Crowsnest Pass Herald

www.crowsnestpassherald.ca • 403-562-2248 •passherald@shaw.ca

December 15, 2021 ~ Vol. 91 • No. 50 $1.00

Crowsnest Pass

Herald Serving the CnP SinCe 1930

Christmas in the Park

David Selles photo

Residents were able to enjoy Christmas in the Park on Sunday December 12th. The event included sleigh rides, winter games, caroling by the fire and of course, a visit from Santa. There was also hot chocolate to keep everyone warm and a small photo booth for visitors to have their photo taken. See more photos on page 12.

Foothills South Ltd.

Honest, experienced approach to Real Estate.

2 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Blairmore Lions December’s Trip of the Month winners are: 1- Rita Anderson of Blairmore, Myrtle Beach golf package valued at $1,700.00 2-Nick Kufinoff of Coleman, $200.00 IGA gift card 3-Cynthia Braglin of Bellevue, $120.00 Bamboo Bistro gift certificate

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Assessment and Income Approach DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter

At the November 9, 2021 Council meeting, Benchmark Assessment made a presentation on Assessment of Income producing properties.

At that time, Councillor Ward moved that Council direct administration to bring a report back to Council regarding the income approach to commercial property assessments to the November 30 Council meeting.

CAO Patrick Thomas presented council with the following information at the December 7th meeting: There are currently three methods used by assessors to determine assessed value for non-residential property.

In the past Benchmark Assessment has relied mainly on a combination of cost and sales approach to determine assessment value.

A third method available to assessors is the Income Approach, which has not been used in the Crowsnest Pass. Benchmark was approached by a tax agent on behalf of two hotel chains wanting to know how the hotels 2020 assessment had been

adjusted under the income approach in light of Covid, as this was a province wide issue.

At the time, Benchmark was not collecting income and expenses from the hotel industry, there was no history available to justify an adjustment to the assessment value.

As a result, since Benchmark was going to request the required income and expense from the hotels, motels and cabin properties in the Crowsnest Pass, and they have been collecting this information in other municipalities, as well as having developed standard forms and letters to request this information from non-residential owners, they included all non-residential property owners in their ask for information, so that they could also establish a database on rental incomes.

In total 206 letters were sent out mid-October to owners requesting information to be returned by December 31, 2021.

As of November 24, 2021 Benchmark has received 47 responses back.

Benchmark has not tracked the number of calls for clarification or the number of com-

plaints, however our assessor has received 2 complaints personally and approximately 12 calls requesting clarification of why he wanted the information.

In determining assessment value, there are a number of factors used by assessors including cost, sales, income, age of building, location and upgrades to name a few.

The income component helps to determine the rental rate on a per square foot bases.

The database used by Benchmark, allows all the information to be keyed in, as well as weighting factors for each type over a three year history.

This could mean a building in Coleman could have a different assessment value than a similar building in Blairmore.

A couple of positives of the mail out are Benchmark has received several calls from owners and has opened a dialogue with them on specifics of their property.

It has also provided names of owners and contact information.

In the future, if Benchmark does this kind of mail out, it would be in conjunction with the cycle of reinspection that has been established.

The year Benckmark does his reinspections in Bellevue he would send letters to the business owners in Bellevue only.

All information collected

by Benchmark is confidential and only retained in their system.

After hearing this information, Council began their debate.

Overall, Council did not want to continue with allowing Benchmark to continue collecting this information.

Councillor Girhiny stated that he didn’t understand what this information has to do with the worth of the building.

“We have to in our minds clarify the classifications of the building, called real estate, and its occupant, called the business. They are two separate entities. We should never mix them together and say that the real estate a business is operating in, is the business.

That's not the case.”

Other Councillors agreed the success of a business shouldn’t be part of assessing how much a building is worth.

Following more discussion, Councillor Ward made a motion to postpone collection of income information.

That motion was carried.

Food Bank Donations

David Selles photo

Submitted photo

Joel Painter and Micky Painter present Desirée Erdmann with a donation for $1,100 to the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank. Summit Home Center was able to donate the money that was raised from their Black Friday M&M Food Market Express sales.

The 4B class at Isabelle Sellon School raised funds for the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank at the Christmas Market. The students sold handmade cards, took donations and also did a “guess how many candy canes are in the jar” game to raise funds.

The students were able to donate $500 to the Food Bank.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - Crowsnest PAss herAlD - 3

In the lIne of fIre Between December 6 and December 13, Crowsnest Pass RCMP responded to a total of 32 calls for service including the following reported incidents.

One (1) threat/harassment, one (1) mischief/vandalism, two (2) disturbing the peace, six (6) other provincial statutes, six (6) driving complaints, seven (7) motor vehicle collisions, two (2) assistance to general public, one (1) suspicious occurrence, one (1) assistance to other agencies, one (1) 911 call, one (1) false alarm and three (3) abandoned vehicles.

Hit and Run On December 9th, 2021, at approximately 1:15pm, a complainant advised of a vehicle that was rear ended by another vehicle while driving on highway 3. The vehicles were travelling slowly due to road conditions. The suspect vehicle passed numerous vehicles. No licence plate was

obtained.

Intoxicated Males On December 9th, 2021, there was a complaint of an intoxicated male on main street Bellevue. The male was issued a ticket for public intoxication.

On December 11th, 2021, there was a complaint of an intoxicated male walking on main street in Blairmore. He was drinking and yelling at people. The subject was located and given a ride home. He was also issued

~ rCMP news ~

ticket for public intoxication.

On December 12th, 2021, there was a complaint of an intoxicated male piling snow in the middle of a street in Bellevue. A member located the subject and he was given a ride home and given a warning.

Residents be aware of phone scams saying from Border Services that there is a suspicious package for them and possibly warrant for arrest.

The Simple Raven’s Post

by Avner Perl

Imagine, understand and Gurdjieff An adult told me that Jesus probably walked on the path I was walking on back in Israel. We found a Roman coin, but it was after someone dug a hole in the ground. Jesus may have walked under the path. When my mom wanted to show the kids what a Christmas tree looked like, we couldn’t find a tree like the one in the pictures anywhere.

They don’t grow in Israel. People in Israel didn’t celebrate Christmas and the word “Betula” didn’t necessarily say virgin, but a young woman. The total story sounded a bit far-fetched to me.

We emigrated to Canada and Christmas became alive. Downtown Calgary had lights with tinsels over the streets and I saw a real shopping mall decorated for the holiday. People were shopping as if a disaster was coming. Carts and bags full of stuff disappeared into vehicles and shoppers went back for more. The first midnight mass I saw in a church was something out of this world. People all dressed up filled the cathedral, live choir music, and tons of decorations. The birth of a saviour (Yeshua) was celebrated and we wish you a merry Christmas, Peace on Earth and other slogans appeared everywhere especially in the black-and-white TV commercials.

