4745 51 Street P.O. Box 1529 Chetwynd, B.C. V0C 1J0
Chetwynd
Alma Walter 250-788-5168
Myra Grodzuik 250-788-6365
Dan Grodzuik 250-788-6435
www.facebook.com/chetwyndecho www.chetwyndecho.net
ECHO
OCTOBER 15, 2014
BY MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND - In the wake of the idling and curtailment of development of several mines in Tumbler Ridge, Chetwynd Mayor Merlin Nichols says the municipality is blessed to have a diverse economy that can help lighten the economic blow. Although Chetwynd was not completely immune. “Mine closures hurt. they hurt families, they hurt businesses, they hurt the reputation of the community,” Nichols said. “The closures do not end [but] they will not put us down.” The town can look to its recently announced pellet plant at Canfor's mill and a recently constructed bio-energy, wood-waste-burning electricity generating plant at its West Fraser mill and see these two projects as elements of what marks the economic diversity that keeps Chetwynd going strong. “Oil, gas and mining seem to occupy our attention, but forestry, believe it or not [supports] 700 families in the community. That’s massive
Please see "NICHOLS," page 2
Come
heck
ur
out o
ood & daily f pecials s drink594 • 4613-47 Ave. nd c n in a
o
88-9
250-7
$1.25 INCLUDES GST
Nichols wins by acclamation Eight candidates to battle it out for six councillor positions
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND - Mayor Merlin Nichols, joins the mayors of Fort St. John, Hudson’s Hope and Dawson Creek in being re-elected by acclamation. However, there is the potential for two new councillors, with eight members of the community announcing their intention to run for local office. Election day is one month from today, November 15, 2014. Friday, October 10 was the final day for nomination submissions for the positions of mayor, council, school board trustee, and PRRD electoral area representative. There are a total of eight candidates running for six councillor positions on the District of BY
Chetwynd. They are: • Clay Bassendowski • Alec Brownlee (incumbent) • Mel Deck • Rochelle Galbraith (incumbent) • Ernest Pfanner (incumbent) • Darren Shankel • Dale Tremblay • Laura Weisgerber (incumbent) Shankel, the principal of Peace Christian School, fought a respectable campaign for councillor in the spring of 2013, after Don Harris stepped down from the position citing work reasons. Shankle was unsuccessful, losing to current councillor Larry Vezina. Vezina announced in September that he would not be seeking reelection, and instead, will look to retire from his successful septic business and enjoy the time off
Bennett preaches patience in NE Coal Sector
INSIDE
b
Pu s ’ y a r Mur
CELEBRATING 55 YEARS IN 2014
Town blessed by diverse economy, says Mayor
Norma Tower 250-788-5388
Julia Nelson 250-788-6707
Coal Forum 2014 Coverage Pages 7-9
with his wife and family. Both of the current School District 59 board trustees are seeking reelection in the Chetwynd area. They join three others, for a total of five people running for the two positions on the school board. The candidates are: • Crystal Hillton • Sorene Kampen • Anita Prescott • Bob Shirley • Andrea Smith Two members of the Peace River Regional District board of directors have been reelected by acclamation. Karen Goodings (Electoral Area B) and Leonard Hiebert (Electoral Area C). Two people were competing to represent Electoral Area C: Brad Sperling and James Bergen. The successful candidate will take over
MIKE C ARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – Mining in northeast BC is sometimes casually underrated, which is a statement that might seem odd at a time when, by the end of the year, not a single coal mine will be in operation in this part of the province. But Bill Bennett, Minister for BY
Energy and Mines, when speaking in Chetwynd last week at the 2014 northeast BC coal and energy forum, preached patience and showed a confidence that the sector would turn around. Some questioned why the District of Chetwynd held a coal forum at a time when several of the coalmines in the northeast have either idled
It’s very important for us to do this. Minister Bill Bennett re: 2014 Coal Forum
from out going director Arthur Hadland who chose not to seek reelection. Three people are in competition for representation of Electoral Area E: Jerrilynn Schembri, former Chetwynd councillor Don Harris and Dan Rose. Upon learning of the acclamation of Hiebert and Goodings, Schembri wished to extend a congratulations by saying, “the Region is fortunate to have the two of you back representing them.” The District of Tumbler Ridge will provide perhaps the most exciting race in the Peace Region. At the very least, they are joining Pouce Coupe & Taylor in holding an election for the office of Mayor. Three candidates have put their Please see "FIVE," page 2
their operations or otherwise curtailed development. The reason is: metallurgical coal isn’t going anywhere. BC is Canada’s largest exporter of coal, and the worlds third largest by volume, and the northeast is a large part of that. To ignore that, would be
Please see "ENERGY," page 7
BC to allow liquor sales in grocery stores Page 12
5008 50th Ave • Chetwynd, BC • 250-788-3755 Prices in effect from Friday October 17 to Thurs Oct 23
2
Wednesday, OCTOBER 15, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
Five candidates throw their names in for SD59
Continued from page 1
name forward to replace out going incumbent Darwin Wren, who earlier announced his intention to step down due to family issues. Bev Fournier, Garret Golhof and current councillor Don McPherson will compete for the office, joining the 11 candidates competing for the spots on town council. They are: Leesa
Barbon, Janeth Barker, Marcel Brodeur, Mike Caisley (incumbent), Rose Colledge, Will Howe, Joanne Kirby, Darryl Kraowka, Rob Mackay (incumbent), Helen Scott and Tim Snyder (incumbent). Current School District 59 board of trustees representative for Tumbler Ridge Sherry Berringer, will have some competition for the one representative from the municipality, as
Beelyne Executive Services Ltd. Serving Chetwynd for 40 years
250-788-3638
5209 N. Access Rd
Kudos &
Kicks Kudos to MJ Computers for paying it forward and your professionalism Do you have a Kudos or a Kick? Let us know! editor@chetwyndecho.net; fax 788-9988, phone 788-2246 or drop them off!
Roxanne Gulick has thrown her hat in the ring. In Dawson Creek, Mayor Dale Bumstead retains his seat by acclamation. 12 others will seek election to council. They are: Cheryl Shuman (incumbent), Shaely Wilbur (incumbent), Arleene Thorpe, Terry McFadyen (incumbent), Johanna Kunz, Kevin Zarifeh, Wayne Dahlen, Charles Parslow (incumbent),
Theresa Gladue, Paul Gevatkoff, Mark Rogers, and Justin Pylatuk. Councillors Sue Kenny, and Duncan Malkinson will not seek reelection. Richard Powell and Tamara Ziemer will seek reelection on the School District 59 board of education, facing competition from two new comers: Tim Bennett and David Griffith. Finally, Fort St. John Mayor
Lori Ackerman is the third Peace Region mayor to be elected by acclamation. 12 will seek election to council, including incumbents Trevor Bolin, Dan Davies, Larry Evans, Bruce Christensen, Gord Klassen and Byron Stewart, who will be joined by Tamara Wilkinson, Christopher Clarke, Graham McCoubrey, Becky Grimsud, Dan Pope and Karen Mason.
Nichols hopes delegates left feeling Chetwynd was excellent community Continued from page 1
for a small community, Mayor Nichols said. With Chetwynd Mechanical Pulp (Paper Excellence) coming online soon, that number is set to increase. This is not only the pandering or a Mayor who holds an express interest in making himself and the community he represents look good. The numbers do back his statements of a strong forestry industry. According to Central 1 Credit Union’s latest analysis of the BC economy published last month, the rebound of the forestry sector from the time of the beetle kill, has been a strong economic driver for the entire northeast region. It’s important to note too, that at 257 million board feet, and 244 million board feet per year respectively, West Fraser, and Canfor in Chetwynd are the two largest lumber mills in the region, out producing Canfor’s Fort St. John mill (221 million board feet per year). Through the first half of 2014, northeast BC timber harvest volume was up 15 per cent from 2013, and the region - with the two Chetwynd mills leading the way - has outperformed the rest of the province’s forestry sector by a wide margin. In-
It’s a cosmopolitan community. There are people here from all over the world. It’s a place where you can feel at home.
