oversee our own Northern Health Board. I feel that this is how the Northern Health Board should be controlled once again and we the people of the north should have control of our own health board and our own funds with which to run it. After all, the majority of the money for the province is made in these northern communities. In my opinion, Prince George is Central British Columbia and should return to their own Health Board once again. We dare not get sick for fear that we will not be able to be seen by one of
only 12 doctors who are currently serving a population of approximately 30,000 people in Fort St. John and the surrounding area. And yet, despite this, they are talking about the Site C Dam and some large pipelines which will bring an influx of additional residents who will also be without a family doctor to care for them. I have lived here all of my life and have watched our city grow and have not, until now, seen so many growing problems as we currently have. Some of the complaints heard most often are waiting more than a month for an appointment with your doctor, long waiting lists to see specialists, long waits for surgeries, the seniors in our longterm care facilities who are all but forgotten, the need to travel to Grande Prairie, Alta., to re-
ceive an MRI, the poor level of cleanliness is some of our provincial hospitals and the poor food services in many of our hospitals. In closing I would like to express my appreciation for all the doctors, nurses and health care professionals who have chosen to practice within our community and who have dedicated themselves to providing us with the best possible care and high level of professionalism during these trying times. I ask that anyone else who feels these issues cannot be ignored and require immediate action please write to the health minister, the premier and ombudsman with your concerns. Do it for your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Lorraine P. Isenbecker Fort St. John, B.C
CORRECTION
In the July 16 issue of the Chetwynd Echo, there was a typo in the last sentence of Bea Kurjata’s letter. It should read: “All of us are busier than cats on a hot tin roof these days… nevertheless let’s celebrate.”
see what’s brewing on the
job market. The Chetwynd Echo News Jobs Section
chetwyndecho.net See Page 11
Chetwynd
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
www.chetwyndecho.net
ECHO
Published each Wednesday by Draper & Dobie Company Inc. P.O Box 750 • 5016 50th Ave. Chetwynd, BC • V0C 1J0
Telephone: 250-788-2246 Fax: 250-788-9988 Email: publisher@chetwyndecho.net Fan us on Facebook • Read us online www.chetwyndecho.net
3URWHFW \RXU NLGV RQOLQH
9LVLW UHGFURVV FD IRU F\EHU VDIHW\ WLSV An independent community newspaper established in1959. Its main interests are those which best serve the Chetwynd area including Hudsonʼs Hope, Jackfish, Hasler and Groundbirch areas.
Naomi Larsen, Publisher/ Editor/Sales publisher@chetwyndecho.net editor@chetwyndecho.net sales@chetwyndecho.net production@chetwyndecho.net
Mike Carter, Reporter
reporter@chetwyndecho.net
Tammy Cloarec, Office Manager accounts@chetwyndecho.net
Office Hours Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm
Submission deadlines: Friday at 4 pm
The opinions expressed on the editorial page of the Chetwynd Echo are strictly those of the paricular writers involved and are not necessarily shared or supported in any way by Draper & Dobie Company Inc, itʼs management or employees. The columns of the Chetwynd Echo editorial page are open to letters to the editor of reasonable length dealing with current events or other concerns. All correspondence must include the name, address and telephone number of the author. The newspaper reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any submission or advertisements.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
5
Would you drink the water out of the creek now?
I
MAYORʼS REPORT with Merlin Nichols
n 1950, the summer I first laid eyes on Centurion (Wabi) Creek, the water was crystal clear. Grayling frolicked in deep pools beneath willow thickets near where Clary Road (a few miles up the Jackfish) now meets Centurion creek. They were biting fish, eager to strike the hook as soon as it touched the water. Farther up the watershed where the Old Moberly Road (actually the only road to Moberly
when it was passable) crossed the creek one could kneel down and drink its fresh, pure water without fear. Would we do it now? Things change. Sadly, our human experience has demonstrated that they don’t always change for the better. Much of the change is induced by increased population and the activity that population brings. Much of the change seems to sneak up on us while we’re busy at making a living, and before we realize the change we can no longer see the fish in the stream – or drink its water. The one-timecrystal-clear water has become clouded with silt from the activity we are
imposing on the territory through it once ran sparkling clear. We’ve built roads and cleared fields; we’ve built a town
Sadly, our human experience has demonstrated that they don’t always change for the better that we love. Have we all contributed to the change in our water ways? Could we have built our roads, bridges, and cleared our fields without polluting the water? We seem to have adequate water supplies now but is that only an illu-
RCMP on lookout for murder suspect
MacPherson believed to be in Peace area, may be armed and dangerous
ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS –––––––––––––– FORT ST. JOHN – RCMP in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John confirm they have been asked to be on the lookout for a possible murder suspect who allegedly fled police in Whitehorse, Yukon. The suspect, Michael MacPherson, is wanted in connection with the stabbing death of Tanner Sinclair. According to a release, MacPherson is believed to have contacts in B.C. and Saskatchewan. On Thursday, police believed MacPherson had likely left Whitehorse. His vehicle is described as a red Toyota Corolla with several large dents. Cst. Corey Munro of the Fort St. John RCMP detachment believed it was possible MacPherson had passed through Fort St. John. Munro said his office had received several reports of a vehicle matching the description from Whitehorse police. "There have been a few possible sightings [of the vehicle], but nothing confirmed," he said. "We think he is probably heading or has already passed through Fort St. John and Dawson Creek, but we have no real evidence to support that theory yet." He added Fort St. John RCMP have been in regular contact with the lead murder investigator in
sion? How far into the future can we project our water security? California is suffering from a severe water shortage which
we’ll soon experience on the grocery shelves. Will California come calling with an empty bucket? Wait and see. Water stewardship, the deliberate, reasoned, and committed effort to protect and preserve our water resources, is not a
novel idea. We need to be serious about caring for our water. After all, we take our drinking water from one of the most vulnerable streams in the area. Our own Pine River, beautiful, robust, but at the same time, fragile, carrying the melted snows from the mountains through the high plateaus, to parkland, and the great northern boreal forests, and finally to the Arctic Ocean, is not to be neglected. We need to do our part to preserve this river so that sixty years from now the fish will still frolic in pristine water. What is our part as people of Chetwynd? But what about Wabi, already soiled with the silt of decades? Is there
“The new executive, we've committed to making this thing go. It was in trouble, but we're going to get it out of it. We've made strides already and we are going to get it the rest of the way. ”
anything to be done to restore its former beauty? Can we assume stewardship of its waters? Is it possible to return Wabi to its once-pristine purity? I don’t know. Maybe. But not without enormous expense to restore and protect the riparian damage that has occurred over decades of human activity. Do you have ideas resting in your head with no place to go? Are you willing to present to Council the things you have been dreaming about? Council is open to ideas; please share.