I knew the figure of the saviour from the tortured figures I saw on crosses in churches in Israel, but now we were celebrating the virgin birth and the pretty little baby under a German tree (Weihnachtsbaum) with lights. Father Christmas changed from a forest hunter to a hefty guy in a red suit, drinking cola and smoking a pipe. Later on, a priest tried to explain it all to me, but the explanation was insufficient. Beautiful music, shiny decorations, lots of stuff, and dressed-up people couldn’t explain the Joy to the World that came from the young Semitic Israeli Rabbi who taught simplicity, selfless giving, forgiveness, sharing, and taking care of the less fortunate. This guy told his uneducated followers to go on a journey without spare clothes or extra provisions.

How did the message get mixed up? I knew Christians did the worst atrocities in the Second World War, some of who even went to church on Sunday and sang beautiful hymns to the sound of a pipe organ. My generation knew Nazi hunters and families who lost all their relatives and were seeking justice.

I remember mom talking to a friend who said. If Jesus came back, the Christians would crucify him again. They would call him a socialist, progressive, or whatever is the lingo of the day and send him back (by crucifixion) upstairs while selling shavings of the cross as souvenirs.

Reminder to residents and owners of PETS, do NOT leave your pet in vehicles in the extreme heat, it could be extremely fatal to your PET Reminder to property owners to lock your doors and vehicles. Also mark your belongings and record serial numbers of tools and other important items.

Reminder to residents of computer scams, credit cards scams, Grandparent scams, Revenue Canada scams asking for money or cash cards and saying warrants out for arrest, do not give out personal information to persons you don't know.

DO NOT OPEN EMAILS if you are suspicious of its origin. Do NOT purchase gift cards for payment to Revenue Canada.

Do not send monies to person claiming you have won a prize and need to send money for delivery.

CrimeStopppers Tips 1-800-222-8477

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A group of hippos is called a bloat.

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In my early days, people talked about the most popular philosopher from Europe at the beginning of the century, Gurdjieff. An Armenian name. Like most serious philosophers, his work was pretty intricate, but I will simplify. Gurdjieff believed people exist in some kind of sleep or perhaps dream state. Something similar to the modern idea of the Matrix where we are existing in a supercomputer. Both ideas assume that reality is inside our brains.

Gurdjieff talked about three brains controlling mind, body, and emotions, yet having a hard time connecting the three. He emphasized our natural short attention span as proof. We jump from one thought to another and act as if we are different persons each time. In his opinion, we all have some level of split personality.

When we read the Bible, we get a story about a young Jewish teacher who told people that being rich and powerful, possessing material things, and winning fights are not the most important things in life. Life in another dimension, he called the “Kingdom of the father” is eternal and valuable. Although there are details about his origins and birth, he seems not to talk or brag about it.

I try to think what the Messiah would teach if He was to return today. First, he would want to know why we are destroying the world we live in. To live life without physical work wouldn’t be an acceptable answer. The number of people employed to kill each other he would not welcome. That so many children don’t have reliable homes because of poverty and/or genuine commitment from the adults wouldn’t sit well with him. Seeing that a small percentage of humans own such a huge amount of humanity’s wealth would bother him. Realizing that banks and large institutions create money, lend it at interest, and don’t practice the Jewish law of Jubilee would bother him. Realizing that millions of people have no safe, sustaining piece of the world to live on wouldn’t be welcome. The wealth hoarded and squandered by some religious institutions, now more than ever with TV evangelicals would hurt him more than the nails in his hands did. We can go on.

Christmas or a celebration of the turning of the season existed for much longer than any known religion. It is a time to celebrate hope. A new beginning.

I decided to make a list of what I would ask Jesus for Christmas. Surprisingly, all can be obtained without miracles.

Solve the energy problem. Reduce wasting it., like walking instead of using a golf cart. (if we can) Develop clean energy and discourage the dirty kinds.

Do away with military built-up and divert the money and talents to peaceful means.

Block the efforts of those who compete to rule humanity by setting limits.

Give all humans a way to stay alive, but let them improve their condition by working with the most rewards for the most beneficial work.

Eliminate COVID by sharing the vaccine formula with the world.

Maintain good honest information for all. Begin by supporting little local media outlets available to all. We could start by giving subscriptions to local papers as gifts for Christmas.

A Christian Christmas is available to all if we only want it to be.

Here is a link to my blog: https://thesimpleravenspost.blogspot.ca/ Feel free to check other articles and comment.

4 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Crowsnest PAss HerALD - 5

Municipal Council Briefs DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter

The following topics were discussed at the Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 7th.

Bylaw 1081, 2021 Land Use Bylaw Amendment – Second and Third Reading The subject lands are currently in the Recreation and Open Space RO-1 District and must be redistricted to provide for the opportunity to use the lands in accordance with the provisions of the R1 (Residential) land use district. On July 6, 2021 under Bylaw 1080, 2021 Council closed a portion of the municipal reserve lands known as Lot R1, Block 2, Plan 7410209. The subject portion of Lot R1 (to be legally described as Lot 16, Block 2, Plan ______) is in the process of being subdivided from Lot R1 (SUB2021-0-109) and consolidated with an adjacent private property in the R-1 district. The redistricting of the subject lands to R-1 (Residential) will allow residential use of the lands. Following the presentation of information to Council, Councillor Filipuzzi made a motion for second reading. The motion was carried. Councillor Ward then made a motion for third and final reading and that motion was also carried.

Bylaw 1089, 2021 Land Use Bylaw Amendment – Second and Third Reading On July 6, 2021 under Bylaw 1088, 2021 Council closed two portions of the municipal reserve lands known as Lot 15MR, Block 5, Plan 8311587. The subject portions of Lot 15MR are in the process of being subdivided from Lot 15MR (SUB2021-0064) and consolidated with adjacent private properties in the R-1 district. The proposed bylaw involves the re-districting a portion of Lot 15MR, Block 4, Plan 8311587, from "Recreation & Open Space - RO-1" to "Residential - R-1" for the purpose of residential development on the lands. Following the presentation of information to Council, Councillor Glavin moved for second reading. That motion was carried.

Councillor Girhiny then moved for third and final reading. That motion was also carried.

Bylaw 1095, 2021 Redesignation of Portion of 21st Avenue Road Closure to R-1 (Residential Land-Use District) - First Reading Council has resolved to sell a portion of the Municipal Reserve lot to the adjacent land owner.

In order to consolidate the parcel with the adjacent parcel it must first be districted to R-1 Residential.