NICHOLS
creased production at Chetwynd’s West Fraser mill has been a noteworthy contributor in this regard. In contrast, provincial timber harvest declined by 5 per cent over the first half of 2014, following a strong pickup in 2013, as overall shipments eased slightly. Agriculture was another area highlighted by Mayor Nichols in his praise for Chetwynd’s economic diversity. On the overall, the industry has held steady and is also an integral part of the northeast British Columbia economy on the whole, producing 5 per cent of the total provincial agricultural volume. There are 1,560 farms in operation in the region, according to Statistics Canada, down from 1,729 in 2006. Most farms in the
peace are ranches, and are predominately focused on cattle ranching. In recent years, cattle earnings have been down about 20 per cent from mid-decade highs. Yet, generally, the outlook for the sector is positive as cattle prices are forecast to trend higher through the horizon due in large part to higher incomes in emerging markets that will fuel meat consumption. It might surprise some to learn that gas is struggling, waiting for the development of the much-touted but slow to develop LNG based BC economy. However, in Chetwynd, there are still several jobs being provided from gas extraction. By Nichols’ estimation there are 65 people directly employed by the Spectra Energy Pine River
Gas Plant, and in total, about 100 families supported in Chetwynd from the plant, when you include contractors and others directly supporting the business. Tourism, and transport sectors (including CN Rail and transport truck drivers/companies) continue to be a reliable source of jobs for the municipality. “Chetwynd is totally dependent on wheels,� Nichols said. “Without truck drivers and the trucks they drive, the commerce of Chetwynd would sit right where it is. They are squeezed between the rates that the companies pay and the prices of fuel and repairs and licences and yet they keep going and the keep hauling the commerce of this community to its markets.� All of this combines to make Chetwynd a very liveable place, with a strong economy, he concluded. Nichols hoped the delegates of the recent 2014 Northeast British Columbia Coal and Energy Forum left Chetwynd feeling as though this was an excellent community to live and work in. “It’s a cosmopolitan community. There are people here from all over the world. It’s a place where anyone can feel at home.�
Corporate Donations $500,000 Community & Individual $19,395 District of Chetwynd employees & Council $5,001 In-Kind donations $7,714 TOTAL: $532,110
* This ad sponsored by the Chetwynd Echo *
Chetwynd Tim Horton’s owners Nikki Poon and Kris Toijonen presents several Chetwynd Elementary School teachers with a cheque for $2,483 collected from this year’s Smile Cookie promotion.
Photo submitted
Work camps to get waste receiving centre
Wednesday, OCTOBER 15, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The city of Dawson Creek is teaming up with the Peace River Regional District to address a gaping hole in the region's waste disposal network. City Council agreed on Monday to partner with the PRRD to build a trucked waste receiving facility where rural residents and worker camp operators can safely dispose of septic waste in municipal sewage treatment systems. The city is proposing a $3.5 million facility that would receive waste and charge the dumper a fee. It would be part of a network of three new facilities the PRRD is proposing for the region, and would include a separate site for RV owners to dump their tanks. The trucked waste facility would tentatively be built at the end of 115th Avenue, while the RV only dump would be built between 115th and 116th
Avenue, in the old 2nd Street right-of-way. The issue of waste disposal has become increasingly fraught in recent years, in part because new federal laws expose cities to more liability should waterways be contaminated with sewage. The city of Fort St. John announced last fall that it would close its own sewage transfer facility at the end of 2014, in response to several loads of illegal contaminants that threatened the biological components of the city's treatment system. Dawson Creek has had similar close calls. "The big danger Dawson Creek seeks to prevent is a truck holding waste from the oilpatch wrecking the whole system," said the city's chief administrative officer, Jim Chute. Treated water from both the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John systems are discharged into local waterways.
On several occasions, as reported earlier in the Alaska Highway News, Dawson Creek city staff caught septic contractors trying to dispose of diesel and fracking chemicals at the unmanned transfer station near the exhibition grounds. Industrial activity has led to a spike in the total amount of sewage the city processes annually. According to a report, the Dawson Creek facility handled 14,800 cubic meters of sewage in 2012. That number is now projected at 45,000 cubic meters in 2014, and is expected to top out in the medium term at 60,000. Chute said that if approved, industrial users and the PRRD would pay a large percentage of the costs for new receiving facilities proposed for Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Chetwynd. "Industry doesn't want [illegal dumping] to happen, and they're willing to pay to make sure that doesn't happen," said
3
Got a news tip? Drop us a line on Facebook or editor@chetwyndecho.net
Chute. The new facility would be staffed, and would have sensors to detect hazardous materials in loads before they are introduced into the main sewage system. Unlike the city's existing sani-dump, the new facility would be monitored by a staff person.
# # "
" " • " •
# # @ "# ! @ "#
Saulteau First Nations 2014 By-Election
Your family depends on you to drive safely. Plan ahead and drive for the conditions.
NOTICE OF NOMINATION PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given to the citizens of the Saulteau First Nations that nominations for the office of: Councillor (one to be elected to represent the Napoleon family who will complete a term which ends April 2017) will be received by the Electoral Officer at a nomination meeting to held on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 starting at 7:00 pm in the gymnasium of the SFN Band Office.
Know before you go. DriveBC.ca | ShiftIntoWinter.ca
SHOW U S YOU R R AC K !
NOMINATIONS
Chetwynd Echo
During the nomination meeting, any eligible voter of the Saulteau First Nations may nominate or second only one eligible candidate for this office. An eligible voter is defined in the SFN Election Procedures as “any SFN citizen who has reached the legal age of 18 years.� Nomination documents will be provided at this meeting.
ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE
A citizen may be nominated, elected, and to hold office as a Councillor of the Saulteau First Nations if he or she meets the following criteria: • 18 years of age or older on the date of nomination; • has not been convicted of an indictable offense within 5 years prior to the date of nomination, and consents to a Criminal Records Check; • is not under any Court Order to not hold an elected office; • has not been removed from a Council position based on any violations or breaches of the Saulteau First Nations Constitution within 5 years prior to the date of nomination; • has not resigned from a Council position without justifiable cause within 3 years prior to the date of nomination; • resides or normally resides within the traditional territory of the Saulteau First Nations; and • if not currently a resident, will relocate to the Saulteau First Nations reserve #169 or its surrounding territory within one (1) month from being elected. A citizen is defined in the SFN Election Procedures as “any registered member of the Saulteau First Nations as per the SFN membership list.â€? “Normally resides within the traditional territoryâ€? means someone who is temporarily away from the territory due to medical, educational or seasonal work purposes.
ATTENTION HUNTERS!
Big ones, small ones, we want to see them all!
Email your photos to production@chetwyndecho.net (donĘźt forget to include your name and where you took down your prize) and weĘźll print them each week in our pages. Great for scrapbooking. And bragging rights.
VOTING DATES, TIMES AND LOCATIONS
ADVANCE VOTING will be available to eligible voters as follows: Wednesday, October 22, 2014 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm Board Room, Band Office Saulteau First Nations FINAL VOTING will be open to eligible voters on: Saturday, October 25, 2014 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Board Room, Band Office Saulteau First Nations
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on these matters, please contact Cindy OĘźBrien at (250) 788-7282.
William Lindsay Electoral Officer
Wednesday 15
High: 5 Low: 1
Thursday 16
High: 10 Low: -1
Friday 17
High: 10 Low: 2
Saturday 18
High: 13 Low: 6
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 19
High: 14 Low: 5
Monday 20
High: 13 Low: 4
High: 11 Low: 3
Tuesday 21
Use caution when passing Use caution when passing or encountering or encountering road maintenance equipment.road maintenance equipment.
Drive Safely! Drive Safely!
4
Wednesday, OCTOBER 15, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
Watch Libs abandon Site C for LNG Guest Editorial Richmond News
A number of key First Nations leaders have adroitly realized the best way to kill the Site C dam project may be to hitch their potential support for building LNG pipelines to the dam never being
built. Getting First Nations' support for any major economic development that involves land use or the extraction of natural resources has been the reality in recent years and will only become more critical in the years ahead. The strong opposition of First Nations is a major reason why Enbridge's Northern Gateway pipeline will likely never be built. Premier Christy Clark's government faces a number of challenges towards getting an LNG industry up and running in this province, not the least of which is ensuring First Nations don't decide to block any pipelines or projects. So when three key B.C. First Nations leaders travelled to Ottawa last week to send a message to the federal government that they strongly oppose the Site C dam --but might be open to supporting other forms of energy, including LNG pipelines - it's important that everyone sit up and take notice. Chief Roland Wilson of the West Moberly First Nation, which would be most directly affected by the massive flooding that would occur if Site C dam is built, made it clear he won't support any LNG pipelines if Site C proceeds. His band is one the few to have signed a treaty with the provincial government, having done so back in 1899. As such, it's not entirely clearhow the recent Supreme Court of Canada landmark decision conferring aboriginal title will affect treaty bands' opposition to Site C. Nevertheless, Wilson's support for LNG pipelines is likely needed, and so is that of other First Nations. This is not going to be an easy thing to secure, given that not all First Nations share the same views on resource development. Public opposition to LNG does not appear to be anywhere near the level attached to oil pipelines like Northern Gateway or Kinder Morgan's proposed twinned pipeline project. A "spill" from an LNG pipeline simply dissipates into the atmosphere, instead of fouling creek beds or coast lines. The main concerns over natural gas extraction is the practice of fracking, which involves injecting huge amounts of water laced with chemicals deep into the ground in order to loosen gas deposits. But so far, at least, there is not much evidence of a groundswell of opposition to this practice. But the opposition, from both the general public and First Nations, towards the Site C dam project will likely increase substantially in the years ahead. Chief Wilson argues his territory is already abuzz with all kinds of industrial activity - fracking, gas wells, windfarms - and to add both LNG pipelines and a massive hydroelectric dam is simply too much, and that's an argument that will likely gain more traction with the public. So don't be entirely surprised if the B.C. government loses enthusiasm for building Site C if it realizes doing so may jeopardize a more prized part of its economic and energy strategy - getting an LNG industry firmly established in this province. *** I see the Ministry of Children and Family Development is once again displaying its trademark tone-deafness, as it has apparently decided to deduct postsecondary bursaries from any financial aid foster youth receive from the province. Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond, the B.C. Representative for Children and Youth, blew the whistle on the scheme last week, calling it "petty" and "embarrassing." Turpel-Lafond has demanded the problem be "fixed" immediately. Given her track record of winning these kinds of battles, I can only assume it will be. But as of this column's writing, it had not.