Disclaimer: The preceding is the opinion of Mayor Merlin Nichols and may or may not reflect the views and/or wishes of council.
EEK QUOTE OF W
-Chetwynd Legion president Darcy Groves see Page 3
Kudos &
Kicks KUDOS ... to the firefighters that have been busting their butts for the past few weeks. You are all amazing! KUDOS ... To the cool yoga instructor who reminds us “It’s hip to be square”. Do you have a kudos or kick for someone? Email them to
EDITOR@CHETWYNDECHO.NET or drop them off at our office in beautiful
Michael Macpherson is wanted for second-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of Tanner Sinclair in Whitehorse on Tuesday. (submitted by RCMP) Whitehorse. Dawson Creek RCMP said they had been notified of MacPherson's flight, but had no further information. MacPherson is a 5'10", 220-pound caucasian male with blue eyes and brown hair. He is 32 years old, and is known to go by the aliases Michael Pound or Michael Proud. The stabbing occurred early on July 15. Sinclair, 27, later died of his wounds in Whitehorse
Looking for Love inAll theWrong Places? Find your answer in the Chetwynd Echo Classifieds Call 250-788-2246 to place your Classified Ad!
General Hospital. MacPherson is believed to be armed and dangerous. Police have asked anyone with knowledge of MacPherson’s whereabouts to contact authorities immediately. Fort St. John RCMP can be reached at 250-787-8100, and Dawson Creek RCMP can be reached at 250-7843700. Information can also be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800242-8477.
PE TS
ADORABLE PU GGLE. 2 years old. Look ing for a loving home. Call Gina. 555-3210.
downtown Chetwynd (inbetween SRCI and JobSearch)
20 PILLS A DAY JUST TO DIGEST YOUR FOOD. Another reason F\VWLF ຨ EURVLV is so hard to swallow.
To learn more and VXSSRUW F\VWLF ຨ EURVLV research, visit drowningontheinside.ca
You can email us at editor@chetwyndecho.net; mail to Box 750 Chetwynd B.C. V0C 1J0 or drop of your letter at 5016 50 Avenue. All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number so we can confirm that it came from you. The Echo reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, legality, length and to refuse publication of any submitted material. We may also choose to use a letter as the basis for a story. So, be sure to keep your letters brief and to the point. Letters originating from the Peace region get priority. We encourage new contributors as we attempt to publish a cross- section of public opinion. - Naomi Larsen, Editor
6
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
British Columbia Mayor’s caucus set for September
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The mayors of British Columbia have been invited to participate in the sixth annual meeting of the BC Mayors’ Caucus, an important half-day session that will take place during this year’s UBCM Convention in Whistler. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 22 at the Westin Whistler’s Emerald Ballroom. The BC Mayors’ caucus steering committee has structured an intense session that will include discussions around issues of common concern across communities, and the “next steps� to take in addressing those issues. Further information will be availBY
"$ " # $ "
able once the caucus meetings are complete. Fort St. John mayor Lori Ackerman is a member of the steering committee. At the end of the last BC Mayors’ Caucus meetings, the members renewed the call for 10 action items. They are: • The creation of a Premier's Roundtable with the BC Mayors' Caucus to discuss public policy changes that affect local government budgets and delivery of services; • Elimination of the ad hoc granting process in favour of one that is sustainable, accountable, quantifiable and allows for long-term planning by local governments; • Review the mandate of the Municipal Auditor General;
• Develop a roundtable on aging infrastructure that includes federal, provincial and local government participation; • Re-affirm the core service delivery of each order of government; • If services are devolved to local governments, a sustainable revenue source for those services must be identified; • Develop a coordinated approach as to how social services are delivered; • Call for a full review of ambulance service delivery; • Establish flexibility around the federal gas tax and the Build Canada Fund to be goal oriented to the priorities of the specific communities; and • Update on the status of the 2010 Regional Districts Task Force.
$ !
WE’RE ALL EARS Questions? Comments? Story Ideas? Let us know how we're doing.
Bridge replacement
The Bissett Bridge on Highway 97 10 km south of Chetwynd is in the process of being replaced. Following severe flood events in June 2011, Bissett Creek and other major tributaries to the Pine River were heavily inundated with aggregate and large woody debris and the bridge suffered some damage.
Your opinion is something we always want to hear. Call or contact us online via our "To the Editor" tab.