The bylaw will correct an encroachment from the owner’s land onto 21st Avenue in Bellevue. After receiving the information, Councillor Girhiny made a motion for first reading and the motion was carried.

TC Energy – NGTL West Path Delivery 2022 Project-Workforce Accommodation Update Catie O’Neal, the Provincial and Community Relations Advisor for TC Energy, was present at the meeting to update Council on a project TC Energy are currently working on. The NGTL West Path Delivery 2022 has three different components to it. There is the Raven River Section, the Alberta British Columbia (ABC) Section and the ABC Border Meter Station Expansion. The proposed project is necessary to supply growing demand in southwest AB, southern BC and downstream North American markets, with natural gas produced in Western Canada. The schedule for the project breaks down the following way: Q4 2019 Began early engagement with project stakeholders and Indigenous groups, Q2 2020 Filed an application with the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), April 2021 Received project approval from the CER, Feb 2022 Anticipated clearing start, Q2 2022 Anticipate hosting a Local Business Engagement Forum in the project area, June 2022 Anticipated mainline construction start, Nov 2022 Anticipated in-service date. O’Neal also informed Council there is opportunity for local businesses to be involved in the project. O’Neal listed the following local opportunities: Potential scopes of work available to local vendors could include bussing, waste management, equipment rentals, office trailers and supplies, electrical, pilings, hydrovac and trucking services. Any business interested in trying to find

work with TC Energy can register their business at TCEnergy.com/Vendors.

O’Neal completed the presentation to Council by speaking about their community investment as well. “Our community giving program, Build Strong, invests in organizations that are integral to local communities and our business. Whether we are providing grants to organizations, awarding scholarships to students or sponsoring a local event that brings community members together, our goal is to help build strong, vibrant communities through mutually beneficial relationships.”

Anyone interested in applying for funding can do so at tcenergy.com/community-giving.

PUBLIC NOTICE MUNICIPALITY OF CROWSNEST PASS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT ACT NOTICE OF APPLICATION In accordance with the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has applied to Alberta Environment and Parks for an amendment to install an Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system as part of the wastewater treatment plant upgrade. The wastewater system serves the communities of Blairmore, Coleman and Frank.

The proposed UV system is located in the NE ½ of Section 25 Township 007 Range 04 West of the 5th Meridian within the wastewater treatment plant site. It is sized for a peak flow of 24,380 m3/day and designed to inactivate the pathogenic organisms in the treated wastewater.

A directly affected person may provide input into certain regulatory decisions, as allowed by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (section 73). Specifically, any person who is directly affected by this application may submit a written statement of concern within 30 days of the date of this notice to: Environment and Parks Regulatory Approvals Center 5th Floor, South Petroleum Plaza 9915 - 108 Street Edmonton, AB T5K 2G8 Fax: (780) 422-0154 E-mail: aep.epeaapplications@gov.ab.ca The written statement of concern should include the following: - the application number 011-431 - describe concerns that are relevant to matters regulated by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act - explain how the filer of the concern will be directly affected by the activities proposed in the application - provide the legal land location of the land owned or used by the filer where the concerns described are believed to be applicable - state the distance between the land owned or used by the filer and the site in the application - contact information including the full name and mailing address of the filer.

Please provide a telephone number and/or email address for ease of contact.

Environment and Parks will review each written statement of concern, seek more information if needed, and notify each filer by letter of the decision to accept or reject their written submission as a valid statement of concern. The Public Notice of this DSSOLFDWLRQ ZLOO DOVR EH SRVWHG RQ WKH 'HSDUWPHQW¶V ZHEVLWH DW https://avw.alberta.ca/PublicNoticesViewer.aspx.

Statements of concern submitted regarding this application are public records which are accessible by the public and the applicant. Failure to file a statement of concern may affect the right to file a Notice of Appeal with the Environmental Appeals Board.

Copies of the application and additional information can be obtained from: Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Attention: BOX 600 CROWSNEST PASS, AB T0K 0E0 Telephone: 403-562-8853 Fax: 403-563-5474 E-mail: cao@crowsnestpass.com

6 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, december 15, 2021

Editorial This community blows my mind. As you read the paper you will see a donation from Teck to our local hospital. I believe the donation is part of their Christmas Campaign. Teck has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to our local health care centre. I literally mean hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I got a call from the Chief Executive Officer for Cabin Ridge, Brad Johnston, who said he had some money to give out this Christmas and where would I suggest. So I said to him why don’t you donate to Red Apple, they work to fill the Christmas Sleigh and they have a tree for senior's gifts. I think it’s a bit of a winwin, supporting a local business and supporting those in need. I thought he’d donate a few hundred dollars, so imagine my surprise when it was $1750.00.

My gut feeling is that this is not the only money he spent on those in peril in our community.

I also received a call from Atrum Coal asking me where the best place to donate is. I sent them to Kim Lewis at the Family Community Support Services department to work with them on the best way to again help those in our community.

None of these companies asked me to write about this and perhaps they will be upset I did but man alive I want to scream from the rafters, “look how corporations give back”.

I find it ironic that beside this is a letter from Allan Garbutt who is vehemently against mining in the Eastern Slopes but I bet his hand was out when he received the monetary donations from Teck for the hospital he once worked at. In fact I know it was because he talked to me a lot about how to get money from Teck for the local hospital.

I wonder if Dr. Garbutt has donated to our local food bank the way that Teck, Cabin Ridge and Atrum have? He’s a professional corporation having been a doctor. Just saying ......

So thank you to the mines in this community. The people of the Crowsnest Pass have treated you well and you have in turn treated those most in need in our community during the Christmas Season. You have not, like many against coal mining, given coal.

This is the thing, those who are vehemently against coal mining seem to be the ones who have a lot of time, and money, fighting a cause that would help this community prosper. My guess is the demographic of those opposed have money, a government pension or made their money in the resource sector. I wish there was a way to find out because I think we would all be surprised.

There is a study out of Harvard that said conspiracy theorists lack an ability to critically think. This got me to thinking that perhaps those that are not willing to have a healthy discussion on coal perhaps fall into that category. They are the ones convinced that big business is here to kill us for the sake of profit. It’s an interesting thought. I guess I can critically think!

Perhaps if we had mines in the valley we would have a lot less people in need of the food bank. We wouldn’t need industry and individuals to support our local food bank the way they do. Perhaps we could offer families an opportunity to make a good wage and prosper. This is the thing, when people have a chance to prosper they have a chance to have dreams. It’s really a form of suppression. Keeping a segment of the population poor, keeps them focused on eating, heating a home and they won’t buck the norm. You can control them by impoverishing them.

So I’ll end this by thanking Atrum and Cabin Ridge for donating to the most vulnerable in our community when our own government has tied your hands right now and yet you find a way to give back.