40% of all traffic crash deaths happen to occupants who aren’t wearing their seat belt. Don’t become a statistic.
www.icbc.com
Chetwynd
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
Do we? Do we not? Should we? MAYORʼS
o we? Do we not? Should we? Should we not? Will we? Will we not? Some decisions do not come easily – especially if they potentially affect the view or the air quality or some other vital element of community life. For the last couple of years Council has been tantalized by the prospect of a new industry coming to town – specifically a wood pellet manufacturing plant. Canfor has submitted the application for a development permit. This means that Council had to make a decision. Not easy. The proposal meets all minimum standards set by the Ministry of Environment for air quality and other potential hazards. Does it meet the standards we set for our home town? Here are the major questions that we wrestled with over months: How
will air quality be af- Canfor sawmill. Noise levels are not loud fected? What are the visual implications? What or irritating. The major kinds and volumes of noise source is the hamemissions will be gener- mer mill used to reduce ated? Will industrial noise the fiber to small particles for compressing into pelbe increased? Our latest research took lets. This cannot be heard outside its us to Gerbuilding. In many by fact, with the telephone to new plant sitthe Mayor uated beof a town tween the that is host present mill to an identiUsing modern and the resical plant. We technology, the dential area, believe that proposed Chetwynd noise may acwe have g a r n e r e d plant will exhibit none of tually be resufficient in- these characteristics. duced at the closest resiformation to dences. support a Some of decision to you have issue the debeen unpleasvelopment antly impermit. We pressed with want to share with you the reasons the sight and odour of the pellet plant beside Highfor our decision. The heating and generat- way 97 south of Prince ing plant is equivalent to George. With good reason. two of the plant already op- Using modern technology, erating on the Canfor site. the proposed Chetwynd The present Canfor step- plant will exhibit none of grate furnace consumes these characteristics. The only hog fuel; it emits no plan allows for storage of a visible effluent. The pellet maximum of five day’s plant would burn the same supply of raw material. type of fuel produced at the The storage will be inside,
undercover, sheltered from wind and rain. No smell except the ordinary, pleasant smell of wood. Enclosed conveyors will transport material from mill to storage to mill. Emissions will be of two kinds: white steam from the belt dryer (like we see from the kilns on a cold winter day); and all-butinvisible combustion emissions, pre-treated by two precipitators in series to remove particulate. My conclusion reached after these months is that this plant will have a net positive affect on air quality, dust levels, odours, and noise in the area. It is essentially a green industry with a carbon-neutral product. The plant will employ between 12 and 20 highpaid workers for years to come plus spin-off effect and will be an important factor in keeping the Canfor mill competitive.
To the Editor: We are currently facing two pivotal moments in public education in British Columbia. Firstly, we have just ended a lengthy strike that will bring five years of labour stability and an opportunity to rebuild relationships and strengthen our education system. Over the past several months there has been a focus on what was wrong with the system rather than what is right. Now is the time to shift that focus back to what we all have in common – success for students. British Columbia has one of the best education systems in the
world because of fabulous teachers, administrators and support staff. Yes, there are still challenges to overcome. There will always be a need for increased funding and staffing. But our education system should not be defined by the challenges. It should be defined by our willingness and ability to work together to overcome them. Success is a team effort and it is now time for us to once again work together as a team. The second pivotal moment will occur on November 15, the date of local trustee and municipal elections in British Columbia. On this day you will have
an opportunity to elect the women and men who will lead and oversee public education in your community. School trustees working in their communities with education partners and parents provide focus and direction to help realize the educational aspirations of students throughout the province. Public education is everyone’s business. It is the engine that will determine the success of our province. Our future employees, leaders, parents and citizens will come from today’s classrooms. November 15 is your opportunity to select the individuals in your community who
will advocate for that future, and who will determine the directions to guide this critical public investment. Public education is always exciting and challenging in British Columbia. When I see students in our classrooms supported by dedicated teachers, administrators support staff, and trustees, I see the future. Working together with a clear focus on what is best for student ensures that the future will be bright.
D
REPORT with Merlin Nichols
Disclaimer: The preceding is the opinion of Mayor Merlin Nichols and may or may not reflect the views and/or wishes of council.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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
Sincerely, Teresa Rezansoff President,British Columbia School Trustees Association
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, OCTOBER 15, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
BC government's changes to the Societies Act declares open season on non-profits opposed to LNG
5
September busy month MLA REPORT
with Mike Bernier
T
world that are overseen by UNESCO. The Tumbler Ridge Geopark spans nearly 8,000 square kilometres and will showcase attractions such as dinosaur tracks, mountain trails, canyon falls and wetlands. Congratulations to the Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation, Mayor & Council, and everyone else that worked so hard to bring this dream to fruition. Until Sunday, November 16th, the independent
BY MIKE CARTER he month of September was another Chetwynd Echo extremely busy Reporter month so I will just touch –––––––––––––– on some of the highlights. VICTORIA - EnvironIf you want to keep up to mental groups across the date on my activities province are concerned a The clear intent is to please join my Facebook clause in the proposed silence and intimidate page or feel free to contact overhaul of the Societies Canadian conservation me any time. Act, could make it possiOn September 21st I ble for oil and gas compaand environmental nonwas pleased to participate nies to pursue legal profits with the threat of in the celebrations for the challenges against nonlitigation International Day of profits, essentially bankPeace. Many of us gathrupting them and ered in Peace Park in silencing their opposition. Dawson Creek for the cel- Sadly, after 23 years of Section 99 of the new ebrations and the official Societies Act put forward hard work and dedicaopening of the new by the Ministry of Fi- GAROSSINO tion, the Dawson Creek human sun dial made in nance, allows any person memory of Edna McPhail Beautification Commit(including corporations) pdfs/SocietyActWhitePa- by contributing to a vigtee has discontinued orous public debate over who was one of the to take any registered so- per.pdf. A public comment pe- resource development. founding members of the ciety to court that they beA debate that might beautification committee. lieve is acting contrary to riod begun in August, development, ended today (October 15, delay Sadly, after 23 years of the public interest. costing some people hard work and dedicaCritics, like Sandy 2014). Section 99, “Com- their jobs, but ultition, the Dawson Creek Garossino, a BC business Beautification Committee owner, community advo- plaints by public”, states: mately, that is in has discontinued. Thanks cate and former crown “A person whom the essence, exactly what we to all the volunteers who and non-partisan BC Elecprosecutor, say environ- court considers to be an all expect in a demohave spent so many years toral Boundaries Commental non-profit groups appropriate person to cratic society. edicCity A l ermission t® . T h e b rac et “Agree or disagree is elrequesting working around M the now have to watch their make an application w ith and an emergenc otl ine input ony h how northern keeping gardens step because this legisla- under this section may with the environmental l ink edsoto y ridings our c h ilshould d’s look for green spaces looking tion puts them firmly in apply to the court for an movement, its members order under this section are entitled, as are all of the next two elections. nice for everyonemedic to enjoy. the cross hairs. al ecr ord. On September 22nd the Please visit their website “Premier Clark is on the grounds that a so- us, to contribute vigor-9 4 2 5 Cal l 1-8 6 6 -7 3 4 http://www.bcDistrict of Tumbler Ridge at handing the legal ham- ciety… is carrying on ac- ously to public debate or v is it w w w . medic al t.erc a that are over resource developbecame North America's ebc.ca/speak to express mer to Enbridge, Kinder tivities L ong, h appy l v ipublic es . I t’s w ment,” h at ev eryGarossino parent w says. ants for second UNESCO Geop- your opinion about the to the Morgan, ExxonMobil, detrimental th eir c h il dr en. “No one in a free and ark. A Geopark is an area importance of our region Koch, Encana, Chevron, interest.” e w h en k with ids geological signifi- and having fair represenT h at’ s w h are y th also ere’ s al-M edic A l ert® . B ec aussociety democratic Challenges Sinopec, Suncor and the should be silenced or on the grounds cance entire BC LNG sector to lowed h av e a h eal th c ondition,th ey are ex pos ed to undue ris k . and conservation, tation for rural BC. censored gov- y education and sustainable society Prior to his passing in tie non-profits up in thatM aedic A l erist – conductit’ s th e b rac el et w by ith fear an of emergenc e r n m e n t s a n c t i o n e d potentially frauduDecember 2013, I was hoeconomic development court for years,” h ing otl ine l inked to y our c h il d’s medic al ecr ord. reprisal. But that is preactivities. noured to meet with my programs, and Tumbler Garossino writes in a B ewlent are of imitations . O nl y th e trus ted s erv ic es of cisely the purpose of this An explanation within friend the late Larry Fynn, Ridge now joins roughly Huffington Post blog M edic A l ert c an prov ide ins tant ac c es s to our y c h il d’s v ital h eal th legislation.” draft legislation says former Mayor of the Vil100 such sites around the entry information published any on w the h ere in th e w orl d. The Ministry of Fithatavthis provides memMonday. M edic A l ert is not ail ab l e in s tores . Cal l 1-8 6 6 -7 3 4 -9 4 2 5or v is it bers of the general public nance has been conduct“The clear intent is to w w w . medic al t.erc a silence and intimidate the right to seek a court ing a review of the Canadian conservation remedy if a society is act- Societies Act since 2009. and environmental non- ing “in a fraudulent or un- The ministry produced a profits with the threat of lawful manner, or is discussion paper in 2011, litigation. And if mere otherwise not acting in and the draft legislation w public . k ids interest.” prot ec t. c a (made available to the threat doesn’t work, this w wthe Cal l 1-8 6 6 -7 3 4 -9 4 2 5 It’s the public interest public in August) has un[proposed] legislation or v is it w w w . medic al t.erc a enables the corporate part, and the vague defi- dergone several changes sector to bludgeon them nition thereof, that con- and revisions since then. Cal l 1-8 6 6 -7 3 4 -9 4 2 5 6 6 -7 3 is4 coming -9 4 2 5 l 1-8 process manyCal The intoor lawsuit v is it bankruptcy.” w w w . medic alcerns t.erc a or v tois aitclose, w w w . and medic er t. c a thealdraft A government White environmental non-profit Paper on the proposed groups, who have al- legislation could be changes can be found ready been accused of tabled in the current sesh e r e : acting contrary to the sion of the BC Legislawww.fin.gov.bc.ca/pld/fcsp/ public’s interest, simply ture.