Chetwynd Echo 5016 50th Avenue Chetwynd, BC 250-788-2246 www.chetwyndecho.net
Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that TM Mobile Inc. of Burnaby, BC, has made applications to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Peace Region, for Licences of Occupation for a communication site & roadways purposes covering approximately 8.4 hectares situated on Provincial Crown land in the vicinity of Moberly, Peace River District. The Lands File Numbers that have been established for this project are 8015735 & 8015736. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Chuck Mercanti, Senior Authorization Specialist at 100, 10003110 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 6M7, (250) 7873441. Comments will be received until September 5, 2014. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit our Applications and Reasons for Decision website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information. Be advised that any response to this notice will be part of the public record and is subject to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.
Tumbler Ridge cat stolen, locked in cage and left to die Photo by Naomi Larsen
Trent Ernst TUMBLER RIDGE NEWS –––––––––––––– TUMBLER RIDGE – It was a couple weeks ago that Bella got out of the house again. At the time, the Smith’s weren’t too worried. Bella frequently escaped, but rarely left the yard, but this time, she was nowhere to be found. They went looking for their cat, but couldn’t find it. After a week of looking they gave up, thinking the cat had met up with a coyote, or been picked up by a cat lover and taken home. However, says Calissa Smith, a recent Facebook post by Jenna Trudeau caught her interest. “To the a$$hole who abandoned a perfectly good house cat,� begins the post. “We found the cat emaciated out by Flatbed Creek toward Quintette. You should be ashamed of yourself. We brought it (haven't checked its sex) home in its rusted carrier and gave it some food and water. If anyone knows who owned this cat
I hope they can catch this monster before anything else like this happens again.
please speak up. They deserve to be fined.� Trudeau passed the cat on to local animal advocate Bailey Bailey, a friend of Smith’s. Smith wrote to Bailey, explaining that there cat had gone missing, and asked, “out of dreaded curiousity: if she could see a picture. When she got the picture, she was “99 percent sure that it was Bella; she has very distinct eyes.� Smith says she’s beyond upset. “Someone took our cat, abused her and then left her to die in this excruciating heat. They abandoned her outside of town—virtually in the middle of nowhere— trapped in a metal crate in +35°C weather,. There were signs of abuse and she was completely emaci-
ated and dehydrated.� The good news, says Smith, is that Bella is alive. The bad news is “she was suffering so much in that cage that she has done extensive damage to the roots of her front canines, trying to bite her way out of the metal bars.� In an effort to pay the vet bills, Smith has turned to crowd funding, using the site GoFundMe. “Some very generous folks have already come forward and donated money to help with the costs of the emergency veterinary fees and exams—but she will need to have this damage taken care of.� Smith says she’s raised almost $1200 with the support of friends, family and “my online community, all
Be the first to add to the story or read what your neighbour thinks. Be a part of YOUR community newspaper. Log on to our Facebook page and get involved in the discussion.
ThereĘźs more online.
of which will be going towards Bella's veterinary fees, procedures, transportation (she's had to be taken from TR to Dawson, but the vet in Dawson can't perform any extensive dental work on her until a much later date...so she'll need to be brought back home for the weekend and then taken to the vet in Chetwynd on Monday) and anything she'll need in the aftercare.� Smith says the response from people to help out has been overwhelming. “It is stuff like this that can instill that little bit of faith back in humanity for you after something so disgusting has happened.� there is a full investigation underway. “I hope they can catch this monster before anything else like this happens again. And if someone could do that to an animal, who knows what the next step is? It could be somebody’s child. That’s what’s really bothering me: that someone had it in them to do this sort of thing.� Making houses green
y’s Pub
d & drink specials
enu! 13-47 Ave.
GUST 10, 2012
ction ealty
1120
ynd.ca
Chetwynd Echo Serving Chetwynd and area since 1959 CHECK
US OUT ON
$1.25 INCLUDES
Homebuyers requesting earthy-friendly eco-dwelling
See page
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
LOCAL VISTAS
7
Did yo u k n ow ...
Losing your grip? We are pleased to introduce our TAKE TEST newestTHE member, Neharika Sharma, Licensed Denturist. Are your dentures SheLoose? is ready to take on new patients
Fighting the flames near Tumbler Ridge
Do you have a photo of the Peace area you would like to see featured here? Email editor@chetwyndecho.net.
Northern Environmental Action Team is partnering with the District of Chetwynd to present a four-week, public awareness campaign on the “health� of our local sewage system and water supply; the Pine River. Each week will have a different focus to help residents develop a deeper understanding of the system we take for granted. We all play a roll in ensuring safe water conditions and environmentally sound practices. Stay tuned from now until July 15th for each week’s theme! Presenting, week three.
Stormwater isn’t as clean as we think it is SUBMITTED –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The Pine River provides drinking water for the District but also acts as the outlet for treated sewage and stormwater. Stormwater can contain significant amounts of industrial, commercial and residential pollutants such as nutrients from fertilizer applications, sediments, pathogens and toxins. Many of these pollutants are deposited on driveways and parking lots during dry weather and are then picked up and carried into the stormwater system and into the river during a rain storm or spring melt. High concentrations of these pollutants have the capacity to negatively impact plants and animals living in aquatic eco-systems. The Pine River also acts as a popular recreation destination for residents and tourists alike throughout the year and many people fish for Rocky Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout. It is not a far leap to make the connection between runoff pollution and the health of these fish stocks. When the impacts of pollutants are obvious to anglers, the damage has already been done and reversing the ef-
fects can take a long time. Preventing pollutants from your home or business from entering the Pine River: • Pave as little of your property as possible or use permeable surfacing. This will prevent rain or melt water from running immediately into the stormwater system carrying accumulated pollutants with it. • Reduce your use of harmful cleaning products opting instead for phosphate-free biodegradable detergents or natural alternatives such as baking soda or vinegar. For natural cleaning recipes, visit pRRRdy.com and click “Live Green.â€? • Inspect oil storage tanks regularly, as well as, your vehicle’s fuel, oil
SEIZE
brake, transmission, exhaust and cooling systems regularly and fix leaks immediately. Take extra care when changing vehicle fluids at home. • Never dispose of household hazardous waste in the sewer system. Return them to Chetwynd Lion’s for recycling. • Reduce or eliminate nitrogen based fertilizers and pesticides. The health of local rivers impacts the overall health of local communities. Efforts spent to reduce pollution run-off has benefits that will last a lifetime. For more information on storm water awareness, please contact the Northern Environmental Action Team (NEAT) at 250-785-6328.