Well done. I sure hope Dr Garbutt, the Livingstone Landowners and their cohorts do the same!

~ Letters to the the Editor ~ Policy: The Pass Herald welcomes Letters to the Editor that examine issues, but reserves the right to edit for length, libel and syntax. Writers must sign letters and include first and last names, address and telephone number. Address and telephone numbers will not be published. Only in exceptional cases will the Pass Herald withhold the name of the writer and in those cases the writer must disclose his/her name, address and telephone number to the Editor. Electronic email will be considered an electronic signature. Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinion of the Pass Herald. Letters cannot exceed 1,000 words. We have limited space, but we do enjoy printing every article. So please, to allow everyone to express their opinion, keep the letters short and to the point. We do have the right to refuse any letter that in our judgement may contain libel or libelous opinions. Should a litigation result from your letter, you as the writer are responsible but so is this newspaper as the publisher. The Pass Herald is a family owned community newspaper and therefore reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that in our opinion does not follow our mandate. We cannot accept advertisements or letters criticizing or disparaging other advertisers, companies or individuals or any advertisements directed to a religion or race. Deadline for submission is the Friday prior to publication.

Saddened Dear Editor, Both my Dad and I worked for Coleman Collieries. Though I live in Lethbridge today our family is still active in the Crowsnest Pass. Fond memories of the community thriving on coal development fill my thoughts. We had a mall that was a real mall. We had three car dealerships, several grocery stores and most store fronts were open and thriving. The community was alive and looking forward to the future.

Currently the Crowsnest Pass has one grocery store, one small used car lot and many stores closed. For years we have been told that recreational tourism will save

us. But has it? No, and there has been plenty of time for tourism development. Look at the amount of assistance that the B.C. mining operations make to the Crowsnest Pass. A recent contribution of $60,000 to the local hospital from Teck. Amazing!

The Municipality would indeed be in dire straits if the hundreds of jobs ‘Pass residents have working for the Coal mines in B.C. were to ended. How sad that an Alberta community has to rely on the B.C. NDP to keep it alive! Rather than Ministers Jason Nixon (Environment) and Sony Savage (Energy) agreeing that the decision against the Riversdale mine project was ‘a good thing’

Response to Y2Y Dear Editor, I am writing to respond to the recent letter from Ken Allard regarding the efforts by Y2Y to look at an economic future for Crowsnest Pass that is not necessarily based on mining. Rather than applauding Y2Y for a positive endeavour, Mr Allard is unhappy that the on-line process did not suggest mining was a net positive.

Firstly, he is unhappy that the ‘word salad’ illustration presented at the end of the session had “economy”

in small letters, while some environmentally targeted words were more prominent.

He seems to have misunderstood how those word sizes were determined.

They were, in fact, an objective measure of the number of times all the participants used specific words. Clearly, most of the break-out groups were not as pro-development as Mr Allard feels his group was.

Mr Allard was also unhappy that the Grassy Mountain site will not be reclaimed, since the mine

“proving the system works”, it would be more appropriate that they look into foreign funding of organizations opposed to energy developments in Canada and consider the irony of choosing the President of the Livingstone landower’s to participate on the Alberta Coal Policy review committee.

It is baffling to me that the MD of Ranchlands would oppose a development that would be providing huge revenues to the MD itself. There self-centered rejection of the Grassy Mountain Mine development is rather short sighted when you realize how dependent ranchers are on steel for tractors and other equipment. It just does not make sense to deny

hundreds of jobs to a community for a little grass.

The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass is not sustainable as it stands with nearly 80% of its revenue coming from residential taxes. The economic difference between Sparwood and the CNP is astounding. How environmentalists can state that the mine will make little difference to the Crowsnest Pass and southern Alberta economy is baffling and saddening to me. A new mine such as the Riversdale Grassy Mountain Mine proposal is exactly what is needed to re invigorate the community and bring back car dealerships, a competitive grocery market and general shopping opportunities.

Bob Morrow

has been declined. However, a closer look would suggest that his claim that the area will be ‘better’ after mining is not true. If Grassy Mountain is mined as Benga proposes, the new mine would be approximately ten times the size of the old mine. Reclaiming it would take decades, and extend well past the projected end of mining. So even in the best case scenario, there would be more disturbed land in 2050 than there is today.

A more likely case is exemplified in the report

by Robyn Allen and her co-workers regarding

similar mines in northeast BC. Those closed prematurely, and left large areas of disturbed land with no clear path to full restoration.

Y2Y should be encouraged to continue their efforts to find a viable path to a strong economic future for southwest Alberta. This region’s future is not , forlikely to include coal, for a variety of reasons.

Banff/Canmore clearly shows that there can be a strong future for old mining towns that embrace an alternative future.

Allan Garbutt

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - Crowsnest PAss HerALD - 7

Municipality Holds virtual Volunteer of the Year Awards DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter

The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass held a virtual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony on Wednesday, December 8th to celebrate the great volunteers that help make the Crowsnest Pass what it is.

During the virtual ceremony, Mayor Painter and Kim Lewis read explanations of each award and also a short bio on each recipient.

The first award presented was the Outstanding Youth Award.

This award is given to a youth in the community that showcases great volunteerism in the community and school.

This year’s recipient is Tiana Hamilton.

“Tiana is a friend to everyone in school, even mentoring younger students and tutoring in various subjects and is a friendly face for younger students in the hallways.

Tiana also assists her mom with respite individuals. Tiana has volunteered with meals on wheels as well as at the hospital in the dementia ward. Tiana helps! She

cares, and she represents.

In grade 10, Tiana was the vice president of the regional student Council.

Tiana was also the Student representative on Municipal Council for two terms, attending meetings with the Mayor and Council and members of the community.

She carries herself with responsibility, maturity, and confidence and this allows her to be a valuable member not only to our school, but also the community as a whole.

Along with being a great student and mentor, Tiana has also worked at IGA for 3 ½ years, plays basketball, volleyball and loves snowboarding and writing. Tiana was recently accepted into the University of Lethbridge to pursue a career in addictions counseling. It was not a surprise that Tiana was pursuing a career in which she will be “giving back” to society.

Tiana has always given her time and energy without hesitation and will be a valuable asset to whatever career she chooses, but knowing that she wants to continue giving

back, continuing to help others, is not surprising.

Tiana’s creativity is admirable. Her voice and confidents are appreciated. But it is her generosity, her patience and her work that make her an ideal recipient of the Outstanding Youth award,” said Mayor Painter.

Congratulations to Tiana on winning this award.

The next awards presented were the Order of the Crow awards.

Tracey Linderman was named the Order of the Crow recipient.

Over the years, Tracy has volunteered many hours of her time to multiple different organizations.