B ec aus e y ou l ov e th eir l iv es .
B ec aus e y ou l ov e th eir l iv es .
lage of Pouce Coupe. Larry came to meet with me regarding the installation of speed reader signs near the Pouce Coupe Elementary School. He was concerned about the children having to cross the highway and the issues with speeding drivers in this area. I was extremely happy to see the two new speed reader boards have now been installed on Highway 2 near the Pouce Coupe Elementary School. This project is thanks to a partnership between the B.C. government and the Larry Fynn Foundation from donations made in memory of Larry. I want to thank the Larry Fynn Foundation for providing funding toward this project and making Larry’s wish come true. Enhancing traffic safety is always a wise investment, and these speed reader boards will be part of Larry Fynn’s legacy. For the months of October and November I will once again be in session in Victoria. I invite you to watch debates of the Legislative Assembly of BC online at www.leg.bc.ca. Although I will be away at session I make every effort to ensure I am available for constituents via telephone, email or Facebook. Please be sure to contact Cindy at the office (250-782-3430) if you need any assistance, to arrange a time to meet with me, or have me attend any function you are holding. Thanks again for the opportunity to represent you.
EXTENDED UNTIL OCT. 31
B ec aus e y ou l ov e th eir l iv es . M edic A l ert® . T h e b rac el et w ith an emergenc y h otl ine l ink ed to y our c h il d’s medic al ecr ord
Cal l 1-8 6 6 -7 3 4 -9 4 2 5 or v is it w w w . medic al t.erc a
51
B ec aus e y ou l ov e th eir l iv es . Cal l 1-8 6 6 -7 3 4 -9 4 2 5 or v is it w w w . medic al t.erc a
issues
50% off
E subscription regularly $60/year
One sale now for only $30! Get your copy
B E F O R E it hits newstands
Call: 250-788-2246 Fax: 250-788-9988 Email: accounts@chetwyndecho.net • Expires Sept. 30/2014 • subscriptions to be delivered via email in pdf form •
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, OCTOBER 15, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Chetwynd Wave of Light: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberance Day Oct 15 Chetwynd Midget Giants vs Grand Prairie A Rep, Saturday Oct. 18 3 pm Chetwynd Recreation Centre Free Curling Clinic October 14,15 or 16 7 pm at hte Curling Rink 'Connections for Women' support group. Wednesdays 1-2:30pm star ting November/14 Register by phoning 250-788-1986 Chetwynd Community Arts Council Annual Fall Gala and Art Show November 8. Doors open 6 pm. Pomeroy Inns & Suites Ballroom. Tickets available from any member - watch for posters around town.
BC Government gives annual arts grant
M IKE C ARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– VICTORIA –The BC Government has committed $2.5 million in arts grants. The announcement in Victoria on Monday was met with praise from BC BY
Kudos! Email, Tweet or Facebook us your shoutouts for good service, accomplishments, good news or reconnections at
production@chetwyndecho.net
Chetwynd Shared Ministry Dinner and Auction October 18 Senior’s Hall Contact Donn at 788-7800 for tickets Free English Practice Mondays 9:30 am at Northern Lights College and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm at the Chetwynd Public Library Call 250-7882559 Chetwynd Breastfeeding Suppor t 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 am-1pm. Located at Kici.
Arts Council chair Stan Hamilton. The nearly $2.58 million in funding is being provided for scholarship awards and media arts as well as professional development, early career development and touring initiatives in the performing arts and stu-
!0'%0%2! 1(6*
!0'%0%2! -- 361 5!1 ".0- .-$!6 /0)+ )- )--)/%' !-)2."! (% %-2%0%$ %2%0-!+ 0%12 .- 0)$!6 %/2%,"%0 )- (%256-$ (% 5!1 6%!01 .+$ !0'%0%2!81 &!,)+6 '!2(%0%$ !2 2(% 1(6* !-#( .- 0)$!6 %/2%,"%0 !2
/, &.0 ! #%+%"0!2).- .& (%0 +)&% !0'%0%2! )1 1304)4%$ "6 (%0 +.4)-' (31"!-$ .& 6%!01 )++ (%0 #()+$0% !++6 .00)1 %1+%6 .3)1% !+2%0 (!0.- 1)12%0 !0)% 0!-$#()+$0% !2(!- !6+%6 !-)%+ )++.- !%+! 4!- 6!- !-$ (%0 '0%!2 '0!-$#()+$0% .(%- %-7)% !-$ !$%- (% 5!1 /0%$%#%!1%$ "6 (%0 /!0%-21 %.0'% !-$ 6$)! 361 %0 1)12%01 3$6 .12%0 !-$ %4%0+%6 361 !-$ (%0 1.)++)% 1(6*
dio arts fields. “Thanks to important funding support fro the Government of British Columbia and the invaluable contributions made by dedicated participants of the independent peer-review process, the BC Arts Council is able to further this province’s remarkable artistic talent,� Hamilton said. These most recent awards are a result of applications examined by the BC Arts Council’s independent peer-review process between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2014. The funding is part of the $24 million provided to the BC Arts Council by the government of BC to support the province’s arts and culture sector in 2014-15. Overall government investment in support for artists, art organiza-
tions and cultural institutions for 2014-15 amount $60 million. “The government of British Columbia is extremely pleased to [be] supporting the creative and economic vitality of our province’s arts sector,� said Coralee Oakes, minister of community, sport and cultural development. “In particular, this latest set of awards helps ensure the future of artistic excellence in the province.� The approved grants were awarded to emerging professional artists in addition to community and arts organizations in 39 B.C Communities. Established in 1995, the BC Arts Council consults with the arts and culture community to develop policies, programs and strategic priorities for the sector.
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
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 Airpor t Road Ph: 250-7884889. Homeschooling Network Thursdays 1 pm - 2 pm at the Chetwynd Public Librar y Muskoti Learning Centre Homework Club Mon-Thursday 3 - 4:30 pm Quintessentials Quilters Guild. Meetings held every third monday at 7 pm at the Shared Ministry Church. Contact Joan at
When/Where: When/Where: October October 23, 23, 7 pm 1981 Alaska 1981 A lask ka Ave. Ave. Dawson Creek Dawson Cr eek Peace River Regional Peace R iver R egional District meeting District – LLower ower m eeting room. room.