THE WEEK’S LOCAL AREA NEWS.
Get a hold on your local community when you read the newspaper. We bring you complete coverage of the current events and developments in Chetwynd and our surrounding area so you can examine the community issues affecting you and your family.
250-788-2246
Seize the day and subscribe today; call for convenient home delivery
Chetwynd Echo
Photo by Travis Justin
Painful? Please phone our office and DENTURIST: book an appointment today! Keeping you Jodie Atkinson from smiling? We Can Help You! book a FREE consultation! OverCall 5 to years old? FREE consultation
In
Call to book a
250-782-6004 250-782-6004 www.MileZeroDentureClinic.ca your pocket? www.MileZeroDentureClinic.ca 816-103rd Avenue816-103rd Avenue
8
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The Round Up: International Horsemanship Performance July 26 Baldonnel 3 pm - 6pm Contact donna@thehorseranch.com or tickets Kidsport Chetwynd presents Deryk Engelland Charity Golf Tournament July 26 at Natural Springs Golf Course. Start tine 9 am...for more info contact 250-7881855 or 6543. Kidsport Chetwynd Deryk Engelland Meet and Greet July 26 3 pm Chetwynd Recreation Centre Parking Lot Dog River Rodeo July 19-20 9th Annual Paddle for the Peace July 12 Contact Danielle 25--785-8510 for more information Free English Practice Mondays 9:30 am at Northern Lights College and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm at the Chetwynd Public Library Call 250-788-2559 Chetwynd Breastfeeding Support Network meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m at the Chetwynd Public Library. Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Pine Valley Seniors Centre Call 250-788-3306 Pine Valley Seniors Hall weekly activities including Cribbage, Whist, Bingo and Carpet Bowling. Call Anita at 788-2307 for info. Pine Valley Seniors Hall Carpet Bowling Tuesdays @ 1:30 pm. FREE Cree Lessons Wednesdays 5-6 pm at Tansi Friendship Centre Baby’s Best Chance Pregnancy Outreach Program Drop in : Mondays 10am to Noon. Weekly Group Sessions Tuesdays 11 am1pm. Located at Kici. Alanon meetings 6:30 pm Tuesdays Mickey’s Place (behind A&W) Chetwynd Society for Community Living Board Meeting. First Monday of each month. 4699 Airport Road Ph: 250-788-4889. Homeschooling Network Thursdays 1 pm - 2 pm at the Chetwynd Public Library Muskoti Learning Centre Homework Club MonThursday 3 - 4:30 pm Quintessentials Quilters Guild. Meetings held every third monday at 7 pm at the Shared Ministry Church. Contact Joan at 250-788-2714 for more information.
What’s Happening sponsored by:
Chetwynd athletes compete; place in top 20
ENERGETICCITY.CA –––––––––––––– NANAIMO – The B.C. Summer Games from Nanaimo reached their conclusion Mondaywith many athletes from in and around the Peace Region competing in various sports. Athletes competed in a variety of events including golf, swimming, soccer, and triathlon. Chetwynd athletes Dylan Joyce, and Ryley MacFarlane were in the swimming events. Joyce took part in the boys 400 metre I.M. and finished in 20th place with a time of 6:03.64. He was also in the boys 1,500 metre freestyle and took 17th place in 21:37.21. MacFarlane took part in the boys 1,500 metre freestyle as well and finished in 20th place with a time of 24:08.20. Tiana Llewellyn was part of the zone eight girls volleyball team that finished in seventh place. Fort St. John athlete Tate Haugan continued his strong efforts, this time in the boys triathlon as he finished in fifth place with a time of 43:56. He also came away with a fourth place finish in boys aquathlon
after clocking in at 8.12. Haugan notched another top 10 finish after his performance in the boys super sprint triathlon as he finished in eighth place with a time of 15:31. Alyssa Webster competed in the girls triathlon and finished in 21st place in a time of 1:09:08. In the girls aquathlon she came away with a 17th place finish after registering an 11.02. Her final event was in the girls super sprint triathlon where she finished in 22:40 which was good enough for 21st place. Jessica Telizyn took part in four events. She was 22nd in girls triathlon at 1:16.49, 21st in girls duathlon, 21st in girls aquathlon at 15.22, and 22 in girls super sprint triathlon in 23:47. Jake Lane and Sterling Middleton of Fort St. John were competing in golf. They finished in 10th and 30th place respectively. Lane shot 157 in the event while Middleton shot 196. Kyle Kimmie of Taylor was in the golf event as well. He finished 22nd after shooting 172. Blake Alberding-Berge was 28th in the boys 400 metre freestyle, and Jor-
PASS TIME IN LINE. READ THE NEWSPAPER.