Tracey was selected for this award based on three letters of recommendation from the following organizations: Kananaskis Rodeo Association, Hillcrest Miners Literary and Athletic Association (Hillcrest Miners Club) and the Crowsnest Pass Agricultural Society.

Tracy has been involved with the local KRA rodeos 36 of the 37

years they’ve been held.

She has also sat on the KRA board for those years.

Tracey was first elected to the board of the Hillcrest Miners Literary & Athletic Association in 1998. She was one of the first two women ever nominated for a position on that board.

Tracey became a member of the Hillcrest Miners Community Society in 2001, when it was first formed and as a board member for over fifteen years. On behalf of the Society, Tracey has applied for and obtained grants for many projects in Hillcrest.

“Tracey helps organize all events sponsored by the Ag Society. Including, board development, horsemanship clinics, the KRA Rodeo and related activities, Communities in Bloom and our local trade show booth. The Ag Society sponsors Non-profit organizations in the Pass, and her accurate paperwork is a must. Tracey also develops appropriate advertising for our sponsored community events.

To booster committee

spirit, she co-ordinates volunteer appreciation events including potluck meals, Christmas parties, and summer socials.

Tracey and Randy have even opened their acreage as a venue for fun events, to bolster the spirit of volunteerism. In the past, Tracey has helped with youth programs, by coaching Junior High Basketball and has recently offered her help to the Turtle Mountain Riding Club. Tracey acts as a positive role model, by participating in the gymkhana and showing up early, to help set up for the day and then help where she can, at the conclusion of the day. During this year’s awards banquet, Tracey helped run the door, so that parents and children could enjoy a nice meal and then be inspired by achievement,” said Kim Lewis.

Congratulations to Tracey Linderman on winning this award.

The final award of the night went to Bill White.

Bill White received the Order of the Crowsnest Pass Outstanding Volunteerism Award.

Bill has spent a large portion of his life giving to the Crowsnest Pass.

He was President of the Pass Chamber of Commerce for two terms and during his time he was instrumental in getting the local ski hill operating.

Bill also served on Council and was Mayor of Bellevue for 4 years from 1971-1975.

He has also served as a volunteer visitor at the hospital for over 43 years and has received a 40 year pin and watch by the Alberta Government for his volunteer work.

“Bill is a great example for all community volunteers and we thank him for all his years of dedication to our community,” said Mayor Painter.

Congratulations again to all three winners of this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Awards.

~ In Memory ~

Charity Dawn Ward

Fantin’s Christmas Memorial Fantin’s Funeral Chapel held a Christmas Memorial on Sunday, December 12th. Reverend Nicky Keyworth shared a reading from the classic tale “A Christmas Carol” and Chapel Owner Darrell Sydora also shared words of encouragement.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

March 2nd, 1985 - December 20th, 2006

Memories of you at Christmas There's a very special place beyond the skies above, somewhere very peaceful that is full of light and love.

That special place is Heaven where you're free to laugh and roam.

It was your time to go there, so the angels took you home And though you're in our thoughts each single day throughout the year...

At special times like Christmas we all wish you were here Now you're in a better place, your soul is laid to rest...

Safe with all the angels, for they only take the best

Love, Mom and Dad, Charlie, Kelly, Carol, Reggie and Rylee, Terri, Jeff, Cailley and Presley and Family

HUGS

BUttonS

8 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, December 15, 2021

wiN

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - crowsnesT PAss HerALD - 9

Fun facts about Three Kings Day

Submitted

The holiday season begins with Thanksgiving, and many people believe that the festivities come to a close after ringing in the new year. In fact, for the faithful, the Christmas season does not end until January 6 (January 12 in Eastern churches).

January 6 marks the celebration of the Epiphany, sometimes referred to as Three Kings Day, Little Christmas, the Baptism of Jesus, and Día de los Reyes. The Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after December 25.

In fact, that is where the phrase the Twelve Days of Christmas, and the song of the same name, originated.

Christians believe that the real celebration of

the holiday season does not begin until December 24 and then continues through Three Kings Day. While the four weeks preceding Christmas, also known as Advent, are supposed to be times of reflection and prayer in anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the 12 days of Christmas are times of great celebration. On the Epiphany, children may leave their shoes out for presents in a similar fashion to the way stockings are hung. Gifts are exchanged, reminiscent of the three gifts the magi presented to the Christ child of gold, frankincense oil and a resin called myrrh. The gold represented Christ's royal standing. The frankincense marked Christ's divine birth. Finally, the

myrrh stood for Christ's mortality.

Many celebrants will bake ring-shaped cakes in which they will hide plastic baby figurines that are meant to symbolize Jesus Christ. The cake is called The Kings Ring, or Rosca de Reyes.

In Latin America, the three magi are more prominent figures than Santa Claus and are greatly revered by children and adults alike.

Until the 19th century, the Epiphany may have been considered more important than Christmas day.

However, those tides have largely shifted outside of Latin America and areas dominated by large populations of people who have Latin American heritage.

Christmas and New

Crowsnest Pass

Herald

SErviNg thE CNP SiNCE 1930 the Pass’ Locally owned newspaper • Main street Blairmore • 403-562-2248

1 YeAr LoCAL suPsCriPtion

Year's garner considerable attention during holiday celebrations, but Three Kings Day also is an important date on the calendar for faithful Christians.

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10 – Crowsnest Pass HeraLD – Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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of

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - crowsnest PAss HerALD -11

Simply Selles Musings from your local reporter A few weeks ago, I mentioned how my mom got the house ready for Christmas and that the Christmas celebration was getting into full swing.

Now that we’re into the third week of December I think it’s safe to say we are officially in the Christmas season.

I’ve watched countless Christmas movies over the last while and now the Crowsnest Pass is beginning to hold their annual Christmas events.

We’ve already had the Christmas Market, Million Lights Festival, the Tree Lighting at Gazebo Park and this last weekend was Christmas in the Park in Coleman.

I love seeing all the different Christmas events the community puts on.

It’s always a fun night when I get to take my camera out and get photos of these different Christmas events.

I haven’t been able to make all of them this year because of coaching the basketball team but the ones I have made have been a lot of fun.

You’ll even see in this week’s paper that I was the one getting a photo taken of myself!

There is also another event people can enjoy with Christmas at the Clubhouse on the 19th.

The Crownsest Pass Golf Club is putting together a great event for people to come check out.

They’ll have a bunch of different activities to check out throughout the day starting at 10am.

There are so many different ways in the Pass to get into the Christmas Spirit.

Sometimes I’ll even head to the Christmas Village in Copy Magic just to feel that Christmas spirit a bit more.

Even though Covid shut down one of my Christmas experiences here in the Pass, I can still say that I know without a doubt, the Crowsnest Pass knows how to do Christmas.