What’s Happening sponsored by:
AND
is
This spot is available for sponsorship Call for details
November pm Novembe er 5, 7 p m
Building Bylaw Building B ylaw Update Update The public invited meeting Th e p ublic is in vited to to a m eeting ffor or the the rreview eview of of Draft Draft Building Building Bylaw Bylaw 2131, 2014. 2014. Following 2013 Following input input rreceived eceived att the the 2 013 Community Community Conversations, Building Bylaw 2131, Conver e sations, Draft Draft B uilding B ylaw 2 131, 2014 2014 will will return building permit back return the t he b uilding p ermit system system b ack tto o that that formerly Bylaw formerly under under B ylaw 1189, 9, 1999. 1999.
Charlie Charlie LLake ake Hall Hall
Draft 2014 Draft Building Building Bylaw Bylaw 2131, 2131, 2 014 will will replace replace the t he current No. current Building Building Bylaw Bylaw N o. 1996, 2011.
For For More More Information: Information:
Copies Draft Building be Copies of D raft B uilding Bylaw Bylaw 2131, 2014 ccan an b e obtained Regional Dawson Creek obtain ned at at R egional District District offices offices iin nD awson C reek and Fort John, www.prrd.bc.ca and F ort St St Jo hn, or or online online at at www. prrd.bc.ca .
12717 Charlie Hall Rd 12717 C harliie LLake ake H all R d
Contact: Contact: Bruce Bruce Simard Sima ard 250-784-3200 250-784-3200
Wednesday, OCTOBER 15, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
Energy Minister Bill Bennett confident prices will rebound, mines will eventually reopen Continued from page 1
folly, organizers said. “I think this forum is exceedingly important and that’s why I had to fight a little bit to get the time off from the legislature to get here,â€? Bennett said. “Its really easy today, to look around and say why worry about this industry, let’s just focus on oil and gas. [But] it would be a tragedy to forget about coal. Having this forum‌ I think it’s very important for us to do this.â€? As for the downturn, the reasons seem pretty transparent. Some will theorize about China playing a big game with the market, because it is the biggest player and in the market that determines in large part where, and in what direction the coal markets swing. But the fact is, coalmines that opened to meet that country’s growing demand, are now closing because the demand is no longer there, for one reason or another. Bennett preached patience, with a confidence that the market for coal was set to rebound in the next few years. “It will come back,â€? he said. “I am well aware, because of where I live, what it’s like to live in communities where a mine is operating and then it isn’t. [But] if you’re an investor, you should be confident in the long term.â€? Long term, the confidence minister Bennett shows is reflected in the plans of companies like Anglo American, Teck Coal and HD Mining.
Members of the Peace region media question Minister Bennett outside the 2014 Northeast BC Coal and Energy Photo by Naomi Larsen Forum following his speech Thursday afternoon.
They have the Roman mine permitted, it is ready to go when prices come back.
BENNETT
“I talked to the CEO of Anglo American,� Bennett said. “Long term, he has confidence in the northeast coal sector, I am quite sure of that and I know Teck does as well. But it’s a question of timing.�
Working towards a sustainable coal industry in the north has been a project for his government for many years and the southeast mining sector – in mines like Fording River, in Bennett’s riding, are a model for suc-
cess. We have seen the booms and busts in the northeast, but in the south east – largely in part due to an economy of scale – these same companies have managed a sustainable market that is still operating, despite the cost of extracting a tonne of coal, hovering around about the same as what a company will get from the sale of it. And that sustainability is something to strive towards in the northeast. “The northeast coal sector is still in early stages,� Bennett noted. “They haven't developed their mining operations to the same level [as in the south], they are not as invested and they
don't have their cost per tonne to where it would be if they had four, five or even 20 years to work on it.� As long as the companies that are here stay committed to the region, it will eventually bring
stability to the northeast coal sector. But tell that to the workers that have recently faced lay offs in Tumbler Ridge, and you might see that they aren’t quite convinced just yet. The minister pointed to Anglo American as a sign of things to come. “They have the Roman mine permitted, it is ready to go when prices come back, “ he said. “That means you have Trend going, Roman and I think Teck is going to open Quintette, so long term I think it’s going to be good.� In terms of sustainability, Bennett hinted that larger, more heavily financed companies, swallowing up the smaller ones might be a good thing for the market. But in the short term, the reality is families not being able to pay their mortgages, and are looking to sell homes and move at a time when no one can afford to buy. “We will do everything we can as a government to help, but part of my message is don’t give up on the coal sector because we are moving in the right direction.�
PROPOSED
dŚĞ WZZ Ĺ?Ć? ŚŽĆ?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? ŚŽĆ?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? Ä‚ Ć?ÄžĆŒĹ?ÄžĆ? ŽĨ Ä?ŽžžƾŜĹ?ƚLJ Ä?ŽžžƾŜĹ?ƚLJ žĞĞĆ&#x;ĹśĹ?Ć? Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ Ĺ?ĹśÄ¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ žĞĞĆ&#x;ĹśĹ?Ć? Ä‚Ä?ĆŒĹ˝Ć?Ć? Ä‚Ä?ĆŒĹ˝Ć?Ć? ƚŚĞ ĆŒÄžĹ?Ĺ?ŽŜ ĆŒÄžĹ?Ĺ?ŽŜ Äž Ĺ?ĹśÄ¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ä‚Ä?Žƾƚ ŽƉĆ&#x;ŽŜĆ? ŽƉĆ&#x;ŽŜĆ? Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€Ĺ?ÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€Ĺ?Äš ÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? Ç Ä‚ĆšÄžĆŒ Ç Ä‚ĆšÄžĆŒ ĂŜĚ Ć?ÄžÇ Ä‚Ĺ?Äž Ć?ÄžÇ Ä‚Ĺ?Äž Ć?ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?ÄžĆ? Ć?ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?ÄžĆ? Ĺ?Ĺś ƚŚĞ ĆŒĆľĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ ĆŒĆľĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ Ä‚ĆŒÄžÄ‚Ć?Í• Ä‚ĆŒÄžÄ‚Ä‚Ć?Í• ƚŚĞ ĆŒÄžĹŻÄ‚ĆšÄžÄš ĆŒÄžĹŻÄ‚ĆšÄžÄš Ä?Ĺ˝Ć?ĆšĆ? Ä?Ĺ˝Ć?ĆšĆ? ĂŜĚ Ĺ˝ĆšĹšÄžĆŒ Ĺ?žƉĂÄ?ĆšĆ?͘
We’re Talking
Local Jobs
We’re Talking Local
Entertainment
We’re Talking
We’re Talking
Local Dining
We’re Talking Local
Shopping
Local News
We’re Talking Local
Perspectives
Join the Conversation!