is
More New Sandwiches Try the new pulled pork! KFC Chetwynd 4800 North Access Rd. 250-788-9866
dan Eyles was 32nd in girls 400 metre freestyle. They finished with times of 5:32.24, and 5:18.71 respectively. Jayden Forster was 16th in the girls 800 metre freestyle after finishing in 10:38.63, and 27 in the girls 400 metre I.M. with a time of 5:51.78. Jamie Jodoin competed in girls 400 metre freestyle, girls 400 metre I.M., and girls 800 metre freestyle. She finished in 38th, 31st, and 32nd place with times of 5:41.37, 6:09.06, and 12:20.48 respectively. Keenan Hehn, Shay Zeunert, and Shaun Zeunert were part of a boys soccer team that finished in seventh place. Emily Shaw of Charlie Lake took 13th place in the girls triathlon after she finished in 57:42. She was 17th in the girls duathlon, 13th in girls aquathlon at 10.18, and 14th in the girls super sprint triathlon with a time of 18:35. Mackenzie TernierSmith was in the boys 1,500 metre freestyle and came away with a 19th place finish after completing the race in 21:54.79. See next week’s issue for more on Chetwynd’s competitors.
CHETWYND ECHO Subscribe today!
www.chetwyndecho.net
250-788-2246
Become a fan on Facebook!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
9
British Columbia education best in Canada
Japan and Finland grab first and second place in international study BY MIKE CARTER
Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– VICTORIA – A Conference Board of Canada report shows BC has the best education system in Canada, followed closely by Ontario and Alberta. The report, ‘How Canada Performs,” an education and skills report card benchmarks the provinces and Canada as a whole, against 15 international peer countries. Peer countries are chosen based criteria of standard of living, population size and geographic size. In these rankings, BC comes third. Japan grabs the top spot ad Finland is placed second. The three top performers, British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta all received “B” grades, Quebec and Nova Scotia received a “C” grade, while Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador all earned “D’s” overall. PEI earned a “D-” grade. The study did not include the territories or Nunavut. “The three leading provinces have many results in common,” the au-
thors of the study write. “For example. They all earn an “A+” on high-school attainment, ranking higher than the top-performing peer country, and earn “A+” or “A” on college attainment and quality outcomes.” All three provinces also had some of the best results in Canada on Programme for International Student Assessment tests, an assessment of the skills of 15 year olds in reading, math and science. British Columbia received its best grades in high school attainment (where it out ranked the United States as a whole), and given that this is a necessary precursor to postsecondary education, it is not surprising that the province is also a strong performer on college attainment. In addition BC led the way on student skills, and ranked highly for its low number of students with inadequate math and science skills, and for its large share of students with high-level science skills. Like the rest of the country however, BC’s adult population did not perform
The three top performers, British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta all received “B” grades, Quebec and Nova Scotia received a “C” grade, while Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador all earned “D’s” overall. PEI earned a “D-” grade.
well. The province has a large share of adults with inadequate reading and math skills. The province’s poorest performance is on two indicators where all of Canada appears to be particularly weak: the number of PhD graduates and the number of graduates in science, math, computer science and engineering. Overall, Canada ranked third among its international peers and scores a “B” grade on the education and skills report card. Canada had the highest rate of college attainment and the second-highest rate of high-school attainment among its international
to w e N d n y w Chet
peers. Canada also received an “A” grade on ensuring that the gap between the education performances of immigrant youth relative to Canadian-born youth is small. As mentioned, the country’s grades on adult skills were weak and have even deteriorated over the past decade. Canada’s other weaknesses are its low numbers of students’ graduation with PhDs and with degrees in science, math, computer science and engineering. “Education is typically seen as the most powerful route to improving private and public prosperity and well-being,” the report
states. “There is a strong and direct relationship between educational attainment and economic growth. “Education also affects social outcomes. Higher educational attainment has been linked to increased civic engagement, higher life satisfaction, and lower crime rates.” Moreover, the group says that there is evidence that more educated people make decisions that lead to healthier and longer lives. “Education is an important contributor to wellbeing and a critical force for driving success.” Notably, two provinces that perform well on the
Conference Board of Canada economy report card – Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador - perform poorly on the education report card. The conference board says that while natural resource wealth has boosted the economic performance of the two provinces, it has also provided jobs that do not require high levels of education attainment. “The resource wealth in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador is relatively recent; the influence of the increased economic wealth on education outcomes may not be felt for some time.”
Pay Les Welding & Safety Supply Store
Authorized Linde Bottle Depot C02 refills for paint guns Much more!
Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm 3794 Old Hart Wabi Road Across from Tumbler Ridge Turnoff Phone: 250-788-3376
Pay Les Welding & Safety Supply Store
• Authorized Linde Bottle Depot • C02 refills for paint guns • Much more!
Open Mon. to Frii. 8 am to 6 pm 3794 Old Hart Wabi Road Across from Tumbler Ridge Turnoff
NORTH COUNTRY AUTOMOTIVE
• Preventative Maintenance • Winterization • Licence B.C. Inspection • Full vehicle servicing P: 788-9599 F: 788-7930
NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!
Phone: 250-788-3376
YOUR ONE CALL FOR ALL YOUR APPLIANCE NEEDS
We offer in home repair of all major appliances of all brands, as well as the supply of repair parts.