I hope everyone has a very happy and healthy Christmas and holiday season.

John Pundyk.CoM 403

Royal LePage South Country Real Estate Services Ltd. coleman 100 ft by 175 ft X-Large, flat lot with older home to be sold “AS IS” for lot value. The land parcel is 17,500 sq. ft. and offers many opportunities for someone who needs a property to store an RV or to build a large garage. Possibility of a duplex or a subdivision, subject to proper approvals. Close to the Crowsnest River and York Creek staging area. $135,900 CALL JOHN MLS

coleman Beautiful, large building lot at Kananaskis Wilds. Lot 24 is an exceptional lot with easy, gentle topography.

Fully serviced with water, sewer, power, gas, and high speed internet.

Beautiful views from up high on the mountain. $129,000 CALL JOHN MLS

jpundyk@shaw.ca blairmore Great Blairmore location in beautiful mountain community of Crowsnest Pass. Numerous high quality upgrades in this 3 bedrm, 2 bathroom home.

Newer windows, furnaces, granite counter tops, and gas fireplace. Large double car garage. Close to local shops and amazing outdoor adventures. $364,000 CALL JOHN MLS

kananaskis wilds Beautiful mountain home with views to the south. Fully serviced with town water, municipal sewer, fire hydrants and wired high speed internet. 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom mountain home is European Alps inspired. Big timbers and artfully crafted Douglas Fir staircases.

Master suite with 3 piece bath in the loft. 2 bedrooms and large room with kitchenette in lower area. 2,363 sq ft living space, plus 300 sq ft fully insulated loft above 24’ x 26’ garage. $725,000 CALL JOHN MLS

bellevue

bellevue One Half of a duplex with two updated suites and a double car garage for a great price. Enjoy all that Crowsnest Pass has to offer, great mountain bike trails, renowned Nordic ski area. Keep one suite for yourself and rent the other to make the whole experience that much more affordable. $279,000 CALL JOHN MLS

Fantastic opportunity for commercial location along busy Highway 3. East and West bound traffic access. Currently occupied as a successful fly-fishing shop, known to fly fishermen throughout Canada and the U.S. Can be sold as a business to someone wishing for a change of pace or for a property that can be re-purposed. C1 zoning allows for different opportunities. High traffic volume in front of the property. $435,000 CALL JOHN MLS

9 kananaskis wilds Beautiful prime lot in Kananaskis Wilds is close to mountain backcountry trails and forest reserve. Southern exposure. Suitable for south facing walkout basement. KW offers some of the best value for large, fully serviced (including wired internet) lots in the Canadian Rockies. $124,000 CALL JOHN MLS

59 kananaskis place

son mountain living. $94,900

highway commercial Commercial land with east/west bound access on busy Hwy 3 corridor in Crowsnest Pass. Located at the first east entrance to Crowsnest Pass and has access to municipal water and sewer. Property can be acquired with the bordering property, Crowsnest Angler. Tremendous traffic count in front of the property.

Zoned commercial and suitable for many different activities. $190,000 CALL JOHN MLS

blairmore commercial

Spectacular mountain views on large, fully serviced lot, high on north rim of the valley at Kananaskis Wilds. Fantastic building site. Easy topography to work with, which is a very important when choosing a building lot in the mountains. Exciting community just off Mountain Trunk Road 940. Serviced with town water, sewer, power, telephone, high speed internet, as well as fire hydrants. Development is just a few steps from rugged mountain terrain. Close to Alberta Forest Reserve. $110,000 CALL JOHN MLS

coleman lot Fantastic mountain views. Southfacing lot gently slopes to the south. Great building spot to take advantage of the sun. Lots of building options. Located on northside of the valley in Coleman.

Close to all amenities and 4-seaCALL JOHN MLS

100 ft of Mainstreet frontage, 1,040 sqft fast food restaurant with sit down area. Full basement.

SOLD

Ample parking at the front, the side, and the back. Comes with everything ‘as is’ in the restaurant and

coleman Beautiful and still affordable mountain lot in the Canadian Rockies. Great location and fantastic mountain views. This lot is flat and suitable for many different building styles.

Crowsnest Pass is a great mountain destination. The community is located on the Alberta/BC border almost equidistant between Fernie Alpine Ski Resort and Castle Mountain resort. Great access for year-round recreational activities and some of the best trail networks in the Rockies. $59,000 CALL JOHN MLS

blairmore

bellevue cafe

21122aa3

562-8830

Historic building with a mix of commercial on ground floor and residential up top. Formally known as the Bellevue Café. Private backyard. Solid foundation under the building. Perfect for a mountain get-a-way or a cool investment. $224,900 JOHN MLS

Affordable mountain get away in desirable Blairmore location. 3 bedroom, 1 bath located on a nice lot within walking distance to shopping, 4 season trails and local ski hill. Golf course nearby. Lots of room to park an RV. $231,500 CALL JOHN MLS CALL

coleman lot coleman lot Beautiful 50 x 100 ft lot. Panoramic mountain views with back lane access. Excellent value in the Canadian Rockies. Located in historic downtown Coleman. Close to four season backcountry adventures, including sledding, hiking and Alpine and Nordic skiing. $79,900 CALL JOHN MLS

Nice lot in Coleman with great views.

Build a mountain getaway or cabin. Adjacent lot also for sale. Close to historic downtown Coleman and the Art district.

Amazing area of the Crowsnest Pass, minutes from York Creek staging area, Chinook Lake, and Nordic Cross country ski trails at Allison Recreation area. 4 Season adventure is everywhere you turn. $46,000 CALL JOHN MLS

AlbertA top ten royAl lepAge 2020

12 – CROWSNEST PaSS hERald – Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Christmas in the Park

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - crowsnest PAss HerALD - 13

CCHS Creative Writing To Death One Calls (excerpt)

By Peyton McAuley Upon the brow of the newborn lay a laurel of temperate fir branches. Flowers, both deep purple and sunny yellow, were woven carefully through the branches, placed meticulously like gemstones embedded in a crown.

The thing that caught his eyes though, was the twinkling, void-black feather tucked snuggly behind one of the baby’s ears. The feather was vacant, endless, dotted with stars that moved across the shape depending on how the sun hit it. Looking at the feather was as though he’d been looking into space.

The feather, despite its intricate and otherworldly detail, felt in his hands like any ordinary feather from his own wings. Like he could simply pluck one just the same from his own back. Beautifully mortal and his, yet not entirely either. He recognized this feeling. This was his son.