Chetwynd
www.facebook.com/chetwyndecho www.chetwyndecho.net
ECHO
5016 50th Avenue Chetwynd, B.C. Ph: 250-788-2246 Fax: 250-788-9988 publisher@chetwyndecho.net
NEW SERVICES
dŚĞ WĞĂÄ?Äž WĞĂÄ?Äž ZĹ?Ç€ÄžĆŒ ZĹ?Ç€ÄžĆŒ ZÄžĹ?Ĺ?ŽŜĂů ZÄžĹ?Ĺ?ŽŜĂĂů Ĺ?Ć?ĆšĆŒĹ?Ä?Ćš Ĺ?Ć?ĆšĆŒĹ?Ä?Ćš ÍžWZZ Íż Ç Ä‚ĹśĆšĆ? Ç Ä‚ĹśĆšĆ? ƚŽ ƚŽ ĹšÄžÄ‚ĆŒ Ä¨ĆŒĹ˝Ĺľ Ä¨ĆŒĹ˝Ĺľ LJŽƾ LJŽƾ Ä‚Ä?Žƾƚ Ä‚Ä?Žƾ ƾƚ Ç Ä‚Ç‡Ć? Ç Ä‚Ç‡Ć? ƚŽ ƚŽ Ä?ŽŜĆ&#x;ŜƾĞ Ä?ŽŜĆ&#x;ŜƾĞ ƚŽ ƚŽ Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€Ĺ?ĚĞ Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€Ĺ?ĚĞ Ä‚Ä?Ä?ÄžĆ?Ć? ƚŽ ƚŽ Ç Ä‚ĆšÄžĆŒ Ç Ä‚ĆšÄžĆŒ ĂŜĚ Ć?ÄžÇ Ä‚Ĺ?Äž Ć?ÄžÇ Ä‚Ĺ?Äž Ć?ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?ÄžĆ? Ć?ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?ÄžĆ? Ĺ?Ĺ?ǀĞŜ Ĺ?Ĺ?ǀĞŜ ƚŚĞ ƉĞŜĚĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä?ŚĂŜĹ?ÄžĆ? Ä?ŚĂŜĹ?ÄžĆ? Äž ƚŽ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĞdžĹ?Ć?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? ĞdžĹ?Ć?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? Ć?LJĆ?ƚĞž Ć?LJĆ?ƚĞž Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ ĆŒĆľĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ ĆŒĆľĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ ĆŒÄžĆ?Ĺ?ĚĞŜƚĆ?͘ ĆŒÄžĆ?Ĺ?ĚĞŜƚĆ?͘
IMPORTANT INFORMATION IMPORTANT INF ORMA MA ATI TION MEETINGS FOR RURAL RE SIDENT NTS: FOR RESIDENTS: OCT OCT 17 OCT 20 OCT
OCT 29 OCT OCT 29 OCT
PRESPATOU SCHOOL PRESPATOU SCHOO OOL TOMSLAKE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY MUNITY CU CUL LTURAL T TOMSLAKE CULTURAL ASSOCIA ATIO TION ASSOCIATION FARMINGTON C OMMUNITY HALL FARMINGTON COMMUNITY COMMU MMUNITY CLUB CLUB BUICK CREEK COMMUNITY ROSE PRAIRIE CUR RLING CLUB CLUB ROSE CURLING DAWSON DAWSON CREEK - CALVIN CALVIN KRUK CENTRE FOR THE ARTS ARTS FOR CLEARVIEW SCHOOL SCHOO OOL CLEARVIEW MCLEOD C OMMUNITY UNITY SSCHOOL/HALL MCLEOD COMMUNITY
NOV 3 NOV NOV 3 NOV NOV 4 NOV NOV 4 NOV NOV NOV 6 NOV 6 NOV NOV 10 NOV
COMMUNITY HALL CHARLIE LAKE COMMUNITY WONOWON SCHO OOL/HALL WONOWON SCHOOL/HALL BALDONNEL ELEMENT MENTTA ARY SCHOOL BALDONNEL ELEMENTARY MOBERLLY LA COMMUNITY O HALL MOBERLY LAKE COMMUNITY CHETWYND RECREATION RECREEATION CENTRE OMMUNITY HALL HUDSON’S HOPE C COMMUNITY COMMUNITY MUNITY HALL DOE RIVER COMMUNITY
OCT 21 OCT OCT 22 OCT OCT 27 OCT OCT OCT 27
DĞĞĆ&#x;ĹśĹ?Ć? Ä?ÄžĹ?Ĺ?Ĺś ĂĂƚƚ ĎłĆ‰ĹľÍ˜ DĞĞĆ&#x;ĹśĹ?Ć?
www.prrd.bc.ca www.prrd.bc.ca FIND US ON FACEBOOK! FACEBOOK K!
7
Ensuring Ensuring sustainable, sustainable, safe water safe and secure secur ure w ater and sewage sewage services ser s vices in the rur rural al aareas. reas. diverse. abundant. diverse. vast. vast. abun undant.
FOR INFORMATION FOR MORE INF ORMA ATI TION N CALL 250 25 784 3200
8
Wednesday, OCTOBER 15, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
Avro Wind Energy Inc. touts $600M Sundance wind energy project north of Tumbler Ridge
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND - Studies continue on a potential 250 mega watt (MW) wind turbine project planned for a location on public lands between Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge. Whether the project goes ahead or not, is completely dependent on BC Hydro offering a call for power, which would demonstrate the crown corporation’s willingness to purchase power from private operators like Avro. Until then, projects like this will not proceed. As well, until the enviBY
ronmental assessment process is completed, the $600 million, 250 MW Sundance Wind Energy project, being proposed to the province’s Environmental Assessment Office by EDF EN Canada, and it’s local partner, Avro Wind Energy, will remain on hold. The project is located just off a side road on Highway 29, 20 km north of Tumbler Ridge and represents the potential to create an estimated 250 jobs during construction, and a permanent 10-15 jobs during operations. Ron Percival, vice president of Avro Energy Inc., gave an update on the
project (in the works since June 2013) last week at the 2014 northeast BC Coal and Energy Forum in Chetwynd. Percival lamented what he, and others at the Coal and Energy Forum, described as a “lengthy” and “expensive” environmental assessment process. The same one that the province has designed to protect its natural beauty and integrity, while also respecting First Nations treaty rights, and allowing responsible resource development. Percival believes the project could obtain its environmental certificate as
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Additional Permissive Tax Exemptions Please take note that pursuant to Section 224 of the Community Charter, Chapter 26, the District of Chetwynd will be considering Bylaw No. 1017, 2014 cited as “Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1017, 2014 for the purpose of granting permissive tax exemption for the year 2015, for the following properties. Organization
Legal Description
Reason for exemption
Lot 12; Block E, Little Prairie Building for Public Plan PGP8869; D.L. Christian Fellowship Worship 1814; P.R.D.
Breakfast Meeting October 21, 2014 7:30 9:00 am Pomeroy Inn & Suites
Value of exemption for 2014 $2,337.81
Free Seminar October 24, 2014 9am 2pm Pomeroy Inn & Suites
Annemarie Haapala Group Benefits Discussion
Light lunch will be served
RSVP by Friday, October 17, 2014 by 4:00 pm
RSVP by Tuesday, October 21, 2014 by 4:00 pm
manager@chetwyndchamber.ca or visitor1@chetwyndchamber.ca
manager@chetwyndchamber.ca or visitor1@chetwyndchamber.ca Our vision for the future is to continue raising the bar of ser vice excellence both within B.C. and abroad. Using our ready to go, tailored, and innovative, training methods and partnerships, we plan to foster an industry of tourism profes sionals who recognize that great service is great business!
PERCIVAL
soon as 2015, bringing it that much closer to construction. “That's a very expensive process,” Percival said of BC’s environmental assessment. “It takes a lot of time, it takes a lot of work for everybody [involved].” In the case of the Sundance wind project, getting to the point where currently, the environmental certificate is being applied for, took three years, and about $3 million for EDF EN Canada. “There’s a lot of risk capital, so there has to be a lot of certainty at the end that it’s a very good project.” But, the resource is valuable enough for a competitive market for it to exist, and because of this, the province is not shy to insist that - at least in principle any resource industry that is going to be developed in the province, is going to be developed according to strict environmental guidelines. If one company refuses, another will be happy to tap that resource and do things the proper way. Sundance remains firmly in the study stage, but signs so far point to the project having a negligible environmental impact. This bodes well for the project, and Avro Wind Energy Inc, who expect a decision on its environmental certificate in 2015. Construction could begin in 2016, and the towers could be in place by 2017. Percival reported friendly consultations and support from Treaty 8 First Nations. In August, EDF and Avro Wind Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with the McLeod Lake Indian Band. The MOU was designed to ensure benefits to the Band, in light of the three wind energy projects proposed for the Peace Region by EDF EN Canada. “The McLeod Lake Indian Band supports EDF EN Canada in the responsible development of sustainable, non-polluting and environmentally sensitive wind energy in the Peace Region. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with EDF EN Canada and the addition of more wind power in our region,” Chief Derek Orr told the press. Over 2,000 archaeological digs have been carried out on the Sundance wind project site, with nothing of any significance located. Percival said this was a strong plus for First Nations. The project also does not disturb any core Caribou habitat. Studies are ongoing to determine the projects impact on bears, fish, vegetation and other areas of concern. “That data is all coming in now for the filing of the application,” Percival said. “This is where wind makes sense from an economic point of view. We can say this confidently because our company has wind project sites all over BC, Vancouver Island and central interior, we collected data every where. It just really make sense here.” Including Sundance, EDF EN Canada has three wind projects in the Peace Region which can be built, subject to them getting power contracts from BC Hydro. One of these projects is the Taylor Wind project: a 250-400 MW wind farm that would be located between Chetwynd/Dawson Creek and Taylor, bordered by Highway 97 to the east, the Braden Road to the south and the 230 Road to the north. There is also has an almost-ready-forconstruction project, the Wartenbe Wind project, located only 10 km southeast
of Chetwynd. Originally a project put forward by Dokie Wind Energy, Dokie sold its assets to the Wartenbe to Avro Wind Energy, in partnership with EDF. Avro was more than happy to take advantage of a botched bureaucratic process: When Dokie changed its name to EarthFirst Canada Inc., it neglected to apply to amend the environmental certificate issued by the province. After purchasing Wartenbe, Avro Wind Energy received their environmental certificate for the project on September 10, 2009. The company promptly applied for, and was granted, an extension for the certificate’s deadline. The current Wartenbe environmental certificate expires October 5, 2016, meaning that if significant progress has not been made towards getting the project built, the project goes back into the pot and another company would have a shot at developing their own wind energy project. All wind energy aspirations like Sundance, Wartenbe and the Taylor Wind Energy project could be built on nothing but hot air, if BC Hydro decides they do not need the power. A decision from the federal government on the Site C dam project, which is expected next Wednesday, September 22, could have implications for proposed Peace area wind farms. Though there is uncertainty, the Peace Region is a valuable spot for windblown electricity generations. “We go forward and develop these projects [with] uncertainty,” Percival said. “[we want to] take the uncertainty out of them and make sure that they are going to work for everybody, for all the stakeholders. We're taking a risk and at the end of the day if BC Hydro does have a power call, [then] there is some value to it, as opposed to accepting submissions or bids for projects that aren’t really projects.”