With years of experience we serve you better across the Peace Region – with weekly trips to Fort St. John, Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd – and book appointments by the hour for your convenience. Locally owned and operated 250-719-8872
This spot available Contact us for more information
LIONS RECYCLING DEPOT HOURS OF OPERATION
Please be advised that the hours of operation for the Recycling Depot are as follows: Sunday - Closed Monday 10 am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm
250 -788-1111
10
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
ANNOUNCEMENTS Cancel your timeshare. no risk program Stop mor tgage and maintenance payments today. 100 per cent money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us Now. We can help. 1-888-356-5248 Criminal Record? Canadian record suspension (riminal pardon) seals record. American waiver allows legal entry. Why risk employment, business, travel, licensing, deportation, peace of mind? Free consultation: 1- 800347-2540 Criminal Record? Don’t let your past limit your career plans. Since 1989 confidential, fas, affordable - A+ BBB rating. employment and travel freedom. Call for free info booklet. 1-80NowPARDON ( 1-866-9727 3 6 6 ) www.removeyourrecord.c om HELP WANTED Help wanted! Make $1000 weekly mailing brochures from home. No experience required. Start imm e d i a t l e y . www.themailinghub.com Driver’s wanted. AZ, DZ, 5,3 or 1 with airbrakes. Guaranteed 40 hour work week + over time, paid tr avel, lodging, meal allowance, 4 weeks vacation/excellent benefits package. Must be able to have extended stays away from home for three months at a time. Experience needed. Valid AZ,DZ, 5, 3 or 1 with airbrakes, commercial driving exprience. Apply online at www.sperryrail.com under careers. Fast TRACK application.
Mature couple wanted for resident manager position in 30-suite apartment building in Campbell River. Must be personable and handy. Free 2 bedroom suite plus $1200 per month. Ideal for retired couple. References and a vehicle are required. 1204-795-9200 Interior Heavy Equipment operator school. No simulators. In the seat training. Real world tasks. Weekly start dates. Job board! Funding options. Sign up online! iheschool.com 1866-399-3853 Now hiring!!! $28/hour. Un d e rc o v er sh o p p e r s needed. $300/day. Easy. Online Computer work. $575 /week. Assembling products. $1,000 weekly. Paid in Advance!!! Mailing brochurs. PT/FT. Genuine. Experience Unnecessary. www.AvailableHelpWanted.com PERSONAL LOCAL HOOKUPS, BROWSE4FREE 1-888628-6790 or #7878 Mobile Find your favourite. CAll Now. 1-866-732- 0070 1888-544-0199 18+ Hot local chat. 1-8770553 Mobile #5015 Meet singles right now! No paid operators. Just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-590-8215
CLASSIFIEDS
Chetwynd Echo
Hot Tub Spa Covers. Best pr ice, best quality. All shpes and colours available. Call 1-866-6526 8 3 7 . www.thecoverguy.com/ne wspaper
2008 GMC 4x4 Crew cab short box. Auto trans. 5.3L eng. Good cond. New tires 19,500 ph: 250-7883306 Steel buildings/metal buildings. Up to 60 per cent off. 30x40, 40x60, 50x80, 60x100, 80x100 sell for balance owed. Call 1-800-457-2206. w w w. c r o w n s t e e l b u i l d ings.ca
EAT WELL. LIVE LONGER.
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT.™ learn more at heartandstroke.ca
ADVERTISING REGULATIONS
For sale: over 5 million automotive par ts, custom boats, machines and tools, aerospace tools, custom fur niture, spor ts equipment and ore. See www.ronsmachinetools.co m FOR RENT 3 bdrom modular home with addition. FSWD gas and wood heat. Rent 1200 month plus utilities. No pets. Available Aug 1250-788-3400
The Chetwynd Echo reserves the right to classify ads under appropriate headlines and to set rates therefore and to determine page location. The Chetwynd Echo reserves the right to revise, edit classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Chetwynd Echo. The Chetwynd Echo cannot be responsible for errors after the first publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the appropriate advertising department to be corrected in the next available edition. It is agreed by the advertiser requesting space that the liability of the Chetwynd Echo in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event of an error appearing in the advertisement as published, shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for only one incorrect insertion for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect or omitted item only, and that there shall be no liability to an event greater than the amount paid for such advertising. Advertisements must comply with the British Columbia Human Rights Act which prohibits any advertising that discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place or origin or because age is between 44 and 65 years unless the condition is justified by a bondable requirement for the work involved.
Reitrement Apar tments. All inclusive. Meals, transporation, daily activities. shor t leases. Monthly Specials. Call 1-866-3382607
SELLING?
Are you selling your house or modular home?
1 bdr m home at Moberly Lake comes with f/s propane and wood heating Available Aug 1 $800/month includes hydro. 250-788-3400
Advertise it in the
+
Chetwynd Echo!
We will run a business card sized ad (3.21” x 2”) with photo in our classified section for one month (4 issues) for $50 + GST
True pychics. For answers call now 24/7 toll free 1877-342-3032. Mobile #4486 www.truepsychics.ca FOR SALE
BONUS!
Add ONE month on our website for an extra $30 + GST (Total cost: $80+gst)
Contact Naomi at the Chetwynd Echo today at 250-788-2246 or sales@chetwyndecho.net
Keep the numbers of these locally owned businesses on hand for all of your service and shopping needs. Naomi Larsen
Photography •
250-788-3992 •
Check me out on Facebook
M &JJ M& Computers COMPUTERS
Hours:
44 7 157- 5 511St Srtere 74 ete t 250 -7 81 8 78 80-01 90 0 9
Computers, peripherals, software, and accessories
“Putting computers and customers together and servicing the products as well”
We accept Taxi Saver Coupons Call us for: •Hotshots •Crew Transport •Pilot car
Sun: 9:00 am – 1:00 am Mon: 7:00 am – 1:00 am Tue: 7:00 am – 3:00 am Wed: 7:00 am – 3:00 am Thu: 7:00 am – 3:00 am Fri: 7:00 am – 3:00 am Sat: 9:00 am – 3:00 am
“The voice of local business”
Box 870 Chetwynd, BC V0C 1J0 Ph: 250-788-3345 Fx: 250-788-3655 www.chetwyndchamber.ca
Since 1990
e r u t a n Sig
Signs
Industrial & Commercial Signage
This spot is available!