The Moon Tiana Hamilton He was the moon Never the sun The sun was a tyrant Uncaring of how bright the day had already been made The sun was unfulfilling Only seeing what was in the light Uncaring of what might lerk deep below the surface The moon okay with the dark And so was he Much like the moon he provided a blanket only to be grasped onto if needed The moon was caring Like a flashlight to guide you through the dark within The moon let you be whatever version of yourself was best suited She was grateful for the moon Especially since every time she gazed upon it She was reminded of him

Awe Inspiring Rhylee Duff

CHANGE Quinn Douglas

Some people don’t enjoy their lives as much as they should.

They live their lives not paying attention to the vibrant sun rises and sunsets.

They don’t stare at the full moon trying to train their eyes to spot the man in the moon.

They don’t stare at the forest or streams searching for creatures to wonder about.

To rack your brain on what it would be like to live life as that one species.

To watch the sky turn from the navy blue of the night to the pinks, oranges and purples that the sun brings with dawn.

To see the last golden rays of sun before the night brings the moon which casts a white blanket over us.

Some people need to learn how to find the good in the bad to see how awe inspiring everything could be if they look at it in another perspective

when you sleep it's like you never cried, breathing soft and steady, wet cheeks dried.

A Lifetime ago Maya Veldman

Where is the Snow?

Lilou Gravel

when you sleep it's like you never lost, boundaries weren't broken and lines weren't crossed. when you sleep it's like you're still there, and you still smile and you still care. when you sleep you look young as I, no crease in your brow and no old worn sigh. and so if sleep is death just being shy, is it still so wrong, to wish to die?

Grey, gloomy skies

The hollow memories of a distant life Echo through you're empty mind Rattling through your bones Once a cry of remembrance Now a faint whisper

Pavement darkened by the rain Early December I can’t remember

Reminiscing of the once self you knew Or you thought you knew Snapshots flood into your swollen head A flood so hard that it pushes past the barriers The barriers that you so carefully put up Waterfalls of salty water leak from a mangled head Friends and family Toys and games Even you're first moments All come rushing in They send shivers down your spine Tingles in your fingertips A buzzing in your heart

Storms Charisse Mae Ramos

The you that you remember is now one that you yearn for Back then you couldn’t wait for the future The promise it held All but a broken promise now

Raging tempests Harrowing winds Cascading rain Severe blizzards They are disasters Devastation created in their wake Lives are taken Souls mourn Yet humans persist Battling nature's wrath With creations of their own

You wanted freedom Something unheard of Now, all you want is the past To be caught up in the free ways To be swarmed by childhood friends Oh, to see those innocent eyes again Now all you see in the mirror reflection Is an empty abyss Resembling your soul A sentence hell trapped in your own mind

When we last had a winter this sad -

14 – Crowsnest pass HeraLD – Wednesday, December 15, 2021

3” wide version

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS

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If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by January 31, 2022 For Rent To inquire about the availability of an apartment for rent in Blairmore call 403-562-8144.

1 TFN/NC

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Employment Opportunities FREIGHTLAND CARRIERS, a tri-axle air ride flatdeck carrier is looking for Owner/Operators to run Alberta only or the 3 Western Provinces. Must have own plates, insurance & WCB. Truck gross revenue is an average of $20,000/month. Call 1-800-9179021 or email: dispatch@freightland.ca.

DE BEERS GROUP HAS OPENINGS FOR EXPERIENCED Heavy Equipment Technicians (REF2027W) to work three-weeks-in/three-weeks-out at the Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories.

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For more information on the job and how to apply please go online to https://smrtr.io/7jxjh.

Feed and Seed HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed.

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3” wide version

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Summer Village of Island Lake 3.75” wideforver sion Request Proposals

Development Officer Position

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The Summer Village of Island Lake, being Alberta’s largest Summer Village and located on the shores of Island Lake, approximately 20 minutes northwest of the Town of Athabasca, is looking for an outgoing and enthusiastic individual to fulfill a part time contract position for a Development Officer services within our community.

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PRIME HIGHLY ASSESSED FARMLAND SOUTH OF REGINA. 2 quarters $488,000.00 assessed. Excellent farmer for long term lease.

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Summer Village of Island Lake Request for Proposals

Development Officer Position The Summer Village of Island Lake, being Alberta’s largest Summer Village and located on the shores of Island Lake, approximately 20 minutes northwest of the Town of Athabasca, is looking for an outgoing and enthusiastic individual to fulfill a part time contract position for a Development Officer services within our community.

Please visit online for complete details and instructions:

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Summer Village of Island Lake, Box 8, Alberta Beach, T0E 0A0

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WANTED WANTED: Collector paying top prices for old service station/ general store advertising/ dealership signs. Electric and visible gas pumps, globes, oil cans, clocks, coke machines. Anything related to Red Indian, White Rose, North Star, Buffalo, B-A, Texaco, Good Year, Ford, Dodge, etc. 306-221-5908.

PAULINE CAMP 1951~ 2021 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Pauline Ann Camp who succumbed to illness on November 30, 2021 while receiving care at the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre in Blaimore, Alberta. She was blessed with 70 years of a wonderful life.

Pauline was born on July 21, 1951 in Hemel Hempstead, England to proud parents, Frank & Myfanwy Perry. She blossomed into a beautiful and graceful young lady who won the heart of a kind and devoted young man, Ian Bruce Camp. They pledged their love in holy matrimony on June 25, 1982.

Pauline and Bruce immigrated to Canada in 1990 to find new opportunities and raise a family. They eventually settled in the Crowsnest Pass in March of 2008 and made many friendships and entertained themselves with all this majestic valley has to offer. Pauline enjoyed photography, cooking, reading and researching her family’s ancestry. She was passionate, determined, honest and courageous. Her battle with cancer left her wounded and scarred but never defeated or dejected. Pauline grew in admiration for all of life’s blessings including the love of family, friendship, integrity and kindness. She will forever be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Bruce Camp of Coleman, AB; her cherished son, Adam Camp; her precious grandchildren, Hailey and Hannah; her siblings, Noreen (Andy) Kennington of the Isle of Man, Verne Perry of Bedfordshire, England and Graham Perry of Miltonkeynes, England; her nephew, David Kennington; as well as the many dear friends she made throughout her lifetime. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Myfanwy; three brothers; and her sister.

An informal gathering of family and friends to celebrate Pauline’s life will occur next summer. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

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

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - crowsnest PAss HerALD - 15

A&K Self StorAge Located in the Frank Industrial Park

Units range in size from 5' x 10', 10' x 10', 10' x 15', 10' x 20', sea can 8' x 20' and a 12' x 20' building with auto garage door.

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Some units are inside chain link fenced area. All units have interior lighting.

Area is secured by exterior lighting.