Wednesday, OCTOBER 15, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
Tumbler Ridge developing in-house response to mine closures
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– TUMBLER RIDGE – When hard times hit, local government is usually tasked with trying to clean up a mess that they had little control over preventing. That is precisely the case in Tumbler Ridge, where district council and staff have been working hard to develop a made-in-Tumbler Ridge response to the Walter Energy and Anglo American mine closures. The District of Tumbler Ridge’s economic action strategy will be ready for release in the near furture. Council recently met with provincial ministers at the annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference in Whistler. During that conference, the town presented itself to the province as a united front, dedBY
icated to the betterment of Tumbler Ridge. “With help from MLA Mike Bernier, we delivered a message that Tumbler Ridge is working on an economic action strategy that will benefit residents both in the short term and the future,� said current mayor Darwin Wren. “We have had productive meetings with the province and secured agreements to meet again soon in Victoria to further discuss how the province can help Tumbler Ridge build a stable and diversified local economy.� Meetings have been requested with Bill Bennett, minister of Energy and Mines, and a range of other ministers, such as Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, Steve Thompson, minister of forests, Teresa Wat, minister of international trade, Amirik Virk, minister of advanced edu-
cation and Coralee Oakes, minister of community, sport and cultural development. Mayor Wren predicts significant changes in the weeks and months ahead for Tumbler Ridge. “Council wants to express the deep affection we have for this community and its residents. [We] have been through rough times before and the resiliency, sense of community, and hard work of our people has always seen us though.� This month, council will give the residents of Tumbler Ridge an opportunity to provide input and get involved in finding a solution. No events have been announced as of press time. If you are a resident of Tumbler Ridge and have concerns you want council to hear, they are encouraging you to contact them at: 250-242-4242 or through www.tumblerridge.ca
9
SEIZE
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
NORTH COUNTRY AUTOMOTIVE
If you want professional, quality and trustworthy vehicle repairs, head to North Country Automotive. With more than 25 years of service in Chetwynd, you know you will be satisfied with their dependable service with every visit. Give them a call at 250-788-9599 or see their facility located minutes from Chetwynd on Jackfish Lake Road, first driveway on the left. Don Lasser has more than 33 years of experience in the mechancial field. Wade Collins brings his 35 years of experinece as a certified technician and authorized inspector. Alisha Moorcraft, a fourth year apprentice is in the office as a service advisor. With all of their experience you can count on North Country Automotive to look after you and your vehicle all year round. Each year they expand with new equipment, services and products to serve you better. North Country Automotive offers a wide variety of services for your gas or diesel vehicle such as engine oil and driveline fluid service, transmission flushes, engine
This spot available
North Country Automotive Jackfish Lake Road, Chetwynd
250-788-9599
(one km down the Jackfish Lake Road)
FOR ALL YOUR GLASS NEEDS! " #$
tune ups, 4x4 repairs, brake repairs, steering and suspenion repairs, two and four wheel alignments, new tire sales, tire change overs, fly wheel grinding, head resurfacing, exhaust manifold resurfacing, exhaust repairs and much more. North Country Automotive also has access to a large amount of aftermarket parts and accessories for your vehicle. Whether you are looking for trailer hitches, mud flaps, lights, vent visors, bumpers or just something to set your vehicle apart, North Country Automotive can help you create the custom look you want. North Country Automotive is a customer driven company and to prove it they offer free pick up and delivery of people or their vehicles in Chetwynd. You can also sit back and relax in their waiting room equipped with satellite tv, coffee, tea, comfy couches and the latest magaziens. Let North Country Automotive take care of you and your vehicle today. Call 250-788-9599.
Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium Treating Each Family As Part of Our Own
$$ ! # $%
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
Phone: 250-788-3376
This spot available
Sharing Our History With The Communities Of The Peace Country For Over 85 Years
Richard & Sandy Beattie
Phone: 250-782-2424 Toll-free: 1-800-217-2299 www.reynars.com E-mail: wecare@reynars.com
NORTH COUNTRY AUTOMOTIVE
• Preventative Maintenance • Winterization • Licence B.C. Inspection • Full vehicle servicing P: 788-9599 F: 788-7930
NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!
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, OCTOBER 15, 2014
A N N O U N C E ME N T S Cancel your timeshare. no risk program Stop mortgage and maintenance payments today. 100 per cent money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us Now. We can help. 1888-356-5248 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: 1-800-3472540 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.co m HE LP WA N TE D B&R Bassett Logging in Dawson Creek currently requires 1 full time feller Buncher Operator. Jobsite one hour out of Dawson Creek , BC. Must haveclass 5 or 7 driver’s license. Camp available if required. Experinece in a ogging environment is an assett. Phone 250-7824823 Fax 250-782-8384 or email resume to bbassett@pris.bc.ca Do you have 10 hours/week to turn into $1500 month using your PC and your phone? Free i n f o : www.bossfree123.com Help wanted! Make $1000 weekly mailing brochures from home. No experience required. Start immediatl e y .
www.themailinghub.com Do you have 10 hrs/wk to turn into $1500/mth using your PC and phone? Free i n f o : www.BossFree123.com Help Wanted - local people needed!!! Simple & flexible home based work. 100% genuine opportunity. F/T and P/T. Very easy. No experience needed - Income is guaranteed. NO FEES. www.availablehelpwanted.com ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BARMAID WANTED Resumes are now being accepted for part time bar staff. ome and join our friendly atmosphere. Successful applicant must have a Serving It Right Certificate and be willing to work evenings and occasional Saturdays. Resume can be dropped off at the Legion lounge wed - sat after 4pm. Attn Karen/Fred or for more info please call 250-788-3306. Drivers wanted AZ, DZ, 5,3, or 1 with airbrakes: Guaranteed 40 hour work week + overtime, paid travel, 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 experience. Apply online at www.sperryrail.com under careers, FastTRACK application. Interior Heavy Equipment operator school. No simulators. In the seat training. Real world tasks. Weekly start dates. Job board! Funding options. Sign up
CLASSIFIEDS online! iheschool.com 1866-399-3853 PE R SO N A L LOCAL HOOKUPS, BROWSE4FREE 1-888628-6790 or #7878 Mobile
Available Bachelorette
Hot local chat. 1-877-0553 Mobile #5015
When someone stops advertising.... Someone stops buying... When someone stops buying.... Someone stops selling.... When someone stops selling..... Someone stops making. When someone stops making... some stops earning.
I\X[p kf af`e# I\X[p kf d\\k# I\X[p ]fi cfm\ ('' :feÔ[\ek`Xc# ('' F]Õ`e\# ('' G\ijfeXc`q\[ DXkZ_dXb\ij J\c\Zk ($///$0(-$)/)+ nnn%j\c\Zk`ekif[lZk`fej%Zfd 8^i`Zlckli\# i\dfk\# Zflekip# iliXc \jk (* p\Xij ^lXiXek\\[ j\im`Z\# Zljkfd`j\[ d\dY\ij_`gj# k_fifl^_ jZi\\e`e^ gifZ\jj
Meet singles right now! No paid operators. Just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800590-8215
Butcher supplies, Leather and Craft Supplies. and Animal Control Products. Get your FREE 134 page catalog. 1-800-353-7864 or email order@halfordhide.com. Visit our web store www.halfordsmailorder.com F O R RE N T Reitrement Apartments. All inclusive. Meals, transporation, daily activities. short leases. Monthly Specials. Call 1-866-338-2607
Don’t Break the Chain
Cindy is 41, slim and financially secure. She’s never been married and has no children or baggage. At 5’8” and 139lbs this healthy blonde, loves sports like hockey, basketball, and Nascar! Cindy says, “As a professional and single lady I have a great life! I love my family, friends and community. I just don’t get many opportunities to meet single men that are available for a committed relationship.”
Find your favourite. CAll Now. 1-866-732-0070 1888-544-0199 18+
True pychics. For answers call now 24/7 toll free 1877-342-3032. Mobile #4486 www.truepsychics.ca FO R SA LE Steel buildings/metal buildings. Up to 60 per cent off. 30x40, 40x60, 50x80, 60x100, 80x100 sell for balance owed. Call 1-800457-2206. www.crownsteelbuildings.ca
Chetwynd Echo
When someone stops earning... no one can buy, sell or make, or even advertise! Some advertising greases the wheels in the chain of events that enable our making a living and that spells out the progress of this community
ADVERTISE! Don’t break the chain.