4745 51 St Box 1529 Chetwynd, BC V0C 1J0 250-788-9225
In the Home Hardware Building Chetwynd, BC
250-788-9373
Basic oil change/gas Includes oil & filter $60
This one too!
BRIAN GALLANT, Manager
Bus: (250) 788-2067 Fax: (250) 788-2524 Email: brian_gallant@kaltire.com
Basic oil change/diesel Includes oil & filter $100 Box 267 4809 S. Access Road Chetwynd, BC V0C 1J0
These spots could be yours for only $10/week. Call Naomi today! 250-788-2246 • sales@chetwyndecho.net
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 11
Chetwynd Echo
Taylor to host 42nd Annual World Invitational Gold Panning Championships
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– TAYLOR – The District of Taylor is getting set to host the 42nd Annual Worlds Invitational Class “A” Gold Panning Championships August 1 -3. The Canadian National Goldpanners Association sanctioned event will run all weekend long at Peace Island Park, Rocky Mountain Forts. The championship is an action packed family event that boasts a long legacy in the Peace BY
Region. A Parade will kick off the event Friday evening, August 1, 2014 at 6:30 p.m., proceeding down Cherry Avenue, onto 100 Street, across 107 Avenue and down 101 Street. A member of the District of Chetwynd council will participate in the parade, representing the town. Gold panning activities, media and celebrity competition challenges, Bannok baking, Duck races, a candy crush children’s event and a Saturday
night movie night will fill the weekend. Community Services Director Laura Prosko says anyone who is interested in camping at Peace Island Park by called the Park at 250-789-9295. Campsite fees are $15.00 - $20 per night, per family. “The Gold Panning weekend is very busy, so booking early is recommended,” Prosko said. “We look forward to an exciting parade and a funfilled Gold Panning weekend!”
Council to allow backyard chickens
ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS –––––––––––––– DAWSON CREEK – The city of Dawson Creek is taking steps to allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards after a plea from a chicken owner who was ordered to get rid of her birds. Council voted to temporarily suspend a bylaw that prohibits the keeping of chickens within city limits. Going forward, city staff will study similar rules in other municipalities and bring forward a bylaw regulating chicken ownership in Dawson Creek. The move came after a presentation from Cynthia Broberg, who keeps several chickens in a backyard coop. The city received a complaint about the chickens, and earlier this month the building inspector informed Broberg that she was breaking the law. “Chickens are not permissible in a residential zone,” the inspector wrote in a letter. The city ordered her to get rid of the chickens within two weeks. However, Broberg successfully appealed the order, and in the process convinced council to relax its rules around chickens. In a presentation, Broberg argued that around 60 per cent of B.C. residents live under local governments that allow the raising of residential poultry. For example, the city of Vancouver al-
Moving?
At the Chetwynd Echo we have MOVING BOXES and the
BEST Packing Paper Available Call For Pricing 250 -788-2246
lows residents to keep four mature chickens. The most lenient communities in B.C. allow up to eight birds. Broberg also pointed out that urban agriculture is in line with the city’s sustainability goals. “Who am I hurting?” Broberg asked council. “[In keeping chickens,] my rights and freedoms aren’t interfering with someone else’s rights and freedoms.” Broberg currently has five hens and five chicks. She said she hasn’t bought eggs since acquiring the birds in 2012. Councillor Cheryl Shuman moved staff investigate updates to the bylaw. “It’s a progressive thing to do,” said Shuman. “So many communities across B.C. are doing it, let’s get with the times.” Most concerns around urban chickens centre on noise from roosters and the potential for rodent infestations. Councillor Charlie Parslow noted the Peace Region has fewer rodent species than southern cities, and that most cities have stricter rules for males. Humane societies in some cities have also reported an uptick in the number of chickens dropped off, as well-intentioned urban foodies balk at the amount of work required to raise chickens.