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16 – Crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Looking Back

By John Kinnear

A Matter of Commemoration

In last week’s column I took an in-depth look into the story of Joseph Louie Sikora, the McGillvray coal miner who was lost in 1950 trying to save his trapped partner in that mine. This week I will fast forward to 2005 in order to share the story of the determined move undertaken by a Sikora family member to acknowledge Joe’s sacrifice.

That was the year that Agnes (Aggie) Fuchs from Regina presented the tragic story of her brother Joe to the Third Annual Bellevue Miner’s Memorial at the Bellevue Mine.

Her purpose that day was to share the details of how he lost his life in the mine, talk about the “miner’s code” and outline an important acknowledgement plan she had.

There was a profoundly moving speech made that day, when Aggie laid out Joe’s story for the crowd. In a soft but determined tone she walked us through it all and finished off by hoisting up a rosary in her hand, similar to the one that Joe had held in his just before he died. It was a moment I will long remember. The silence was deafening.

Joe was buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Coleman and that is how the story stayed until 2004. That year, while doing research on Joe, Aggie discovered an article in the Lethbridge Herald from Dec. 6, 1950 that talked about his death. In it the then mine manager, Andrew Wilson, stated that Joe died while attempting to save his partner's life and in doing so gave his own life. Mr. Wilson went on to say that Joe should be in line for the Medal for Bravery from the Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM). This medal recognizes great valour displayed by men of the mineral industries who knowingly risk their lives in attempting to rescue a fellow worker. The CIM has always shown concern for the miner's safety and acknowledged their contributions and has awarded this medal to no less than 157 Canadian miners since 1933.

In most cases the medal is awarded to a survivor who has shown great courage and reinforced, by his actions, the Miner’s Code. The first time I walked into Vicary Coal Mine as a young student in 1965, I had no fear. It was rather strange but I felt instinctively that the miners were watching out for each other and would not hesitate to be there for me or anyone else in a bad situation. That is the code. You would think going almost two miles underground would have unnerved me but it didn’t. I didn’t realize that the code was there, all I knew was that everyone was as one as they walked into that mine.

Incidentally, the CIM medal of bravery was given out to almost 105 draegerman and miners who participated in the unbelievably treacherous rescue attempt in Westray, Nova Scotia in 1992. I cannot begin to even come close to describing to you what those rescue conditions were like. This mine was wrong from the beginning and the Dominion Coal Board strongly recommended that no attempt be made to mine the deadly, faulted, gassy Foord Seam. Curragh Resources went ahead anyway and why they did is a political story that will leave a bad taste in your mouth.

One of the draegerman for Westray in that disaster was a Coleman boy by the name of Howard Campbell. He was supposed to work an overtime shift that night that killed those 26 men. But he was too tired and mercifully phoned and cancelled that shift. He was called early the next morning to report for mine rescue duty. Two of the men Howard was involved in recovering were Pass boys, Trevor Jahn and Ferris Dewan. Can you imagine what it took to do that, to bring his friends out, in that unbelievably dangerous situation?

For five days after that May 9, 1992 horrific explosion they searched those still dangerous tunnels for the 26 men. Eventually only 15 were recovered. It was just too dangerous to continue and the mine became the final resting place of those 11 men. The then 31- year-old Campbell was part of a civilian medal ceremony on November 28, 1994, held to recognize the bravery and compassion of these men. It was the largest investiture of the Medal of Bravery for a single incident in the history of Canada.

Having read the manager’s statement in the Lethbridge Herald Agnes was moved to action. She felt strongly that Joe should have been given this medal and set about making an application to the CIM awards committee to get him the acknowledgement he so richly deserved. Award protocols dictated that the application be made within one year of the incident but Fuchs was undeterred in her mission and pressed her case for two long years with letters of support from government officials, local CIM branches and mining historians like myself. She would not be swayed in her cause and after two disheartening years of rejections the wonderful news finally came through, just in time for the Fifth Annual Miner’s Memorial. The CIM brass had reconsidered their stance and Joe was to get his medal. Local CIM branch chairman Chris Ryan of Teck Coal was there at the memorial to notify the family officially. Members of the Sikora family were then invited to the 2007 annual general meeting of the CIM in Montreal where they graciously received the medal and an embossed citation on Joe’s behalf, some 57 years after he had died.

The CIM indicated to all concerned that the medal was to stand not only for Joe’s heroic efforts but as a symbolic acknowledgement of the miner’s code, a code that binds miners together as brothers, committed to each other’s safety and well being.

A year after the award Aggie contacted me with a request to steam clean off Joe’s lichen encrusted marker, as they were planning to add a special new pedestal under it. Joe’s grave lies on a hillside next to his mother’s and the white marble crosses on both were, at one time, draped with beautiful beaded rosaries. Below Joe’s marker the new pedestal reads: “Joe Sikora – Awarded the CIM Medal for Bravery- For attempting to save his partner George Riapos in the McGillivray Coal Mine.” There is an embossed image of Joe on one side of the pedestal and an embossed rosary on the other. No matter what happens to my wooden rosary, the memory and commemoration will not be lost.

As I indicated last week I have a plan. It may take a long time but I will not be deterred in making it happen. The numbers are hard to work with. Each loss was crushing to family, friends and community. I got to hear Pauline Grigel speak at one of the Bellevue memorials. She spoke about losing her husband Frank in McGillivray in 1953 in that same awful Level 5 along with two other miners She had five children at the time, including the twins Margaret and Mary.

How does one go on? Hers is a remarkable story of perseverance that I will share soon.

Here is my sobering count to contemplate. Bellevue- 82, Greenhills Blairmore- 27, International Coleman- 55, McGillivray Coleman- 58, Hillcrest- 229, Frank Mine- 20, Lille- 2, Leitch Collieries- 4, Maple Leaf Collieries- 2, Mohawk Collieries- 9, Vicary Mine - 5. Almost 500 miners. I have focused on McGillvray first and envision a name plaque and interpretive sign, benches near the site and a replica of Joe’s medal along with a brief overview of his story in a display there.

From top: Dec 13, 1994 Pass Herald story on Howard Author’s Note: A long time Fernie resident and dear friend named Rose Watson informed me, after learning of the Campbell, Sikora Family accepting CIM Medal award in Sikora story years later, that her husband Bob had been working in Room 75, Level 5 just days before they moved Joe Montreal, Replica of CIM Medal presented to family, Sikora there. Bob had refused to work in that area as the conditions were so incredibly dangerous and unpredictable.

Pauline Grigel speaking at the Miners’ Memorial, That refusal cost him his job and probably saved his life. What was even more profound was that she then turned to her Pedestal added to Joe Sikora's monument.

55-year-old daughter Nikki and said, “Do you realize what this means? If Bob had not quit that hell hole you probably John Kinnear photos would not be standing here talking to John.”