ADVERTISING REGULATIONS
And do it regularly.
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.
SELLING?
Are you selling your house or modular home? 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
Two bedroom modular home with additiona and small workshop on 3 acres located 25 km west ofChetwynd (Hasler Flats area). $800 per month plus utilities. Available Oct. 1. 250-788-3400
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, OCTOBER 15, 2014 11
Chetwynd Echo
Clark pushes collaboration on skills development, faculty exchanges during trip to India
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHANDIGARH - Satudday, from Chandigarh, India, Premier Christy Clark announced her intention to advance collaboration in skills development, faculty exchange, and various food technologies, in order to boost socio-economic ties with the Punjab government, a spokesperson from India said. Clark is currently on a trade mission to India, with the goal to expand international trade and investment. She is joined by Amrik Virk, Minister of Advanced Education. On Saturday, she met with Punjab chief minister Parkash Sing Badal at his BY
residence. Clark tasked Minister Virk with the job of connecting with Punjab education minister Daljit Singh Cheema, in order to establish the groundwork for a teacher and student exchange program that would take place during summer vacation. Virk will also work to establish a faculty exchange program. The program would link faculty at the University of British Columbia with Punjab universities, especially in the fields of pharmacology, generic medicines and bio-energy. Clark also promised to give due recognition to certificate and diploma skills training sources in BC, to help Punjabi youth
to immigrate to BC. Clark acknowledged continuing support for other cultural exchanges, including the participation of prominent musicians and folk singers from Punjab in the annual Vancouver Punjabi Mela. Badal insisted on assurance that the decisions made on Saturday would be implemented as soon as possible. He suggested high-level follow up meetings, but none have yet been confirmed. Clark’s trip to India continues in New Delhi today, October 12, where she will remain until Oct. 14. She will be in Mumbai Oct. 15-17, before returning to Vancouver October 18.
Missing youth from Dawson Creek found
BY MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– DAWSON CREEK - Dawson Creek RCMP advised the public on Monday that Madilyn Whyte, a young First Nations girl that was reportedly missing since October 4, 2014, has been located by the police and is confirmed to be safe. The RCMP would like to thank the public for their help in this matter. Dawson Creek RCMP say the received an overwhelming number of tips that did contribute towards locating Ms. Whyte. WHYTE
FSJ RCMP seeking the public's help in identifying attempted robbery suspect
BY MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– FORT ST. JOHN - RCMP in Fort St. John are seeking the public’s help in identifying a female suspect in an attempted robbery at the Econo Liquor Store on Alaska Road South. On Thursday at about 5 P.M., a Caucasian female entered the liquor store and demanded money from the employee working there. The suspect threatened the store clerk with a knife, but was unsuccessful in getting any money and left the store. The police immediately searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. The woman is 5’3�, about 125 pounds, between the ages of 28 - 25 and has blue eyes. At the time of the attempted murder, she was wearing a black hooded sweater, and was described as having “cakey� make-up. If you know who this female is or have seen her, contact the Fort St. John RCMP at 250-787-8100. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477, or via the web at www.crimestoppersfsj.ca. A cash reward of up to $2,000 will be paid for any information which leads to an arrest.
R E A D MO R E .
DO MORE. Get more out of Chetwynd!
Sign up for a digital subscription today! 250-788-2246
School District No. 59 (Peace River South)
1 in 25 carries the F\VWLF ຨEURVLV JHQH
$UH \RX WKH RQH"
YOUR AD HERE!
Advertise your business with us! Call Naomi today 250-788-2246
THINK CYSTIC FIBROSIS CAN’T TOUCH YOU?
7R OHDUQ PRUH DQG VXSSRUW F\VWLF á‹EURVLV UHVHDUFK YLVLW
drowningontheinside.ca
4809 51st Avenue Chetwynd B.C.
FOOD COUNTER ATTENDANT 0957016BC LTD. o/a Tim Hortons
Full Time, Part Time • Permanent + shift Nights, Overnights, Early Morning, Weekends $12 hr. + Benefits Start Date: ASAP
23 Vacancies
No experience required • education not required Apply in person or by e-mail to: chetwyndtimhortons@gmail.com Job description available: www.timhortons.com
INTERESTED IN SUBSTITUTE TEACHING IN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 59? School District 59 has a need for substitute teachers at all levels in the Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd areas. Successful applicants should note that this work is on an on-call basis and is not full time employment. Applications are being accepted from individuals interested in substitute teaching. Teacher qualifications are preferred, but not essential. Resumes can be sent either by fax to 250-782-3204 or email: brittany_faulkner@sd59.bc.ca For applicants who do not possess teaching certification please enclose proof of successful completion of Grade 12. Please note that all substitute teacher applicants must successfully complete a criminal record search.
Interviews will be held in Dawson Creek at the District Office.
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.
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 FACEBOOK
$1.25 INCLUDES
Homebuyers requesting earthy-friendly eco-dwelling
See page
12
Wednesday, OCTOBER 15, 2014
Chetwynd Echo
Chetwynd goes under a wave of light tonight
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The loss of an infant is one of the most crushing experiences a family can have. But, if it takes a community to raise a child, that same community can serve as a comforting cushion during the grieving process. Tonight, in Spirit Park, Chetwynd will take part in an international day of remembrance for infant loss, with families who have previously suffered in silence, grieving in the open air. The first annual Chetwynd “Wave of Light� Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day will see local Chetwynd families “If everyone lights a candle said. New Brunswick was the first join thousands from across the and keeps it burning for at least world in lighting their candles at an hour, there will be a continu- province in Canada to officially 7 p.m., across all time zones. ous wave of light,� organizers recognize October 15 as PregBY
nancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in 2005. The movement has been gaining momentum across the country
ever since. Everyone is welcome to attend the event in Spirit Park. Organizers say to dress warm and bring a candle. “You do not have to have experienced loss yourself,� local organizer Shannon Anderson said on the group’s Facebook page. “Chances are you know someone who has, perhaps without knowing it. You are welcome to come and show support for those who may be grieving in silence.� Anderson asks the general public to invite their friends to come down as well. “I want to get this event out to as many people as possible. It is all about raising awareness, showing support and remembering the babies that left us too soon.�
BC to allow sale of alcohol in grocery stores
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND - Starting next spring, alcohol will be allowed for sale in grocery stores in BC. The government announced a store-within-a-store model on Friday. Grocery stores wanting to sell booze will have to generate 75 per cent of their sales from food items, and BY
be a minimum size of 930 square metres (about 10,000 sq. feet) in order to be able to stock the liquid goods. The provincial government says it will allow stores to co-brand with existing or new liquor stores, even if the store exists outside of the grocery store they have partnered with. Big box stores and convenience stores will not be allowed to stock alcohol. Larry Cromarty of the Chetwynd Super Valu says
his store will be looking into the opportunity. The stipulation of 10,000 square feet may be a temporary set back. “I would definitely be looking into it if there was an opportunity for it for sure. It’ll all be based on numbers. I think it’s going to be interesting to see how it goes though.� IGA management could not be reached by press time.
Government appeal of BC Supreme Court ruling in favour of teachers' constitutional rights has begun
MIKE CARTER Chetwynd Echo Reporter –––––––––––––– VICTORIA – An appeal led by the BC government, against Justice Susan Griffin’s damning January 2014 ruling on BC teachers constitutional rights got underway yesterday, October 14 in Victoria. BY
Griffin’s ruling stated that the government violated the constitution of Canada in stripping language from the Collective Bargaining Agreement with teachers’ that stipulated class sizes and class composition. Griffin also said the BC government acted to provoke a teachers strike in 2012, so that the govern-
ment could legislate teachers back to work. The appeal comes just after the two sides finished the most recent labour dispute. That agreement, reach on Sept. 16 and ratified by the teachers’ union on Sept. 18, has a clause in it which allows the two sides to reopen negotiations on the deal before it
expires, after the BC Supreme Court hands down its decision in the appeals case. That could take as long as two years. Premier Christy Clark has said she is confident the government will win the appeal, but that the BCTF will take the matter to the Supreme Court of Canada.
The BCTF meanwhile, has put their crystal ball away and has not made a prediction on the outcome of the case. It is widely expected that if the BCTF wins, the BC government will take the appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. The unconstitutional move to strip language
from the Collective Bargaining Agreement with teachers was made in 2002, when Christy Clark was education minister. The move has since spawned a long-standing labour dispute between teachers and the government that seemingly has been placated by patchwork deals every few years.
PICK UP YOUR COPY AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: IGA Super Valu 7-Eleven Peoples Fas Gas Pomeroy Hotel Crowfeathers Store Chetwynd Home Hardware A&W
Days Inn Stagecoach Inn Tim Hortons Chamber of Commerce Red Lion Recreation Centre District of Chetwynd Royal Lepage Cascade Realty
E. ITED TIM FOR A LIM