SERVICE TECHNICIAN
International Truck Dealership located in beautiful Northeastern BC is seeking Journeyman Service Technicians (3rd and 4th year apprentices) to join our established team of professionals. Successful candidates will be self motivated and computer literate and possess strong mechanical and diagnostic skills. We offer an excellent wage and benefit package. Please submit resume to: Email: Andy.Schurmann@gearorama.ca Fax: 250-782-8142
12
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
TUMBLER RIDGE NEWS –––––––––––––– SUKUNKA – Friday, July 12. The temperatures outside are pushing historic high levels and there’s not a cloud in the sky. Forty-six km up the Sukunka Forest Service Road, the largest electronic music festival ever held in this corner of the world is already underway, the music having started at noon at one of two stages set up for the festival. Over the course of the weekend, more than 60 DJ’s, artists and other performer, will have played. There are a few hundred cars stretched out along the tree line, campers looking for whatever bit of shade they can find on this spectacularly hot weekend. Nearly smack dab in the middle of this stretch of campers is a converted school bus with speakers and lights set outside, pumping music into the still, hot air. It’s not one of the stages set up for the festival, but a renegade stage set up by a festival attendee. There are a number of these set up around the festival: on the banks of the Sukunka River, powered by a solar panel. In a tent in the bushes. Across the large open field is the main stage, the Hyperboria Stage, a white, plywood pyramid with a hole cut in one side facing the audience. In front of the stage, a row of bass bins creates an almost
Chetwynd Echo
deafening rumble while smaller speakers and lights are set on racks to each side of the stage. In the heat of the day, the sun hammers down on the stage and dance area, and few people brave the heat. One or two people pop out into the main area in front of the stage, dance for a few minutes, then retreat to the scant shade offered by a shack across the dance area
performers at the festival toss everyt h i n g and the kitchen sink at the wall to see what sticks with few artists sticking to a particular musical style in their hourlong set, and most sets run from downbeat to dubstep and back again. While some artists compose much of their own music, many others remix other songs, often stripping the vocal track from a song, then changing the beat, tempo, instrumentation, adding effects, repeating section and otherwise messing with the music. A lot do
opens up the ability for people to express themselves musically. And that’s what it’s all about, personal creative expression. At least, that’s what J says. J is staying in a tent next to our tent trailer, having pulled in well after midnight on Friday, driving all the way from Vernon to here in 12 hours after work. He is accompanied by Maddie. “MadDog�, she introduces herself through the screen of our First Up, where we are trying to hide from the heat. She is topless, the harsh mid-day sun catching the purple highlights in her hair. She says that this festival has an interesting blend of cultures, attracting both t h e
means of having someone to look after you to prevent ingesting too much alcohol or other substances. J says that this is a good warm up for some of the bigger festivals, like Shambalah. “You've got to go,� he enthuses, when I mention I’ve considered attending. “It's a whole different league than this.� Considering that there are maybe 700 people here, and that Shambalah has over 2000 volunteers and staff alone, yes that festival is on a completely different scale than this. But at the same time, this festival has a nice, chill vibe. While a few more people would be nice, the atmosphere is very relaxed, slightly bohemian, but not outrageously so. The Magic Cool Bus Stage is the festival’s second stage, with a DJ
stone and the A list acts hit the stage. The sun goes behind the mountains just after eight and by nine it is starting to get uncomfortably cool, at least, if you’re not moving. But for the hundreds of people who now crowd both stages, it is perfect. The bikinis (or less) and shorts of the day replaced by more elaborate outfits and costumes. Many of the festival goers wear or carry LED items. One wears a pair of LED glasses, an LED hat and flashing LED gloves. Another carries a six-foot-long stick that he twirls like a staff, LEDs shifting colours as he spins it. Still others twirl LED hula-hoops, or LED poi pots which they twirl at the end of ropes like traditional Polynesian dancers. It’s all colours and lights and sound and noise and a swirl of nearly overpowering sensory stimulants, lasting long into the night and even past sunrise, until the last act of the “evening� wraps up at six in the morning. Truly, it is a rave in all but name. We leave Sunday afternoon, just as folks are winding up to do one more day and night and morning of music. Neighbour J has already left, facing a 14 hour drive back to Vernon. And, while many people are staying, many are leaving, too. From an attendee’s view, the festival was a major success. While there were a few first year issues (like running out of toilet paper for the porta-potties by midday Saturday, meaning a long drive into Chetwynd by a festival volunteer to buy more), there are no major emergencies. The atmosphere was terrific and the music was decent. One can’t help but expect next year’s festival to be even bigger and better.
A Music al Awak ening hits th e Peace
from the stage. The music emanating from this stage and the second stage (the Magic Cool Bus, set in the woods a few hundred metres away) is mostly electronica. Electronica is the term used to describe a wide range of contemporary music. Unlike its more popular cousin, electronic dance music (EDM), not all electronic is created for dancing. In fact, much of what is now considered EDM was once known as electronica, muddying the already confusing waters. At Awakening, DJs and performers take prerecorded clips, samples from other songs, beats and even sounds and loops they've created and mix it together into something never heard before and possibly never to be heard again. Many of the
electronica is interchangeable to the uneducated ear and, to mine, the artists tend to blur one into another. With the performers mostly hidden, visible as floating heads over the high walled DJ booths constructed well above head height, it is nearly impossible to separate one from another. I find out midway through the festival that a small piece of paper has been posted at each booth, but even then, I don’t bother to look. While I know some artists are ego driven, many are just happy to be here playing for whomever will listen. While some musicians sniff at the push-button nature of much of electronica, the ability for people to mix pre-existing elements into new works of art
hardcore festival tweekers and regional rednecks; dudes in ball caps and Bermuda shorts dance next to girls in rainbow dreads and Bob Marley banners worn as skirts. Many of the latter are not local. J has come from Vernon, but over the course of the weekend, the majority of the people I meet are from outside the Peace, from as far away as Vancouver. These are the people that come for the music, but also come for the culture, for the chance to stay up until five in the morning dancing and partying. While the festival is supposedly drug and alcohol free, a sign at the gate admonishes attendees to use the “buddy system�, a
booth build atop a school bus stuck in the woods between the Sukunka River and the large, open field that serves as camping area and main stage area for the Festival. The underbrush has been cleared for the dancers, and hammocks have been hung from a number of the trees for people just wanting to listen. For people wanting to be even more energetic, there is a pair of stripper poles on either side of the DJ booth. Even though this stage is sheltered by trees, it is too hot for most people to dance during the day. This changes when the sun goes down and the temperature drops like a
)%(,+.) 2/ ).2)1 3,6
NAME:
W e h a ve TE N p a ss e s t o g iv e a w ay ! ! $ ! $ $ "
! $ ! # # # !
ADDRESS: 2* 4)
&)25)). /& )%1'* 30)1"%,3
0). %- 2/ 0-
PHONE NUMBER:
CATCH THE Lobster Sandwich
WAVE
Prepared fresh. At participating BC restaurants. Additional Charges for Extras. No substitution. Plus applicable taxes. Š 2014 Doctor’s Associates Inc. SUBWAYŽ is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.